The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-06-01
CAR PLEASES
UNITED STATES
Removal of Ban on American
Jews Relieves Tension
Ends Passport

washington, June 1.-COnfirmatiOn
OF the report that in addition to ad-
mlttlng to Russia American Jews who
60 on business the Russian govern
ment is contemplating the abolition
OF the whole system of passports has
reached Washington. The advices to
the state department are unofficial
out are accepted as accurate. AL
ready the ministry has prepared bill
relieving Jews of foreign birth seek
ing to enter Russia of the necessity
OF having their passports vised by the
RUSSIAN diplomatic and consular Of
noes. Only the pendency of other
matters regarded as of superior inl-
portance has prevented its submis-
sion to the duma. 1t will, however,
soon be brought forward.
The attitude of the Russian gov
ernment has given great satisfaction
to the administration here, as it tends
to relieve the increasing tension that
has been steadily growing upon
America and Russia. 1t will probably
remove The danger of congressional
action, which, in the opinion of the
president. would jeopardize the busi-
ness relations of the two countries
Delays of the Past.
Russias action in the matter is
purely internal looking to the amend
ment of the existing regulations rath-
er then to changes in the organic law
of the empire. The freer admission
to Russia of American Jews on busi-
ness enterprises is the first step in
the liberalization CT these regulations.
1t is true that in a few cases here
tofore prominent American Jews have
been permitted to visit Russia by the
exercising of discretion by the Rus
sian embassy at Washington or some
foreign capital where the applicant
happens to be. Even in such cases.
however. it has frequently happened
that the Russian diplomat had to ap-
ply to his home Office for instructions
before granting the necessary permit
The change in the condition lies in
the fact that the Russian embassy
here no longer hesitates to wise the
passports issued by the state depart
ment to any American Jew who de-
sires to visit Russia, if he presents
credentials or other necessary evil
dence to show that he is on a legiti-
mate business mission, and is in no
sense an agitator. or wants to remain
permanently within the empire.
Results of Change.
In the case of Jews of Russian
birth. the rule does nto apply, for the
reason that the Russian government
still maintains the doctrine that no
Russian subject, Jew or gentle, can
expatriate himself and acquire a new
nationality without the expressed per-
mission Of the Russian government
The immediate result of the changed
policy will be free admission to Rus
sia of many commercial travelling
agents of American manufacturing
and industrial concerns. Within the
past week prominent American Jew
doing large banking business in
California. was freely accorded wise
to his passport at the Russian en-
bassy here. upon the representation
of the congressman from his district
that he desired to visit Russia for only
business purposes.
Would Terminate Treaty.
| An urgent appeal for President
Taft's support of the proposition to
| terminate the present treaty between
the United States and Russia was
made in the executive offices of the
white house yesterday by B. Frank
| of St. Louis. Mr.. Frank asked the
president to use his influence in be-
half of the resolution, recently intro
duced by Representative Sulzer of
New York which provides for the
abandonment of the International
agreement entered into in 1882.
The St. Louis visitor, who was in
troduced by Representative Dyer of
Missouri. told the president that he
represented 100000 members Of vari-
Gus fraternal organizations. one Of the
most influential of which is the Pro-
gressive Order of the West. These
organizations, he said. are opposed to
the maintenance of an agreement
which permits Russia to discriminate
against American citizens Of the Jew
ish race who visit that country. He
cited instances Of discrimination
against Jewish citizens of the United
States by the Russian government.
will ~ a