Evening journal., 1917-04-27
Peoples Column
LIBERTY REPLICA FOR RUSSIANS
Mr.. George Carter, Editor, TIE

III MI AAAAEh II Nv
Mr.. George Carter, Editor, THE
EVENING JOURNAL. Whining
ton. Del
Dear Mr.. Carter. l take the liberty
of inquirlng whether you would be
willing to act as a member of the ad-
vlsory board OF the American Liberty
Fund Committee, which Is being or
ganized for the purpose of eommem-
Grating the liberation of Russia by
sending to the Russian people re-
plica of the Statue OF Liberty, with
appropriate symbolic features that
would make the gift distinctly Amer
lean.
As I originally outlined the project
in The American Hebrew" the ma.
tional Jewish weekly, / proposed
gift by the Jews of America to Free
Russia on the occasion Of Russian
liberation and emancipation of the
Jews. But a number OF distinguished
Americans have expressed their eag-
erness to participate in the movement
to send to Free Russia a great and
splendid expression OF Americas CON
tribution to Russia on the occasion Of
her liberation.
IL has therefore been decided to
make the plan wider in scope, so that
this gift to emancipated Russia shall
represent ALL America.
The idealism Of the plan appeals
10 the hearts and the imagination OF
the people, and is meeting with an
To- IN
Russia needs immediate arr sub
stantial aid, it seems to me that in
addition to the material help which
America will extend, the great event
OF the democratizauon ot Russia
should be commemorated in terms OF
liberty. This would not be merely an
idealistic gift to the Russian people
II would serve at this time to inspire
strengthen and unity the democratic
forces in Russia against the elements
that are, consciously or unconsciously
undermining the library secured aftel
centuries of martyrdom.
Il is our intention TO make the com
mittee national and thoroughly repre-
sentative of America. We hope to en-
list the cooperation Of Governors
mayors of large cities. distinguished
ciers and representatives Of labor.
AS a student of Russian life anC
literature for many years. havinl
Travelled in Russia as the representa-
tive of leading American pubica
tions, have exposed the cruelties o
the old regime of the Russian auto
cracv and have endeavored TO inter
pret the aspirations and achievement
OF the real Russia through transla
tions OF some Of the works OF the Rus
sian master minds and leaders Of pre-
gressive thought. Knowing the spiri
OF the emancipated people Of Russia
am particularly eager that this gif
OF America should be truly represer
tative of the spirit and the ideals o
America.
II seems to me that every State Il
the Union will desire to be identified
with this great movement. May
count on your endorsement of tn
plan. and your cooperation?
The following gentlemen have a
ready consented to act on the Advii
ory Board: Frederic c. Howe. Con
missioner Of immigration; George S
Davis, President of Hunter College G
CITY OF New York: Hon. James
Price. Mayor of Wilmington, Del.
Hon. Charles Z. Townsend. U. S. Sci
ator from Michigan; DR.. II \. MAJ
Cracken, President Vassar College
Gordon Auchincloss, Of New York
Hon. James K Vardaman. L. s. Sen
ator from Mississippi; Willard Saull
bury, L. S. Senator from Delaware
Wesley /. Jones, U. S. Senator froI
Washington.
have just received the followin
cable from Prof Paul Milyukov. Ru
sian Minister of Foreign Affairs:
"Berstein,
Liberty Fund, New York:
"Please accept the kindest greeting
and thanks from the liberated Russi
for your idea of celebrating her emal
cipatlon by sending US the copy
the Statue of Liberty. which gift ii
renewed Russia is ready to accel
with the most great satisfaction.
"Milyukov."
With high esteem, I am,
Yours respectfully.
HERMAN BERNSTEIN.
No. "A East Twenty-third St,
Nr,-l~ Eft,r 1917