Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-07-11

9Ah AAAhVb hoA
That Most Remote of Euro
pean Lands--SOciai, CONNER
cial and Political Aspects.
WASHINGTON, July 10.-Mr. Her
bert H. d. Pierce, first secretary OF the
United States embassy to Russia, has
been in Washington several days on
leave of absence from his post. 1t has
afforded an opportunity for talks with
the President and State Department Of
f1cials IN Russian affairs, both political
and commercial, and the #imparting of
much interesting information which
could not be brought by the channels
of official reports. Speaking TO a rep
r~esentatiye of the press, Mr.. Pierce
said: 1.-THE relations between the
United States and Russia were never
on a more cordial basis than at present,
and the friendship which is traditional
between the two countries finds con-
slant expression in Russia, not only
among officials but also among the peO-
pie Of all classes. 1t is not too much TO
say that from the Emperor down to
the ~peasantry, there is a sincere friend
ship for US and a desire to become
acquainted with American methods ard
to make use in Russia of the skill and
ingenuity which has advanced this
country with such great strides. For
this reason there is a great opening N
Russia for American capital and for
the Introduction of American maehin-
cry and methods of doing business. 1t
is an immense field, far beyond any
thing realized by the people of this
country. Russia Is just entering an
era of tremendous prosperity; a sort Of
commercial and industrial awakening.
Here is the new field for American en-
terprise and capital, for with our Paci-
fc coast facilities, the Philippines and
the trans-Siberian railroad route, there
is ready access for our goods into the
very heart of Russia. During his min
istry to Russia, Mr.. Hitchcock's per
sonality and splendid business ability
did much 20 stimulate our trade rela-
tions, and the effect is widespread and
continuous. There is special opportun-
titles for investments in steel and iron
properties. cotton mills, and for the
manufacture of machinery and tools.
Then, too, our manufactured gods Will
hlio diillOoG li1IllllloOIO lihtJ hCIo, VI
though Russia has a protective tariff
which is encouraging her own indus
tries. Still, even with the tariff, she
wants many of our manufactured
goods, such as steel rails, as the home
production is far short Of sufficient to
supply the present state of develop
ment. In fact, there is hardly a line
of American industry which cannot find
very profitable investment throughout
Russia. Moreover, Russia regards
American goods as better than those of
any other country, so that this favor
able sentiment invites us into these
vast new fields.
People outside of Russia hardly re-
alize how nearly complete the trans
Siberian railway. IS" continued Mr..
Pierce. 81 was told recently by Prince
Hilkoff, minister Of ways of communi-
cation, who has charge of this great
work, that he expected to make a trip
around the world in forty days during
the coming Paris exposition, going by
way Of the trans-Siberian route, and he
had the kindness to ask me to accom-
pany him on the trip. Even now the
route is almost continuous from Mos
cow to Amoor river and thence to Vlad-
livestock on the Pacific coast, with the
exception of a comparatively short
stretch which has to be covered by
post horses. Once open this marks al
most a commercial revolution, giving
a highway from Western Europe to the
Pacific, and from our Pacific coast to
the Far East and thence to Eastern
Europe.
THE road is so well along that trains
are run out of Moscow which would
astonish even Americans as models of
elegance. These trains have not only
baths, libraries and other modern
equipments, but a complete gymnasium
to beguile the long trip through Siberia.
The original purpose OF Russia was to
make the route one for military and
strategic purposes, liking the capital
and other large centres with the naval
rendez at V~ladivostock. But now com
merce and travel over the road has
quite over-shadowed the strategic pur-
pose and Russia finds that she has
opened a highway which is to be one
of the great channels Of the worlds
traffic. In time possibly the route will
be diverted s%outhwerd through Chinese
Manchuria, to permit a terminus at
! Russia's new and important lease hold
at Port Arthur. But for the present
Vladivostock continues to be considered
its commercial terminus on the Pa
ciflc."
Mr.. Pierce was asked concerning the
recent reports of widespread famine in
Russia, and the appeal issued in Lon
don for relief.
There is really no aus for ALARM"
said he. Il am familiar with this APP
! peal for relief, and while not wishing
to question any charitable or philan-
trophic movement, | think it only just
to Russia that it should be know that
the distress is confined to rather small
and remote regions, and that Russia
herself has COPIED with the situation
~throughly and successfully. The coun-
try is so vast and the methods of COM
munication so primative in places that
! cases of distress are slow to be report
ed and relieved. This may have led to
the existence of considerable suffering
and distress. But as far as | can learn
this suffering is not widespread, but is
confined to some of the provinces in
Southern Russia. The Russian govern
ment has been prompt in ameliorating
the distress, and the Car has given i'm
meuse SumS-I think | am safe in saw