Evening star., 1920-01-26
MARTENS CLAIMS
MAJORITY BACKS
RUSSIAN SOv|ETS
Eighty Per Cent of People Of
That Country Give Sup
port, He Says.

Russian soviet organizations
have become "strong enough to
fight the world" Ludwig c. A. X.
ted States, told a Senate investi-
eating committee today. Because
Of this, he snfd. the sovfets have
ceased to urge international rev0-
luton to support them.
Examination of Ludwig c. A. K
Martens, representing the soviet
government of Russia in the Unite
States. began today before the Senate
subcommittee investigating radical
propaganda. part of the session
being devoted by committee members
to drawing out statements as to
how the soviet regime is conducted
soviet organization as the legiti-
mate successor to the former Russian
government, adding that about "8C
per cent of the Russian people sup
port the soviets.''
MIR. Hardwfck Explains.
Former Senator Hardwick o,
Georgia. Martens attorney. prefaced
his examination with brief explana'
tion to the committee, telling why
Martens was unable to furnish copie.
of correspondence relating to his cit.
izenship.
Owing to the harassed condition
in which my client has lived for the
past year." Mr.. Hardwick said. Sub
ject to raids by various bodies in New
York state, we have been unable te
find the personal letters written te
Mr.. Martens by his sister concerning
the granting to him of citizenship
by former Russian governments"
Chairman Moses began the direct ex-
animation by asking Mr.. Martens, who
furnished last week several copies of let
ters to the United States State Depart
ment why his letter Or credence from
the soviet government, making him ar
ambassador, were not couched in the
usual forms.
I'VE were not informed as to the
forms of diplomatic procedure" Mr..
Martens replied.
Tchitcherin, Russian foreign minis
ter, sent a wireless to the State Depart
ment as well, but it was unrecognized,
like the letters"
Russia's Present Status.
Answering another question, Mr.. Mar
tens said he considered the soviet or
ganization a legitimate successor to the
former Russian government.
Did the soviet government negotiate
with the American ambassador in Rus
sia?" Senator Moses inquired.
"It did for some time" Mr.. Martens
answered. Communicating through
Col. Raymond Robins, as Ambassador
Francis did not openly recognize the
soviets. Under the condition, the soviet
officials were willing to do business
through Col Robins for few
months"
The soviet government representa-
tive said that $50 per cent of the Rus
sian people support the soviets."
"To what extent~do the people par
ticipate in the government now"
Senator Borah asked.
Anybody doing work participates
Mr.. Martens said. except those who
live on efforts of others. or were con-
nected with the old regime.
Are property holders allowed to
participate?" Senator Borah pursued
"Yes if they do social work. either
physical or mental" Mr.. Martens re-
piled.
Definition of Work.
Senator Brandegee asked ii man
who owned a farm and rented 1t could
participate in the government, ana MT
Martens answered.:
mot unless he works. However,
any useful activity is work. he con-
tinued Scientific research, inquiries
or writing-all of that is considered
work"
Senator Moses asked him concerning
demands he made upon Boris Bakhme-
teff, American ambassador from the
former government of Russia to the
United States.
Did you press those in the oourts?
Senator Moses asked.
mo; after consulting several law
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