Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-12-30
j. s. TREATY WITH
RUSSIA To END
WEDNESDAY
Barring American Jews From
Cars Domain Terminates
30 Year Agreement.

WASHINGTON, Dec. $O-Next Wed
nesday, January /, 1918, marks the day
on which the treaty between Russia
and the United States viii be abro-
gated.
This international agreement between
The car and Uncle Sam was entered
into in 1882 and was terminated be-
cause Of Russia's refusal TO grant pass
ports to American citizens who were Of
the Jewish race.
While the relations between these
two countries have been Of very
cordial nature. in a diplomatic sense,
matters began to grow acute when emil
nent American citizens OF Hebrew lin
cage were subjected to the humiliation
of being denied entrance into Russia,
solely because of their religion 1t is
understood forces are at work for the
formation OF a new treaty.
There had been some desultory agi-
iatiou in regard to this matter from
time to Sine, but Il came to head
last summer when oscar Straus. for
rer minister to Constantinople and re
Gently a candidate for governor of New
York, and Jacob Schin, New York
banker. applied to the Russian gov
eminent for passports as American cit
liens and were refused.
This hampering Of two eminent
American citizens, whom this country
had frequently honored, precipitated
The agitation which eliminated in the
action taken by congress abrogating
the treaty. steps have been taken,
however to continue friendly relations
between the two countries
Treaty a Marvel.
This alliance was one Of the dipIe-
matte marvels Of the age. Here was
a country which represented the Last
word in autocratic tyranny assuming
and maintaining a most cordial atti-
tude toward republic and democ
racy which was fairly set out upon
mission 10 cast down. those political
ideals which the former country was
making its chief object to maintain.
Notwithstanding this, Russia has al
ways been ranged on the side of the
United States in every international
issue involving the welfare of this gov
eminent.
At the time the question of abrogat-
ing the treaty was up before congress,
President Taft pointed out that the
treaty was old and Anticipated and that
while it's provisions had been violated
in the matter of the American Jews,
there were also other important ques-
tions that had arisen since the ratifi
cation of the treaty which were not
covered by it,
1t was William Sulzer democratic
governor elect of the state of New
York, who initiated the fight on the
treaty in the house of representatives.
AS chairman Of the committee ON for
eign affairs, he arose and, burning with
indignation, called the attention of
the house to the gross violation of the
ancient pact and demanded its abroga-
ton.
Sulzer Pushed Fight.
introducing resolution to this ef-
feet. Mr.. Suzer precipitated q fight in
the house which lasted several days
Some members were disposed to look
upon Russia's discriminatory tactics
with indifference, but before the debate
had progressed many days the temper
Of the American people made itself
felt in so palpable a manner that con-
gress voted overwhelmingly to abrogate
the treaty.
This does not mean that diplomatic
relations between Russia and the Unit
ed States are indefinitely suspended
In fact, they will not be cut off at all
in a practical sense 1t was but re-
Gently that President Taft sent mes
sage to the czar cOngratulating him
upon his birthday and that ruler re
piled in terms of warm cordiality.
The treaty Of 1882 was effected by
ter at St Petersburg. and Count Nessel-
rode, Russian minister Of foreign af-
fairs. At that time no mention was
made by either government Of personal
rights independent of commercial
rights, and it was this very technical
itv which resulted i'm its abrogation
eighty years later.
At the time the treaty was made it
was looked upon as a shrewd diplomat
ic victory for Buchanan and he was
the recipient Of numerous congratua-
tions. The terms of the treaty were
considered to be broad. although the
thought of both countries was. doubt
less, that it related to commercial af-
fairs only
Southerner Barred First.
The first case OF record in which an
American jew was denied passport into
Russia was in 1852, when the Russian
government refused to wise the pass
port Of A. Dudley Mann. who was aft
erward assistant secretary Of state and
envoy to Brussels from the Southern
Confederacy during the Civil war
Mr.. Mann complained to Secretary of
state Everett that the first. article of
the treaty had been violated But that
statesman did not concur i'm his view
Of it. HE said the treaty covered com
mercial relations only and called