The evening world., 1917-04-30
SEND ROOSEVELT TO RUSSIA.

vSHE soundness Of The Evening Worlds suggestion that Theo-
dore Roosevelt be sent with the American mission to Russia is
made still palmer by the points Of view from which that mission.
IL now publicly discussed.
tits no disparagement Of the eminent attainments and diplomatic
qualifications of Elihu Root, who heads the mission, to urge that they
be reinforced for the special purposes in view.
Instant protest from Socialist and labor groups in the United
States and Europe following the announcement Of Mr.. Roots appoint
ment and acceptance are sufficient indication that his power for good
in Petrograd could be greatly strengthened by the presence Of a man
who appeals more directly to popular instinct and sympathy.
Socialist and labor groups are all-important elements in that
surgng, ~seethins mass of revOlutionized Russia, dazed by the
sudden light of democracy, with dozens of would-be leaders
urging Il this way and that.
To help coordinate and concentrate such forces calls for
something besides craftsmanship. Il needs wide personal appeal,
inspiration, rallying power.
As The Evening World has pointed out, the United States
has no man better fitted to take part in a job of this sort than
Theodore Roosevelt.
He is a born raller. No American has made himself more widely
known or more popular in Europe. His magnetism breaks through
barriers Of language. His energy compels attention. And he has
contrived throughout his career to remain, in the eyes Of the average
man in most countries of the world, the friend of humanity, the repre-
sentative and defender of democracy and the tireless supporter Of
popular causes.
In all these directions Mr.. Roosevelt would supply in Russia
q natural, invaluable complement to the intellectual power of Mr..
Root. Al the same time he would make a more dignihed and a
more efficient member of the Russian mission than any American
Socialist or labor leader selected as such.
We do not suppose, of course, that Col. Roosevelt would be eager
TO 60 to Russia. On the contrary, we know he still conceives it his
pressing duty to raise a division and fight in France.
But Fl { were proved to MI. Roosevelt that the first and most
fsrreachins service he could render hs country lies in Russia,
Uuiu ~ . rchubc u jun Nns NoOtI
Could any thinking man read even the meagre reports that come
from Russia without realizing that there is a situation which calls for
instant, energetic action?
Russia in political chaos, Russia nearing collapse, Russia likely to
make a separate peace, Russia setting free millions Of German and
Austrian troops for the Imperial German Government to rush to the
western war front, Russia turning a reviving current of food and sup
plies into Germany, Russia indefinitely prolonging the war-it is not
a prospect to contemplate long without making every effort that may
be humanity possible to avert II.
Not alone for its own sake-and it is upon the United States that
burdens and responsibilities which Russia drops are bound to fall
but for the sake of its allies, this nation cannot afford not to do its
utmost to inspire and encourage democratic Russia to hold firm.
No American whose qualities specially marked him for a part in
such a task could turn his back upon il.
Theodore Roosevelt would be no less valuable to the United
States as a fighter and leader in the field after he had done his
best toward showing new Russia the only way il can deserve the
enduring friendship and respect of democracy henceforth.
Nor could MIR. Roosevelts own patriotism begin by under
taking a more substantial and glorious rvice-selfdenying as
il might be.
The time h short. Col. Rooseyelts efforts to secure command
of an early expedition to France may prove successful.
Nevertheless The Evening World again insists; The Admin
isration could take no sounder, more far-seeing action at this
moment than to send MIR. Roosevelt with MIR. Root to Petrograd.
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