- Project Runeberg -  Problems confronting Russia and affecting Russo-British political and economic intercourse /
203

(1918) [MARC] Author: Alfons Heyking - Tema: Russia
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PRO PATRIA

203

can in nowise be considered as the work of the honest and
loyal elements of Russia who concluded the agreement, but
lies at the door of casual elements seeking destruction and
negation.

Nothing can be said against a wholesome criticism which
elucidates the nexus existing between cause and effect, and
bears with clear insight and proper appreciation upon
historic events and national psychology. In this respect
the great tragedy enacted in Russia by the war and the
Revolution merits a proper and logical explanation. But
scientific analysis should be inspired and guided by a true
sense of fairness and justice. Nobody expects nowadays to
read flattering remarks about autocracy and the
bureaucratic regime, but it seems unnecessary to deprecate the
nature of the Russian people and the orthodox religion,
and to heap abuse upon the head of the last of the Romanoffs,
who, after all, was like Louis XVI, only one of the many
factors which led up to the Revolution.

Is it not an exaggeration to characterise Russia as the
" boneless man of Europe " ? To speak of her " predatory
nature assimilated by the people," of her " parasitism,"
which is alleged to have spread from the administration to
the masses of the population ? Is it true that the " bulk
of the Russian population is intellectually benighted, morally
obtuse, politically indifferent, and socially incohesive" ?
Can really " no hope be expected from the Russian Church "
on account of its " having no international centre " ? Is
it " improbable that the various parts of the late Tsardom
will be put together again " ? Yet these are some of the
venomous shafts levelled at Russia. It would be sad indeed
if such a dark forecast and uncompromising verdict of the
Russian people were well founded. As it is, such pessimism
reflects only an ignorance of the Russian psychology, which,
with all its incongruities, flaws, and intrinsic contradictions,
is the true outcome of the conditions of Russian life during
past centuries. Owing to a Government which refused to
the bulk of the population any participation in practical
statesmanship, and influenced by a form of religion which

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