The Daily News. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1916.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1916.

GERMAN INFLUENCE IN RUSSIA. In the light of revelations that have been made in Russia concerning the nlot on the part of the pro-German members of the Court to foster the idea of a separate peace, it would seem that ther.2 is no sounding the depths of German machinations, nor of the unscrupulous use the Teutonic wirepullers make of every possible agency whereby German domination can be secured. The political crista in Russia has burst like a thunder-clap on the world, and though it has been promptly deal; with for the time being, there is no guarantee that it is done, with. We are gradually realising the ex* tent of the German system, and it is beyond all question whence it tends. Bribery, corruption, false promises, plausible misrepresentations, and, in fact., every weapon, no matter how sullied, is made to serve the Huns in their lust for power. The pity of it is that such high organising powers and such an efficient system should be prostituted for such base purposes. Little by little the Germans have thrown off their disguises, and to-day they stand revealed in all the hideous paraj>hernalia of insatiable pirates, bartering their national existence for a semblance of world-power. The extraordinary story emanating from Russia fits in perfectly with German methods, but it also shows that those in high like the proverbial cardsharpers, at times get detected and spoil their chances of plunder by overcunn'ng. To understand the position in Russia it is necessary to bear in mind that one of Germany's greatest obstacles to the achievement of her plans is Russian hostility. The Tsar's millions removed from the fighting line would, without doubt, inspire the Germans with confidence in a final victory on land, hence the stronitousuess of the campaign for paving a way to a separate peace with Russia. The disturbing factor is to be found in the contrast presented by the ominous intelligence furnished by the report of the proceedings in the Duma which led to the Russian Premier's fall, and the reliance that has been placed in Russia's fidelity to the cause of the Allies, and it is v:ith much' coiv.-ern we lsar.i that all the Ministers but two were i tempted and fell. .."in the one band there

is Hie Tsar's insistent assertion that Russia will fig'it on the side of the Allies until their object lias been fully obtained, and as a set-oil' to this the Russian Ministers and bureaucrats enter into German plots to bring about a separate peace. At first sight such a state of affairs seems hardly possible, but if the collateral influences are taken into consideration there is little cause for uewilderment. It was only last year that a scandal was unearthed in connection with the War Ministry, revealing the extent of German work in Russia, the result being a Irastic clearing out of suspects. The machinations, however, gj further back than that, being traceable to that ingenious German method of using the financial lever for all it is worth. It is well known that before the war Germany had fastened upon all the most important Russian industries and gradually increased her grip. This was made possible by the Deutsche Bank, through, which Germans obtained control of most of the great industrial ventures. 'J'h'9 plan is one on which Germany has worked for many years past in whatever countries she could obtain a footing and scope for operations. The building of warships, the making of munitions and powder, were practically carried out by German syndicates, and virtually the whole of the foreign trade of Russia paid tribute to German agents. Naturally, in order to carry out this policy it was necessary to have close and confidential relations with the bureaucrats, and evidently this part of the scheme materialised, with the result that the

whole nefarious business has come to light, thanks to the patriotism and .n----tegrity of Prjfossor Miliukolf, the leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party and creator of the "bloc" in the Duma. Russia has had a narrow escape from a great danger to her future. The incident has brought to light the gratify in;; fact that, the statesmen who count iu this crisis aro holding firm and true. Moreover, tlicy have the "bloc" behind them, while there is also a backing of millions of bayonets and the loyalty of the Tsar to the Allies. It will be seen by this morning's cables that the cri.iiti was the. result of a'universal desire to settle accounts with Germany, hence the Teuton plotting is recoiling on the enemy's own head. Good has come uiit of the evil, and for the first time in the Duma's history an overwhelming majority of the Duma has been formed into a solid bloc, an omen of significant import in the development of democratic government in Russia. This is above all just what Germany did not want, but it proclaims the dawning of a now and bright era for the Russian people, while it emphasises their firm resolve to loyally and fully co-operate with the Allies until victory is achieved. The Germans for once have unintentionally performed a great service for our Russian ally.