For in the case of a German victory no power in
Europe will be able to withstand Germany. And Germany will deal without
ceremony even with Austria.
On the other hand, in case of German defeat, the foremost capitalistic
country, Great Britain, may not menace Europe for two reasons: First,
Great Britain holds to the policy of free trade; second--and this is the
main point--she cannot support with armed force her policy as against
her allies.
In the meantime the danger indicated above threatens economically
backward Russia; her agricultural population may be ruined, her
industries may be destroyed. An unprecedented situation has arisen for
Russia. All the social classes of the empire are deeply interested in
the repulse of the armies of the Kaiser. The working class is just as
much interested in the existence of Russian industries as are the
employers. The peasants are in no lesser degree interested in the
development of agriculture; the killing of industries and agriculture
like that committed by England in Ireland centuries ago is a gloomy
prospect for all classes of society. If France and Belgium are
threatened with a political oppression then Russia is threatened with an
even more terrible economic subjugation. Such is the situation.
The poorest classes of the people are taking part in this fight with
what they have, with their blood. It is but natural that they should
expect that the material burdens of the war will fall not upon their
shoulders, but upon big business.
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