Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 July 1917 — THE ROOT COMMISSION [ARTICLE]

THE ROOT COMMISSION

The American commission to Russia has finished its work.. The report that it makes as to conditions in that country is very encouraging. “We found,’’ says Air. Root in a statement given out recently, “no organic or incurable malady in the Russian democracy. Democracies are always in trouble, and tve have seen days just as dark in the progress of our own.’’ The commission bases its conclusion* on a wide investigation. Officials of the new- government, members of the various councils, soldiers and sailors were all questioned. As a result the commission convinced itself that underneath’ all superficial 'differences there was a patriotic purpose, not different from that showed by other democracies when at war with autocracies.

Certainly the army is doing its part. It has split, the Austro-Ger-tman line in. two, captured thousands of prisoners, and is in possession of the city that is recognized as the key to Lemburg, the capital of Galicia. There are indications of another great offensive in the north, which, of course, - would be carried on by the. army closest to Petrograd, and most under its influence. The Russian army seems to have been regenerated. A few days ago a French'man compared it to the armies of revolutionary France 100 an# more years ago. Back of the araiy is a population that is greatly angered by the propaganda, and that seems to have a real national Spirit. Mr. Root sums up ’ the<situation as follows: We must remember, that a people in whom all constructive effort has been suppressed for so long

can not immediately develop a genius for quick action. The first stage is necessarily cce of debate. The solid, admirable traits in the Russian character will pull the nation through the present crisis. Natural love of law and order and capacity for local self-government have been demonstrated every day since the revolution. The country s most Serious lack is money and adequate transportation. We shall do what we can to help Russia in both. # ' There must be. a reorganization of Russia’s economic, as well as political life. In that work we can be of the greatest service. On the whole, the outlook is cheering. Thkt Russia proposes to- fight she has already proved.' There will be troubles, of course, but then we should remember that, as Mr. Boot very truly says, “democracies are always in trouble.” Reports from Berlin indicate that even autocracies do not always have smooth sailing.