The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-05-27
HARDING WATCHES. 1R|P ID RUSSIA BY.
 SENATOR r RANCE
Undisguised Fear That Sena- tor May Lead Soviet Minis-l terS to Believe America Is
 Sympathetic
By HUGH ". ROBERTS Washington Bureau The Age-Heraid
 300 Davidson Building

Washington, May 26.-( Special )-The Journey of Senator Joseph l. France Of Maryland, republican, and in his views unconventionally radical, which has for it's object the restoration of stable gov ernment in Russia, is followed by Pres ident Harding and his closest advisers with uncomfortable forebodings.
 While the average member of Con- gress looks upon the enterprise of France as another pilgrimage of the children to Jerusalem, or another Oscar II voyage, those charged with prime re- t sponsibility are inclined to a consid- eration of the more serious side of the situation.
 There is undisguised fear that in some unintentional manner the senator might lead the soviet ministers to be- lieve that this country at heart sym pathizes with their bolshevistic regime, or by some slight indiscretion might jar the relationship between this coun- try and Russia which, though apparent ly peaceful, rests, nevertheless, over a volcano.
 It is learned on excellent authority that prior to his departure, the senator made polite advances in hope of secur- ing the permission of the President that he visit Lenine and break bread with him, or at least of securing an unoffi- cial sanction of his undertaking. But the President was so careful lest in some manner it might be deduced that he was in any respect connected with the contemplated voyage, that Senator France felt impelled to issue state- ment that he went on his own responsi- 1 bility as q man and a citizen.
 N In his statement. Senator France de- clared that while the President had not expressed approval of his trip, the President had not expressed disapprov- al, and that he felt Justified In proceed ing in view of what he considered the great benefits that would accrue to mankind. He impressed official Wash ington with belief that he could so adjust the relationship between Russia and the other countries of the world that 'the great unconquered and uncon- auerable" nation would be permitted to take it's place in international affairs.
 It is no secret that France regards the soviet government az one of the most highly civilized, and that 1t is due only to the prejudice of other govern ments that it is not generally recog- nized.
 HUGHES INITIATES
 Charles E. Hughes, secretary of state, has intimated to the people of the United States and Russia what obsta- cles must be removed before the United States can do otherwise than continue to ignore the very existence of Russia.
 First of all, according to the secre- tary, Americans held prisoners by Le- nine must be restored to freedom After that is done then the other hindrances x might, in the opinion of the secretary he given consideration. For many months, there has been most insist ent effort on the part of international bankers, industrial corporations, and professional propagandists of the Red variety, that trade relations between the United States and Russia be re- sumed. To everyone the secretary has declared that first of all, Russia must release American prisoners.
 It is anticipated that Lenine will re- ceive the American senator as friend, and will so fill him with his own views and ideas that he will be equipped on his return to the United States to de- liver many speeches calculated to con- vert the emotional into ardent pro-Hus- sians. The administration fears, how ever, that France will do or say some- thing in Russia which will necessitate . formal statement or explanation by the department of state.
 Senator France is regarded as an am fable individual, but one easily fretted into a state of high excitement. His temperament was illustrated some days ago when an American citizen. learning that he was to visit Russia, appealed to him to use his influence in securing the release of his brother. an American soldier, confined unjustly in Moscow.
 Senator France declared that 1t was entirely possible that tho brother in question was a most excellent gentle man, but he added the opinion that the average American imprisoned in Russia was criminal at heart, and was suffer ing a justifable punishment. Ills voice. in stating this opinion, attained a remarkable elevation. and, in obvious nervous excitement he furiously paced the floor.
 To sum up the entire situation, Fres- ident Harding is understood to be hope full that 1t will not be necessary for him to remind the soviet government or the American people that France went on his own initiative and responsibility and in no respect as q representative of tho administration, of Congress, or the thought of the citizens of this na- tion.