New-York tribune., 1919-07-26
Wilson Will
Keep Troops
In Sibe e1' a
Continued from page

beran railway, and assist the Russians
by their knowledge Of long haul prob
lens as known in this country, and
which are the rule and not the excep-
ton in Siberia.
Owing to the Bolshevik uprising,
and the general chaotic conditions,
Railway Service Corps was able to be-
gin to work in Siberia until March,
1918. They have been able to operate
effectively only since the railway plan
was adopted in February, 1919.
"The most recent report from Mr.
Stevens shows that on part of the
Chinese Eastern and Trans Baikal Rail
way he IS now running six trains day
each wa, while q little while ago they
were able to run only that many trains
per week
Stevens Asked American Troops
"ln accepting the railway plan it was
provided that some protection should
be given by the allied forces. Mr.. Stevens
frankly stated that he would not un-
dertake the arduous task before him
unless he could rely upon support from
American troops in an emergency Ac-
cordingly, as provided in the Railway
plan, and with the approval of the in
ter-altled committee, the military COM
manders in Siberia have established
troops where it is necessary to main
ain order at different parts of the line.
"l he American forces under General
Graves are understood to be protect
ing parts Of the line near NladvostoE
ana also on the section around Verchne
dlnsl. There also is understood to
be small body of American troops at
Harbln. The exact location from time
to time of American troops is, however.
subject to change by the direction of
General Graves
"The instructions to General Graves
direct him not to interfere in Russian
affairs but to support Mr.. Stevens
WhcrccVer necessary. The Siberian
Railroad is not only the main artery
TOR transportation in Siberia, but it is
tne only open access to European Rus
sia to-day
Traffic Maintenance Necessary
The population of Siberia, whose
resources have been almost exhausted
by the long years of war and the
therc, can be protected from a further
period of chaos and anarchy only by
the restoration and maintenance of
traihc along the Siberian railway
"Partisan bands under leaders hav-
Ing no settled connection with any or
ganlzed government and bands under
leaders whose allegiance to any set
tied authority IS apparently temporary
ana tfansltory are constantly menac-
iing the operation of the railway and
the safety Of its permanent structure.
THE situation of the people of ST.
berla meantime is that they have no
shoes. or warm clothing; they are
pleading fer agricultural machinery
and for many of the simpler articles
OF commerce upon which their own
domestic economy depends. and which
are necessary to fruitful and produc-
1--we Industry among them. Having
contributed their quota to the Russian
armies which fought the Central EN-
pres for three and ono-half years,
they now look to the Allies and the
United States for economic assistance.
People Dependent Upon RAILWAYS
The population of Western Siberia
and the forces of Admiral Koicilak are
entirely dependent upon these rail
ways.
"Thc Russian authorities in this
country have succeeded in shipn,rg
large quantities Of Russian supplies to
Siberia, and the Secretary Of War IS
now contracting with the great CO.
operative societies whic.4 oner9+s
throughout European and Asiaric Rus
s sla to snip further supplies to moc5
1ne IN needs OF the civilian population.
lhe kolchak government IS also on
deavoring to arranee for tho purchase
plies from the War Department, md
the American Red Cros1 is it=el, al.
tempting the forms of relief for which
1T is organized
"All elements Of the population in
Siberia look to the United States fer
assistance. This assistance cannot be
gwen to the poDulation of Siberia, I'D
ultlmatel y to Russia, if the purpose en-
'er'alhed Tor two years TO restore rail
way traffic is abandon d. The pra5-
ence of American troops is a vital clc
mcnt in this effort The services of
Mr.. Stevens depend upon it, ami, in
point or serious moment the plan pro-
posed by Japan expressly provides that
Ar. stevens and all FOREIGN raiIw1v
experts shall be withdrawn when the
troops are withdrawn.
Would Keep Trade Open
From these observations it will be
seen tnat the purpose of the continu-
ance OF American troops in Siberia is
that we, with the concurrence of the
great Allied powers, may keep open q
necessary artery of trade and extend
to the vast population of Siberia the
oi'i,''I "'u esSehtlal to 1T IN peace
timc, but indispensable under the con-
ditions which have followed the pro
Ionged and exhausting participation by
nussla IN tnc war against the Central
Fowers This participation was OBJ
vlously of lncalculable val lue to the AL
lied cause, and in very particular
way commends the exhausted people
who suffered from it to such assist
ance as we can render to bring about
their industrial and economic rehabi-
! tation.
very respectfully yours.
"WOGDROW WILSON,"