The sun., 1917-08-25
ROOT ADVICE HEEDED
Lansing Optimistic in Spite
of German Thrust at
PetrOgrad.
WILSON SENDS MESSAGE
Collapse of New Republic Not
Thought to Hang on Possible
Evacuation of Riga.
Special Despdtch to THE Srv.

Special Despdtch to TIE Srv
WASHINGTON. Aug 24.--That the
United States will make every effort to
assist Russia at this highly critical time
was shown to-day in several ways. Sec
retary McAdoo announced that an addi-
tional credit of $1O0,Oo0,0OO had been
granted to the Russian Government, and
Secretary lansing, after expressing con-
fidence in Russias political and military
struggles. made public an official COM
munication to the Russian ambassador
predicting that all obstacles will be over
come.
1t was very evident that the Govern
ment here will follow the advice of Elihu
Root. who headed the American mission
to Russia, and maintain confidence in
the new Russian Government and in the
fundamental characteristics of the Rus
sian people so long as this course is
possible
| The disquieting news concerning Ger
| man domination OF Riga and the menace
TO Petrograd finally was admitted both
! at the State Department and at the Rus
sian Embassy to-day. But Secretary
! Lansing took a very optimistic view
and refused to believe that this indi-
| Gated "A threatened collapse of Russias
| military power. Riga has been evacu-
ated at least five times before. he pointed
! out, and the transfer OF the Government
from Petrograd TO Moscow did not neces-
| sarily forebode disastrous consequence
In fact. Mr.. Lansing said that in his
| opinion, Russia was stronger from
| military and political viewpoint than she
| was a month ago.
Total Credit G275,OOO,OOO.
The credits thus extended to
Russia by the United States now total
| s27J, J,OOO, 900. Japan heretofore has been
| advancing Russa's much needed funds
| Before the 500. 600. 900 loan was ar
| ranged Mr.. McAdoo held conferences
with Ambassador Bakhmeteff and Cy-
rus Mccormick. who was the financial
member Of the American mission to
| Russia.
| At the Russian Embassy It was ad-
mitted that Riga or even Petrograd
! might fail to the Germans. but without
serious consequences TO Russia's war
aims. Mator-Gen. Scott, Chief OF Staff
of the United States army. likewise in
dicated that the capture Of Petrograd
! by the Germans might not be OF such
great strategic value as one might as
sumo on all sides there was manifest
desire to look on matters from the most
encouraging viewpoint, and meanwhile
to do everything possible to assist the
Russian Government ut this hour OF dire
need
! Added impetus was given to-day to
| the suggestion that Col. Roosevelt be
sent to Russia in military capacity
when II became known that President
| Wilson has received appeals to put this
| plan into effect. and that one of the
! recognized leading military authorities
OF the country believed II would serve
| at once to crystalline and stabilize the
national feeling In the Russian armies
Would Inspire Confidence.
! This authority. who is an army officer
Of the highest rank and on active duty.
said to-day:
Whether Col. Roosevelt went at the
| head of 100000 men or with only ten
men the effect on the Russian military
establishment would be invaluable al
this critical time. The mere announce
jment from Washington that Roosevelt
was going TO Russia would be worth
more than all the state documents or
| diplomatic speeches that could be con-
| ceived here or in Europe The one
great neeI in Russia now Is something
/ to crystallize the national military SEN
! tgmcnt before II IS too late. and the one
man who could do this Is Col. Roos,-
! velt."
/ II is known now that the recommend.
ton from the Governments inner circle
OF advisers that Col. Roosevelt be seut
who Is opposed TO the Coionels political
faith but recognizes that all political
lines disappear in the interest OF prose-
cutting the war against the common
enemy.
Announcement of the new loan came
from the Treasury soon after Secretary
Lansing, at the State Department had
denied formally that reports from Russia
were of an unfavorable nature and de-
Clared that on the contrary confidential
dispatches to the Government formed
the basis for Its belief that the admins
tration at Petrograd was Strengthening
its position.
Lansing Voices Optimism.
81 regard the Government of Russia
as stronger to-day than 1t has been for
month";" Mr Lansing said. 81 mean
in general both from political and mill
tary points OF view. This opinion ia
based upon reports more or less con-
fidential that We have been getting"
Secretary Lansing made public note
! he had just sent to Ambassador Bakh-
meteff replying to a message of as
surance from Foreign Minister Teresch-
tenko on August l3 and conveying on
| behalf of President Wilson a renewed
expression of sympathy and confidence
! for the Russian Government. The note
! follows:
! Il have the honor to acknowledge ths
receipt OF your note of the third instant,
| in which you transcrbe q communication
! from the Minister of Foreign Affairs in
| Russia to the Government OF tho United
| States
! "A translation of that communication
| has been furnished to the President, who
in fun appreciation OF the vast task con-
| fronting the provisional Government Of
! Russia IN the reconstruction of that
country and the reorganization OF its
| forces and OF the energy with which tho
Government is endeavoring in the faro
OF dsloyalty and enemy Inspired propa 7sc
ganda to uphold the good faith of RUSSIAN