The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-12-15
THE TREATY OF 1892.

The Suizer resolution demanding the termt-
nation Of the treaty of 1882 with Russia, be-
cause of Russa's discrimination against Amer
lean citizens in disregard of the provisions OF
the treaty, passed the House by practically
unanimous vote only one vote being recorded
In opposition to it. A similar resolution has
been introduced into the Senate by Mr., Culber-
son OF Texas and when it is approved by the
Senate as seems altogether likely the Presi-
dent will then be directed to give Russia the
years notice of It's termination demanded by
the instrument. Thus will come to an end
treaty which Is nearly eighty years old but the
provisions OF which have been constantly ig
nored by Russia, and which for half century
has been the subject OF negotiations between
the State Department and that country.
In this treaty Of 1882 a reciprocal liberty Of
commerce and navigation between the United
States and Russia was guaranteed also the
the liberty of subjects of both nations of en-
tering the territory of each country and re-
siding In all parts of such territory for the
purpose Of attending to their affairs.
II liz customary when an American proposes
to visit Europe for him to secure passports
which attest that he is citizen Of this nation
aud is entitled to the rights and privileges OF
citizenship Under ordinary conditions this
passport will gain him entrance to and pro-
lection while within the territory Of any for
eign nation. But in the of Russia he must
have the passport yised by consul Of that
country before he leaves his native shores. Be
fore the Russian consul will wise the pass
port the applicant must answer several ques
tons, among which is declaration OF his re-
ligous faith If he be a Jew n Catholic
Isrot ant mis- he yica Of
the passport Is refused.
II is at this point that the dissatisfaction
with the operation of the treaty has arisen,
Russia has so interpreted II as to discriminate
against Jews and other persons because or
their religious vocation notwithstanding that
4.thes American citizens and that tbs,
treaty distinctly guaranteed 10 such citizens
the right Of entrance and the privilege of resi-
denee The question has finally become recog-
nized as ore not of sec,arian creed but of
American citizenship and storm OF indigna-
ton has swept the whole country voicing Its
demand that for the sake of national honor
the treaty be terminated The action of the
House is the result OF this almost universal
sentiment. and there is no doubt that the SEN
ate will concur.
Thus will Russia realize that, though It took
more than half century for this country to
become aroused. she cannot play fast and loose
with the United States. The people OF this
nation have no sympathy with the medieval
spirit Of modern Russia. and do not propose to
submit 10 its autocratic and tyrannical treat
ment OF her citizens. The day when Russia
can continue By subterfuge. hypocrisy and de-
lay to deceive the United States il gone. In
the future her contracts and instruments with
this country must be observed to the letter
A great international influence in behalf OF
the liberties and rights OF all mon. regardless
at race creed will be exerted by this stand
that nation has taken and Russia herself
viii realize that the age OF semi BARI arisn is
oyer to return no more