Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-25
ROOT AROUsEs RUSSIANS
TO GREAT ENTHUSIASM
No Foreigner Ever Before Enlisted
Attention Of Committees Repre-
scnting Working Glasses.
MEETING IN NATURE OF TEST
Held to Determine Whether Commits.
sion Is to Havc Real Sympathy OF
Socialist Elcment-Later Ameri-
can Addresses Moscow City Duma.
tBv Associated Pre.:.


MOSCOW. Friday, June 22.-The first
meeting attended here by Elihu Root
and members Of the American commits
sion to-day was held in the palace of
the Governor General. There were as
scmblcd representatives of the Zemstvo
and municipal unions. the Zemstvo in
dustrial committee and the local Coun-
ell OF the Workmens and Soldiers
Deputies.
The meeting was in the nature Of a
test to determine whether the commits
sion was to have the real sympathy Of
the Socialist element In the country.
II IL said here that no foreigner ever
before succeeded In enlisting the atten-
ton and interest OF this association of
committees representing tho working
masses of Moscow. But as MIR. Root
began TO speak, antaEonism and indif-
ference yielded to rapt attention. and
he was warmly applaudcd at the con-
clusion.
We have seen nothing since we
, came to Russia" said Mr.. Root, that
gives cause for criticism. We marvel
at the self-control. the kindness OF
spirit and the sound common sense that
the Russians display. We feel that,the
work you are doing in the committees
is OH the right path toward perma-
nent democracy.
The government of Germany, the
German social system. even German
socialism. all are militaristic In their
essential nature. They shall not gain
control of free America and II we can
help you TO prevent their gaining con-
troll OF free Russia We shall be happy
in feeling that We have assisted in the
pcrpctuation of the ideals of our faith
crs who fought and sacrificed to make
US free
FORMALLY WELCOME
AMERICAN MISSION
The representatives OF the various
groups replied, formally welcoming Mr..
Root and the other members Of the
commission. Tho only inharmonious
representing the Workinsmen's Coun-
Gil He said
we hope that peace will be con-
cluded as soon as possible. And this
VIII he different from past peace
treaties. because peace will be con-
cluded not By diplomatists, but by the
masses. ] hope that America will sup
port Russia in its desire for peace in
the near future"
NJ. Grigorien explained. however. in
discussion At the conclusion of the
meeting with James Duncan. vice
president OF the American Federation
OF Labor. that ne did not wish TO be
interpreted al saying that Russia would
quit lighting before IT was possible TO
arrange peace in the best interests
OF democracy.
The entire assembly arose and
chccrcd the Americans when they left
the hall.
AT the second meeting before the
city Duma. Mr.. Root said
We have heard reports about dan.
gers threatening your new liberty. but
We hope you will find way of ex-
pandins your experience In local self
government into power which Will
govern the whole nation. We have
the marvellous spectacle OF a people
remaining peaceful and preserving the
rights OF others without the enforce
ment OF lava people waiting only
for tho establishment of a strong COW
eminent which will lay down the
proper basis for Law and order. You
have made sacrifices in the past: VIC
know that YOU will still make sacri-
fccs to preserve your freedom. won
a, such high cost. Now comes the
test. You must make sacrifices You
secure. We have faith that Russia
will do this"
The Mayor. in reply. said:
Russia welcomes Americas assist
, ance In her present period Of Infrmity
and economic exhaustion"
He concluded with a eulosy OF
President wilson, saying:
The aims OF war, the definition OF
the problem standing before humanity
have been given by your great paci-
6st. President Wilson. who. in pre-
serving the ideal OF peace has re-
allied the vital Importance OF tho
struggle. His way Of speaking appeals
to u.s."
On motion of the Mayor the meet
ing unanimously decided to send a
telegram TO President Wilson, thank
inG him for sending the Root commits
sion to Russia.