THE EXIT OF MARTENS

Ambitious capitalists like Washington D. Vanderlip, who dream of trading with Russia in terms of three-billion dollar contracts, must have been shocked at the decision of the United States to deport Ludwig Martens, so-called Ambassador of the Russian Bolshevist Government. When all that was lacking to complete Mr. Vanderlip's gigantic deal was this country's official recognition of the Soviets, the Government blasts all hope of tapping the mythical gold-mine in Russia by ejecting the Bolshevist Ambassador. Why deport a billion-dollar man in this fashion?

The official decision gives the reason: "The Soviet Government conducts a propaganda in the United States for the purpose of creating an insurrection to overthrow the Government of the United States by force and violence. It is further shown that Lenine has proposed to withdraw the propaganda in return for political and commercial recognition and intercourse between Russia and the United States." Would any nation stoop to such terms? In such a case does money or commercial privilege signify anything?

Mr. Vanderlip and his kind are doubtless sincere in believing that this country should accept the opportunity to enrich itself if it can. But any further talk in this vein is entirely out of place. When "Ambassador" Martens sails for Russia this country will have done completely with the present Soviet type of government.