The Washington herald., 1921-01-27
SENATORS HEAR
PLEAS TO BEGIN
RUSSIAN TRADE
Witnesses Tell Commit
tee 1t Would Revive
American Industrys
SOVIET HAS GOLD
Scout Recognition of Reds,
But Urge, Accepting Or
ders for Goods.

Resumption of trade with Russia
/ to revive American industry and
provide employment for the coun-
try's jobless millions was urged yes
tsrday by a delegation OF labor
leaders before the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee.
The orders which Russia is ready
to place in this country will set
the wheels of industry in motion
and bring relief to the millions who
are out of work and suffering"
Timothy Healy, of New York, told
the committee. Mr.. Healy Is pres
ldent of the Brotherhood Of Fire
men and oilers. and chairman OF
| tho American Labor Alliance for
Trade with Russia
Russia alone in Europe can pay
| for American goods, Joseph Schloss-
berg. secretary-treRsurer OF the
Amalgamated Clothing Workers OF
America, declared. She can pay in
gold, in goods and in virgin re-
sources. he testified.
Pleads for Trade.
Senator France, of Maryland.
whose resolution for the resump-
ton of friendly relations with Rus
sia was the subject OF yesterdays
hearing. also appealed for the re-
establishment OF trade
i do not think it would be wise
10 recognize the Soviet government
at this time, but this should not
prevent the restoration Of trade with
Russia" the Senator declared.
Arguments opposing the proposal
were presented to the committee by
Senator Brandcgee, OF Connecticut
in a letter from John SpargO, promi-
nent American Socialist and an au-
thority on Russian affairs.
Resumption Of trade with Russia
under the present circumstances
would be an invitation TO bank
ruptcy and revolution" the letter
stated.
Tho letter pointed out that there
can be no trade with Russia with
out the recognition OF the Soviet
government. It explained that the
establishment of vast credits would
be necessary which would be in con-
stant danger OF reputation by the
government, and should reputation
occur it would leave American bust
ness men without a means for re-
dress and precipitate the collapse
of our entire economic system
TO SounsCaIc Crtults
This danger is not hypothetical
one" Mr. Spargo asserted in his
letter, adding that 1t was based on
Information in his possession show
ing that the Soviet government is
planning to draw foreign capital
into Russia with a view OF cOnfs-
eating it
Discussing the valuable conces-
sions that the Soviet government is
reported to have made to Americans
in an effort to restore commerce
with this country. the Spargo letter
expressed the opinion that they
have been made to attain political
rather than commercial ends"
Resolutions and letters have
been received from organizations
representing over 100000 workers
protesting further interference in
Russian politics and demanding the
resumption of trade with Russia, "
Mr.. HeaIy asserted.
Il have just finished a trip
through the East and Middle West
where l have been observing labor
conditions. At every meeting / at
. tended where the Russian question
was brought up great enthusiasm
was shown for trade with Russia,
The workers realize that IL trade
with Russia is resumed there will
be less unemployment.
Il found that industries were
shutting down, in some instances
permanently. and in others for a
few weeks when they will be re-
> opened with an offer of greatly re-
duced wages.
Won't Accept Gold.
i have been informed that the
only hindrance to filling Russian or
ders in this country is the refusal
of the Treasury Department to ac-
cept Russian gold. But If we will
not fill these orders. England will
Mr.. Schlossberg. the next wit
ness. said:
Trade with Russia will be the
signal for revival in those indus
tries that could supply her needs
and with the increase in employ
ment in these industries, other bust
ness activity should be revived, and
l prosperity would return"
Gas Drops to 25c Gallon.