The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-20
RUSSIA THINKS OF ANOTHER TREATY. Negotiations Will Be Deli
 cate
GREATLY ASTONISHED
Little Chance for Granting of Jewish Hopes-American Business Men 0
 in Russia Watch Situation. 7 ? .. Press Comment

St. Petersburg, December l9.-liaVlng accepted in an equable spirit the noti- fication of the American ambassador that the treaty of commerce and navi-
 gation entered into by the United States and Russia in 1882 would be abrogated on January l. 1913, officials of the Russian government are now directing their attention to the question Of new treaty. It is recognized that diplomacy of the most experienced kind will be required, especially on the American side, if negotiations for a new treaty are to proceed satisfactorily. Agitation in the 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 duma and the council of the em pire as instituted in 1906. The whole question, in their opinion, seems to be dominated by misunderstanding of
 
 erence to passports. Article l of this treaty provides for the free entry of all American citizens on the sole condi tion that they observe the internal laws of the empire. This stipulation IS reproduced in all treaties with other powers. Therefore there has been no question of infringement of the treaty, but actually one of modification of the internal statutes, which can be done only by legislative means.
 Further, it is argued, if a passport statute had been enacted originally, or if the question of passports was merely one of relations between the United States and Russia, this question might be matter for diplomatic nego- tiation. But the Russian statutes hay ing reference to the Jews do not con cern American Jews alone, but all for gn.Jews. A. concession, to the United States would mean g concession to all other countries having Jewish subjects Russia, say the officials, has no wish for a bargain and. they ask. what can America concede to Russia for the abolition of Jewish legislationg'
 In responsible quarters the opinion Is expressed that the political situation in Russia proper is not favorable to the realization of Jewish hopes. It Is like ly that Premier Kokovsoff personally sees no harm in concessions to foreign Jews and a milder policy at home with respect to that race but other elements in the Russian government are diff ferently disposed. This is true in par ticular of the duma and the council. of the empire. which have solid majorities against any weakening of Russias at titude. Indeed, Russia herself faces leg islative elections which will be held in 1913 and the dominant battle cry is one of nationalism.
 In parliamentary circles here the pre- vailng comment Is characterized by as- ment has responded so readily to the Jewish outcry.
 The opinion is expressed by members of the duma that in all probability the Jews will now attempt to force matters further.
 American business men in St. Peters burg and Moscow have been watching the situation with great interest and depression prevails among them at the prospect of the loss of the market at a time when 1t was opening most favor ably. t.l
 The Rech, representing liberal opin- ion. says the material losses will be indubitably greater on the American side, but that Russia received blow which could not be foreseen and hence could not be resisted. The attendant adds the paper, show that the United States acted not so much for the sake of her own interests as because of dssatisfa ction with con ditions and the treatment of the Jews in Russia proper.
 The Rech advises the government not fx. I.xx.~ I, I..s.. thunderers.' but to address itself to the task of new negotiations circumspect- ly, keeping in mind the heritage of the traditional friendship between Russia and the United States, which, as Presi- dent Tafl said, should not be light jeopardized, particularly in view of mutual interests in the far east