Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-02-07
PROMISING AND DOING.

LII Oulun1ng the conditions under which the
tusslan Soviet government would be admitted to
the economic conference at Genoa the invitation
set forth in substance that it would be necessary as
a condition to participation that the Bolshevik ad-
ininistration should engage to do certain things
which every civilized nation is expected to do, such
as recognizing the fiscal obligations incurred on be-
halt of nation, municipality or other subdivision,
recognizing the right of individuals to the peaceful
possession of their property, and indennifying them
for acts of con6scation which they may have suf-
fercd.
In outlining the conditions which must be met
before recognition Of the Soviet government can
even be considered by the United States, Secretary
Hughes said nearly a year ago that the willingness
OF the Moscow government to be governed by
principles essentially identical with thosesaboye set
forth must not only be declared, but must be dem
onstrated by being carried into effect.
There is a striking difference in the two posi-
tons. The supreme council is willing to accept the
Soviet engagement to be decent. The United
States government wants something more substan-
stial than a mere promise.
Some people say that inasrnuch as we accept
the promises OF other government, we should accept
that OF the Russian government, and that unwilling
ness to do so is evidence Of enn1ity toward that gov
eminent and the desire to bring about its downfall.
III is maintained that refusal to accept the promises
made in Moscow as those made in Paris or London
would be accepted indicates a purpose to interfere
in the domestic affairs of Russia, and to force on her
people a form of government other than that which
= AA(y aAS Vi " Nl1OSCH.
So far as we know there is no disposition on the
part OF any power, and certainly not on the part of
the United States, to determine for the Russian
people what form of government they shall have.
They may restore their monarchy, establish a rep
resentative republic, or continue the development
fh = communlstic system, and while outsiders will
h1ve opinions as to the wisdom of the course which
they may adopt, there will be no interference from
tthe outside unless the conditions under that govern
n1ent constitute a denial of the elementary princi-
pies Of humanity and a menace to the peace of
neighboring peoples.
But It is one thing to refrain from interfering
With a government and another to do business with
|H. If the government of France, or Of Great Bri-
lain, promises to do a certain definite thing. that
promise is accepted by every other power, because
those governments are known to have regard for
their promises. The government headed by Lenine
Eoccilpics no such position. It has repudiated fiscal
ALLEGATIONS whose recognition lies at the very foun-
Edsxion of international credit. II has confscated
private property, without enumeration. II has de-
Gfnfedt rs its own. citizens and to the strangers within
EHhksss9gates security in person and properly. Under
Eifs ss0ay such things as freedom, Of speech and free
dtam pf the press do not exist. It has declared re-
IpeStediy and emphatically that it recognizes no
e46miise ~ obligation, to any "capitalistic' govern
EsHresusk srhich means every other government IN. the
(fSdes these circumstances, what IS ! Soviet