The broad ax. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1895-19??, 1911-11-11
CONGRESSMAN WILLIAM SUI
TER ON THE RUSSIAN
TREATY.
lConcIuded from page ID

It demands the abrogation of the
Russian treaty, In accordance with
its provisions, because of the refusal
OF. Russia to live up to it and recog-
-nize passports of American citizens
to visit and sojourn in Russia without
discrimination on account of race or
religion.
From a careful investigation of the
whole subject matter, / am convinced
that the Government of the United
States makes no distinction based on
the creeds or the birth places of its
citizens. nor can It consistently per
NIT such distinctions to be made by
a foreign power.
mot the religion, nor the race Of
a person, but his American citizenship
is the true test of the treatment he
shall receive, and the rights he shall
enjoy, at home and abroad. This is
fundamental. We must adhere to it
tenaciousiy.
Treaties between civilized nations
should be clear and explicit regarding
the rights of their respective citizens
sojourning in their respective eoun-
tries, and should admit of no discrim-
nation in favor of some citizens, and
against other citizens of either of the
high contracting parties.
'Under the construction of the
treaty with Russia. concluded at st.
Petersburg in 1882, I am certain that
no discrimination can be made against
any American citizen on account of
race or religion, anad when Russia
makes this discrimination she violates
the treaty, and perpetrates an act un-
friendly to the United States We
cannot tolerate this injustice-this
violation-this race and religion
discrimination.
%Russia's refusal to recognize
American passports on account Of
race and religion is. therefore, a
clear violation of the treaty of 1882.
and the remaining question is one of
remedy only.
What action should the United
States take in this matterl l have
given much thought to this inquiry
and have finally concluded that the
best action we can take to remedy
the injustice to American citizens is
to serve the usual official notice on
Russia that we desire to abrogate the
treaty of 1882, and that at the ex-
piration of the notice, given IN accord
ance with the terms of the Treaty, it
shall be null and void
@Just as soon as Congress con-
venes in regular session next Deem
Der I shall make every effort to pass
my resolution, and / indulge the hope
that it win be speedily enacted into
law. and 70 that end ! trust ali
friends of justice and of liberty in
America viii lend such aid as they
can consistently.
We utasA 0c True 10 tHc BEcdI
principle of our Government We
cannot appear to eonnive at discrimi-
nation Of any American citizen on
account of his race or his religion, or
permit any foreign power to ostrscize
him, or discriminate against him,
for these reasons. II Is an insult to
every American.
Russia must recognize American
passports without Determinations or
the Russian treaty must be abroeated
No other course is open 70 the United
States, and for this Government to
submit longer to the violation By
Russia of the treaty Is q humiliation
that demands the condemnation Of
every patriotic American.
= am enlisted with an my soul in
this fight for Justice to al, and in
Congress and out Of Congress, I shah
DO all that I can to make Russia re-
eognize her obligations 70 cfEiIizatioa
and to humanity. ! am not = blgot
/ care nanghf for creed have no
race preiudice. I stand Cor humanity,