New-York tribune., 1919-01-05
Gen. Semenof Says
IVeic0me Aacaits
american Soldiers

CHITA, Trans Baikalia, Dec. % BY
The Associated Press .-Defying the
orders Of his physicians, General Sem
enoh, who was quite seriously wound
ed by fragments of bomb thrown in
a crowded theatre here recently, re-
cciveu The Associated Press CORE
spondent to-day With him he dis
cussed briefly the crisis in Russia. de-
clarlng that America is admired by
Russians, who would welcome American
troops in the battle against Boishe-
vism.
The dramatic background Of the in
teryiew made it unusual. A sinister
mosphere dominates Chita Cossack
ines and move ceaselessly through the
streets. Apprehension on the part of
the people is shown by the boarded up
windows of many shops.
Driving through the town behind ice
coated horses, the CORES spondent
reached General Semenoff's house,
which is situated in the outskirts Of
the town. Armed Cossacks stood guard
before it. The correspondent was ad-
mitted but as the door closed behind
him the key was turned by guard. A
suave valet, Manchu orderly and then
an armed Cossack appeared, the Cos
sack demanding the reason for the
visit. He was General Scmcnoff's body
guard.
General Scmenon's handsome, ruddy
countenancc, his pleasant brown eyes,
carefully trimmed moustache and dark,
curly hair, as we'll as his distinguished
manner, give one the impression Of a
romantic, modern Rob Roy. He said
that he expected soon 10 recover from
his wounds.
Would Welcome Americans
Referring to America, General Sem
cnotf was insistent in his declaration
that American troops would be vol
ccmcd by Russians.
THE landing of foreign troops on
Russian soil is naturally distasteful,
he said, "but it is necessary now TO
overthrow t. Bolsheviki'
Asked if his differences with Admiral
kolchak had been adjusted he replied
Iii the negative.
"Admiral Kolchak sent troops TO
Ickutsk," he said, $50 I cannot say VIC
arc friends, but my Cossacks will al
ways work for the best interests of
Russia"
Bodyguard Is Cautious
A long parlcy ensued, during which
the correspondent was subjected to the
most rigid examination he ever under
went. Finally his card was sent in to
the general, who sent out word that he
would receive the correspondent.
General Semenoff's room showed evi-
dences of the artistic tastes of its
occupant. The general has always been
a man of mystery, even to the Rus
SLAMS themselves, but any imprcs ion
Of the wild Cossack was at once dis
poIled by talk with the man him
self He waved a courteous welcome
with his left hand, explaining that his
right hand and left leg had hcen in
Jurcd by the bomb explosion. A sur
geon had Just removed fragments of
the bomb from the injured leg.
lie concluded his talk with a request
that his greetings and an expression
OF his admiration and respect for the
American people be sent to them. lie
especially spoke of his gratitude for
the unselfish interest in Russia's vel
fare which has been shown by America
British troops have been parade d
through the streets and the belief that
American forces arc coming seems cen
cral. A strong force of Japanese is
cncamped IN the suburbs and is appar-
entity sufficient TO control the situation
The attempted assassination of Cen
eral Semenoff caused a temporary reign
Of terror here. He was attending the
opera and was seated in a box with a
rarty, ono of whom was "a lady. Sud
ccnly q man rose i'm the gallery and
threw bomb, which exploded at the
feet Of the general. The lady was un-
hurt, but another woman seated near
by was badly injured. A few others
received wounds