The Washington times., 1911-12-13
RUSSIAN TREATY
MAY Be SEVERED
BY HOUSE TODAY
Senate Expected to Concur
in Arbogation Resolution
Over Passports.
Continued from First Page.)


spective of the party affiliations of its
brook no further disregard OF the treaty
agreement between this country and the
Car.
For years. it was pointed out, the
United States has hoped that Russia
would voluntarily Sc the error. of its
position, and would make amends. The
patience of the United States has been
In vain, and now, according to the mem.
deal with delicate International ques-
tions, the United states faces the neces-
sity OF protecting q worthy class OF Its
citizens or Of forfeiting Its self-respect
as a nation.
Sulser's Main Points.
Speaking for the committee ana for
himself as author of the resolution. Mr..
suizer said:
1--WE. declare the Government Of the
to its treaty obligations with Russia.
We have granted to every. Russian
coming to this country all the rights
stipulated in the treaty, irrespective
Of race or religion. That Is our con-
struction Of the treaty OF 1882 and
demonstrates the intention OF the
United States Government in its con-
clusion.
same rights to visit and sojourn in
Russia that Russian citizens have to
visit and sojourn In the United States.
If they do not, then the treaty Is
violated. and 1t ought to be abrogat-
The refusal Of Russian to recog-
nize American passports on account
OF race anu religion Is a clear VIOLA
ton of s amy the Of sns tEssty
one Of remedy only.
what action should the Congress OF
the United States take in this inatterMs
I have given much thought to this in
quiry and have finally concluded hat
the best action we can take to remedy
this injustice to American citizens is to
serve the usual official notice Of twelve
months on Russia that we desire to alb
rogate the treaty of 1882, and that at the
expiration of the noice. given in ac-
cordance with the terms of the treaty,
1t shall be null and void.
Principles of Freedom.
I'VE must be true to the great princi-
pies Of justice and freedom and equality
on which our Government Is founded
We can not appear to connive at dsi-
elimination of any American citizen on
account of his race or his religion or
permit any foreign power to ostracize
him or discriminate against him for
these reasons. To do so is an insult to
every American.
This is not Jewish question. II
is an American question. 1t involves a
great principle. II affects the rights OF
all American citizens. Russia not only
refuses to recognize American passports
rsce ee oE their reisom but she al also
fuses to recognize American passports
held by Baptist missionaries, Catholic
priests, and PRESBYTERIAN divines on ac-
count of their religious belief.
gress Of the United States, therefore,
regarding this Russian passport
question resolves itself into this: Has
Russia by the treaty Of .1SS2 1892 agresd creed
out discrimination on account of race
or religion?
Provision of Treaty.
ITO determine the, question it Is
necessary to read the provision in the
treaty of 1882 between the United
States and Russia. Article / of that
treaty reads as follows:
"'There shall be between the ter
ritories Of the high contracting par
ties a reciprocal liberty of commerce
and navigation. The Inhabitants OF
their respective States shall mutually
have liberty to enter the ports. places
party wherever foreign commerce Is
permitted. They shall be at liberty
to sojourn and reside In all parts
whatsoever of said territories. in or.
shall enjoy, to that effect. the same
security and protection as natives OF
the country wherein they reside
This provision of the treaty seems
to be plain and clear.
I'm view of what have said, 1t seem.
evident to me, and II must be to every
sensible and fair-minded person, tina
when the treaty with Russia was con
cluded it was the intention of Russis
and the United States that the right.
granted by article I of that treat,
of this country without Discrimination
of any kind whatsoever.
This being SO, 1t is apparent tina
Russia has for forty years continual.
| violated the provisions of the treaty b,
refusing to recognize passports grantee
| to American citizens on account of rae