The Washington times., 1912-11-18
PASSPORT FIGHT
WILL Be KEPT Up
BY RACE LEADERS
Washington Rabbi and Attor-
ney Ready to Help Battle
for Equal Rights.

ANY idea that an agreement could be
reached with Russia in the matter OF
treaty relations without considering the
passport question as It relates TO MEM
bers of the Hebrew race In this country
was dispelled by statements made by
Simon Wolf, an attorney of the city
and the Rev, DR.. Abram Simon, OF the
Washington Hebrew congregation, two
of tho most influential Hebrews OF the
District, this morning.
Both men declared that the matter
was not one that should be considered
from the marrow standpoint OF race.
but concerned the American nation and
its citizens, and on that ground could
not be considered without receiving OPP
position from a large proportion OF tho
American citizens.
I'VE shall do all in our power to pre-
vent any arrangement being made with
Russia whereby the passport question
will be ignored, shclved or postponed.
and simply the money question made
the pivot for continued friendly reia-
tions," said Mr.. Wolf.
Will Keep Up Fight.
"It is better to have no relauons
whatever with Russia and ultimately
to secure the great purpose TOT which
we have been fighting. than subordinate
the real issue for the sake of rev pal
try dollars. u,, ,,,,vor
"I speak only as an American ciizen
in this matter. for 1t Is an issue oI tne
rights NJ American citizens abroad.
This country fought great war last
ing four years, for the sake OF % pm pn,
ciple. Is 1t now going to sacrllSe tila.
principle for the sake or Ieia'Ne''
ipa nj Of money
Mr.. Wolf denied that he haa take1
any action taward arous!gg scntinent II
this matter through means OF the oilier
ent Hebrew organizations ms." VI ,,S,r
President Taft would not give him IN
formation regarding any posslbllity ol
O. commercial treaty being siSheu; MT
Wolf said that lie knew nothing OF any
action being taken toward the signing o.
a treaty at this time nor OF any 1eellhr
on the part OF the Administration tina
such a coplmerCial treaty ouSht 10 p'
signed without including consideration
of the passport question
DR.. Simons Views.
The Rev. DR.. Simon called attention t.
the fact that the matter of the treat!
had been made political issue up t.
the present time in this country. III
also said that Russia probably wished t.
consun mate commercial treaty befor'
the first of January and that action t.
this end might be taken by that coun
try.
THE present situation undoubtedly re
Quircs careful consideration" said Dr
Simon in reply to question as t
whether the Eastern situation might no
CCmplicate the problem. on account q
tho desire Of American diplomats 4
continue on friendly terms with Russia
Il do not think that the matter can b
considered, however, without prope
adjustment of the passport situation
and l speak AS n citizen, not AS mem
Der or representative Of the Hebrey
race"
"As far as know" he continued
there has no action been taken by an
OF the Hebrew organizations here Il
the matter. The matter Is too broad I
be placed on such IA basis. 1t is ques
ton of recognition OF the rights o
American citizens OF any racial char
acterists.'
Sounding Public Opinion.
Whether certain reports which hav
been given out that modus vivendi ha
been decided upon between Russia an
this country to avert tariff war ha
been fathered by certain mOneyed inter
ests for commercial purposes could ne
be determined, It being suggested ais
that the report was given out for tn
purpose OF sounding public opinion.
Rabbi Simon declared that althoug
no action had yet been taken agains
tho consummat!on Of Il Commercii
treaty by any of the Hebrew organiZu
ticns here, It was not at all improbabl
that they might take stand on I'll
ground Of infringement OF their right
of citizenship II the matter wei
brought to Il mead.