The Daily News. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1917. RUSSIA IN THE TOILS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1917. RUSSIA IN THE TOILS.

The situation in Russia, instead of improving, as was bo much to be desired, has been moving from bad to worse from day to day. A powerful enemy is closing in on the capital; yet a worse enemy, in the shape of civil war, is destroying tie nation's vitality and unity. Of governments there is no end. They rise like rockets, only to create a momentary sensation, and then fall into outer darkness. Mainly the upheaval is representative of the loosening of the pent-up forces of repressed humanity, the dominant feature being greed and lust of power. Law and order have little chance of being respected by a rabble of anarchists and despoilers, while patriotism is being replaced by the wo-st form of selfishnesss. It is impossibl io place any reliance on the disjointed cable news received, for it is manifest that whatever party controls the telegraph uses it for forwarding their own ends. Kerensky had to take refuge in flight, and then it seemed as if a reaction had set in against the anarch ial coup, and that Kerensky would again hold the reins of government with the assistance of troops that had remained faithful to the Provisional Government. The end of the BoUhevik revolt appeared —nay, it was even stated to be actually —at hand, and the days of the extremists seemed to be numbered. Then came news which shattered—for the time being, at least—all hope of internal order being speedily restored. From the tangled reports that have come to hand it is impossible to ascertain what really has taken place, but that chaos and disorder are rampant is unquestionable. The workers' and peasants' committee appear to consider that their time lias come to dictate a policy, as they claim to have the supreme right to power. Judging by their demands, this self-con-stituted body looks forward to having a good time. They place peace in the forefront, then a free life, land ,and bread, while last, but by no means least, they aim at possessing power—a fairly comprehensive and alluring programme. To satisfy their ambitions, however, it would be necessary to remove all the leading men who stand for good government and the safety of Russia; also all rivals Beeking a share of the plunder. As to what has become of Kerensky and his loyal troops, we are still by no means certain. Although a recent message stated that the Provisional Government had been re-estab-lished, and that the Maximalists were retreating, another message said that after bitter fighting near Tsarkoe Selo (which is fifteen miles from Petrograd) the Revolutionary army entirely defeated the forces of Kerensky and Korniloff. Almost at the same time we are told that a triumvirate has been formed, consisting of M. Kerensky, General Kaledin and General Korniloff. These conflicting reports show that the telegraph and wireless are being manipulated by both sides, but the value of the news is discounted by its obscurity and manifest partisanship. The formation, of the triumvirate mentioned above would unquestionably lend to a better state of afl'airs if the necessary military support was forthcoming, but that seems to be the weak link in the scheme. Taking the project on its face value, it would indicate the prosecution of the war and

the co-operation of the Cossacks. It is a combination that would attract the moderates and inspire confidence in the army, especially if General Alcxieff cooperated. It iti manifestly absurd for the Bolsheviks, the Maximalists, the Leninists or the peasants and workers to attempt to evolve order out of the present chaos. They could only succeed in plunging the country into further and far worse troubles than even now exist. The wanton damage committed at the Winter Palace affords striking testimony of the trend of these rebels. The great need of Russia is a strong government, imbued with determination to relentlessly suppress all internal troubles, and make adequate arrangements for defeating the outer enemies. The triumvirate is certainly the moat likely foundation for such a government, but the question is will It materialise? According to the latest cable messsages last night, the greater part of Petrograd was in Kerensky's hands, and that a big battle had ended in a total victory for him, but the fact that the foreign embassies and legations were leaving the capital indicates that the rebels are gaining ground, and that Petrograd is no longer safe. The absence of reliable news renders any accurate review of the situation impossible. If the moderates can obtain and keep control the position will be better than it has been since the revolution was accomplished. The time for compromise has passed away, and if Russia is to be saved from being rent asunder, and from being placed under the heel of Prussian militarism, there must be a rallying to those who stand for the best interests of the country. Much of the present evil is due to the lack of firmness on the part of the Provisional Government. This should no longer be permitted, or the period of Russian emancipation will be put back for many years, if not for all time. Russia, with her vast resources and population, can look forward to a great future, unless the forces of anarchy previal. Now is the crucial time to act with sanity and directness of purpose. To miss the opportunity is to court a disaster that will cost the country dearly.