Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-09

the civilian population"
Prince Lvoff proceeded to discuss the
internal situation, declaring that this
has had a marked influence on Rus
sia's ability TO carry on tho fight in the
war with vigor.
Note" he said, that though every
week there have been loudly adver-
tised plans to overthrow the govern
ment by force. there has not been one
attempt TO execute the plans made.
Furthermore. 1 may deny the runors
of reactionary ahd revolutionary agi-
tation. and threats of Jewish pogroms,
Of which there Is no sign whatever.
'On the whole, the nation Is salts
fed with the provisional government
because the government. though hamp-
cred by grave military and diplomatic
preoccupatiops. has already success
fully carried through internal reforms
which embody tho traditional aspira-
lions of Russia's progressives.
Naturally" he said, "the separatist
movement in Finland and Ukraine
causes anxiety. In this there are two
contrary features-the first, n rishtful
desire for increased self-governmeu at
and legitimate historical and cultural
aspirations. and secondly. irresponsible
separatism, which menaces Russia's
essential unity.
with regard 10 the Rrst the gov
ernment stands for policy OF con-
cessions, but until the constituent as
sembly definitely offers the empire, we
have no right to give way on tho Sec
ond point. l wait impatiently for the
convocation of the constituent assem-
bly, in October. The assembly, express-
ing the will of all Russia. will arm the
government with legal authority to
take repressiVe measures against an
archy and dissolution, II, unhappily.
these are still necessary
TAKING SHARP MEASURES
AGAINST DISORDERS
In the meantime. as an evidence of
our growing power, note that in the
last few days we have been able to
take sharp measures against extreme
disorders. even arresting particularly
vicious agitators."
Prince Lvoff went on to declare that
diplomatic relations With the allies
were much improved; that, notwith-
standing three months of stagnation on
the part OF Russia's army and the
critical attitude OF her democracy to
the allies, the program of mutual con-
fdence was mistaken.
That" explained the prince, "is the
result of our new democracy, which is
absolutely frank and truthful am
convinced that II means new era of
relations.
Equally satisfactory are our rela-
tlohe Win america. Let me here
press TO America our hearty satisfac-
tion at the visit of the Root mission.
/ have had the strongest possible sup
port from Mr.. Root personally am
amazed how he Immediately grasped
the essential fact that our troubles
were transitory. and understood tho
broader and more essential problems
which the Russians themselves have
not yet bean able to understand Al
low mo to add that American Russian
re lations have also been admirably
ha ndled by your ambassador. Mr.. Fran
els"
In conclusion. Prince Lvofc discussed
Russo American and Russian world re-
lations with great eloquence and fer
vor. declaring that the greatest hope
lies in Russia's new appreciation to
America.
For decades of darkness and on
preston" he said. America had been
our ideal Of freedom and intellectual
and material development. rather not
our idea, for we had considered it un-
attainable. but a remote fairy tale of
happiness. How we have in ono jump
reached Americas coaditiol of free
dom.