Page:Michael Farbman - Russia & the Struggle for Peace (1918).djvu/196

 184 force, altogether in opposition to the main mass of the army and to the most important public opinion in Russia, consisting partly 01 foreigners and partly of counter-revolutionists, was thrown in to take the most fateful step, which was a gamble on the whole destinies of Russia and the Revolution. The criminal frivolity of this gamble can be judged from the story told in the "'Times' History of the War" (Part 170, p. 21):

"Much heart-burning had been endured by the Russian commanders before the advance. Individual units were constantly developing sporadic weakness. Several mutinies broke out. … One of the corps commanders prayed silently during the fateful minutes preceding the appointed time. Would his men go over the top? He hoped so, but could not feel sure. When, punctually at 9 a.m., the troops swarmed over and the attacking waves rolled onward, this general devoutly crossed himself."

In spite of all the risks and disadvantages which this condition of the army involved, and notwithstanding the blunders of the generals (one of the generals had to be dismissed during the advance itself), the attack under the very favourable strategical circumstances easily led to an initial success. The Russian army advanced, took many prisoners, and occupied a number of positions. The Government celebrated a great victory. The troops which participated in this offensive received red banners and were called "troops of the first of July." The imperialist elements in Petrograd made a great patriotic demonstration. Generals dismissed by the Revolution, Cadet leaders, and members of foreign missions went in procession, making great jubilations. The Morning Post of July 5th, under the title "The Renaissance of Russia," describes these rejoicings as follows: "Processions with hastily improvised banners formed in various parts of the town, and their component parts were a very different class to those seen during the past three months in the streets of Petrograd. Banners bore devices such as 'War to a finish,' 'Hurrah for victory,'