Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-04-16
THE RUSSIAN TREATY
why Arc the People Kept In the Dark ss
to It's Context?
Editor Washington Pos:

TIE fOoolHN thINlH
why Are the People Kept In the Dark IS
to It's Contcxtf
Editor Washington Pos':
SO much has been written in regard 20
the recent treaty between Russia and the
United States that cannot help adding my
humble contribution to the needed infor-
nation Of tho general public.
IL has been impossible TO secure copy
Of the treaty winch Is 10 be. or has been.
exchanged between the two Governments,
owing to the traditional humbugIsm OF
executive sessions OF the Senate. and the
general public is in the dark. Were the
treaties 10 be made known before the de-
fects could DO discussed and discovered
much annoyance. anxiety. and worry
could be avoided, and this treaty Is case
in point.
CHAINS OF TYRANNY.
There is certainly no desire on the rart
Of any American citizen who loves his
country and cares for its welfare 10 pre-
tect criminals or those inimical 10 the best
interest of our country, but we do care,
lust as the republic of Switzerland has Tor
centuries cared. 10 protect those who are
banlshed from their country on account Of
political principles or differences. We
do care 10 extend helping hand to those
who have been prosecuted and almost
murdered in their attempt to better the
condition of their own country; We do
care TO extend helping hand to those
who are prevented from enjoying their
faith and to pray 10 the God OF their
choice, and we do not wish 10 aid Russia
in her reckless persecution OF her indlvl-
dual or collective citizens. We do not wish
70 become "a party. directly or indirectly.
10 fasten more closely the chaius OF tyranny
on those who are seeking and aspiring 10
liberty and pursuit OF happiness; aud by
10 net of ours. either direct or implied,
should we become party TO a treaty that
il 10 encourage Russia IN her deeds OF
darkness and persecution.
What il the United States TO do II any
official of Russia domiciled IN this coun-
try make complaint under oath that
such aud such a person. who may be
resident of this city, or any other city.
has been guilty of certain wrongs or crimes
as "A citizen of Russia. when such COM
plant is the reverse Of truth? The COM
plant being officially made and declared.
what are the agents Of the United States
Government to do! II is well-known,
accepted fact that there Is no crime IN the
calendar of sin to which Russia, IN the
interests of her aims and objects. would
not stoop; such has been her policy from
the time of Peter the Great to the present
moment. and what does she care for the
lives or property of her subjects II 1t Is
necessary IN her plan of suppression and
aggression!
CASE IN POINT.
There is to-day in the city of Washing
ton an American citizen who was one OF
the bravest soldiers IN the late war, and
who has medal specially voted e. him by
act of Congress. He happened to have
been born in Russia and his parents having
died there he was summoned back for the
purpose of aiding IN winding up their
estate. he went there, and instead of be-
ing permitted 10 close up the affairs of his
parents. being a jew, he was arrested,
thrown into prison, and sentenced 10 Slbe-
ria Had II not been for the prompt action
OF his friends in this country ana that OF
the American Minister then resident he
would TO-DAY be languishlng. as so many
hundreds of thousands are. IN Siberia
Again, within the last tour days one Of
the leading citizens of Chicago came 20
this city to consult me as to the probable
effects of this treaty. lnasmuch AS q
friend of his. now resident there. was IN "a
state of the greatest excitement. tearing
that every moment may be his last Ia tins
country; that he might be extradited IN
accordance with the provisions of this
treaty. and why? Because bis father was
four years ago arrested IN Christian Rus
STA GU charge of smuggling, and has been
lying in prison ever since. without ever
having been tried or any steps taken IN
prove or disprove the charge of ono Of
Russia's celebrated spies. The son new
resides in Chicago: at that time he lived
in Paris and through the influence OF IN
fluential people be went TO Russia seeking
to release his father.
BRIDE.
II was agreed that on the payment Of
10000 rubles he should be released. the
faithful officials Of that country agreeing
TO accept that brIbe and permit HIM To
escape. When he was ready 90 pay that
amount, however, they demanded $4,000
rubles, which amount he was unable to
pay, and his father still langulshes. and
be was forced to escape the clutches of the
Russian government. The son fears that
under this treaty he may. upon the false
oath of Russian officials. be taken from
this county, and Is in a condition border
ing on insanity. Nothing can be said Is
TO whether his fears are justified by the
treaty or not.
Again. what is the effect on former citi-
zens OF Russia who have made application
to become citizens of the United States and
filed papers to that effect, but have not
lived five years in this country What IS
10 become of them? What are the prece-
dents Is the policy adopted by the United
States at the time when Commodore In
gram protected KoZta to remain: or are we
in tear of what Russia may do IN the Bering-
Sea case. aud will yield and dance attend
ance upon the Russian bearg
No one living has greater warmth OF
feeling and deeper seated patriotism for
this country aud its institutions than nv
self, and would be the last. even by IN
situation, 70 seek 70 trouble our govern
ment in its desire for right and its attempt
to establish justice on the part of foreign
governments. but thousand Boring Sea
cases and all the seals that ever have been
caught and may be caught for century
count for nothing against what Is right.
Just. honorable. and humane.
appeal TO the President and Secretary
of State. appeal TO the Senate. | appeal
TO the American people. that the tull con-
tents of this treaty be published so that
IT can be thoroughly calvassed "a to the
effect it will have upon those who are
seeking honorable shelter and dOmicile IN
this great republic. >. WOLF.
Jlosbinofon Anril Y