Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-27
PLEDGES RUSSIA
TO ALLIED CAUSE
Bakhmetief Solemnly Promises
His Country Will Fight I'm
til Victory Is Won.
STANDS BESIDE AMERICA
Senatorial Reserve Cast to Winds
When Head of Mission
Makes Address.
tBy Associated Pr,~,.)


Boris a. Bakhmetien head OF Russia s
diplomatic mission. gave solemn
pledge that the Russian people and
army. Convinced that a separate peace
would mean the triumph OF German
autocracy." are prepared to fight on
beside America until the world has
been made safe for democracy.
The ambassador spoke before the
Senate, and was given a reception al
most as enthusiastic as that accorded
him on Saturday in the House. On no
previous occasion since the war began
has senatorial reserve been cast so
completely aside. AT the conclusion
of the address. resolution was
adopted by unanimous consent express
ing the Scnatc's qualification over the
stand OF the newest democracy.
Russia rejects with Indignation any
idea of a separate peace" said the
envoy. Striving for lasting peace
based on democratic principles cstab-
lishcd by democratic WILL the Russian
people and army are rallying their
forces around the banners OF freedom.
Russia wants the world to be safe for
democracy. To make il safe means
10 have democracy rIlc the world"
GREAT CHANGES IN RUSSIA
ARE BADLY MISUNDERSTOOD
Many OF the rumors of internal dis
sension in Russia. Mr.. Bakhmetien
said. grew out OF misunderstanding of
the great changes taking place in the
whole fabric OF the government to
transform it to democratic standards
He pleaded for patience and confidence
that these changes, although they
mi ght take time, would be worked ous
successfully in the end
Tonight the ambassador and other
members OF the Russian mission were
given a reception by Secretary Lansing
with President Wilson among the
guests.
Mr. Bakhmetief spoke encouraging
ly. he did in the House, pledging
Russia's unfaltcring adherence to the
cause OF the grand alliance against
German autocracy and rejecting with
out qualification separate peace. In
part, the ambassador said:
II am not going to conceal the
gravity OF the situation that confronts
tho Russian provisional government.
The creation anew Of country Of
boundless e1panse on distinctly new
principles will. OF course take time.
and impatience should not be shown
SHOULD NOT FORGET
We should not forget that in this
immense transformation various in
terests wifi seek 10 assert themselves,
and until the work of settlement is
completed struggle among opposing
currents is inevitable. Attempts on
the part OF disorganizing elements to
take advantage of this moment of
transition must be met with calmness
and confidence. Two considerations
make me feel that Russia has passed
the stage when the future appeared
vague and uncertain. In the first place
Is the firm conviction of the necessity
Of legality. which is widely develop
ing and firmly establishing itself
throughout the country.
My latest advices give joyful con-
drmation OF the establishment of a
firm power, strong in its democratic
precepts and activity. strong in the
trust reposed in it by the people and
its ability to enforce law and order.
I'm the second place. and no less
important. is the growing conviction
that the issues of the revolution and
the future of Russia's freedom are
| closely connected with the fighting
might OF the country.
There has been period closely fol-
lowing the revolution of almost total
suspension of all military activity. a
period of what appeared to be dis
integration Of the army. period which
gave rise to serious doubts and TO
gloomy forebodings. AT the same
time there cnsued unlimited freedom of
speech and of the press, which afforded
| opportunities for expression of the
most extreme and antinational views"
FALSE IMPRESSION
Is GIVEN TO WORLD
This. he said. gave the world a false
| impression of Russia's internal situa-
| ton. What Russia is striving for, he
added, is the establishment of a firm
and lasting peace between democratic
| nations"
Russia is firmly convinced" he said,
| that Il separate peace would mean
the triumph of German autocracy.
would render lasting peace impossible,
and ever be a threatening menace to
the newborn freedom of Russia"
Referring to the reorganization of
the army. the amba ssador said:
Like the nation, the army, an Off
spring OF the people. had to be built
on democratic lines. Such work takes
time. We live in democratic epoch.
where people who sacrifice their lives
! Siiouih iuiiS ISdilSe lnS EedSonS tHeTe.
for. and the principles for which they
are fighting.
The provisional government Is TAX
| Ing measures promptly to restore the
country to life. so deeply dsorganized
by the inefficiency of the previous
rulers. and to provide for whatever
| is necessary for military success.
I'm close touch with the Pan
peasant congress. the government has
| taken control of stores of food sup
plies. and Is providing for effective
transportation and just distribution.
The government has undertaken the
regulation of the production of main
products vital for the country and
the army. The government at the
same time la making all endeavor to
settle labor difficulties.
| !. THE Russian people and Its army
| ,1tContinucd on Second Page) ..51j !.