The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-17
THE nussIAN rnsArr.


tween Russia and America, because
of the failure of the Russian govern
ment to accord the American Jewish
citizens the rights of other Americans
while travelling or sojourning in the
Russian empire For If the recosni-
tion OF passports is not the question
10 be dealt with by diplomatic repre-
sentativcs. we might well ask. with
the New York Evening Post What
Is it?
Russia has maintained that the
whole problem is one of internal
lor police administra ton, and does not
therefore properly belong to the Amer
scan nation, and does not concern the
rights or obligations given or assumed
ny the treaty OF 1882. In that treaty
Russia accords to American citizens
without distinction, the right to reside
and travel In the Russian dominion.
set. when American citizens OF the
Jewish race now desire whether for
personal or commercial reasons TO
enter tho Russian empire, they are
N''''Peiru 10 secure an approval of
their passport. either by making false
prstenscs or by the use of bribery.
II is only because of those who have
Jailed to adopt such subterfuEes that
the rule of discrimination is made.
NO one not even Russian police
officer. believes that Russia Is closed
those who do not hold passports.
how would X be possible for the
'lutionists and dynamiters to shoot
murder even those around whom
thrown?
The simple fact Is that tile passport
is card of admission for those who
want to enter by the front door: il
never has been police to protect
the back fence. such men. for exam
pie, as Minister Straus, Jacob Schin.
Nathan Straus or many citizens of our
own city. men who arc received with
courtesy and distinction IN the United
States. would, under the present rules
OF Russia, be subjected to humiliation
Or be compelled ~ stay without It's
borders
N is this situation that has SO APP
hehled to Congress that by vote OF
sol to resolution, calling FOR the
repeal OF the treaty between America
and Russia, has been adopted,
But is this the best way to reach
the point at issue No one can justify
Russia's treatment of its Jewish citi-
zens. That race has been feared. op-
pressed, cruelty mistrcated, inhununlv
Kept down, and yet II has Increased in
numbers and power and influence The
Russian peasants could not compete
with the Jew 10 agriculture or in
business; therefore the government
prescribed and pursued the Jew. com
peiiing him to live in certain quarters.
denying him the right to travel. and
Withholding from him many avenues
OF trade. all in order that the Rus
SLAMS might not have competitions And
yet, no one can poln, to the conditions
in Russia and say that the Russian
peasants have heen helped by such re-
Bressivc laws 1t would seen, by far
Hn,pier and more effective had Russia
let the Jews travel al will in order
that the Intelligence and capacities
OF that race might be spread as a
leaven among the ignoran, and besot.
1ed peasants.
he cure tor darkness is not to put
cut the lights; the remedy for irno
rance is not to stamp gu, learning
Measured by any standard The Russian
dealing with the problem OF tile Jews
has been harsh ignorant. stupid and
wholly Intellectual.
But will that situation be chnu~.d
H. breaking off friendly relations.
VIII the Jews in Russia gain kinder
treatment? VIII the Jews in America
7eel enduring satisfaction from :, s,er
which means the severance OF Friendly
relations with great power, the dis
organization Of trade thai now amounts
to about 356.0oo.ooo roublcs or abou,
'l'''Vooooo? large portion of this
trade lis in American made machinery.
and Germany and England are boib
active competitors OF the United State
in that feld. But to destroy =, o
blow so large customer IS "a serious
affair, even for a country as rich as
America 1t is not q question of
money. however, 1t is a question of ak
ptdiency. Is the declaration Of trad.
war the best way 10 secure a cnerpo
of Russia's attitude towards a large
class Of It's own citizens: Apparently
Russia thinks not ana already Presi.
s'snt Taft and Secretary OF state Eno,
cave been made aware By tho Gar
shat Russia does not CONSIDER its deal.
;ngt with members OF the Jewish faith
as matters for legislation by friendly
Eations.
II Yeerissl &c desired. then aasurndiu