Abstract

Russia Revisited: I. Moscow: Symbol of Change

Cleanliness impresses a visitor who has not seen Moscow for more than twenty years. At long last, Russians have learned to be tidy. The new Muscovites are, with few exceptions, are punctual. In sharp contrast to the old times, projects are now accomplished with a minimum waste of labor and materials. The golden goal of surpassing the U.S. in such matters is still far off. But a great industrial civilization, totally socialized, has come into being. Its builders are no longer filthy muzhiks and sloppy proletarians. They have learned the arts and skills of competence. They are, for the most part, well dressed, well fed, and, in demeanor, energetic, happy and hopeful, albeit many of the young army recruits, children of the war years, appear stunted by the malnutrition of a fearful time of troubles.