New-York tribune., 1921-01-27
s@nste Committee Devotes
Day to Hearing on Reso-
htion of France for
Resumption of Relations
Knox and Lodge Oppose
Socialists Also
Denounce Idea; Women
Among Its Supporters

n = trade with Russia was presented to
=. Senate Committee on Foreign Re
,.tions to-day. The committee con-
4 lucssd an all-day hearing on the reso-
,,t,ou Of Senator France looking to
sumption Of Russian trade.
Questions put TO the witnesses made
II clear there is strong antagonism on
~ part Of Senators Lodge, Knox,
I gysndegee, Moses and others to estab-
,shiug trade relations with Russia
They believe resumption of trade
wouid mean in effect recognition of
y sS4 Soviet government, since that gov
eminent has monopoly of trade.
memorandum was presented by
Senator Brandegee, of Connecticut,
frorn John Spargo. Socialist leader,
strongly condemning the trade pro-
uossl. Jacob Ruben, of Milwaukee,
vho invest ID conditions in Russia
+ and was imprisoned there at one time,
also opposed opening trade relations.
| He declared the condition of the
seasants in Russia to-day is worse
thsn under the Gar. Ruben told of
| bis experiences in Russia, saying he
| met Lenine and other leaders and also
| Emma Goldman, who told him she
vsnted to return to the United States.
Senator France mustered a number
q supporters of his resolution In the
list were group Of women of the
American Women's Emergency Com
nittse
Healy Supports Resolution
The first advocate of the France
resolution was Timothy Healy, presi-
dent of the Brotherhood of Firemen
aud Oilers. Senator Brandegee asked
Mr. Healy If ne thought this govern
uent should guarantee the payment
70 American citizens of debts incurred
by Russians IN trade relations.
u think some way should be found
for Us to trade with Russia" said Mr..
Healy
Senator Knox said the Russian
Soviet gOvernme ent had a monopoly in
tradi-g. and pointed out that H. G.
Wells. the English novelist, was forced
to admit this
assuming that this is the true stu
alton, as I believe it to be-" added
Senator Knox "do you think this gov-
eminent ought to guarantee that the
SOVIET government VII gay for the
goods 1t buys in this country ?''
yes replied Mr. Healy. "If that
= their policy l see no reason why we
should not do So"
II cannot agree with that view"
said Senator Knox
Captain William A. Maher, Of New
York in behalf Of masters, mates and
pilots. also spoke for resumption Of
Russian trade.
'" hat prevents American citizens
rom trading with Russia now?" asked
Senator Lodge.
81 don't know" replied Captain
asher. My information is that she
,as plenty OF gold and &c DDS to pay
ler our goods. and that large amounts
u American goods are wanted in Rus
sia. 1t seems to me we should take
steps TO get that trade"
Gold Going to England
THE mints of the United States. /"
said Senator France, "have declined to
mint Russian gold which has been
srcnrlt h"rs IN ou K to be used in paw
ing for American goods. That gold. I
nay sag IS being taken in L L7ndon in
settlement of sales made in England. ~
sia had $500. 100000 in gold and plat
mum. Senator France said his infor-
nation was that it was $4,000 600
u understand that 20,000,000 Of
that was stolen from Rumania," said
Senator Knox.
Senator Knox wanted to know if it
vas not fact that any American who
wanted 70 could trade with Russia now
Senator France said that this was not
ise case, and asked the committee If it
did not agree that oyening trade with
Russia would be beneficial Senator
brsndegee agreed to the general op-
| POSITION, but not to guaranteeing pay
aents or recognizing the Soviets.
What reason is given by United
states officials of the Mint for refusing
mint the Russian gold? ?" asked SEN
atcr Brandegee.
They say that the title to 1t cannot
% made clear" Senator France re-
Aec But Il that is a proper reason
gsd from American mints would not
De minted"
Denounced as Stolen Gold
But if the gold bore all the ear
msrks OF theft" pursued Senator
ALox wouldn't the Mint virtually be
fence II they accepted it to make
iste coins"
aThis gold is not ear-marked with
Ref" replied Senator France. at
came from the imperial Russian Treas
and have accepted it."
.ss stolsn from British nationals"
senstor Knox replied. "I have just
ssEn Fealne the agreement between
sagaand and the Soviets in regard to
"h, and in effect, England agreed to
Aseept gold stolen from the nations Of
1 essr countries. but would not take
/ xoid stolen from the nationals OF Great
Britain"
Jacob Scniossberg. secretary-treas-
sfsr o. the Clothing Workers. spoke
~ trade resumption because i would
isheTe unemployment here. He said
aasmpicyment was increasing.
others VINO spoke for opening -rade
,siafsons with Russia were John j..
sennngs Of .he Hudson County Cen
'fal Labor Union; A. L. Beas dley, Of
re Jewelry Workers Union; Jerome
! De Hunt. Of New York. Of he
nfc,herhood Of Steamship and Railway
serks. ard W. Tractenberg. Of the
american Society for Trade Relations
rta Russia.
Senator'S questioned the Witnesses
sesshsr they favored the Soviet form
=. government in this country. Most
= shem did not reply directly.
Spargo Opposes Trade Plan
1 aid:
respectfully submit that,
ssfft--The Soviet government itself
ss s7nprsssed The right Of its citizens
vaoe with us, and that it is contrary
TIE faets 70 stats that there are
Gase IN k1ssia needing our goods for
ssssn they are willing and able 10 pay
- - are prevented from purchasing