The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-20
NJ AY NEGOTIATE
ANOTHER TREATY
Officials Of Russian Government
Consider Next Course for
Nation.
SITUATION VERY DELICATE
Recognized That Diplomacy of
Most Experienced Kind Will
BE Required.

ST Petersburg, December I9.-IIav-
ing accepted in an eauablc spirit tho
notification of tho American ambas-
sador that the treaty OF commerce and
navigation entered into by tho United
States and RussIa In 1882 would be
aproSated on January /, 1918, officials
OF the Russian government are now di-
recilng their attention to the uucs-
ton OF now treaty. 1t Is recognized
that diplomacy OF the most experienced
Kind Will be required, especially on
the American side, Ii negotiations for
new treaty uru to proceed satlsruc-
torily. Agitation In the United States
over the passport question and the
brief term available Tor diplomatic uc-
ZION present difficulties TO the full and
Tree discussion OF the subject
II is pointed out by Ilussian Off
cluls that the governments hands are
tied by statutes which cannot be
changed OUTSIDE OF the Legislative ma
chinery OF the Douma and tho council
OF the empire us instituted in 1906. Tho
whole question, In thpir opinion. seems
to be dominated by Il MISUNDERSTANDING;
of the treaty of 1892. which makes no
reference to passports. Article l. OF
the treaty provinces for the Tree entry
OF all American citizens on thu sole
condition that they observe the in
q. l
lation is reproduced in all treaties with
other powers Therefore there has
been no question OF infringement OF
the treaty, but actually one OF modi-
ncation oil the Internal statutes, which
can be done only by legislative means.
Further 1t is argued ii Il passport
statute had been originally enactcd
or il the question of passports were
merely one OF relations between the
it.a,i mr. n
ton might be Il matter Tor diplomatic
negotiation. But the Russian statutes
having reference to the Jews do not
concern American jews alone. but all
foreign Jews. ~ concession to the
United States would mean conccs-
sion to all other countries having
Jewish subjects. Russia, say the OIL
clals. has no wish for IL bargain, and
they ask. What can America conccde
to Russia for the aboliion OF Jewish
iegislation?"
In responsible quarters tho opinion
is expressed mat the political situa-
ton in Uusstn proper Is not favorable
10 the reuIization OF Jewish hopes. II Is
likely that premier <okovZon per-
sonaliy sees no harm In concessions to
foreign Jews and n miloer policy at
home with respect TO mat race. but
other elements III the Russian govern.
ment are differently disposed.
This is true In behalf OF the Douma
and the council OF the empire, which
have solid majorities against any
weakening OF iussia's attitude. In
deed, Russia herself faces Legislative
elections, which will be held in 1913,
and the dominant baltic cry Is one
of natiJnnism.
In parliamentary circles here the
prevailing comment is characterized
, by astOnishment that the American
government has responded so readily
to the Jewish outcry. The opinion is
expressed BY members OF the Donna
that In all probability tho Jews Will
not attempt TO force matters further.
American business men In ST. Pc
tcrsburg and Moscow have been fol-
lowing the situation with great in
tercst, and depression prevails among
them at the prospect of the loss of the
market at a time when 1t was opening
most. tavorably.