The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1935-09-20
QIIi'!219 f|65ij21eiE
National Topics Interpreted "a GAR3
by William Bruckart TTnGnIGW
Press Washington D. c. k<nx513MT

could not properly accuse the Moscow
authority with having broken theii
pledge to avoid interferences in Ameri.
can affairs.
That trick was one among many
which the American government failed
to foresee in negotiating Russian recog-
milton. 1t is splendid example Of how
our diplomatic representatives fail in
their work.
The Soviet took advantage of an op-
portunity. 1t is true that the Com
munist Internationale is political party
but the Communist Internationale in
Russia is not comparable to the Demo-
cratic or Republican political party in
the United States. 1t is the only po-
litical party and 1t decides what the
government shall do and is responsible
to no higher authority. Thus, when
the Communist Internationale took the
firebrands of revolution into the Unit
ed States, it is hard to understand why
the Russian government did not have
some finger in the pudding.
The American government has
warned Russia of serious conse-
quence" if the communistic propaganda
does not cease. Such an expression be-
tween nations can mean only the break
ing up of diplomatic relations. Wheth-
er Mr.. Roosevelt will go that far is
still undetermined.
AS we look back over the Russian
affair, one can hardly fail to charac-
terize it as misadventure. Mr.. Roose-
welt said he wanted to recognize Rus
STA because great economic advantages
would flow from that act. There would
be much more trade, much new bust
ness developed. Department of Com
merce figures reveal, however, that
sales to Russia were about $114, 100000
in 1880 but that they have dropped
down in the last year to about $30,000,-
600.
So, apparently we have gained moth
ing but some trouble by recognizing
Russia.
What did the Russians gain? First,
they undoubtedly have broadened the
field of their communistic and revolu-
tionary propaganda. Doors were opened
to them in this country that were
closed before recognition was granted.
But undoubtedly the outstanding vic
tory recorded by the Russians in per-
suading America to recognize the Mos
COW government lies not in the Ameri-
can field at all. Their greatest gain
was in their relations with Japan. The
last several years have witnessed con-
tinued friction along the frontier be-
tween Japan and Russia. There was
a constant threat of war. Strange as
were opened between the United States
and Russia, the international relations
between Russia and Japan began to
improve. There has been almost no
trouble on that border since. The rea-
son is that before recognition the Jap
anese appeared to feel they would have
the moral support, at least, of the Unit
ed States in any controversy develop
ing between them and Moscow. So the
books will record another victory for
foreign diplomats, another defeat for
the hit and miss diplomatic system of
the United States.
(And the debt contracted by the
Cars government and disregarded by
the Soviet is as much unsettled as the
day that the Gar was murdered.)
The passing of Labor day in Wash
ington seems to be the signal for the
bulk of government
AcftOffy officials to return to
in Politics their desks and al
ways with that re-
turn there comes swift and burning
activity in politics. Usually, also, the
passing of Labor day sees the return
to Washington of other types of vaca-
Observation-Disclosures being what it is
in August-and they, too, bring back
new political ideas. Hence, just at
this writing Washington is deluged
with all kinds of political fireworks.
AS far as have been able to analyze
the situation, there are three distinct
classes. The first embraces those who
60 out on vacations to see whether
they can find as much or more support
for the administration In power at the
time than in the previous vacations I;
a second group includes those who go
out with determination to find that
the administration is In tailspin and
losing ground rapidly, and the third is
made up of vacationists who do not
concern themselves directly about poll
tics but who cannot avoid political dis
cussions because of their residence in
Washington. SO, just now, we are
surfeited with political declarations
that Mr. Roosevelt is stronger than
ever before; that he has lost so much
ground that his election is improbable
and the unbiased assertions that he
has gained In some communities and
has lost UNNECESSARILY in others.
Coupled with this boiling stage of
the political pot insofar as individual
action is concerned are two develop
ments of importance the Republican
National committee has been called to
meet here and rather well authenticat-