4 Here, then, is an outline sketch of the struggle between two conflicting systems, two sets of ideals which are irreconcilably opposed. The struggle is not yet ended. The Soviet regime is still strongly entrenched in power. It still possesses the great instrumentalities of government. It has built up an enormous force consisting of people who are dependent upon it for a living. There is no considerable, competent middle class other than that newly created class whose interest is the continuance of the present regime profiteers, speculators, innumerable officials, and so on. The peasant, so long as he is left in possession of the land and is permitted to acquire wealth through his industry, is content to leave the Soviet regime unchallenged. Always there is the fear in his heart, which Soviet propagandists do their utmost to intensify, that the overthrow of the regime would mean a revision of the land titles, restoration to old owners in many cases, an attempt at fairer distribu tion in others. So it has come to pass that the most powerful and capable elements among the peasantry have made truce with the regime-a truce that will be disposed to keep as long as the Soviets keep faith with them. The end is not yet. Forecasting the outcome is hazardous at best. All that can be said with certitude is that Russia seems, at the beginning of 1924, to be progressing toward economic recovery, in some respects more rapidly than other important European nations. In every instance, that process of recovery is due to, and wholly dependent upon, the relegation of Communism to the background and its replacement by individualism and private property with their incentives to industry and thrift. It would appear, therefore, that Russia is being irresistibly carried toward the complete abandonment of Communism, and toward reunion with the rest of civilization. For the people of America this consummation is devoutly to be wished. Our national policy is based upon ideals of peace, not upon war and conquest. Russia, a great democratic nation (for the restoration of monarchy is not at all likely) will, of necessity, adhere to the same great ideals of international peace and cooperation. We have always maintained friendship and admiration for the Russian people, and a democratic, peace-loving and peaceserving Russia would assist in the realization of the ideals to which we are committed. When Russia finally abandons the communistic experiment, as she seems destined to do, we shall welcome her as a great partner in the task of rebuilding the war-shattered world. WILLIAM II MODERN AUTOCRACY BY POULTNEY BIGELOW Late Professor of National Expansion, Boston University CHAPTER I A GREAT American Captain of Industry is cred ited with saying: "All history is bunk!" I do not know what "bunk" means, but it was obviously not used in a complimentary sense and for my part I do not believe it was ever said unless the great manufacturer meant that all things are "bunk"-Ford ears-all accessories to the vanity denounced in the Christian bible. History helps humanity to go forward by the light of past misfortunes. The child listens to the tales of his parents and in turn transmits his own experience to the fruit of his marriage. That is History. Nations prosper when guided by those who know the past and great Empires have rotted and collapsed through the leadership of men whose momentary pop. ularity led them to despise the ways of their fathers |