15 AUGUST 1903, Page 2

The position is doubtless grave, but it is necessary not

to exaggerate the political effect of these outbreaks. Their number increases their apparent importance; but Russia is very large, and even if, as is now stated, five hundred thousand workmen are all exhibiting fierce discontent, they cannot, scattered as they are, effect anything beyond increasing the economic difficulties of Russia, and perhaps in rare cases, such as that of the dockers of Odessa, obtaining better terms. The rumour of " revolution " in Odessa is probably a fiction sug- gested by a considerable concentration of troops. One may speak of the "precursory signs of revolution" in Russia when the peasants of a province attack the officials instead of the landlords, or when regiments refuse to obey the order to fire.