Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-06-22

treatics; That treaty was hailed with
such delight In Japan that Motono was
recalled and made minister Of foreign
AFFAIRS and viscomtc and there were
numerous 6anquets and bonfires
,nrouEhout japan TO celebrate the
reclamation in Russia. Sazanof. who
mad been minister Of foreign affairs
since 1910. was succeeded by Sturmer
ana IN. people attributed SaHanon's
downfall to the japanese treaty. bur
thiS Is another story.
=, Sentiment Toward Amcrirn.
was speaking of the sentiment of
Russia toward America. | made every
effort during my stay In Russia 70
nr!nS the two countries closer to-
such a positive way that Russia would
not negotiate a new commercial treaty
with the United states. | turned my
attchtion TO promoting commerce be-
tween the Two countries-thc denun-
Grafton OF the treaty had not inter
icrcd with our International CONNER
cial relations. large portion of the
commerce between this country and
Russia was transacted through England
ana much larger portion through Ger
many. II was the custom of American
hrns VINO wished 10 sell their wares
TO Russia to establish agencies In
Germany for that purpose. made eff
fort TO promote direct commercial re-
lations: not only encouraging Amcri-
can exporters and Russian purcha scrs
10 make acquaintance. but even before
leaving America ! had conference
with president OF the Western Union
whom l was personally acquainted, and
suggested OF urged the laying OF a
direct cable between the American and
Russian coasts.
Il even went so far after my arrival
in Russia as to obtain the consent OF
the Russian government 10 defray half
me cost OF the cable, which was csti-
mated at that time TO be about So
100000. AS the State Department said
they had no objection 10 my submitting
a proposition TO the Western Union
Telegraph Company. inasmuch as our
government was not at that time in
terested in or controlling public utiii-
ties, wrote Mr.. Carlton of the agree
ment secured from the Russian overn-
lncnt. stating furthermore that Russia
besides furnishing half of the cost OF
the ca Die, would Se willing to lease /;
10 the Western Union Company foi
operation. and would accept as its por.
tion OF the renta! 8 per cent interes,
that the Western Union or the Ameri.
, can Telephone and releg fa ph Company
which owned ;he Western Union, couil
not see rs way clear 10 join the enter
prise. My recollection. moreover is
that / wrote Mr. Carlton that II the
cable would not. pay operating ex-
Years thereafter. thought the Rus
slah government would be willing TO
i i6fisF9 in ITS inieTest cannot recall a,
any reply 10 my last letter or treated
the proposition as closed.
Overthrow or Monarchy.
ed By the March. 1917. reEolu,ion
which was delighted to welcome. II
meant not only the overthrow hf ar
absolute monarchy and the Liberation
OF the great masses of the Russian
people, but the removal Of great i'm.
pediment TO our entering the war
that was the maxim. cobelligeren,
or ally of an absolute autocracy. The
revolution began twenty-one DAYS be.
Tore President Wilson delivered his
;. 1917. recommending that state o,
war be declared 10 exist with Ger.
many. Ten days after the revolution
began. however, and seven days after
formed. was ihc first ambassador OF
chief Of mission TO recognize their
government. and did SO by authorize
OF our government forty;,eisht hours
before the recognition by England
France and italy. who had been allies
OF Russia many months"
After two years and eight months
Of strenuous service in Russia. dur
ing portion OF which time lie wa.
the only allied chief of mission in tina,
country; Ambassador Francis was con
t ,.ss by the cruiser Olympia from
ArchanSel 10 Scottish port. During
the journey. which was temptuous and
fatiguing through Arctic waters. the
armistice was signed. After remaining
ii'ceii " twenty DAYS In the United
states Naval Hospital at Strathpeffer
scotland. he went to London. where he
underwent major surgical operation
MIR. Francis nervous system was yery
much weakened.
lie returned with the President on
the steamer George Washington and
after testifyinS before the. Overman
committee of the Senate on Boil
sherism. spent two ylonths at White
SULPHUR Springs. w. Va. going thence
10 kye Beach. He has not yet visited
his home city-St. Louis.