New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-17
Overthrow of Tyranny
Sought in Alliance q,
with America i
Petrograd Council
Hears Our Envoy
Liberty, Without Con-
quest, Hope of Both
Republics, He Says

Petrograd, June Is, via London, June
le.-Elihu Root, head Of the American
Mission 10 Russia, was presented to-
night to the Council of Ministers, and
delivered this message from the United
States:
I'VE are going to fight, and have al.
ready begun to fight, for your freedom
as we'll as our own; and we ask you to
fight for our freedom equally with
yours"
In reply NJ. Terestchenko. Minister OF
Foreign Affairs, expressed the attitude
of the Russian government toward
America and the war in these words:
"The Russian people consider war
inevitable and will continue it. The
Russians have no imperialistic wishes.
We know that you have none. We shall
fight together to secure liberty, free
dom and happiness for all the world.
81 am happy to say that do not see
any moral idea or factor between
America and Russia 20 divide us. The
two peoples-Russia fighting tyranny
and America standing as the Oldest de-
mocracy-hand in hand will show the
way Of happiness TO nations great and
SMALL
Kerensky in Soldiers Garb
The American Ambassador, David r.
Francis, presented the Root Mission 10
the ministers in Marinsky Palace, ex-
planning that the members Of the mis-
sion had come to Russia TO learn how
America can best cooperate with its
ally in forwarding the fight against the
common enemy. The presentation was
informal only few Russian officials
and the members of the American En-
bassy attending. NJ. Kerensky, the
Youthful Minister of War, just back
from the front, wore the khaki blouse
of common soldier.
The ministers listened with rapt at
tention to Mr.. Roots address, which
wa. a powerful utterance, both in sub
stance and manner.
NJ. Terestchenko rose from sick-bed
to attend the presentation, and re-
sponded without notes, expressing great
ioy in welcoming the commission from
America. He said that Russia's revo-
luton was based on the wonderful
words uttered By America in 1776. He
read part of the Declaration OF lnde-
pendence and exclaimed:
"Russia holds with the United States
that all men are created free and
equal"
Two Great Problems
N. Tersstchenko sketched tho history
Of the Russian revolution briefly, say
ing tina. the Russians, enslaved Tor
centuries, threw off all the old order
lust as the wind blows autumn leaves
from the forest. Russia now faces TWO
problems, said the minister-the neces-
sty of creating a strong democratic
force within its boundaries and the
fohting of an external foe. Then he
declared for war and expressed un..
bounded confidence in the power Oh
Russia to meet the situation:
+,
"Mr. President and Members OF the
Council Of Ministers.
"The mission for which | have the
honor TO speak is charged by the gov,
ernment and people of the United
States OF America with message 70
the government and people Of Russia.
The mission comes from a democratic
Republic. It's members are commits
stoned and instructed by President
who holds his high Office as Chief Ex-
ecutiye of more than 100,000,000 free
people by virtue Of popular election, in
which more than 100000 votes were
freely cast and fairly counted, pur-
suant to law, by universal, equal, direct
and secret suffrage.
Freedom Before Wealth
"For one hundred and forty years our
neople have been struggling with the
hard problems of self-government.
With many shortcomings, many mis-
takes, many imperfections, we still have
maintained order and respect for law,
individual freedom and national inde-
pendence. Under tho security OF our
own laws we have grown in strength
and prosperity.
"But we value our freedom more
tnan wealth. we love llOeiby, nnu "o
cherish above all our possessions the
ideals for which our fathers fought and
suffered and sacrificed that America
might be free.
I'VE believe in the competence OF the
mower Of democracy, and in our heart
of hearts abides faith in the coming Of
a better world, in which the humble
and oppressed of all lands may be
lifted up by freedom to heritage OF
Justice and equal opportunity.
"The news of Russia's new-found
freedom brought TO America universal
satisfaction and joy. From all the land
sympathy and hope went out to the
new sister in the circle of democracies.
And the mission is sent TO express that
feeling.
A Greeting Of Godspeed
"The American Democracy sends to
the Democracy Of Russia q greeting OF
sympathy, friendship, brotherhood,
Godspeed. Distant America knows lit
tie OF the special conditions OF Russian
life which must give form to the gov
ernment and laws which you are about
to create. As we have developed our
institutions TO serve the needs OF our
national character and life, so. We as
sumo, that you will develop your ineti'
tutions to serve the needs OF Russian
- -. .<sr ar1 lifa