The Washington times., 1917-06-17

PETRoGRAD. June 17.-In his nrst
formal speech since arriving. former
Senator Root, head Of the American
mission. told the Russian ministry
yesterday that the United States had
begun the fight not only for her own,
but for Russia's freedom as well"
from the menace OF world autocracy.
His whole speech was devoted to
an exposition OF Americas determine
tion not to wage war for profit in
lands or power. but simply for preer-
walton Of the democracies OF the
world. He urged that Russia. the
new democracy, join with the Oldest
democracy in fighting a common foe.
Responding on behalf OF the provi-
sional government. Russian speakers
expressed Russia's determination to
stand with America and fight to hold
the new democracy.
The meeting was in Marinsky Pal
ace. American Ambassador Francis
introduced the mission to the provi-
sional ministers. Minister Of Foreign
Affairs Tereschenko welcomed the
visitors on behalf OF Russia
The triumph OF Germany will
mean death OF liberty in Russia"
Root declared. responding. mo en-
emy is at the gates OF America. but
America has come to realize that the
triumph of German arms will mean
the death OF liberty in the world.
The American democracy sends to
the democracy of Russia a greeting
Of sympathy. friendship, brotherhood.
Godspeed."
Root read copious extracts from
President Wilson's speeches and mes
sages showing Americas war aims
and her stand as to world democracy
Mr.. Roots Address.
Mr.. Root spoke as follows:
Mr.. president and members OF the
council of ministers: The mission for
which I have the honor to speak Is
charged by the Government and peo-
pie OF the United States OF America
with a message to the government
and people of Russia The mission
comes from a democratic republic. Its
members are commissioned and in
strlcted by a President who holds his /
high office as chief executive OF more
than 1OO.00O.OOO free people by virtue
of popular election. in which more
than 1S,OOO,0OO votes were freely cast
and fairly counted pursuant to law,
by universal. equal, direct, and secret |
suffrage
For 40 years our people have
been struggling with the hard prob !
lens Cf selt-government With many |
shortcomings, many mistakes, many !
imperfections, we still have main |
tained order and respect for law. in !
dividual freedom, and national inde- |
pendence. Under the security of our |
own lays we have grown in strength |
and prosperity. But we value our |
freedom more than wealth. We love |
liberty, and we cherish above all |
our possessions the ideals for which |
our fathers fought and sacrificed that [
America might be free.
I'VE believe in the competence of I
the power OF democracy. and in or |
heart OF hearts abides faith in ths |
coming OF a better world in which !
the humble ad oppressed Of all lands !
may be lefited up by freedom 20 a
heritage of justice and equal oppor- |
tunity.
RussIa's Freedom Welcomed.
The news Of Russia's new-Gound |
freedom brought to America uni |
versal satisfaction and JOY. From all 1
the land sympathy and hope went out |
u Aht EAEAEA IN AAt NlINAH OF 4
democracies. And the mission Is sent /.
to express that feeling.
THE American democracy sends to I
the democracy Of Russia a greeting |
Of sympathy. friendship. brotherhood. |
godspeed. Distant America knows |
little OF the special conditions OF Rus I
sian life which must give form to |
the government and laws which you
are about to create. As We have de- |
veloped our institutions to serve the |
needs OF our national character and |
life. so we assume that you will de-
velop your institutions to serve the |
needs OF Russian character and life. !
''As we look across the sea we dis |
tinguish no party, no class. We see |
great Russia as a whole, as one |
mighty, striving, aspiring democracy.
We know the self-control, essential |
kindliness. strong common sense. |
courage, and noble idealism of the |
Russian character.
Defeat Il Death to Liberty.
I'VE have faith in you all. We pray
for Gods blessing upon you all. We |
believe you will solve your problems,
that you will maintain your liberty. |
and that our two great nations will |
march side by side in the triumphant !
progress OF democracy until the old |
order everywhere has passed away |
and the world Is free.
zone fearful danger threatens the /
liberty OF both nations. The armed 4
forces OF a military autocracy are at |
the gates of Russia and the allies. The |
triumph OF German arms will mean |
the death of libery in Russia No 1
enemy is at the gates OF America, but |
America has come TO realize that the |
triumph OF German arms means the |
death Of liberty in the world: that we |
who love liberty and would keep II |
must night for IL. and fight for IT now /
when the free democracies OF the |
world may be strong in union. and not |
delay until they may be beaten down !
separately in succession.
Russia Urged to Fight.
$50. America sends another message |
to Russia-that we are going 10 fight, |
and have already begun to fght, for |
your freedom equally with our own,
and we ask you to night for our free !