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102 PROBLEMS CONFRONTING RUSSIA
chatter about revolutionary ideals and political rights, can
save Russia in this her darkest hour of trial. As of old,
religion still plays a very prominent part in the psychology
of the majority of Russians. It is here that the anchor
of hope should be cast for a possible regeneration of the
country and the restoration of law, order, and authority.
Patriotism and religious fervour are not dead in Russia.
They have only been temporarily overpowered by the
sudden storm of international socialism and the agnosticism
of the so-called intellectuals (intelligentsia). Both these
latter factors are of a foreign nature, and are strange to
the soul of the Russian people. In the turbulent and
torpid cross-currents of Bolshevism, patriotism and religion
still constitute an immovable rock upon which the edifice
of the State can be erected. The appeal to patriotism and
religion does not mean a reactionary programme ; it is
only a call for stability, in which the present Government
with its strong socialistic tendencies is hopelessly deficient.
It does not even menace the Home Rule character of the
Revolution, provided that the central power which the
Great Russian has hitherto exercised is unconditionally
maintained. The position of Russia as one of the leading
Powers of the world can only be held under such conditions.
It is perhaps time for Russia to look for examples of
prosperous and advanced democracies who have managed
their affairs in an enlightened fashion and secured success.
In this respect the British Empire, which in territory and
number of population is even greater than Russia, might
serve as an object-lesson. Great Britain has in the past
experienced some difficulties similar to those which at
present have befallen Russia, but has emerged from them
with flying colours. Great Britain, with her strong love
of freedom and personal liberty, her unequalled public
spirit, practical statesmanship, her highly educated
population, and the existence of all the necessary premises for the
creation of a successful republican commonwealth, has
found it none the less imperative to preserve the monarchy.
It was certainly not a lack of understanding of republican
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