The Russian War-Cloud by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 7, 1906

The Russian War-Cloud

By L. A. S.

CONDITIONS in Russia to-day are so similar to those in France at the beginning of the French revolution, that press reports are drawing parallels on many points. The Douma has defied the throne, and has become in its view a revolutionary body. The terrorists, encouraged by the bold stand of the Douma, are carrying on their campaign of assassination with renewed activity. “Russia’s parallel of the first stages of the French revolution,” says the Washington Post, “is now complete.”

A St. Petersburg dispatch said of the tense situation created by the Douma’s reply to the throne:—

With breathless anxiety, society awaits the government’s response to the bold action of the Lower House of Parliament Saturday, which, in censuring the ministry and demanding its retirement, was like a deliberate slap in the face and a direct challenge, which the government, though inclined to prefer its usual policy of temporization and compromise, can hardly avoid meeting. Parliament has burned the bridge, and virtually has taken the step which the French States-General did when it transformed itself into a national convention.

By flaunting the fundamental laws and practically declaring that it proposes to exercise full parliamentary rights with a responsible ministry, it has become, in the eyes of the law, a revolutionary body, and from that position there seems no relief. The news of the action of the House came like an electric shock, the people generally being as greatly surprised as the bureaucracy at the promptness with which the whole of the government’s policy was absolutely scorned.

The situation is one from which civil war would be the natural outcome; and any day may see its beginning. The throne shows some disposition to avoid forcing an appeal to arms, perhaps because it has grave fears for its own safety. A member of the Douma is quoted as saying:—

The government, if it dares to fight, can disperse the Parliament; but the victory of the bureaucracy would be only temporary. It would inevitably be followed shortly by a bloody revolution, which would not leave a stick of the present government standing. The emperor must choose between a real constitutional government and the loss, not only of his crown, but probably of his head.

The army, at least the Cossack contingent of it, may be counted on to remain loyal to the czar; vast masses of

the peasants, on the other hand, are incensed at the government’s refusal to grant expropriation of lands for their use, and would undoubtedly side with the Douma. “The press to-day,” says a dispatch of the twenty-seventh inst., “almost without exception is pessimistic, recognizing the extreme gravity of the situation and the tempest which the denial of the right of forced expropriation of land will provoke among the peasantry.”

The parallel with the early stage of the French revolution is also made the theme of an address to the ministry by Professor Karieff. “He invites the ministry to substitute for the 1906 events those of 1789, and then to consider whether they wish to continue their present course.”

Whatever the outcome, events will be subordinated to the interests of the special work of God in Russia which is now going forward. “The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,” and the blowing of the winds of strife upon the earth will not be permitted to interfere with the special sealing work which is to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

L. A. S.