New-York tribune., 1911-12-20
Action of American Executive
Characterized in Russian Cir
cIes as a Too Ready Re-
sponse to Jewish 0utCry.
HARD TASK FOR DIPLOMACY
Cars Premier Not Averse to
Less Rigorous Policy, but Is
Powerless in Face of Hos
tile Legislators in st.
Petersburg.

St. Petersburg, Dec. 19.-Having ac-
cepted in an equable spirit the notitca-
tion of the American Ambassado: that
the treaty of commerce and naviga-
ton entered into by the United States
ami Russia in 1892 would be abrogated
on January !, 1913, officials Of the Rus
sian government are now directing their
attention to the question Of a new
treaty. It is recognized that diplomacy
of the most experienced kind VIII De
required, especially on the American
side. if negotiations for a new treaty
are to proceed satisfactorily. The agi-
tation in ;ha United States over the
passport question and the brief term
available for diplomatic action present
difficulties TO the full and free discus
sion OF the subject
It is pointed out by Russian officials
that the governments hands are tied
by statutes which cannot be changed
outside Of the legislative machinery Of
the Douma and the Council of the En-
pire as Instituted in 1906.
The whole question, in their opinion,
seems TO be dominated by a misunder-
standing Of the treaty of 1892 which
makes no reference to passports. Arti-
Gle | of tllis treaty provides for the
free entry Of al American citizens on
the sole condition that they observe the
internal laws )f the empire. This stipu-
lation is reproduced in all the treaties
with other powers Therefore, there
has been no question of infringement
of the treaty, but actually one Of modi-
dcation of the internal statutes, which
can be done orly by legislative means.
Further. 1t is argued, if a passport
statute had been originally enacted or If
the question Of passports were merely
one of relations between the United
States and Russia, this question might
be a matter for diplomatic negotiation.
But the Russian statutes having refer
ence to the Jews do not concern only
American Jews, but all foreign Jews. A
concession to the United States would
mean a concession to all other countries
having Jewish subjects.
Russia, say the officials, has no wish
for bargain, and, they ask, What can
America concede to Russia for the aboIi-
ton of Jewish IegisIation7"
In responsible quarters the opinion IS
expressed that the political situation in
Russia proper is not favorable to the
realization of Jewish hopes 1t is likely
that Premier Kokovtzoff personally sees
no harm in concessions to foreign Jews
and in a mlder policy at home with re-
spect 10 that race but other elements
in the Russian government are differ
emily disposed. This is true in particu-
lar Of the Douma and the Council Of the
Empire, which have solid majorities
against any weakening Of Russia's at
titude. Indeed. Russia herself faces
legislative elections which will be held
in 1913, and the dominant battle cry IS
one of nationalism.
In Parliamentary circles here the pre-
vailing comment is characterized by as
that the American govern
ment has responded so readily to the
Jewish outcry. The opinion is eX-
pressed by members of the Douma that
in all probability the Jews will now at
tempt TO force matters further.
American business men in st. Peters
burg and Moscow have been following
the situation with tense interest, and de-
preston prevails among them at the
prospect Of a decline of the market at a
time when it was opening most favor
ably.
The "Rech," representing Liberal opin-
on. saws that the material losses will be
greater on the American
side but that Russia received a blow
which could not be foreseen and hence
,ould not be resisted. The attendant
circumstances, adds the paper, show
hat the United States acted not so much
or the sake of her own interests as be-
,ause of dissatisfaction with conditions
md the treatment oe the Jews in Russia
proper.
The "Rech" advises the government
,ot to follow the advice of the ma
ionalistic thunderers." but TO address it
elf 10 the task Of new negotiations cir |
umspectly, keeping i'm mind the heri- |
age Of the traditional friendship be- !
ween Russia and the United States. |
yhich. as President Taft said, should I
,ot be lghtmindedly jeopardized. par
icularly in view of the mutual interests |
n the Far East
rondon, Dec. 9-"The Times I'm an edit
rial this morning says: The arts and am
,ttons OF wirepullers and politicians have
ouhtless given the old Jewish controversy
atween the United States and Russia its
resent prominence. but it would be mis-
AXE 70 regard the interest the question eX-
ties In the United States as artificial or
ctitious.
public opinion has been widely stirred
nd had President Taft refraned FROM de-
ouncing the treaty Congress would unques-
onably have passed a Joint resolution
hich might have been so worded as deeply
, offend Russian susceptbilities We can
pc and understand the point of view of
9th PARTIES and we sincerely hope that a
,mpromise will be found"
ne DIAMOND RIlSH BEGINS