New-York tribune., 1920-02-26
Martens Admits
He Would Like
Soviet i'm u. S.
Russiap Agent Denies, How
ever, That He Actually
Worked to Bring About
the Condition He Desires
Attended Detroit Farley
Wrote to Emma Goldman
Because Her 'sFeelings
We're Hurt He Says

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-Ludwig c.
A. K Martens, Russian Soviet agent in
the United States, told the Senate in
vestigA.ing committee to-day he would
like te| see the dictatorship Of the pro-
letariat" set up here.
"That is what / WISH" he said, mot
what am working for"
He was given permission to qualify
his statement made at previous ses-
sian hat he was a revolutionist in the
United States.
~ meant" he said, chat have al
ways worked for the revolution in
Russia, not revolution elsewhere"
The Soviet agent-who told the in
vestigating committee last week that
he never was in secret council or COM
munication with revolutionary activi-
ties IN the United States-was ques-
toned about his attendance at meet
ing of the Russian Socialist Fedora
tion at Detroit last year and about
messages exchanged with the Fedora
tion. 1t was the activity of this and
other Russian organizations in the
United States which led the Depart
ment of Justice to make recently the
greatest radical raid ever undertaken
in this country.
Greeting to Radicals Admitted
Martens admitted he attended the
Detroit meeting and identified the fol-
lowing telegram to the conference
which was introduced by Wade H. Ellis,
counsel for the committees:
Comrades, l greet you and wish
you success in your work, in the name
Of the Russian Federated Socialist Re-
public of Workers and Peasants"
Martens conceded that this meant
he wished for success of Communism
in the United States" A repiy from
the convention told Martens that The
Russian Socialists were striving with
all their power to break the yoke of
capital on the United States"
The reading of manifesto, prepared
at the Detroit meeting, brought an I'M
passioned protest from Martens. The
manifesto said that combining the
activities OF ComraGe Lenine with other
revolutionary activities in the United
States, in the words of Lenine, Will
build up strong revolutionary move
ment here"
Martens said Ellis was using docu-
ments unfairly, and former Senator
Hardwick, of Georgia, counsel for the
Russian agent, joined the debate.
THE trouble is with you. Mr. Ellis,
that you don't know anything about
this" said Martens.
"The trouble is | know too much for
you"
Plans for Revolution Charged
"Now, you talked to this convention"
Mr.. Ellis continued, ION their wor. in
planning revolution IN the United
States, the means to be used and the
methods they pursued"
mo, | did not" Martens responded,
you are mixing up three things, Mr.
Z "Nobody's mixing up anything but
you," the examiner retorted.
"WeIl have the speeches here"
Adjournment for the day cut short
the examination.
Previously Mr.. Ellis asked if Colonel
Beck was on the Soviet bureau staff
in New York, listed as military at
tache." Martens identified him and
Mr.. Ellis introduced a report signed by
Beck made by British mi tary authori-
ties outlining plan of military opera
tions against the Bolshevik power in
Russia.
He has changed his views Martens
said.
"You know this man betrayed his
cause when he came over to you?" Mr.
Ellis asked.
81 know Colonel Beck is an honest
man, and | don't mind his honest
change of opinion" Martens said, add
ing that Colonel Beck was receiving
$3.50 a month as military attache."
More Money Asked For
Introducing cablegram addressed
to NJ. Litvinoff, Soviet envoy in Scan
dinavia, Mr.. Ellis sad
Senate investigation proceeding ia
vorable. Transfer money to me in
larger amounts.
MARTENS"
The witness identified it as one sent
week or two ago.
Under further questioning Martens
said he did not know Emma Goldman,
but had written her q letter because
her feelings were hurt by reports that
we had made statements about her"
My country will be glad to offer an
asylum to the first group OF political
refugees from the United States" the
letter said.
Mr.. Ellis asked if this statement was
intended to promote friendly relations
between Russia and the United States.'
The crimes for which many persons
are given ten to fifteen years in prison
IN this country" Martens replied.
would never be touched upon in Rus
sia."
The point is," said Mr.. Ellis, "you
shoot people in Russia who oppose the
government and welcome those who
oppose the government Of the United
States"