The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-06-26
PRESIDENT INVITES
SNUB FROM RUSSIA
He Decides to Forward the
American jews Petition
to the Gar.

WASHINGTON, d. c., June 25.-The
president has decided to transmit to
the Russian government the petition
presented to him by the executive
council or Bnai Birth regarding the
treatment Of the Jews in Russia.
At first it was decided that the petit
ton should not be presented because
II might be resented by Russia and
cause a break in the relations of the
two countries. However, the first con-
clusion has been reconsidered, and the
petition will now go forward A note
from Secretary Hay to Simon Wolf
says:
''The matter which he (the presi-
denO had to consider most seriously
was whether or not such a proceeding
would be to the advantage of your per-
secuted and outraged co-religionists in
Russia. On this point he has decided
to accept your opinion and that of the
numerous and intelligent groups of
American citizens of the Jewish faith
whom you represent. He requests that
you will send him the petition in due
form at your earliest convenience"
The petition is the one which the ex-
ecutive council of the B'Nai Birth
handed to the president as a tentative
document to be signed by leading citi-
zens of the United States outside a
federal Officeholders. 1t will take about
two weeks to secure these signatures.
Count Cassini went to the state de-
partment and consulted with Secretary
Hay. AT the White house conference
on the 18th inst. the Jews had made
the point that the car was kept from
knowledge of the truth as to the
condition Of the Jews in his empire
by the bureaucrats who hedged him
about, and they were sure that if the
president would only once assist them
in laying their case before the car
himself he would at once adopt meas
ures to alleviate their condition. The
president promised to do what he
could. 1t was at once perceived that
to do what was asked involved the
danger of a short reply, and a dispo-
sitlon developed to regard the full pub
LEFTY which had been given to the
White house conference as sufficient to
meet the needs of the case The Jews,
however, were not satisfied with this
passive attitude and the president de-
cided to adopt the bold course of send
ing their petition directly to the car
through the United States embassy.
Officially. it is expected that this will
be received, but privately there have
been limitations from informed
sources that the ear will never be
permitted to see the petition, as the
Russian prime minister will not receive
it for transmission. If there is to be a
refusal on the part of the Russian gov
eminent to receive the Jewish petition
then upon Mr.. Ridley, United States
charge at st. Petersburg, will fall the
modification, for Ambassador McCor-
mick has not yet returned to his post
from Chicago, and it is therefore pos
sible that whatever happens at st. Pc
tersburg when Mr.. Ridley undertakes
his disagreeable task may delay the
ambassadors return to st. Petersburg
indefinitely. Of course, in such case
Count Cassini, who is sailing week
from today for Russia, might make
correspondingiy long stay at home.
Upon the departure of Count Cassini,
Theodore Hansen, the first secretary
of the embassy, will act as charge.
Count Cassinis plans contemplated a
return to the United States in Septem-
Der.