The Washington herald., 1921-12-11
The Oyershadowing Need

none of greater importance than the question
OF american governmental action in conquerng the
famine in Russia, authorities agree. Not only does
this question upon which the Congress now as
sembed has to act overtop purely business and ad-
minstrative FITS hut the Russian situation I'M
doubtedy fu lie greatest opportunity offered
in the world toe v Indeed, the effects of sue
cessful complete American governmental action in
relieving Russia at this time might well be greater
than the expected great results of the Washington
conference itself.
In Russia in the Volga Valley, a nation is
dying. 1t is said that of 3o,oooooo people in the
famine area 100000 directly affected. In other
words, the total number in the unfortunate district
not less than the total population of Middle
West which, with regard to agricultural productv-
ity, may be compared with the Volga Valley. Yet
while millions of men, women and children are
starving to death in the Voga district in the Mis-
sssippi Valley there is such surplus of food to
be a positive detriment the prosperity and hap
piness OF the people OF that district. Thus ma
ton dies for lack of food while another suffers
under too great weight of grain
Accounts from the famine area in Russia indi-
cate that, unless vast measures of relief under
taken once millions OF these unfortunate Russian
peasants will actually die. They are dying now
thousands every day. They eating grass and
clay and weeds and feeding these to their children
While starving they also falling victim to dis
ease. adults and children dying in muddled groups
like unfortunate neglected animals Why need
these millions deo
During the past week it suggested by Wal
ter Lyman Brown, European director of the
American Relief Administration, that America
might loan 100000 to Russian provincial gov
ernments to cope with the famine. This suggestion
has been followed by the recommendation of the
President. As a matter OF fact, considering the
burdensome surplus of foodstuffs in America this
country could give vastly more food than suggested
by the President extend credit for the pur-
chase OF food larger than that suggested by Mr.
Brown and be benefited rather than injured BY
such action. 1t must be remembered that America
enjoyed notable prosperity during the war at the
time when granted nearly SIo,ooooooooo in
credit to allies, all of which spent in this
country, and that $4,000 900 900 the shipment
OF approximately that amount of goods out oil
America thus indicating the prodigious capacity for
production OF this country and illustrating the fact
that people are better off when their productive
capacity, exerted to the utmost, is made use oil
rather than held IN check.
America is the only nation situated in a posi-
ton favorable to handling satisfactorily the Rus
sian famine situation. 1t is probable that Great
Britain and some of her dominions might contrib
ute to the in lesser degree, but America is
the nation having the present colossal food
surplus, the vast financial resources and at the
same time, organization ready for the work Is
1t not CHASTITY comment civilization that Ameri-
can farmers cannot sell their mountains of grain
while Russians starve in millions? If such state
OF things is permitted-and it has ben permitted up
to the present except for private charty-t will be
damning proof of the primitive lack of co-ordina-
ton in world affairs
Americans do not want these Russian millions
to starve. Whatever may happen to the Bolshevi<
regime in Russia. whether it survive or die whether
it become friendly offer a new threat the people
of America will that the deaths of these innocen,
millions shall be prevented, and at Americas ex-
pense. That such is the prevalent sentiment
throughout the whole Of this nation is clearly ndi
Gated by the responses to various private organiza
tions seeking to help Russia by the public utter
ances OF leaders of thought and action, and BY the
editorial statements of the press from coast to
America is willing to stop the suffering OF Rus
STA How is this to be done Already there are
too many benevolent but not entirely co-ordinated
organizations soliciting funds and goods for Rus
sian relief 1t is not unlikely that great drive for
money for Russian relief would meet with ready
response, although it may be questioned that the
amount received would meet the gigantic need. The
sympathy OF the American people is such that thew
would contribute literally But such a course wopId
not be as speedy-(and the utmost speed is needed)
-assan imIediate government appropriation. Nor
would pri1 te drive be effective in its final re-
suits as an appropriation by the American govern.
ment.
The voting by Congress of an ample credit,
sufficient to relieve the Russian famine situation
fully so that would starve after the effects
OF that credit reached Russia in food would 60 a