RUSSIA: Untalented Warrior

Despite the enormous influence in all branches of the Soviet government which tousle-haired Leon Trotsky exercised at the height of his power, his official position was merely that of Commissar for War. Since tousle-haired Trotsky's ignominious exile last year (TIME, Jan. 30, 1928), Russia's Commissars for War have been notable for their reticence. By order of Soviet Dictator Josef Stalin they have been spared all unnecessary publicity.

Present Soviet Commissar for War is quiet, conscientious Klimentiy Voroshilov, "a man," according to famed Correspondent Alexander Nazarov, "whose modesty and lack of excessive talents have been definitely appreciated." Last week untalented Voroshilov went to Bobruisk on the Polish frontier. Snug-buttoned in his ankle-length army overcoat, he reviewed a cavalry division, congratulated Red Army Generals on the successful conclusion of their annual autumn maneuvers.

"This year we have really learned the art of war," he shouted from the edge of the reviewing stand. "Our achievements have been stupendous. One of the great differences between our annual maneuvers and those of our neighbors is that ours takes place midst a friendly working class which coöperates with our troops."

Although many were unable to hear the words of untalented Voroshilov for the snorting of horses, his remarks were taken as a subtle insult to the non-Communist Polish army across the frontier. Polish farmers whose hayricks and chicken yards may be commandeered during maneuvers just as in actual war times, regard the war games of the Polish army as an unavoidable annual catastrophe.