Evening journal., 1920-11-12
OUR HANDICAPPED TRADE WITH RUSSIA.

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A American capital in Russia, it is reported that an
association OF California men OF wealth has acquired
sxtyyear lease Of huge OF land in northeastern
siberia with exclusive rights to develop COAL oil and
fisheries.
The concession includes the peninsula Of Kamchstka
and embraces some 100000 square miles Next SPRING
planned 10 start extensive explorations in tn territory
10 determine the extent OF its natural wealth, TO be
followed by development. II It proves profitable.
Leaders OF the enterprise who familiar with oondi-
lions in siberia rdlcule stories OF rebellion in Russia
They assert that Moscow is safe as any city in the
world and brand reports OF street nghtng as abso-
lutely false.
It is intmaed that foreign propaganda Is responsible
for the tales Of anarchy that heard in the United
States the purpose being to discourage American business
activity in Russia while the opportunities there are
grasped by foreign interests.
The promoters declare that they perfect confidence
in the ability OF the Russian authorities TO carry out
their part Of the agreement.
II The facts as set forth by these California men are
true II Is time for the American people TO show more
concern over the the administration has taken
toward Russia
For months It has been the policy OF England to cultivate
commercial relations with that country and It is
announced that within few days unrestricted exchange
OF commodities between England and Russia VIII be
under way.
British firms an reported 10 have signed contracts with
Russians for billion dollars worth OF the products OF
English factories.
There is no doubt That Russia will reciprocate by
giving Englshmen easy access to her immense natural
wealth In agriculture mines and forests.
In short II is not beyond the bounds OF probability
that England through It's control OF Russian commerce
and Russian re abitaon may eventually add Russia 10
the British sphere OF influence much Egypt Palestine
Persia and other countries have come under British
domination
But where rs the United states while this huge market
is waiting for friendly advanocst
Our friendship with Russia is OF long standing In 1904
America the ntercessor in bringing the Russo
japanese to a close
The immense area Of Siberia Is IN oloSer touch with
he products Of America than with those Of any othe
country Japan, and with little encouragement
ba demand for American goods could be created there
We have a merchant marine ready to carry any amour
OF trade that may be developed between the two countries
But the administration at Washington has refused Il
have any commercial relations with Russia
Regardless OF how much Russian trade may be won b,
other countries Department OF State ISSUES circular
intended 10 discourage American citizens from havin
trade relations with that country
No American consuls permitted IN Russia, Il
other countries for the purpose Of promoting America
interests, business otherwise. In short, American
enterprise, instead OF being aided by the government
sned and restricted when seeks TO enter terftor
equal 10 onequarter OF the globe exclusive OF the pola
regions, and to deal with 100000 Of people.
Is it not time for this condition to endf 1t useles
to plead that the United States has not reoogniDd tn
Russian government
Neither has II recognized the Mexican government h'
y " our commerce with The latter country Is far le
= restricted
The fact Is that the people OF Russia and OF Amer
eager to trade with each other to The mutual sva
tase OF all, and me government should endeavor
remove rather han erect difficulties that stand
10 the way.