New-York tribune., 1919-08-14
David r. Francis Explains
What Violence, Threats
and Contempt of Law
Must Inevitably Cause
Ratify League, He Urges
Calls This Essential Step in
Worlds Great Duty to
End Tyranny of Lenine


bassador to Russia, after thrilling his
hearers by recital Of personal and
diplomatic episodes during three haz-
ardous years in Russia. turned from
OF its birth to express an opinion of
the social and industrial unrest in the
United States to-day. Mr.. Francis
spoke for two hours yesterday at a
luncheon at the Advertising Club, At
East Twenty Street.
With his picture of the horror and
hopelessness Of Bolshevist tyranny
still before his hearers, Mr. Francis
condemned in stinging terms the poll
cies of certain radicals in this country.
II we arc to maintain the respect
OF Europe" said the ambassador, "we
must learn to govern ourselves. No
class IN this country can rule all other
classes. We have gained the admira-
ton of the world by settling our diff
ferenccs at the ballot box. If we are
to preserve our scIf-respect we shall
continue to do So
Won't Tolerate Violence
"Ihe spirit Ct this nation, the spirit
that won the war; will not put up with
those who threaten violence. Now |
have mentioned no names, but YOU all
know to whom | alludc | rciteratc.
the spirit Of the American people will
not tolerate violence. We have the
means for correcting grievances. The
supreme court construes the laws of
the land. When we lose respect for
the legislative and judicial branches of
the government the end is not far off"
The first problem before the world
to-day. said Mr. Francis, is the res
foration of order and the constitution
OF stable government in Russia
"it is not possible said he, "to es-
tablish peace in Europe with chaos in
Russia. 1t will be difficult to establish
peace outside of Europe without order
in Russia
Mr.. Francis said he had a solution
tor the Russian problem, but said he
feared that it would not meet with the
approval Of the United States Senate,
ton of the league of nations. He
made an ardent appeal for the league.
The Russian people," declared the
ambassador, "desire a form of govern
ment modelled after our own. We
owe it to Russia, as do all civilized
powers, to see that the Russians by
fair ballot and fair count can elect the
form of government they prefer. 1t
then becomes the duty Of the United
States and the powers to see that that
government is created exactly as the
Russians wish it created. The pow
ers must protect the new government
with absolute distinterest until It can
stand alone"
At the conclusion OF his address the
ambassador was asked if he had any
formula in mind for the achievement
OF this work.
"Ratify the league of nations" said
he. THAT is the first step"
Mr.. Francis's review of his three
years in Russia was an interesting ac-
count, lightenod by many intimate an
ecdotes.
Saw Tremendous Army
When the American Ambassador an
rived in Petrograd in April, 1916. Rus
sia had called 100000 men to arms.
hat fall three additional classes were
called to the colors, raising the armed
forces to 1S,200 900 men.
before assembled on the face OF the
earth"
At the head OF the gigantic state
which supported this almost mythical
most sat on his throne d weak little
.nan-sthe late Gar
He wasn't a bad sort at heart said
Mr.. Francis, "but he was weak The
Empress. a German Princess and in
German control, ruled him"
To the Vaccinations of the Empress,
Mr.. Francis attributes the first overt
acts OF revolution. The result is thao
Russia has not changed the form of
government so much as it has the
governing personnel, said Mr.. Francis.
From an autocracy in which 10000
mobiles held the sceptre over 100000
600 subjects. has transpired an au-
tccracy in which 10000 radical mad
men hold 1so,0oo0oO subjects in a
regime that is an orgy of starvation
and death.
NO tyrant ever had the power that
is Lenines," said Mr.. Francis. 'This
Lenine is peculiar man. | met him
once. lie IS an honest fanatic. Person
ally he is an upright man. But an
honest fanatic in a bad cause is more
dangerous than an intelligent knave.
Lenlne's course has put Socialism back
a a , Il