New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-09

national life. with the result that the
success OF her struggles TO MAINTAIN
her hard-won democracy and bring har-
mony out OF unsettled conditions has
been threatened just when the Allies
most need q united, powerful Russia.
Russia owes Mr.. Root debt Of graft
tude that should form a memorable
record in her history.
Russian Newspapers Cited
ut is very interesting TO compare
the news from Russia given by the
American press with the contents OF
the Russian papers which | receive now
almost every day.
81 recall recently seeing a cartoon in
q newspaper showing German crowd
watching the Kaiser, who was writing
on wall for them news from the
United States. Headlines under the
artistic hand Of the Kaiser read:
"Anti-Conscription Riots IN the
United States
american War Preparations Fail
Americans Against War
81 would say that the Kaiser, so far
as his publicity work Is concerned, has
q very easy job. 1t is the easiest thing
in the world to pick out the most SEN
sational news in any country. | would
also say, without any desire 70 offend
American journalists, that the publicity
work of the Kaiser on the events In
the United States reminds me very
much Of the publicity work of American
journalists on the great events in Rus
STA.
"Anti-Conscription Riots in the
United States'-we know very well that
.s - L,
also that these riots are not the out
standing characteristics Of the Amerl-
can political life Of to-day, but the fact
that all the country is backing the
President. and, while there were
few insignificant anti-conscription
riots, ten millions of American youths
responded to the Presidents call FOR
registration Z.
. Country Supports Government
Anarchist Riots in Petrograd,' the
American journalists now working in
Russia informed US, without mention
ing that, while there were a few crazy
people marching with black flags in
Petrograd, all the country is supporting
the half-socialist government, which
at the present moment is strong
enough 10 suppress any anarchist
movement
"If the American journalists now in
Petrograd possessed more under
standing of their responsibility in
such a critical moment, not only
toward Russia, but also toward the
United States, all the Russian situa-
ton would be presented to the Ameri-
can public in an entirely different
light
"The facts which are published in
the American press from day TO day
do not cover a half per cent Of the
real significant political events in Rus
STA at the present time. As the Kaiser
in the cartoon, so American journalists
in Petrograd choose for the American
public only the most sensational, and,
permit me to say, the most pro-Ger-
man facts in Russian life at the pres
ent time.
THE main fact in the Russian po-
litical situation at the present moment
is that Socialists are now in almost
full control in Russia. The Socialist
leaders in Russia are responsible lead
ers and great statesmen. They express
frankly the desire Of the Russian de-
mocracy TO shorten the war as far as
possible.
"On the other hand, under their lead
ership, the Russian democracy, which Is
against any forcible annexations,
against punitive indemnities, and which
proclaims the right for every nation
ality to decide its own destiny. will
fight with the greatest vigor until not
q single German soldier is left on the
Allied territories, until Belgium, the
northern provinces Of France, Russian
Poland, Serbia and Rumania are fully
restored"
Other Russian representatives in the
city, who also praise Mr.. Roots state
ment, emphasize the apparent desire OF
American correspondents in Russia to
place the sensational so far above news
of basic political events as 70 obscure
real conditions.
Russia is active. feverishly so. but
not confused or disorderly," declared
r. PoliakofT, representative of the ALL
Russian Union of Zemstvos and Cities.
81 lay the prevalent misconception in
America of conditions in Russia very
largely at the door Of American news
paper men in Russia, who, through love
of the sensational and lack of thorough
knowledge of the language and political
conditions, unintentionally. doubtless
but actually, nevertheless, misrepre sent
the true Russia at the present time"
you do not disagree, then, with Mr..
Root?" he was asked in closing.
There you are" said Mr.. Poliakoff
you want a sensation. Pm sorry, but
! can't give it to you to-day"
At the Office Of A. n. Sakhovsky, also
representative Of the All-Russian
Union. agreement with Mr.. Roots views
and condemnation of sensational news
from Russia were also expressed.