It would be difficult to imagine a situation more demoralized and subject to more conflicting forces than the existing one in Russia. The renewal of hostilities by the German forces complicates an almost hopeless chaos of internal revolution. Not content with the sowing of his propaganda in a country face to face with a great political crisis, the Prussian advances to seize those races which one by one are separating themselves from Bolshevik domination. Germany dares to take upon itself the protection of a new democracy, the Ukraine. A striking anomaly!

The great Slav Empire, relieved of the iron bonds of autocracy, has begun a disintegration. Its national elements, the Poles, the Finns, and the Ukrainians, are turning away. The enemy is at the door. The outcome in doubtful. Yet the ultimate establishment of the independence of those distinct peoples is not too much to be hoped for.

We have given up hope of Russian aid in this war, but it is of real importance in times to come that truly national and natural states exist between Russia and Germany. This will the possibilities of future wars be greatly reduced. This much the present chaos may accomplish, and far better than the artificial creations of a peace conference.