Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-08

Democratic movement. are included in
long cablegram sent BY Presidents
Samuel Gompers Of the Americas
Federation OF Labor TO the executive
committee of the Council Of w6rk.
mems and Soldiers' Deputies at Petro-
rrad
Speaking for organised lab6f m tbis
country Mr.. Gompers aisb expresses
complete confidence in the purpose
and opinions of the American war mis-
sion. soon to 60 to Russia. Although
he does not mention specifically the
recent attacks on Eiihu Root, who will
read nc mission. the labor leader de-
,ounccs "a criminal and pro German
INV suggestion that the members will
seok 20 interfere in Russia's internal
t-,7ire or viii give any advice except
eth the purpose Of combating the
common enemy.
Fo-clble anne:ations are condemned,
ri' Mr. t;1mpers pleads that every
oeorln affected by the war should in
me onl he free to choose their allegi-
anrc Punitive indemnities also are de-
r-urrtA ana hope IL expressed that
leaders, OF the working classes of the
Central Empires wifi cease plotting for
m ahortive peace and will bring real
peace hv overthrowing the autocraeies
NJ Hohenzollern annd Rapsburs.
Tire Message
The message. timed to aid in conf
hating the pro- German agitation APP
pa.ent during the last few days in
f.u-sia, was cabled yesterday. Its full
'ex'. made public tonight. follows:
m" gravest crisis in the worlds
history - row hanging in the bal
aucA ana the course which Russia will
pursue may have determining intiu-
rnce whether democracy or autocra-
shall prevail That democracy and
freedom will finally prevail there can
NJ M doubt in the minds of men who
lrpN. but the cost of the time lost
and me sacrifices which would ensue
from lpck of united action may be APP
ralling II Is to avoid this that | adj
dress YOU.
IN view of the grave crisis through
which the Russian people are passing
We assure you that you can rely alb
,outely upon the whole hearted sup
port and cooperation OF the American
people in the great war against our
common enemy. Kaiserism. In the full
fllment of that cause the present
American government has the support
~ 20 per cent. Of the American peo-
pe including the working class OF
10Th the cities and the agricultural
soetiofe.
Asitstors' Freedom
In free America as In free Russia.
tho aritatofs for pence favorable to
Prussian miIitarism have been allow
"A 20 express their spinions SO that
mo conscious and Unconscious tools
* the Kaiser appear more influential
than they really are. You should real
ne the truth Of the situation. There
are but few In America willing to al
low Kaiserism and its allies to con-
tinuA their rule over those non-Ger-
man poop,es VINO wish to be free from
their domination. Should we not pro-
test against the pro-Kaiser SOCIALIST
INTERPRETATION Of the demand Tor no
annexation namely. that all oppress-
ID non German peoples shall be COM
pellod 70 remain under the domination
~ Prussia and her lackeys. Austria
and Turkey? Should we not rather
accept the better Interpretation that
there must be no forcible annexations,
hut that every people must be free
70 choose any allegiance IL desires. as
demanded ,hy the Council or work.
mons and soldiers Deputies?
'I.Ike yourselves we are opposed TO
ain punitive and improper indemnities
We denounce the emeritus punitive in
IDENTITIES already imposed BY the
-
glum md Poland.
Americas workers share the view OF
the Council OF workmens' ana Soldiers
Deputies that the only way IN which
'he German people can bring the war
70 m carly end IL by initiating the
glorious example Of the Russian people
compelling the abdicatior OF the no.
hen1ollerns and the Hapsburgs. ana
Striving the tyrannous nobility. bureau
cracy. and the military caste from pow
tr
Cease Prstsnses
Let the German SOCIALISTS attend 20
This and cease their false pretenees ana
underground plotting to bring ABOUT an
ehor'ive peace in the interest OF kaiser
Ism, and the ruling class. Let them
ease calling pretended international
conferences at the instigation or coniv-
ance Of the Kaiser Let them cease
'heir intrigues to cajole the Russian
and American working people to inter-
rret your demand. No annexation. no
indemnities' in a way TO leave anoi-
minishcd the prestige ana the power OF
tho German military caste.
Now that Russian autocracy 10 over
thrown neither the American govern
ment nor tho American people appre-
bend that the wisdom and experience OF
Russia in the coming constitutional as
sembly will adopt any form OF govern
tn"nt other than the ono best suited TO
Your needs. We feel confident that no
message no individual ernissary' ana
no commission has been sent. or VIII
he sent with authority to oner any al
vice whatever to Russia As to the con-
duet 81 her internal AFFAIRS. Any com
mission that may be sent will help Rus
sia in any way that she desires 10
comba, Kaiserism wherever 1t exists or
may manifest itself.
Disbursement
Word has reached US that false reports
OF an American purpose and OF American
opinions contrary to the above statement
have gained some circulation in Russia
We denounce these reports as the cfimi-
nal work OF desperate pro-Kaiser propa-
sandis,s. circulated with the intent to Do
Iva lIVnR ~.