Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-02-20
EVERY MONTH OF WAR
IS ENR|CH|NG RUSSIANS
Economic Prosperity OF People Is
Greater Than Was Ever Con-
ceivcd Possible.
MINISTER OF FINANCE TALKS
Contrasts Conditions in His Country
With Germany's-Pcasan Grow
in Thrift and Economy Since Eli
forccment of Prohibition.

PETROGRAD. February 10 tvia Lon<
dom Russa's increasing
prosperity with Gerr!any's financial and
economic condition. the Russian Minis
ter Of Finance. Pierre l.. Bark. in n
statement TO the Associated Press to-
day. expressed the opinion that Russia
could prosecute the war indefinitely
without serious menace TO the fnan-
cial stability OF the country.
"Russia's finances rest upon the most
solid foundation In the world" said the
minister, the economic prosperity Of
the Russian people. which is now
greater than was ever conceived possi-
bic before the beginning o. the war
Thus, while the masses of the Ger
man people are reduced by war TO
povrty every month OF the war has
enriched the Russians.
The optimistic statements concern
ing Germany's financial status have de-
ceived but few. ON the other hand.
there is nothing iilusory or specious
about the Russians prosperity. It
rests upon the incontrovertible fact OF
the Russian peoples increasing savings
When year ago the savings banks
showed n monthly increase In deposits
OF 10000 600 rubles, IL was regarded
as phenomenal But that was only the
beginning. During the month OF Jan
uary the savings banks alone showed
An increase in deposits OF 10000, 0O0
ruoles. This is accounted for prin-
c!pally by the growing thrift and
economy OF the peasants since the en-
forcemcnt OF prohibition. by their
greater earning powers and the higher
wages they command and by the gov
eminent provision for the families OF
soldiers. which materially increa sed
their ante-hellum income.
CAPABLE OF RAISING
RIG INTERNAL LOANS
This marvellous prosperity makes
Russia capable OF raising a large num-
Der OF successful internal loans, and It
i by this means chiefly that we hope
TO de;Iay the expenses of war. which
have now reached 100000 rubles
monthly. Germany can call for in
ternal loans win no such confidence o.
their success
Il began modesil" with loans Of 200
100000 or 500, 600 rubies. hut the
last loan was for 1000, 900, 900 rubles,
and the present loan of 1900, 000, 900
fuoIes has every prospect of being
readily subscribed. 1t is also cnCour-
aging 20 note that the ruble has already
assumed an upward trend. while the
German mark SHOWS 40 sign OF appreci-
atins Although the greater part OF
the funds Russia needs for carrying
on the war can nc raised internally, |
q" not mean TO say thar We Will not
continue 70 rely on foreign credits
Loans with New York banks are now
being considered. and, since We offer
the best OF sccur!tv-that is. railway
bonds guaranteed by the government
II seems 10 mo loan will be mutually
beneficial. ana II is 10 be hoped will
mark the beginning OF grently increased
business between Russia ana the
United states
since the world rccorniy.s ,b,,
Russia's financial difficulties are only.
temporary and tho result of inability
quickly to mobilize her vast wealth.
W" expect to go through the war with
our credit unimpaired"