The New York herald., 1921-01-27
OPPOSITION STRONG
TO SOVIET TRADE
Senator Frances Resolution
Develops Spirited Debate in
Committee Meeting.
speciaI Despatch to THE New YORK HEaAIp.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. ID. c., Jan. 70.

washington. ID. C.. Jan. rs.
Decided opposition was disclosed to-
day in the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations to favorable action on the
resolution OF Senator France (Md.) pro-
posing the establishment of trade rela-
lions bctweei the United States and
Soviet Russia.
Those who appeared and spoke IN
favor of the resolution included L. e.
Dawson. secretary of the international
Association OF Arachinists /; Joseph Scloss-
berg representing the Amalgamated
Clothing Workers of America; Timothy
Healy, president of the Brotherhood OF
Firemen and Oilers; William A. Maher
OF the Master Mates and Pilots, New
York, and spokesmen claiming to repre-
sent about one hundred labor unions
in New York, the Chicago Federation of
Labor. the Pennsylvania State Fedora
ton and Central Labor bodies from other
industrial centres.
Senator France presented one witness,
who was heard In executive session. His
name was not disclosed. but it is under
stood that he represents a commercial
concern in New England who desires to
trade with Russia. The rest OF the
hearings were In open session.
Open hostility to the France resolu-
ton was displayed by Senator's Knox
(Pa.) Lodge (Mass.), Brandegee
Comm, Pittman (Nev.), Pomerene
(Ohio) and Moses On. H-).
BY their questions they showed that
they believed it possible now for Ameri-
r;ak art,-
ment II they wished to take chances on
getting payment for their goods; that
for this country to encourage trade with
Soviet Russia was tantamount to Gov
ernment guarantee that Russian debts
would be paid that Russia's funds were
not really her property, but pledged to
the nationals of other Governments and
that for us to trade with Russia was
virtually recognition Of the Moscow Gov
ernment to which they are opposed.
Senator France conNnded that Rus
sia's Government had obtained its gold
from tho former Imperial Russian Gov
ernment, that the refusal of our au'
thorities to mint that gold when 1t WIS
brought over in bulk was unjust ana
unreasonable, that to open Russian
trade would not only be of benefit 20
American business. but also to suffer-
ing humanity in Russia, and that by not
encouraging trade with Russia, as Eng
land has done, we're doing an injustice
to every one concerned.
I'VE do not want guarantees nor rec
ognition." said Senator France. but a.
market for American goods abroad in
a country which can pay for them ana
relieve unemployment in both countries,
stimulate business in both countries and
follow an example already set by our
commercial rival. England"
would not the burden fall on labor"
asked Senator Knox, ''if goods were
sold to Soviet Russian and they were
not paid for?"
At the outset of the hearing Senator
Brandegee Comm presented brief
from John Spargo. well known Ameri-
can Socialist, opposing Russian trade.
IL asserted that the Soviet Government
had a monopoly on trade. prevented its
citizens from dealing with citizens of
other counuisA. and that the present
policy of this Government should be
maintained as being in complete har-
mony with American ideals and the best
traditions of our dealings with other
nations" The brief declared that re-
newal of trade might easily prove the
means of bringing about the collapse of
our entire economic system" as vast
credits would have to be extended to
carry on the trade.