Arizona republican., 1917-06-25
AVTACON|S|M |S
 OVERCOME WHEN EL|HU ROOT TALKS
Republican A. p. Leased Wire1


 MOSCOW, Friday, June 22-The first meeting attended here by Elihu Root and the other members of the American commission today was held in the palace of the governor general. There were assembled representatives of the Zemstvo and municipal unions, the Zemstvo industrial committee and the local council of the workmen's and soldiers deputies.
 The meeting was in the nature of a test to determine whether the commis- sion was to have the real sympathy of the socialist element in the country. It is said here that no foreigner before ever succeeded in enlisting the atten- tiOn and interest of this association of committees representing the working masses of Moscow. But as MT. Root began to speak antagonism and indif- ference yielded to rapt attention and he was warmly applauded al the con- clusion.
 I've have seen nothing since we came to Russia" MT Root said, that gives cause for criticism. We marvel at the self control, the kindliness of spirit and the sound common sense the Russians display. We feel the work you are doing in the committees is on the right path toward an actual utIuOCIdCy.
 "The government of Germany the German social system, and even Ger man socialism, are all militaristic in their essential nature. They shall not gain control of free America, and if we can help you to prevent their gain ing control of free Russia we shall be happy in feeling we have assisted in the perpetuatiOn of the ideals of our fathers who fought and sacrificed to make us free"
 The representatives of the various groups replied, formally welcoming Mir Root and the other members of the commission. The only inharmoniOus note was sounded by M. Grigorieff, representing the wOrkmen's and sol diers' council He said:
 We hope that peace will be con- cluded as soon as possible. And this will be different from past treaties ha- cause peace will be concluded not by diplOmatists but by the masses | hope America will support Russia in it's desire for peace in the near future D
 The entire assembly arose and cheered the Americans when they left the hall
 At a second meeting before the city duma, MT. Root said:
 We have heard reports about dan gers threatening your new liberty, but we hope you will find a way of ex- banding your experience in local self government into power which will govern the whole nation We have the marvellous spectacle of a people re- maining peaceful and preserving the rights of others without the enforce ment of lava people waiting only fol the establishment of a strong govern ment which will lay down the proper basis for law and order. You have made sacrifices in the past; we know that you will still make sacrifices tC preserve your freedom, won at such z high cost.
 Now comes the test. You must make sacrifices. You must struggle untl your liberty is secure We have faitl that Russia will do this"
 The mayor, in reply, said:
 The aims of the war, the definition of the problem standing before hu. manity have been given by your grea pacifist, President Wilson, who in pre- serving the ideal of peace, has realized the vital importance of the struggle His way of speaking appeals to us.'
 On motion of the mayor the meetins unanimously decided to send tele gram to President Wilson. thankins h1m for sending the commission t, Russia.