Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-07-26

CtSVSuD wu0ISVCI uSCGoo4Ays AS
Siberian railroad is not only the main
artery for transportation In Siberia
but 1t Is the only open access to Eu-
ropean Russia today. The population
Of Siberia. whose resources have been
almost exhausted by the long years
Of war and the chaotic conditions
which have existed there, can be pro-
tected from a further period Of chaos
and anarchy only by the restoration
and maintenance Of traffic along the
Siberian railway.
Partisan bands under leaders hav-
ing no settled connection with any
organized government and bands un-
der leaders whose allegiance to any
settled authority is apparently tenn
porarly and transitory, are constant
ly menacing the operation of the rail-
way, and the safety of its permanent
structure.
The situation of the people Of Sibe-
ria, meantime, Is that they have no
shoes or warm clothing; they are plead.
ing for agricultural machinery and for
many Of the simpler articles of COM
merce upon which their own domestic
economy depends. and which are neces.
sary to fruitful and productive indus
try among them. Having contributed
their Quota to the Russian armies which
fought the Central Empires for three
and one-half years, they now look to
the Allies and the United States for
economic assistance.
The population of western Siberia
and the forces of Admiral Koichak are
entirely dependent upon these railways.
THE Russian authorities in this coun'
try have succeeded in shipping large
quantities of Russian supplies to ST.
IBERIA and the secretary of war is now
contracting with the great cooperative
societies which operate Throughout Eu"
ropean and Asiatic Russia to ship FUR
Their supplies to meet the needs OF the
civilian population. The Kolchak gov
eminent Is also endeavoring to arrange
fer the purchase Of medical and other
Red Cross supplies from the war &C.
partment, and the American Red Cross
is itself attempting the forms Of relief
for which it Is organized. All elements
Of the population in Siberia look to the
United States for assistance. This is-
sistance can not be given to the popu-
ldIlOn OF SlDeTld, anu dtSly ~ 1Noo-
STA, IL the purpose entertained for two
years to restore railway traffic is aban-
doned. The presence of American
troops Is a vital element in this effort.
The services of Mr.. Stevens depend upon
it. and. in point of serious moment.
the plan proposed by Japan expressly
provides that Mr.. Stevens and all for.
sis7 railway experts shall be with
drawn when the troops are Withdrawn"
From these observations It will Be
seen that the purpose Of the eontinu.
ance >of the American troops In Siberia.
with the concurrence Of the great al.
lied powers, may keep open = neces-
sary artery Of trade and extend to the
vast population Of Siberia the economic
aid essential to It in peace time but In.
dispensabls under the conditions which
have followed the prolonged and ex-
hausting participation by Russia in the
war against the Central Powers. This
participation was obviously Of incalcu-
liable value to the allied cause and In
a very particular way commends the
exhausted people who suffered from It
to such assistance as we can bender to
bring about their industrial and eco
nomic rehabilitation.
Every respectfully yours.
(signed) WOODROW WILSON,"