New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-04
Says Faction, to Aid Sep
arate Peace, Opposes
Russian Mission
Hillquit Denies Charge
He Holds Others Are Better
Fitted to Head Commit
tee Than Root

j. C.. Phelps stokes. member of the
Socialist Party in this country, yes
terday accused Morris Hillquit and
their leaders Of what he calls the pro-
German wing Of the organization, o.
attempting TO discrcdit the American
mission to Russia in order that Ger
many's plans for n separate peace
might succeed.
Mr.. Hillquit Lass night issued a
couuter-Statement, denying that ne
was pro-German or favored a separ-
ate peace. but admitting that he had
opposed the choice OF Elihu Root Is
head Of the American Commission on
the ground that he could not COM
mand the confidence Of the Russian
people.
In support OF his accusation that a
certain faction in the Socialist party
"a working In the interest Of Germany,
Mr.. Stokes referred 10 the resolution
adopted ~ the ST. Louis Convention o.
the Party. which spoke Of the nation $
declaration that 4 state Of war existed
as "crime against the people OF the
United States and against the nations
Of the world" Both Mr.. Hillqult and
Victor L. Berger signed this resolution
according to Mr.. Stokes.
Fears For Party's Future
The resolution on War and Mill
tarism,'" Mr.. Hillquit's accuser con-
tinues. while forced through the con-
vcntion. has yet TO be submitted TO
referendum by the party before IT be-
comes an official party statement. IN
less 10 be overwhelmingly defeated ~
the referendum. these declarations VIII
mark the exit of the present Socialist
party from the position Of respect 1t
has hitherto held in the minds OF the
great majority of American believers
i'm social democracy.
"In view of his stand at st. LOUIS
and elsewhere, Mr.. Hillquit should be
regarded as the leader OF that element
in the Socialist movement in this country
which seeks TO Illustrate the aims OF
the American people IN their war
against the German people.
Mr.. Stokes also SAID that the So
enlist party was of German origin IN
this country. and that recently IN their
desire TO detach Russia from the Al
lied cause certain leaders have been DO
ing all they can 10 promote a separate
peace between Russia and Germany.
Hillquit Denies Charge
Mr. Hillquit in his reply admits that
the party was of German origin, but
points out that this was forty years
sSTo-dav." he says. "the Socialist
movement is as thoroughly American
as any political or social movement III
the country
He denies that the anti-wsr resolu-
ton was drafted entirely by Mr.. berger
and himself. "The drafters and sign
ers of the instrument included such
thoroughly American names as AIger-
non Lee. Maynard Shipley and Nate
Richards OHare." he asserts MI
Stokes knew this very well, but pur-
posely suppressed the fact IN order 10
make il appear that the resolution was
signed by German Socialists.
"As to myself, am not German
I am a Russian by birth and nave oeeh
an American for the last thirty years;
I am not pro-German in any sense ana
do NOT favor separate peace. In COM
mon with most Socialists Of all coun-
tries. / favor a speedy general peace
on terms which will secure justice 10
the people of all nations and prevent
future wars.
Opposes Roots Appointment
INV opposition to Mr.. Root as the
head of the American commission to
Russia is dictated solely b. a desire
that our nation render genuine and et-
fective service TO the new Russian Re
public in this hour of its struggles. l
feel that Mr.. Root is poor choice Tor
such mission and that we have scores
of mon who would command far great
or confidence on the part Of the Rus-
sian people" . 1T,
He then charges william English
Walling with inspiring Mr. Stokes's
attack for his own personal ends. MI.
Walling, Mr.. Hillqui. says, wants
place on the commission himself.
Mr.. Walling last night contradicted
this charge. said that his appointment
would be most unwise and advocated
the sending Of labor union repre-
sentative instead Of socialist
Further evidence of the hostility
which certain socialists hold toward
Mr. Root was shown yesterday by
Abraham Shiplacof, socialist member
of the State Assembly, who introduced
n resolution requesting President viii
son 10 reconsider Mr.. Roots appoint
ment. This was booted down by his
fellow members, and record Of the res