Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-03
"Shirt-Slccvc Diplomacy"

IN the troubled capital of Russia one OF
l The most conspicuous and influential
figures just now is the American ambassador.
David r. Francis OF Missouri. He has won
confidence and affection. and he is paving
the way for the arrival of the American
commiss' on. headed Ivy Elihu Root. which
will help 10 restore order and sanity through
out the new republic.
One member OF the commissioner Charles
Il. Crane. Of Chicago-already is on the
ground. having gone to Russia soon after the
outbreak OF the revolution. From MIR.
Crane. through correspondent in Pctroerad.
come many concentrations OF the work Mr..
Francis is doing. This includes speeches TO
delegations of soldiers and workmen. and ac-
tive collaboration with Minister Of War
Kerensky. in whom many critical and in
formed observers find Russia's chief hope.
OF the ambassador, Mr.. Crane says:
!, is fortunate we have here AT this
moment interpreter like Francis
4, the heennns OF his term as am.
diplomat. because he lived simply. drove
a Ford fervently and when he wanted
thing done did i, himself But to-
and The most Influential person in Pc
trograd-and among all classes. II he
luxurious eoid-lace- wearing diplomats
he would have failed That sort of
diplomat always fails
That is good hearing. although many who
know Mr.. Francis intimately will not recog-
nize him in his new incarnation. In the
opinion Of the Springfield Republican. he is
not Just the type OF citizen who could have
been expected TO fit famously into the
changed order of things" nor would it have
been possible. before the proof TO think of
Mr.. Francis as 'fervcntly driving a Ford
car
Well times change and men with them,
as the Republican would be among the first
to recognize. This is "shirt-sleeve" war
and the world is rapidly becoming a shirt
sleeve world. If MIR. Francis is able TO
make his manner fit the period and the oc
casion, it is just another demonstration Of
that American adapta bility on which we all
pride ourselves and in which certainly. a
diplomat should not be lacking
Values are shifting or acquiring another
accent. Issues and events are too big con-
sequences OF error too appalling, to encour-
age the old diplomatic methods OF subtertuge
and evasion. Even in diplomacy. it would
seem, honesty actually is becoming the best
policy Ornaments may be omitted
We do not underestimate the graces and
amenities of another order: they. will find
again their place in life when peace is re-
stored but just now the world is too busy
When civilza ton itself is at stake. there
is time to concern ourselves with the fit
OF waistcoat the display of a decoration or
the depth of a bow. Workmanship. re-
lentess. nerve-wracking toil---is the neces-
sary burden of days.
1t is encouraging and inspiring to find Mr.
Francis ma king honorable and useful
place for himself in Petrograd If the am
bassador.' says the Republican. has been
displaying democratic tendencies that have
made him popular with the Russian people
the Root commission may find. on their ar
rival IN Russia. that 2 helpful start has been
made toward the accomplishment of the
things they were dispa tched 10 help along"
That is hope We all shall echo IT, in
cidentally. shir,-sloeve diplomacy shall
vindicate itself, some OF us may have an
other occasion TO change our minds.
4 New York Judge has held man guilty