ANOTHER PICTURE

Southland Times, Issue 19173, 18 February 1924, Page 5

ANOTHER PICTURE

OF CONDITIONS IN RUSSIA TROTSKY’S POPULARITY HIS POWERFUL INFLUENCE. (Sun Cables.) LONDON, February 15. The Berlin correspondent of the Daily News, who spent a fortnight in Russia, was impressed with the stability of the Soviet regime. There was much discontent, particularly among peasants who object to the high taxation, but it is difficult to believe that any force within Russia could overthrow the Government. The correspondent adds: “The Communist Party is less hateful than that of 1918. The moderates w’ithin its ranks are working towards a still milder rule. M. Trotsky caused dissention by advocating greater democracy within the party and also the freer admission of the bourgeoise. Non-Communist experts are displacing Communists in higher administrative posts. M. Stalin denounced M. Trotsky as a rebel and a traitor to the Communist ideals. The party machine was being mobilised and successfully resisted M. Trotsky. Nevertheless M. Trotsky’s standpoint will doubtless slowly mould the party’s policy. M. Trotsky is the most popular man in Russia. At the slightest nod from him the army would march on Moscow or scatter the vast official machine, but it is not likely M. Trotsky will prove false to his past. He and M. Radek and M. Krassen favour moderation, including greater liberty to non-Communists and modification of the system by which a small minority exploit Russia. IN THE UKRAINE. FIGHTING REPORTED. LONDON, February 15. (Received February' 17, 7.5 p.m.) It is reported that revolutionary fighting has begun in the Ukraine.