New-York tribune., 1911-04-19
THE Russian TREATY.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: May | be permitted through your
columns to comment upon your comineht
upon my letter printed In your issue OF INC
14th inst? In that comment you ASK
whether any one imagines that II we apro-
gated this treaty Russia would make an
other moro favorable to the Jews. or even
as favorable as this. That Is exactly what
| do imagine II would not come at once
but IL would come some time. and It would
come sooner than IL we continued the same
ineffective merely diplomatic performance
that has been going on for over forty
years II we had abrogated the treaty at
the time Secretary Blaine and Secretary
Evarts advised Russia we should oppor-
turnitv would have come In moments OF
liberal sentiment in Russia, such as oc-
Cured few years ago. when an effective
attempt could be made TO secure from her
u fsirer treaty.
Further, must protest against your
statement that American Jews are bet
ter off under the present treaty, only part
~ fulfilled, than they would be under none
at ALL" Russia construes the treaty to
entitle her to make discrimination. II
there were no treaty she would be de-
prived of the right 10 make that claim
and American Jews would be that much
better off. They would also have hope or
better things. because 1t would evidence
the determination Of this government TO
stand by the fundamental American prin-
ciple involved.
Lastly, you say: More liberal senti-
ments are gradually spreading in Russia,
and 1t Is not yet necessary TO abandon
hope OF accomplishing by steady diplo-
matte pressure an object which indignant
action would defeat" Do you get 1t from
the State Department that more liberal
sentiments are gradually spreading in Rus
sia? | was not aware that such was the
fact. The history Of Russia shows that
Russia is lberalized as she Is driven TO
he liberalized and that pressure upon her
is necessary to achieve any liberal ends
at all. When the pressure relaxes Russia
becomes reactionary. That Russia may
become liberal and fair In this matter the
United States should exert pressure and
that pressure must be moral pressure.
Moral pressure Is exerted by arousing pub
lie opinion. and public opinion is aroused
by asserting and acting on the principle
involved. Reiteration of forty-year- old
demands and arguments, accompanied by
failure 10 take the action We asserted We
should, cannot be expected to arouse pub
lie opinion.
Moreover. We have a precedent for ac-
ton Russia was one Of the countries that
refused to recognize the American doc
trine of expatriation, and Russians who
have become naturalized Americans are
still treated as Russians upon returning to
Russia To establish the fundamental
principle Of the right OF expatriation We did
not wait for the consent OF Russia We
acted ourselves. We have incorporated the
principle into the statute law Of the United
States, and the Revised Statutes provide
that naturalized citizens. while in foreign
countries, are entitled to and shall receive
from this government the same protection
to person and property which is accorded
native born citizens. The Calder resolu-
ton calls for similar statutory declaration
in regard 10 the rights of American citi-
zens abroad, irrespective Of their religious
beliefs. While technically Russia has not
recognized the right OF expatriaton. the
revision of the Russian criminal law. re-
Gently made, recognizes the doctrine. ac-
cording TO my Information. and such will
be Russian law as soon as the Car issues
his special edict. We forged ahead. We
enunciated the principle. And now Russia
is about to follow.
Let us do the same thing about the prin-
ciple OF religious liberty.
HERBERT PARSONS.
New York, April II, 1911.