Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1905. DE WITTE IN THE FOREGROUND.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8290, 3 November 1905, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1905. DE WITTE IN THE FOREGROUND.

The horrible spectacle which the world is now beholding in Russia, the spectacle of an imperfectly civilised people in the throes of a determined revolution, suffering not merely from the abominable tyranny of a corrupt oligarchy with its legions of licensed butchers, but also from their own limitations, is calculated to excite the greatest indignation and the most profound pity. It is in fact in the weakness and defect of the people that the clanger lies. In the French Revolution, dreadful as were its extravagances, a definite policy was enunciated, and there was no lack of vigour or intelligence in the leadership. Thte stentorian Danton, the tigerish Marat; the philosophical Robespierre, and the eloquent Mirabeau, were strong men, and while they led the people into the wildest excesses, they also made them irresistible, and the prosperous condition of France to-day is not a little owing to the advance which the popular mind of that day made in the cause of

Liberty.

We look in vain for such leadership among the Russians. The fury of the mob is expending itself merely in hideous outrages, and vindictiveness is not qualified enough with wisdom. De Witte occupies an isolated position, and the hopes of young Russia are centred in that great financier and Statesman. So long as he has the ear of the Czar, we may hope for a successful issue of the revolution ; but it is impossible to believe that the oppressors of Russia will long tolerate the liberal views and actions of De Witte. If he were removed at this juncture, there are no potential leaders to take up his role.

It would be interesting to learn what part the Nihilists propose to play just now. A few years ago Nihilism was a grim and frightful menace to the Government. But, since the tocsin of revolution has sounded, the Nihilists appear to have retreated into obscurity. What part will they take in the revolution ? We have an idea that they are

not altogether in sympathy with the toilers. Theh\ design, is rather to upset the machinery of the autocracy than to conduct the people to social peace. They are not usually of the people, and so far as we can learn,, they have very little in common with them. : Nihilism is a destructive force only. The revolutionary theory of Russia is constructive; and the pity seems to*be that there is an absence of leadership. The responsibilities that rest upon De Witte are excessive; and the organisation of the people is not yet so complete as to be able to cdpe with a sudden change of front by the Czar under the evil influence o£ the reactionaries. For the Czar is being forced to play a part which may bo distasteful to himself, and is certainly repugnant to the party whose figure-head he is. Previous experience of Russia in her foreign relations does not inspire us with confidence in the bui/a fides of the apparent concessions just made by the Czar. Russian diplomacy has repeatedly sacrificed honour for self-interest; and, unless the organisations of the people become more solid and their methods more vigorous, there is always the fear that the autocracy will yet cheat them out of their rights. The sinister fact that the Kaiser is sending his armed forces (under a specious plea) to take even the smallest part in the affair awakens a good deal of apprehension. Why cannot he not let the people work out their own political salvation, and let the autocracy stand or iall on its merits ?