The Wilson times. [volume] (Wilson, N.C.) 1896-19??, 1911-12-22

st. Petersburg, Dec. 21.-Having
accepted IN an equitable spirit the
notification Of the American ambas-
saGor that the treaty of commerce
and navigation entered into by the
tn'-ed States and Russia in 1882,
would be abrogated on January l.
1919, officials of the Russian govern.
lde Mt are now directing their atten-
ton to the question of a new treaty
II 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. Agita-
tlon in the United States over the
passport question and the brief term
available for diplomatic action, pres,
ent d1hcult1es to the full and free
discussion Of the subject
1t is pointed out by Russian of.
hc1als 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 Empire as instituted
IN 1906. The whole question, in their
opinion, seems to be dominated by
misunderstanding of the treaty OF
1889 which makes no reference to
passports. Article I of this treaty
| provides for the free entry of all
American citizens on the sole condi-
ton 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 oi
the treaty, but actually one of modi-
| fication of the internal statutes,
which can be done only by legisla-
tive means
Further, it is argued, if a passport
| statute had been originally enacted
or it the question of passports were
merely one of relations between the
United States and Russia this ques-
ton might be a matter for diplomat
| ic negotiations. But the Russian
| statutes having reference to the Jews
| do not concern American Jews alone,
but ali foreign Jews. A concession to
| the United States would mean a con-
cessiOn to all other countries hav-
ing Jewish subjects. Russia, say the
officials has no wish for bargain
and they ask what can America
comedies to- Russia for the abolition
1 1 aliSsf-JewisA 4ea aSs4~tiea p,
In responsible quarters the opinion
is expressed that the political situa.
ton in Russia proper is not favorable
to the realization of Jewish hopes
1t is likely that Premier Kokovso1
personally sees no harm in cOnces
sions to foreign Jews and a mildel
policy at home with respect to the
race, but other elements in the Rus
sian government are differently dis
/, posed.
This is true in particular of the
Douma and the Council Of the EN-
pire, which have solid majoritie'
!; against any weakening Of Russia
attitude. Indeed, Russia, herself face
legislative elections which will b.
held in 1918 and the dominant bat
tie cry is one of nationalism.
In parliamentary circles here tn
, prevailing comment is characterize
| by establishment that the America
! government has responded so readil.
: to the Jewish outcry. The opinion
t is expressed by members Of th'
2 Douma that in all probability th
! Jews will not attempt to force mat
ters further.
American business men in 81
Petersburg and Moscow have bee
following the situation with great in
I terest and depression prevails anon
2 lthem at the prospect Of the loss Q
t the market at a time when it wa
: opening most favorably.