The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-11-16
HEBREWS TO FIGHT
PACT WITH RUSSIA
Powerful Opposition Develops to
Proposed Modus vivendi Bury
ing Passport Issue.
TARIFF WAR is CERTAIN

Developments in the Russian treaty SIT
uation yesterday made It clear beyond
al manner of doubt that there has been
no agreement reached by the two govern
ments for a modus Yivendi which would
avert tarin war.
But even more significant was the
warning sounded by Hebrew leaders that
any administration which attempted to
dodge the passport issue for the sake OF
trade relations with Russia, would bring
upon itself a tremendous attack backed
by the combined strength OF all the He
brews and Hebrew interests in this coun-
try Reports published yesterday to the
eject that such a plan was about to be
contaminated, started a moement OF
protest from Jewish citizens whic threat
ems to prove more formidable than the
original fight which resulted in the de-
nunciation of the treaty OF 1889 by Pres
ident Taft last winter.
What may be expected, was clearly
indicated yesterday in statement by
Simon Wolf, prominent local attorney.
Mr. Wolf Is a close personal friend OF
President Taft, has the entree to the
White House at all times, and is regard
ed by both ofhcial and unofficial Wash
ington, as the unlimited representative
of the Hebrew interests at Washington.
Of the Hebrew interests at Washington.
MI. WolI SAID:
VIII Fight Agreement.
I'VE shall do all in our power to pre-
vent any arrangement being made with
Russia whereby the passport question
will be ignored, shelved, or postponed,
and simply the money question made
the pivot for continued friendly rela-
tons. 1t is better to have no relations
whatever with Russia, and then ulu-
mately to secure the great purpose for
which we have been fighting, than SUBJ
ordinate the real issue for the sake of
a few paltry dollars.
81 speak only as an American citizen
in this matter, for it is an issue which
affects the great issue of the rights of
American citizens abroad. This country
fought a great war. lasting four years.
for the sake of a principle. Is it now
going to sacrifice that principle for the
sake OF a relatively Insignificant amount
Of money!
Mr.. Wolf has already taken steps look
ing to the concentration of the attention
of Hebrew organizations in this country
upon the new phase of the situation. 1t
is expected that should an attempt actu-
ally be made by the administration to
put through such an agreement the He
brews Of the country will be found wait
ing to attack it.
Opinion Is Sounded.
The opinion generally accepted yester-
day was that the report that an agree
ment for a modus vivendi had been
reached was put forth from a source
much interested in such an agreement
being made to sound public opinion. The
Russian Ambassador, G. Bakhmeteh,
could not be seen yesterday. 1t has been
suggested here that commercial inter-
zNc TH~kF@ ~ ", 70 IN
nothing is done to avert a tariff war
by the lapse of the old treaty on Deem
Der 81, were responsible for the reports
of an agreement on a mOdus vivendi.
The value Of American exports to Rus
STA is about S6O.OO0OOO a year. Most of
these exported goods go to Russia indi-
rectly, but are recognized as goods of /
American origin when they reach the !
Russian border. The principle articles
which Russia buys of American manu- |
facturers are agricultural implements, |
machinery, machine TOOLS and boots and I
shoes. Russia, on the other hand. does
not sell the United States goods of any
thing like the value of American exports |
to Russia. Consequently, when it comes !
to tariff reprisals, the United States will !
be the greater loser.
Far East Is BuEaboO. |
For political reasons, it is hoped that |
a tariff war may be sverted. Because of
the delicate situation in the Far East. |
the continuity of Russian friendship for |
the United States is regarded as vitality |
important The United States has been |
foremost in exerting every effort TO !
maintain the concert of the powers on |
the Chinese question. A rupture between |
Russia and the United tSates might have |
serious consequences with regard to the |
situation in the Far East, it is predicted |
here.