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REAL RUSSIA

           From


       1905 to 1932


And Communism in America


                by

     N. I. SALOFF-ASTAKHOFF


                     Author of
   "In the Flame of Russia's Revolution With God and the
Bible," "C' ' hristianity and Communism,"  "Children Under
Communism,"  "Willie's Acquaintance With Christ," and a
number of Russian books.

















                Published by the Author
         164 Second Ave., New York, N. Y., U. S. A.
                        1932.













      Copyright, 1932
BY N. I. SALOFF-ASTAKHOFF
    All Rights Beserved













         "  I I


Printed in the United States of America














                         CONTENTS




                                                      Page
       1. The Origin and Development of Communism..... 7
       2. Russia Before the Revolution........  ......................... 10
       3. The First Revolution, the Overthrow of
          the Czaristic Government....................................... 13
       4. The Second, or Communistic Revolution..-............. 16
       5. The Attitude of the People Toward
          Communism in the First Days.................................... 20
       6. Why Did Communism    Win Out in
          the Civil War ?................. .. ............... 25
       7. Has Communism Justified the Expectation
          of the People? ..  ..     .....  .............. ...... 31
       8. The Testimony of an American Communist,
          Who Has Just Returned from   Russia.............. 42
      9. How Has Communism      Kept Its Power
          Until 1932? ....................................................... 66
      10. The Five-Year Plan and Its Objective................... 82
      11. Communism   and Religion ........................................ 92
      12. Can Communism    Bring Welfare to a
          Country Under Its Power ?..................................106
      13. Communism   in America......................................  107
 S    14. A Word to All True Americans......................1.....120
4     15. Can Communism Bring Welfare to the World?....122









FOREWORD


   Among the universal commotions of recent
years which continue to draw the attention of
all countries, the shocking events in Russia are
commanding the widest consideration.
   The communistic power established there
evokes the ecstasy of some, kindling hope for
a better future, not only in Russia but in all
countries which they believe must follow the
example of Russia. Others express pity and
sympathy for the Russian people, crushed un-
der this power, and anxiety lest other coun-
tries be seized by communism.
   Many books, articles, and speeches about
Russia and her government, are centering in-
terest on communism, both favorably and ad-
versely.
   Thousands of tourists from all countries
are going to Russia, to see with their own eyes
the "experiment" of a communistic govern-
ment. Various organizations and governments
are sending their representatives.
   Returning, they write and speak about
their impressions. Their reports are confusing
and contradictory. People do not know whom,
and what to believe.






   By descent and birth a real Russian, I was
educated in Russia. I was there during the
past World War, through the First and Second
Revolution, the Civil War, and lived there
more than nine years under the communistic
government. Many times I have traveled by
train, vehicle and foot over the vast territory
from the Black to the Baltic Sea while preach-
ing the Gospel. Having had many opportuni-
ties to watch events closely, and having come
in contact frequently with the ruling class, it
is my desire to give an impartial picture of
what has happened, and what has been going
on in Russia during the last twenty-five years.
   All accounts in this book are out of my own
experience and observation, with the excep-
tion of a few reliable reports of more recent
days.
   May this imperfect work help some to a
better and more correct understanding of the
conditions and events in Russia, and may it
bring blessings to my home-land, and to other
countries.
                  N. I. Saloff-Astakhoff.


=6-








I.


The Origin and Development of Communism

   The idea of communism has existed among
various nations since ancient times. Individu-
als and groups have endeavored here and
there to equalize all members of society, by
way of abolishing all private property, and
socialization of labor and home life.
   Communistic ideas were especially mani-
fested at the time of the French Revolution,
when the first communistic government was
formed at Paris, only to be overthrown after
a short time.
   Modern communism, with its more decided
program, was originated by the German social-
ists and economists, Karl Marx and Friedrich
Engels, two apostate Jews. Based upon the
existing ideas of communism they wrote the
so-called Communist Manifesto, which was
published in 1848.
   The concluding paragraph reads:
   "Communists scorn to hide their views and
aims. They openly declare that their purpose
can only be achieved by forcible overthrow of
the whole extant social order. Let the ruling
classes tremble at the prospect of a communist
                   S7-





revolution. Proletarians have nothing to lose
but their chains. They have a world to win.
Proletarians of all lands, unite!"
   This Manifesto has remained the platform
of development for communism, and is its bi-
ble. It was used as the foundation for the
First, Second and Third International. Its
main object is to lead the working class in its
struggle against capitalism.
   The First International was established
in London in 1864. Marx and Engels were its
initiators, organizers and leaders.
   After nine years it was dissolved, because
of strife among its members for the leader-
ship of the World-Proletariat.
   In place of the dissolved International,
several world conferences were held by the
workers.
   In 1889 the Second International was or-
ganized in Paris, and has its headquarters in
London today. At the convention in 1903
there was a party split. The radical wing of
the Russian Socialist Party obtained control
of the organization. Two groups resulted:
The Bolsheviki, meaning "majority," and the
Mensheviki, meaning "minority." The Bol-
sheviki demanded the most radical form of
revolution, refusing compromise. They reject-
ed the principles of election, and demanded
the dictatorship of the Proletariat.
                   =8   -






   Later, the members of this left wing of the
party under the leadership of Lenin, seized
control of the governmental power in Russia.
In 1919 they organized the Third Interna-
tional with headquarters in Moscow, whence
the struggle of the proletariat against capital-
ism throughout the world has been controlled
and directed ever since.
   The battle cry and slogan of this Inter-
national is:
   "Proletarians of all lands, unite!"---a call
to unite for the battle of communism against
capitalism, for the final destruction of the lat-
ter through World Revolution, and for the
establishment of a World Union of Socialism.
This they claim can be accomplished only by
world-wide:
   1. Abolition of God and all religion.
   2. Abolition of all private property.
   3. Abolition of the family.
   4. Abolition of the right of inheritance.
   5. Division of labor and capital.
   6. Establishment of communal life.







II.


       Russia Before the Revolution
   Half a century before the revolution there
was revolutionary ferment among all classes
of Russia's society. This agitation increased
each year. The intelligencia, as well as the
masses felt more and more the burden of the
autocratic regime. Futile attempts were made
repeatedly to overthrow the czaristic govern-
ment.
   The   accumulated   revolutionary   power
tried its strength at last during the years 1905-
1906. This uprising was subsidized by Japan,
then at war with Russia. In order to gain the
victory on the front, Japan was eager to have a
revolution in the interior of Russia. For the
revolutionists it would be a great advantage to
have the Russian army defeated and destroy-
ed, for that would inevitably increase the dis-
content of the people against their govern-
ment. But in order to help Japan and them-
selves, they needed money to spread their pro-
paganda. Lenin and his staff were supplied
with large sums of money through Japanese
agents at Geneva. A strong commotion start-
ed, which was suppressed anew with great se-
verity. Japan won the victory, but the revolu-
                   = 10 -






tionists suffered defeat. After this new failure
they went underground, and continued to un-
dermine and shake the foundations of the gov-
ernment, propagating among the masses of
the country.
   The World War found Russia in the heat
of revolutionary fermantation. During the
strike at the Gold Diggings on the Lena river
a number of workers were killed when police
clashed with the strikers. A wave of protest
swept the country.
   Soon afterwards the workers and the police
collided at Petrograd, in the Putilov factory,
and again several workers were killed. The
masses became enraged. For several days
many streets of Petrograd were barricaded in
the fighting between the police and the revolu-
tionists. All labor activity and production
ceased. A ship, loaded with revolvers and
bombs for distribution among the revolution-
ists, was sent from Germany to the Port of
Petrograd. The customs officials received the
ship, but during the unloading the true nature
of the freight was discovered. The ship was
put in custody, and the insurrection remained
without arms. Three days after quiet had been
restored, while barricades were still on some
of the streets, the war broke out with Germany
on July 14, 1914.*
   * The German army crossed the Russian border on July 14
(old Russian Calendar).





   While preparing herself for war Germany
had been aiding the revolutionary agitation in
Russia, believing that unrest and rebellion
started before the outbreak of the war, would
assure a speedy victory for Germany. How-
ever, the reckonings were thwarted. Not re-
ceiving the armament in time the revolution-
ists were defeated, and Germany's declaration
of war created an unprecedented patriotism
among the Russian people.
   Those, who had walked the streets on the
9th of July, carrying red flags, singing revolu-
tionary songs, and demanding the death of
Nicholas II and all oppressors of the people,
on July 14th, carried the picture of the Czar
through the streets of Petrograd, until two
o'clock in the   morning  singing national
hymns, and crying: "Death to the Germans."
   On the second day the conscription offices
were besieged by tens of thousands of workers,
eager to enlist as volunteers. Forgotten were
all revolutionary ideas, all discontent with the
Czar and the government. Russia rose to de-
fend her country. The spirit of patriotism grip-
ped the masses, but not the revolutionary lead-
ers. Knowing this was no time to call for an
uprising, lest the people consider them traitors,
these leaders quieted down, but secretly con-
tinued their propaganda, and awaited a more
convenient moment for a public explosion.
                   = 12=






   During the first days of the war the Russian
people as well as the Government were certain
that it would not last long. It was hoped, and
forecast, that in about three or four months
the victorious Russian and French armies
would meet in Berlin. The enthusiasm of the
army and the people at home was a good basis
for such hope.




                    III.

            The First Revolution
   But a fatal mistake had been made. Ex-
pectations were not realized. The war was
prolonged. Following the early victories, the
Russian army suffered defeat after defeat. The
first fire of enthusiasm waned. Unprepared for
such a long war, the country soon felt its bur-
den.
   Due to the vast extent of the battle line,
the Russian government was compelled to call
about six million soldiers to the colors. There
were not sufficient supplies of clothing or arms
for such an army. Moreover, tens of thousands
of soldiers had to be sent to France. Frequent-
ly the soldiers had to go to the front without
arms. The troops lacked ammunition to resist
                   - 13 -






the enemy, and in many instances were forced
to meet the hostile attacks with cold steel.
Terrific Russian losses resulted.
   The hushed revolutionary elements seized
their opportunity and increased their propa-
ganda among the troops and at home, for the
soil was now most favorable. Under this in-
fluence the conviction grew strong among the
masses and the soldiers that Russia did not
need this war and was only defending the in-
terests of England and France.
   Public opinion, from the lowest social
strata up to the members of the Government,
grew in favor of making peace. Germany was
doing all possible to encourage this sentiment,
and her secret agents swarmed the court. Ru-
mors were spread of the inclination of the
Czarina and Nicholas II to make a separate
peace with Germany.
   The people divided into two groups. One
favored making a separate peace with Ger-
many,-the other stood for war until victory
should be won. The ruling house was between
two fires. The war-weary and dissatisfied peo-
ple on one side,-those who considered that
peace would be a betrayal of Russia on the
other. All support from the people or the gov-
ernment vanished from under the feet of the
Emperor.
   England and France, fearing that the Rus-
                  - 14--






sian government might make a separate peace
with Germany, supported the liberal members
of the Duma, and those members of the gov-
ernment who demanded war until victory and
attempted to take the government into their
owh hands. With the moral support of Eng-
land and France the first revolution took place.
Nicholas II abdicated in March, 1917, and the
governing power went over to the Duma. A
provisional government was organized under
Prince Lvov and Kerensky.
   Thus, those who favored war came into
power and confirmed the treaty not to make
a separate peace until the defeat of Germany.
New conscriptions were made, and the army
was attacking along the whole front. By one
stroke Kerensky had dissipated the apprehen-
sions of England and France and the hopes of
Germany.
   The communists had absolutely nothing to
do with the first revolution and the abdication
of the Czar, though they continued their prop-
aganda among the masses and in the army,
creating hatred toward the wealthy class. But
the leaders of communism were far from the
scene. Lenin was in Switzerland with his
group of revolutionists. Trotzsky lived in the
Bronx, New York. Stalin and some others were
in exile in Siberia.


- 15







IV.


           The Second Revolution
   Having lost the hope of making a separate
peace with the Russian government, Germany
now turned her attention in another direction.
She was well informed about conditions in the
army and among the people at home, who were
tired and war-weary. She knew that under the
influence of communistic propaganda, the new
government, which had raised the slogan:
"War until victory," was losing its authority
in the eyes of the weary troops and the popula-
tion.
   Therefore the German general staff got in
contact with Lenin in Switzerland. Thence
they sent him with about 30 of his revolution-
aries through hostile German territory, across
the front lines in a sealed car, and into Russia.
Lenin's aim was the overthrow of the provi-
sional government, and immediate peace with
Germany.
   The ground for a new revolution was be-
ing prepared with vigor. Lenin and his fol-
lowers became very active and gained popular
favor.
   In July, 1917, on the day set for the start
of the revolution, groups of communists met
                  - 16=






outside of Petrograd, at the estate of one of
the former ministers. After a short fiery
speech by one of the leaders a group was sent
to Moscow to start an uprising there and kill
the members of the, provisional government.
Revolvers and bombs were given to all. An-
other group was ordered to move on the arm-
ory, seize the arms and ammunition, and then
distribute the plunder among the discontent-
ed population. The rest of the rebels were or-
dered to divide in groups of two and three,
and to mingle among the people during the
time of the demonstration.
   Orders were issued to have no mercy on
the people, especially the representatives of
the government, and those who supported it.
Directions were given for provocative killings
on the streets to secure pretexts for accusing
the government. All partakers were warned
to protect and preserve their own lives, for
they would be needed in the future. In case of
danger or attack, bombs should be used to save
their own lives, no matter if it should cost the
lives of hundreds of innocent people. One who
happened to attend this secret meeting felt as
if he were not in the midst of human beings,
but of servants of Satan.
   After receiving all orders in cold blood, the
plotters dispersed, each to his murderous task.
   However, the planned revolution was a fail-
                   = 17 -






ure. They did not succeed in seizing the arm-
ory. The provocations also failed, and the gov-
ernment managed to quell the uprising and
subdue the unarmed masses. Perhaps the at-
tempt would not have been repeated, for war-
rants for the arrest of Lenin were issued. He
was to be given over to the law as a traitor and
a Germany spy. But in the ranks of Kerensky's
government were traitors, who warned Lenin.
He fled at the last moment to Finland.
  While Lenin was in      Finland watching
events, his agents and followers were continu-
ing their work. Propaganda increased. An
election was appointed for the Constituent
Assembly, a body which should form the new
government. This gave the communists an
opportunity and full liberty for their propa-
ganda. The tired armies refused to obey their
commanding officers, who were ridiculed and
insulted by the soldiers. At their meetings the
communists constantly called upon the troops
to turn their bayonets against Petrograd.
   To make matters worse, the attack at the
front, commanded by the provisional govern-
ment, failed utterly. This defeat with the re-
sulting demoralization of the army decided the
fate of the provisional government.
   The psychological moment had come.
When dissatisfaction was at white heat Lenin
re-appeared in Petrograd. Into the upset,
                   - 18 =






troubled sea of humanity the slogan was
thrown: "All power belongs to the Soviet
(counsel) of the workers, peasants and sol-
diers. The workers, peasants and soldiers have
been bearing the burden of war, they are dying
at the front, but the ones who need the war,
are the capitalists. Down with the capitalists!
We must decide our own fate and future. We
must have immediate peace with Germany.
Soldiers go home, to your fields and to your
families. We must defend our wives and chil-
dren from the capitalists, but we must not shed
our blood for the defense of England and
France."
   The army and navy went over to the com-
munists, and on November 7, 1917, they seized
the governmental power.
   The first revolution was accomplished with
the moral support of England and France, the
second with the aid of Germany. Lenin
proved to be a good instrument in the hands
of Japan in 1905, and in 1917 he was a useful
one in the hands of Germany. However, those
countries which assisted in the destruction of
Russia are feeling the consequences of their
support of communism more and more as time
advances.
   Prominent roles in the awful down-fall of
Russia were played by other empires. Further,
-the leaders of communism have not been
                  - 19 -






Russians, with the exception of Lenin. Trotz-
sky, Sinovjev, Uritzsky, Sverdlov, and Kamen-
ev are Jews. The most terrible executioner of
Russia, the founder and first president of the
Cheka or G. P. U. (Secret police of the gov-
ernment), Derzsinsky, was a Pole. The pres-
ent dictator Stalin is a Georgian. As a rule, the
Jews predominate, then the Letts, Poles,
Caucasians and other nationals.




                     V.

    The Attitude of the People Toward
            Communism at First
   Communism was hailed as a redeemer by
the workers, the masses of peasants, the army
and navy. The peasantry, about 70% of Rus-
sia's population, had suffered in many places
from lack of convenient land available for
them. Great areas of the best land was in the
hands of wealthy landlords and monasteries,
and provided the funds for the state.
   Now the, communists issued the slogan:
"All land must be given free of charge for the
use of those who till the ground. It must be
confiscated from the landlords and oppressors
of the people, and shall be divided among the
                  -- 20 -






peasants." This won about 60 or 70% of the
peasants for communism.
    Previously factory-workers had to work
from 10 to 11 hours a day, receiving a very low
salary. Unskilled or common labor brought
about 25 cents up to 50 cents (American) per
day. Skilled labor was paid about 50c to $1.50
a day.
   For these the communist battle cry was:
"The factories are the products of the working
class, therefore they must be taken away from
the capitalists, the exploiters of the workers.
The workers must be the owners of the factor-
ies, and must manage them for themselves."
So the masses of workers were persuaded to
follow the communists.
   In the army there existed besides severe
discipline, injustice and wrong treatment of
the common soldiers by the commanding of-
ficers. A man became a being without in-
dividuality from the day he put on the military
uniform. The soldiers were so abased that
when off duty they did not dare to go to any
restaurant, theatre or public park. In short,
the soldier was prohibited to enter any place
where officers were accustomed to go. This
was oppressive and humiliating. The burden
of the war increased the hatred and enraged
the lower ranks against their officers. Under
                   --21-






the influence of communistic propaganda the
exasperation grew stronger.
   Communism raised a slogan for the sol-
diers: "Away with the respect for ranks, and
with military distinction! Down with the of-
ficers, the executioners of the capitalists. The
commanding staff of the army must be elected
by the soldiers themselves from their own
midst, those belonging to the working class.
Peace must be made immediately, the troops
disbanded, and sent home." This slogan al-
lured about 75% of the army and navy. The
rest were indifferent, they did not care, if only
the war would come to an end.
   The communists confirmed the proclama-
tion for freedom of the press and liberty of
speech, made by the provisional government.
Consequently, the literateurs had no reason to
resist communism, for always their activity
had been limited somewhat by the czaristic
government.
   Another favorite slogan was broadcast:
"On the strength of the fact that in the social-
istic state everything belongs to the people, the
latter must utilize all privileges free, and on
equal rights."
   All railroad fares were abolished. Electric
energy, water, medical help,-all was to be
used free of charge, and many other promises
were made. Such prospects enticed masses of
                   - 22 -






people into communism without any thought
to the real consequences.
   To cap the climax, the communists opened
all prison doors, and set at liberty tens of
thousands of criminals all over the country.
Political prisoners had been freed previously
by the provisional government. The criminal
element now merged with the communists, was
supplied with arms, usurped the political of-
fices in all localities, and became the main
support of communism.
   Members of the former government, land-
lords, and owners or managers of various
branches of industry were given into the hands
of the excited turbulent masses and liberated
criminals. Those who could not flee were kill-
ed mercilessly. Their possessions were plun-
dered, the buildings of the estates destroyed
by fire. Former common laborers, watchmen,
and all kinds of criminal elements,-always
those who could talk the loudest and treat the
former officials most brutally,-now became
directors and presidents of factories, mines, oil
wells, railroads and stations.
   Common soldiers became commanders of
companies and regiments of the Red Army.
The ensign Krelenko became commander-in-
chief. Yesterday's thieves  and  criminals
usurped the offices in cities and districts, be-
coming the merciless rulers of the people.
                   == 23 -





Deserters from the army became policemen,
and chiefs of police. The whole power of the
country went over to the criminal element.
   A number of those who had held minor of-
fices for the former government, having been
entangled in questionable affairs, and hating
their former superiors, were now glad to serve
new masters,-the communists. Good offices
were given them, and they started out, to
build a socialistic state under the instruction
of the communist.
   Middle class people kept quiet. They were
frightened, paralyzed, not daring even to think
of opposition. Each feared for his own life, as
hatred, enmity and scorn were on every side.
Formerly they had looked down proudly upon
the common people, unwilling to stoop to
them. Now the masses took revenge with burn-
ing hatred. "White hands," ((meaning lazy
people) and "parasites" were the favorite
names given to them now. Enduring this the
intelligencia hoped that all would quiet down
soon, and normal conditions would prevail
again.
   Such conditions brought the complete col-
lapse of all industry and transport, and the
destruction of all former supplies, followed by
an unprecedented famine throughout the coun-
try. Every one was occupied with the single
thought of how to save his own life, and the
                   -- 24 --






lives of his dear ones. This circumstance was
of great service to the cause of communism,
and helped it to become entrenched more
\firmly.
   The majority of people were enticed into
communism either by deceit or flattery. Some
joined because of hatred toward the former
government, and because of the prospect of
privileges. Still others were compelled by hun-
ger to seek a position, no matter where, which
would enable them to receive the food ration
which the communists paid. The remainder
;were subdued by violence. They kept quiet,
)hiding themselves wherever they could find
!refuge from the hands of the executioners.



                    VI.

   Why Did Communism Win Out in the
                 Civil War?
    Government institutions and armories came
 into the hands of the communists in Novem-
 ber, 1917. The army and navy joined them. The
 majority of the people were in sympathy, and
 supported the communists because of the
 promises of land and welfare. Those who did
 not fall in line were deprived of everything,
 disarmed and oppressed.
                   - 25 -





   But there were some who had been opposed
to communism from the very start. Civil
War broke out. Opponents       of commun-
ism were rallied and led into war by the gen-
erals Korniloff, Kaledin, Denikin and Wrangel
in the south, and by Koltchak and Udinich in
the north. The outskirts of the country be-
came the fields of military operations after
the communists had gained control over cen-
tral Russia. The Ukraine and Siberia became
the chief centers of warfare.
   According to the Peace Pact of Brest.
Litovsk Germany had a right to occupy the
Ukraine for 10 years. When the communistA
signed the treaty, they declared: "We ard
signing the agreement, but the fulfillment
depends upon the people." A border was
formed between Great Russia and the Ukraine.
After the German troops had taken posses-
sion they commenced to rob the country liter-
ally.
   Corn, flour, sugar, manufactured goods,
clothes, and cattle were carried into impover-
ished Germany by trainloads. Violence was
used whenever the population resisted the
German soldiers who came to take that which
was often the last bit of food or other supplies.
In some cases whole villages were destroyed.
Germany was still fighting on the western
front, hence she needed provisions for her
                   - 26--






troops, and tried to get them from the Ukraine
at any price.
   Though they had     cleared out of the
Ukraine, the communists continued their prop-
aganda there, inciting the people to drive out
the Germans, and to overthrow the govern-
  ent of Skoropadsky, which had been organ-
  zed by  the  German government in the
Ukraine. At the end of 1918 the German and
  ustrian troops left the Ukraine, and the gov-
  rnment of Skoropadsky collapsed under the
  ressure of communism.
  In the spring of 1919 the Red army in turn
was forced to retreat again from the Ukraine
iefore the forces of the White army of General
iDenikin. Simultaneously the communistic
larmy was driven from Siberia by the army of
Koltchak. The richest parts of the country,
including the corn-growing areas, coal and
metal mines, and the oil fields were now in the
hands of the opponents of communism. The
communists were surrounded. All counted that
in a few more weeks Russia would be cleansed
of communism. However, just the opposite
happened. Koltchak and Denikin were defeat-
ed by the Red army.
   There were many reasons for the defeat
of the White army. Chief among them was
the effect on morale of the predominance of
those standing by the communists. The peo-
                   S27 -






pie had not yet experienced the rule of com-
munism in times of peace. Therefore they put
their trust in all the promises made by the
communists. All cruelties at the time were
ascribed to war conditions. There was comy
fort in the hope that, as soon as the war witl
the Whites should be ended, the communisti
government would put its ideas into practic
in peaceful conditions. For communism hel
out very enticing prospects of future libert
and welfare.
   The White armies had organized provision+
al governments in localities which they oct
cupied. These military and civil authorities
became more and more bankrupt in the eyed
of the people, and their authority dwindled a4
confidence in them  decreased. They wer
bringing the country back to the old pre-
revolutionary conditions. Staff officers lived
in debauchery. Soldiers of lower ranks were
abased as before, while respect and honor to-
ward their superiors were demanded as in the
time of the Czar.
   Vengeance w a s executed   everywhere.
Those in authority displayed great injustice
and wrong, seemingly to avenge themselves
for the hardships they had been forced to en-
dure recently. Landlords who had fled from
the communists returned, and with the assist-
ance of the soldiers took back the land which
                   =28-






the peasants had already divided. On such
occasions the peasants were beaten and mal-
treated, repaying tenfold for the recentbanish-
inent of the owners.
   The Jews suffered the most severe persecu-
tion. Tens of thousands of them were killed
in the Ukraine alone, by the troops of Denikin.
In many cases Jews bought ikons and placed
them in their homes. Many put crosses around
their necks, as the members of the Greek Or-
thodox do. To save their lives, those who were
japtiured repeated prayers of the Orthodox
Church, to prove that they were Greek Cath-
blics.
   In our Mission there were two converted
Jews, missionaries. The hatred of the Jews
was so great that these men, although they
preached the Gospel, were thrown out of the
trains several times while traveling. One of
the two died a martyr's death.
   The White army was fully supporting the
Greek Catholic Church and granting her all
former privileges, while  the Protestant
Churches were being deprived of their liberty.
My co-workers and I were arrested frequently
for preaching the Gospel. Old conditions were
being restored, and revenge was being taken
for the revolution. The White army was de-
ciding its own fate and the possibility of free-
ing Russia from the power of communism.
                   - 29






   The communists seized their opportunity .
Fighting the Whites at the front, they were
effectively spreading their propaganda in thy
rear of their opponents. They provoked the
authorities in order to bring punishment ori
the innocent population. Then the people
were urged to rebel, and to overthrow the
Whites. Partisan troops were formed. Trains
and military transports were attacked. At
last the whole rear of the White army was sat;
urated with the spirit of discontent, and the
desire for the communists to come as deliver
ers. Propaganda was spread in the ranks of
the army. In every military division, the
commanding staff included, there were host)
of communistic spies. All these forces com-t
bined to effect the final destruction of the.
White army and the flight of many of its mem.
bers into foreign countries. All Russia was
flung into the abyss of communism.
   The last opposition of General Wrangel
was annihilated in the latter part of Novem-
ber, 1920, and the communistic power estab-
lished itself throughout the land.


- 30 -








VII.


    Has Communism Justified the Hope of
                 the People?
    The Civil War with its horrible destruction
brought indescribable suffering and distress to
the Russian people. Passing armies robbed
them of corn, bread, clothes, cattle,-in short,
all the supplies for the troops. No one could
count anything his own, neither the things in
his home nor the clothes on his back, for the
-oldiers (especially of the Red army) had to
supply their own needs.
    Much of the land remained unplowed, and
 unsown. Then came an unprecedented drought.
 An awful famine gripped the whole land. Mil-
 lions of people had perished in the war, and
 as many were carried away now by famine
 and disease. Grippe, typhoid and typhus
 raged. During these years we travelled with
a group of co-workers for the purpose of
preaching the Gospel and giving medical help
to the destitute population. We encountered
the most distressing cases. In some places
whole villages perished from typhoid fever and
typhus.
    Throughout the Civil War and the famine
 the people had lived in the hope that soon all
                   - 31






the horrors would be past history. All could
devote themselves to peaceful occupations, en-
joy the benefits of the revolution, make good
use of their liberty, and rest from the awful
suffering. But as open warfare diminished
and the communists became more firmly en-
trenched in power, all classes in Russia com-
menced to realize that they were the victims
of deliberate deception. They saw that in-
stead of being liberators the communists were
the most monstrous oppressors. By compar-
ison the Czar's regime seemed like a lost par-
adise, though it had been odious to the major-k
ity. Former times of servitude, even those of
John the Terrible, seemed preferable to the
terrorism of the newly established govern-
ment. War in Russia had ceased, but the com-
munists were extending their war against
capitalism into all other countries. The Rus
sian people, hungry and naked themselves,
were being forced to furnish millions for the
support of this war and the communistic part--
ies in foreign countries.
   "The land for those who till the ground,"
was the slogan given by the communists in
the beginning. Before they had established
their power the communists let the peasants'
divide the land of the large estates among
themselves. But as soon as the Civil War was
ended new laws were issued. All lands of the
                  --32 -






former landlords were withdrawn from  the
peasants and turned into "Sovchose," govern-
ment estates. Among the peasants their own
land was redistributed.
    For instance: Some peasants had from 9
to 30 acres of land which they had purchased
with hard earned savings. Many drunkards
and lazy people had none. Now the property
of the industrious people was seized and divid-
ed equally between the hard working owners
and the indolent scum of the locality.
   In 1924 I happened to be in a village about
pne and a half miles from the large estate
which had belonged to the Duke B. prior to
its confiscation. Conversation with a peasant
there proved enlightening.
    "Life is very pleasant for you under the
new government, isn't it? You have liberty,
and since you have divided the land of the
duke, you have all the land you want."
   A sarcastic smile accompanied his reply:
'iThere has been land divided-only it was our
own. It was taken away from the honest hard-
working people and given to drunkards and
lazy folk. At the estate there is a communistic
manager, but he hasn't the slightest idea of
farming. He is a terribly brutal man, and a
drunkard. Formerly we used to work for the
'duke, were paid for our labor, were fed well,
                   - 33 -






and were treated like human beings. But now,
-we have to work there much more, are re-
ceiving much less pay, get rotten food, and are
treated worse than cattle. Our dogs had a
better life formerly than we have now." He
concluded with a deep sigh.
   This is a fair illustration of the general
situation of the peasantry until 1928.
   For a few years the peasants worked oh
the land which had been divided in this man-
ner. But they could not manage their own
crops as they chose. The high taxes which
the government imposed on them consumed
the total yield of the fields. This is how i;
was accomplished. While the grain was still
standing, government agents came to make an
estimate of the crops. To illustrate the method
we shall assume such an agent estimates a.
certain field will yield 50 bushels per acre. Or
this basis the peasant is taxed 20 to 30 bushels
per acre. But after the grain ripens, the har-
vest yields not 50 bushels but only 30 to 35
bushels, out of which he must pay 20 to 30
bushels to the government. Those who were
not able to meet the estimated tax require-
ments in full were arrested, frequently tor-
tured and sometimes shot. While traveling I
have learned of hundreds of cases where the
peasants were forced to buy grain in order to
pay the taxes imposed upon them, as the
                  -- 34-






amounts demanded were far in excess of their
actual crops.
   Similar taxes were levied upon cattle, but-
ter, eggs, and other products. Well do I re-
nember how the inhabitants of one village
found a hen hanging on one of the telegraph
oles. A slip of paper was fastened to her
fleet, with the following inscription:
   "Moscow demands that I lay 10 eggs a
W*eek. But nature has provided for me to lay
ust one egg a day. Consequently I am not
4ble to pay the required tax. My master, who
is feeding me, has to suffer in my behalf. There-
fore I have decided to hang myself. It is im-
possible to exist under present conditions."
   At present communism has gone farther.
Instead of dividing the land among the peas-
ants, as they promised, the communists are
now confiscating the last acre of land from the
peasants. According to the latest laws all
land belongs to the state, and the peasants are
merely the working power of the government,
like factory workers who have no personal
property. They have to till the land collect-
ively, rendering all that they produce to the
government, from which they receive the bare
means for their existence.
   To this end the peasants are being driven
onto the collective farms, where they are
                   -- 35






working under conditions of slavery. The gov-
ernment is taking all the products they raise
and giving them in return just enough crumbs
to maintain life in a state of semi-starvation.
Slaves in the United States of America before
the times of Lincoln lived in much better con--
ditions than the peasants under the communis-
tic government. They had to work very hard,
but they were well fed, for weakness or death
meant loss to the slave-owners who had
purchased their slaves for a considerable price
in the market.
   For the communistic government, how-
ever, it makes no difference whether the op-
pressed peasant lives or dies. He is a slave
who has cost the government nothing, and
there are about 135 to 140 million of them in
Russia. This is only a faint picture of how
the communists fulfill their alluring promises
given the agrarians. "The land for those who
cultivate it." What a bitter irony! The land
is not for the benefit, but for the grave of the
tortured toiler.
   "The workers must be the owners and man-
agers of the factories," was another slogan of
the communrits. A first they gave full liber-
ty to the turbulent unrestrained masses. The
management of industry came into the hands
of the workers-but only those who were
members of the communist party. The rest
                   -- 36






of the workers were slowly but surely turned
into disillusioned slaves.
   Under the present factory laws of the Sov-
iets, a worker has no right to regulate his
own life. Neither his knowledge, nor his abil-
ities, nor the strength of his muscles are at his
own disposal. It is impossible for him to quit
the job in one place, and look for better work
elsewhere, if he does not like the work. The
proclaimed 8-hour-day remains only a law on
the paper. Under various subterfuges, as
"free-will labor," "attack days," etc., the work-
er has to work 10 hours and more.
   For his labor he receives a very meager
salary. Russian money being so worthless,
and all necessities of life so extremely expen-
sive, the worker has to live a semi-starved life
at the verge of the limit of endurance. Be-
sides, one-third of his earnings is kept by the
government under pretence of free-will deduc-
tion,-for the benefit of aviation, for the sup-
port of workers in foreign countries, and so
on without end. To protest against these de-
ductions results in most painful discipline, so
that no one dares object.
    Home life and living quarters are most
pitiful. The worker must live with his whole
family in one room. If there are only a few
in the family, he has to share it with a stranger
who is assigned to live with him.
                   -- 37 -






    The Russian worker is forced to live on
 such food as is being thrown away in America
 as inedible. And he receives only a limited and
 insufficient amount of that. As a matter of
 fact, the most destitute unemployed in Amer-
 ica is much better off than the best employed
 worker under communism in Russia.
    The life of the worker in Russia before the
revolution was not an enviable one. Yet, he
was well fed, clothed, and lived in good quar--
ters. As the products he needed were cheap he
was able to save, provided he did not drink or
gamble. Therefore the former conditions of
the working class in Russia remain a pleasant
dream of the past, which has been displaced by
the awful, desolate, cheerless reality.
   I overheard two workers conversing in a
trolley car in Petrograd, in 1926. It was a cold
winter day. They were clad in worn out, torn
coats. Their boots were full of holes. One was
cursing his fate, and the government which
had brought about such conditions. The other,
sitting opposite him replied cynically:
   "Well Comrade, the workers are enjoying
what they shed their blood for !"
   Being so stripped and powerless the work-
er is unable to protest or to attempt to organ-
ize a strike. Strikes have passed into the do-
main of tradition. To whom should they pro-
                  -38--






test? There is no longer the bourgeois who
owns the factories. Theoretically the com-
munist worker is governing it. The slightest
sign of discontent in a factory is considered
treason against the working class,--counter-
revolutionary,-and is punished most cruelly.
'Himself, as well as his wife and children, hun-
gry, naked, barefoot, and living in small dirty
quarters, the worker secretly nourishes the
hope of deliverance from the yoke of commu-
nism, which promised to make him the owner
bf factories, but made him a destitute slave.
   "Freedom in speech and press," the com-
munistic bait for publishers and the literary
class has vanished in thin air. Under the
Czarist government the press was somewhat
limited in its liberty. But communism has
beaten all records. In the whole country there
is not one free newspaper published, not one
magazine in which the people can express their
opinions and convictions. Not a book is being
printed unless it expresses communist views
and arms the masses against capitalism. Every-
thing published is communist propaganda.
   "Freedom of Speech," just does not exist.
No person living in the country has any right
or opportunity to express his opinion in pub-
lic meetings. And what is far worse, even in
the home, in the family, each member must
guard his lips, not daring to express his
                   -39-






thoughts if they be out of harmony with the
demands of communism.
   In the army and navy some promises have
materialized. Some changes for the better
have been made. The salute to higher ranks
has been abolished. A soldier off duty now
has the same right as an officer to visit any
public place, if he has the money to spend.
   The army is well equipped, receives fairly
good food compared to the rations for the rest
of the population, and has better living quar-
ters. It numbers about 750,000 to 800,000
soldiers, most of whom can be depended on as
loyal communists or men strongly favoring
communism. But all young men who are un-
reliable in the estimation of the government
are made to serve the years of their military
duty without arms in government labor. Such
toil is excessively hard. Their food is very
bad and they are kept destitute of clothes and
footwear. They are practically slaves.
   "Freedom of election of officials." Liter-
ally nothing has been left of this slogan, ex-
cept deception and mockery. Repeatedly I have
watched elections. A certain official is to be
elected. The people are assembled. Com-
munistic secretaries announce the names of
the candidates. An orator speaks about their
merits. Then the presiding officer asks the
question: "Who is against?"--Not one hand
                  - 40 -






is raised, and the secretary writes: "Elected
unanimously."
   In the first period of the communistic gov-
ernment some people dared to raise their hands
if they did not assent. Such never were asked
the reason of their protest, but their names
were taken. The next day they were sum-
moned to the office of the G. P. U., where the
agents "spoke to them in their own language."
The consequences were always sad and pain-
ful. But at present the silence of the grave
rules when the question is put: "Who is
against?" The most wicked and degrading
farce is being played with the people, as with
puppets.
   Thus "free" elections are conducted, from
those of officials of the Selsoviet (village
counsel), up to those of the Gubispolcom (ex-
ecutive committee of the state). The mem-
bers of the Sovnarcom (counsel of people's
commissars), are simply appointed by Stalin
according to his own will and pleasure.
   "Death to the Bourgeoisie, the Capitalists
and their associates," is the only slogan which
the communists are materializing fully. This
was one of their first. In the 14-year-period
the communists have not retreated from it,-
not one iota. The whole former wealthy class
has been persecuted mercilessly and is being
exterminated. The same fate has been meted
                   - 41 -






out to the former intelligencia and middle claps,
who suffer more than any one else from the
terrible despotism of this dictatorship.
   All former workers of public instruction,
engineers, technicians, and state clerks are un-
der constant suspicion. They are gradually
being wiped out, as new specialists are trained.
   Lately this extermination has been check-
ed temporarily. Communism has realized that
for the present she can not go ahead without
them in industry and agriculture. Yet this
cessation is only for a limited time. Unless
the specialists merge entirely with commtt-
nism, which is impossible, they will be annihil-
ated gradually.
   This is the picture of what I have seen and
experienced in Russia of the actual working
out of the communistic slogans for liberty,
equality, and fraternity,-the brotherhood o-
man without God.



                   VIII.

 The Testimony of an American Communist
      Who just Returned from Russia
   The foregoing is my personal observation
of past events in Russia. But the following
is the testimony of a communist who just re-
                   -42-






turned from Russia. He is a member of the
communist party in America, a miner of West
Virginia. His active fighting against capital-
ism in this country was valued so highly some
time ago that his party paid $3,000.00 to re-
lease him, when he was arrested for participa-
tion in a communist riot.
   This is his story as he told it in New York
City in December, 1931:
   "From the very beginning of the revolu-
tion I have been a member of the communist
party. I hated America to such an extent that
  was ready to blow her up, together with all
'capitalists' and 'counter-revolutionists.'
   "I was determined to go to U. S. S. R. for
good, for I did honestly believe that only there
the people lived a good, free life, and that they
ruled their own country.
   "When I purchased my ticket I was warn-
ed by the clerk of the company to be sure and
take my First Papers with me, for they would
help me if I should desire to return.
   "I looked at him with disgust, thinking:
'Oh, you mean parasite... You White soldier
S.. You think that I would return from the
land of the workers to capitalistic America!'
   "But in his hearing I said: 'No, comrade,
I shall never return to the capitalists. I would
rather throw myself from the bridge and
drown. But I shall never come back.'
                   -- 43






        How I Prepared for the Trip
   "I expected to remain in U. S. S. R. for
life, therefore I took with me all my money,
about $2,000.00. I bought clothes for my rela-
atives, but only for the men, thinking that my
old mother had no need of anything.
   "Officials took none of my clothes or
money away at the Russian border. I was
able to take it all to the folks at home.
                 Leningrad
   "Upon our arrival we were stationed in a
good hotel. After a little rest we started out
to see Leningrad with an English speaking in-
terpreter as guide. The Winter Palace was
shown to us. Then they led us to the Peter
Paul Fortress and told us how the imperial
government had tortured its prisoners there.
             The First Doubts
   "Before we were taken for the sight-seeing
ride, we took a walk and saw people on the
streets in such ragged clothes, that I was
ashamed to look at the nude bodies disclosed.
   "Some workers approached and tried to
speak to us, but our interpreter interfered. She
told us that we had no right to talk to them,
for that was liable to cause trouble for the
workers, for her, and for us.
   "This seemed very strange, that in a 'free'
                   S44~






country we should be prohibited conversation
with its inhabitants.
   "Later when they drove with us to the
Peter-Paul Fortress, and told how the prison-
ers had been tortured here, I said:
   " 'Well, show us how you keep your prison-
Wers at present.'
   "'We cannot show it to you now, only aft-
er three weeks we can do it.'
   " 'But we have to leave in three days, that
means we shall not see it.'
    "'Well then, it shall be so,' answered a
certain man, who had been circling around us
all the time. By this time I understood that
he was an agent of the G. P. U.
         You Are Led by the Nose
    "I did manage, anyhow, to talk with some
workers in Leningrad. I ventured out alone,
and wandered along the streets until I met
several workers, with whom I started a con-
versation. I told them that I had come from
America to U. S. S. R. to see the communistic
achievements.
    "They stood with downcast heads. Then
 suddenly looking around, one replied:
    "'Comrade, don't believe what they are
 telling and showing you .... You are led by
 the nose. .. . Don't you see yourself how we
 are suffering here? Look, and see how we are
                   =345 =






clad. Oh, comrade... We need another revolu-
tion, to free us.'
   "I looked at these men, clothed only in
rags, and I felt ashamed of being so well dress-
ed, and so well nourished.
                  Moscow
   "We visited Moscow too. We were led in--
to theaters, and shown various noteworthy
objects. We were escorted to the mausoleum
of Lenin.
   "When our large crowd approached the
Kremlin, I noticed near the wall a poor rag-s
ged woman. Three nude children pressed
themselves close to her. Her face was swolleni
from tears, and she cried out:
   "'Help, save me, comrades! My husband
has been exiled to the Solovetsky Islands, and
I am perishing here with my children.'
   "Although they tried very hard to lead us
away from there, we managed to get near, and
ask her where she came from.
   "'I am from the province of Magilev. Help!
Save me!'
   "Each one of us gave her a dollar, for it
was impossible to look unmoved on the suffer'-
ing of this woman and her hungry little chil-
dren.
   "Several workers were standing near. As
soon as we had given the money to the woman
they turned to her and said:
                  =46






   " 'Quick, woman, call a driver and flee, for
the militia will come and take all your money
away.'
   "The woman jumped to her feet and dis-
appeared. We do not know what became of
her.
   "In Moscow they fed us such stuff that I
almost became ill. At dinner we were given
fried horse's brains, with such a disgusting
odor that I scarcely was able to keep from
vomiting at the table. Even now when I re-
member it I feel nauseated. We refused to
ekt it, and were given something else.
   "From the Kremlin they drove us to see a
c rtain factory, though the factory itself was
not shown. We were taken only into the house
for the workers.
   "The house was beautifully built. We were
eqcorted through a clean hall into the kitchen
abd were told that the food for the workers
was prepared there. On the table was a large
quantity of meat, and other food. I was very
glad that here at least the workers were so
well fed.
    "From the kitchen we were conducted
along a corridor, which led us tothe street. Later
I learned from the workers that all tourists
were shown through this way only. But I
managed to stay back, and went farther into
the building. Here I saw quite a different pic-
                   --47 =






ture. A long, dirty, very poorly lighted cor-
ridor was in front of me. I knocked at the
first door. A woman opened. She was very
poorly dressed and looked tired. The room
was so small there was hardly space to turn
around.
   "'How do you do, Auntie?' I said, 'What
are you doing here?'
   "'I am cooking the dinner for my gill
friends. They are working now, and later 'I
am going to work.'
   "'What are you cooking?'
   "'Oh, only cabbage and water.'
   "'Why, they are cooking the dinner for
you at the commune kitchen. I saw they h d
lots of meat there.'
   "The woman looked at me with amaze-
ment. Only now she realized that I was a for-
eigner.
   "She laughed, and replied: 'It is evideskt
that you do not know anything here.
              Decorative Meat
   "'That meat is only brought in for the tirre
when foreign tourists came to see the place'
she explained. 'You saw piles of such meat in
the kitchen. But we do not receive one morsel
of it. If anyone gets it, it is only the G. P. Ut.,
for whom the dinner is cooked there.'
   "'How do you live in such a small room?'
I inquired.
                  - 48






   " 'That is very simple. Five of us are liv-
ing in this room. We sleep on the flour.'
   "'But where are your matresses, blankets
and pillows ?'
   "Again the woman laughed. 'We do not
have any. We sleep on the rags which we are
wearing, and with rags we cover ourselves.'
   "I was horrified. 'How can people live like
this ?'
   " 'We are getting used to it,' replied the
woman sadly.
   "I took a piece of bread from her. The
bread was black, and there was more chaff in
it, than rye flour.
   "'Such bread is given by cards, a pound a
day at a cheap price. If we want to buy more
we may, but in that case we have to pay 1.
ruble and 30 kopecks for a pound.'
   "I felt sickened. Bidding the woman good-
bye, I went out.
                In the Park
   "Near the commune house there is a small
park. Here I met some workers and conversed
with them. All agree: there must be some
change, because it is impossible to continue to
live under present conditions. The workers
hate this government of slavery, but they are
disarmed, unorganized, and unable to do any-
thing. The vigilant eye of the G. P. U. is
watching everything closely.
                   = 49 -






            Bolshevik Standard
   "At present it is very difficult in U. S. S. R.
to distinguish the people, one from another.
All are dressed the same way, or rather un-
dressed alike. All the way from Moscow to my
home, in the Kief province, I saw the same
kind of clothes: tattered short coats, and an
occasional pelisse. Very few boots were in
evidence. The majority wore bast shoes, or
any kind of rags.
   "What can people buy in U. S. S. R.? How
can they mend their clothes when they can
not get any thread, and one needle costs 25
kopecks. A pair of soles costs 45 rubles, and
a pair of boots 200 rubles. Nails cannot be
bought for any money. (A ruble is nominally
worth about 50 cents and there are 100 kopecks
to the ruble.)
   "The first day I remained at Christianovka,
and watched what was going on at the station.
Thousands of peasants were lying on the floor
in the station and all around the building. All
were trying to go somewhere. Many had been
there a week already, because they could not
get tickets. The ticket office window opened
only 15 minutes before a train departure. Each
time the whole crowd rushed toward it. The
strong ones secured their tickets, while the
rest went humbly back to their places on the
floor, sometimes waiting there for days for a
                  - 50 -






lucky chance to board the train. Those who
have more money are able to get tickets. I
called the porter and told him:
   " 'Comrade, I am not able to wait here, I
must leave. Buy me a ticket.'
   "'Why not! Give me one ruble for the
work, and I will get you a ticket at once,' he
re lied.
  S"He took the money, went to the ticket
office, knocked at the door, went in and re-
turned in a moment's time with my ticket.
Bribes are being taken openly, without em-
barrassment, for they consider this to be work.
        What Do the Peasants Say?
   "I lived for about two and one-half months
in the village, and had ample opportunity to
converse with the peasants. I talked to some
also while I was waiting at the station at
Christianovka. They are all echoing the same
refrain:-
   " 'If only God would send us some kind of
a war, even the smallest would be welcome.
Then in one night we would dispose of all
communists. Not one of them should be left.'
        Hard Labor of the Women
   "While waiting a whole day for my train at
Christianovka, wandering about near the sta-
tion I noticed that women were working on
the railway tracks.
                  --51-


W L






   "I was interested, and walked over to them.
Several were toiling with heavy mattocks,
others were lifting the rails with a jack.
   "'How is the work?' I asked the one who
stopped for a moment to wipe the perspiration
from her face.
   "'Well, this is the way we torment our-
selves for three rubles a day,' replied the wom-
an in a broken voice. 'The work is awfully
hard, but we have to do it, for we are perish-
ing from hunger.'
   "'Hello, don't talk there!' yelled the over-
seer. 'Don't you know what happens for talk-
ing?... '
   "The woman took her mattock and com-
menced working. 'You see how we are work-
ing,' she continued while striking the rail with
the mattock. 'We earn three rubles a day, but
that is not even enough for our food. I can
get for my whole family one and one-half
pounds of bread a day for six kopecks. If I
buy more than that I have to pay one ruble
30 kopecks per pound. .... And so we must
perish .... "
   "'Don't talk!' shouted the overseer, mov-
ing in our direction
   "Not desiring any trouble I turned and
walked away. My heart was aching and again
I remembered what the communists in Amer-
ica had said and written. They all should be
                  - 52-






sent here to do this labor, so they might know
how the 'fortunate' Proletariat is living in U.
S.S.R.
            In the Home Village
   "Finally I reached my own village. What
a sad sight! Many houses were destroyed,
walls ruined, the roofs taken off.
   "I knew already, but was interested to hear
someone explain, 'why' the houses were de-
stroyed. So I stopped a peasant and inquired:
   "'What has destroyed      these cottages,
uncle ?'
   "'That's the government.... The peasants
who lived here were told to go and dig beets
for the government. They did not want to do
it for nothing, therefore they were exiled to
the Solovetszky Islands. The families of some
have been left here, and they are living over
there in those sheep stalls.'
   "He pointed toward a half destroyed pig-
pen, where the wife of a 'kulak' lived, with her
three children.
   "'But what are they doing with the mate-
rial which they are taking from these huts?'
I continued.
   " 'It's used for fuel.... For the kitchens of
the communes .... '
   "Again I clenched my fists, and felt like
crying. What a foolish dupe I had been to be-
                   = 53 -






lieve the lies of the communists, and to be one
of them.
              Meeting Mother
   "We had never been rich, and owned only
nine acres of land. I found our cottage, which
I had not seen for 22 years, and knocked at the
door. My mother who is now seventy-two
opened it.
   "I feel ashamed to tell 'how' I found my
mother. She had no shirt, and was clad only
in a sack, which was so torn that her nude
body was disclosed. My old mother stood be-
fore me trying to cover her nakedness, for she
was highly embarrassed before such a well-
dressed stranger.
   "I did not make myself known at first, L ut
asked: 'Where is your son, auntie?'
   "'One is in the city, serving as an agricul-
turist, and the other is in America.'
   "'But how are you living here ?...'
   " 'We do not live, we are dying. This is
all that remained of my home, after they con-
fiscated my land and took away all my proper-
ty, because I was not able to pay the high
taxes. They left me three spoons, two small
pots, and a leaky pail. Yes, and one pillow fill-
ed with straw.'
   "Then I could contain myself no longer,
and broke down saying:
                  - 54 -






    "Mother, didn't you recognize me? Look,
 it is I, your son.'
    "She staggered and fell. After she was
 brought back to consciousness, I sat crying
 and asking questions.
    " 'It is impossible, son, to explain to you
how the people are living now. Nothing has
been left. The bandit communists have taken
all. We are wearing sacks. I do have two
meters of white linen, which I purchased for
20 rubles long ago. But this, my son, I am
keeping for the hour of death, that there may
be something to bury me in, so that in the
grave at least I will not be in a sack.'
    "I had brought with me only men's clothes.
A hasty trip was made to the city of Kief, to
buy some clothes for her. I spent 400 rubles
in order to at least cover my old mother some-
how.
    "My brother is not a member of the party.
He is employed as an agriculturist, and gets
300 rubles a month, but he lives much more
poorly and more miserable than our bums in
Smerica. He can not get anything by card,
(not being a member of the party he has no
Bard) but must buy everything at commercial
prices, so that his money is not even enough
(to purchase his food, to say nothing of clothes.
   "When I gave them the clothing, they ex-
amined and felt it for a long time. Then they






drove somewhere to hide it, being afraid that
the chekists (Agents of the G. P. U.) would
come and take it all.
     The Living Corpse of Biro-Bedjan
   "As soon as the peasants had learned of
my arrival they commenced to come in long
lines. I got so tired that I finally laid down,
asking my brother not to disturb me. When
I awoke the next morning, he said:
   " 'There is a Jew here, S-, be sure to re-
ceive him, and have a talk with him for he is
dying,-if not today, then to-morrow.'
   "I asked him to call the man. A living
corpse entered the house, just bones covered
with skin. Following him were his wife an I
several children. I was about to shake hands
with him, but he protested:
   "'No, I am not going to give you my hand,
for I have consumption, and I am dying. Look
here, and see what the Soviet government has
done with me. They persuaded me to go to
Biro-Bedjan, and there they drove me into
consumption.'
   "He could speak only with great effort, and
it was appalling to look at him.
   "'I have a petition to ask of you,' he said.
'I am not seeking anything for myself, for I
am already a corpse, but please help my wife
and children. My own brother lives where you
                  = 56 -






do in America,-in West Virginia. Plead with
him to save my wife and my children from the
Soviet government,-not to let them perish,
as I have.'
   "This ghastly man did not cry. He had no
more tears, but his wife and children wept bit-
terly. I promised him to do all I could as soon
as I should return to America. By that time I
was firmly decided that I would not stay in
U. S. S. R., the place of compulsory labor,
where the people are being tortured and driven
alive into the grave.
        How the Peasants Are Living
   "The peasants are living in constant fear.
At nights they sleep half-dressed, and at the
least noise pull on the rest of their clothing
hastily ready to flee from the G. P. U. They
speak cautiously, and are always in terror. But
all say in one voice:
    " 'Let only a war start, then we shall get
rid of the communists.'
   "To me, as an American, they came with
the petition:
    " 'Aren't you going to deliver us?... Get
on your knees, and plead with the President
to send armies to free us.'
   "Many peasants do not stay in their homes
at night, but go into hiding, sitting the whole
night in the reeds. If a peasant kills his own
calf, and eats it, he is sentenced to eight years
                   - 57--






convict labor. But if anybody else kills a calf,
he gets only three months prison for it.
   "The militia was taking all of his grain
from one of the peasants. When he pleaded
with them to leave at least a little for his fm-
ily, he received the answer: 'Pay your tax, or
we take it all.' 'You know that I have noth-
ing to pay with. ... For I am perishing from
hunger.' 'Well, die!' they replied. 'If I a;m
guilty before the Soviet government, why must
my children suffer? They are innocent.'
   " 'Don't talk, give the grain! Of your chil-
dren you may take care yourself.'
   "It would be impossible to tell in a week
what is going on in U. S. S. R.," continued the
narrator. "If any one had told me, and I had
not seen it with my own eyes, I would never
have believed that it is possible to treat the
people in such a way, and still bear the names,
communists-socialists. These are worse than
bandits. A bandit robs you, but he does not
put you into prison. However, the communists
plunder and rob you of everything, and in ad-
dition cast you into prison.
              Vozvrastchensy
  (People Who Have Returned to Russia
           After the Revolution)
   "Once I met a man outside the village. Ap-
proaching me he said in English: 'Mister, help
me.' I was astonished to hear that tongue.
                  - 58 -






   " 'I came here into the commune in 1922,
from America, and now I do not know how to
escape from U. S. S. R. We all are to be ar-
rested to-morrow, to be exiled to Siberia. But
I decided to flee. It does not make any differ-
ence where one perishes.' He was crying.
   "I took out $10.00 and gave it to him. He
rushed toward me, and tried to kiss my hand,
but I would not let him. He thanked me and
went away. I do not know if he succeeded in
running away, and so escaped Siberia.
     What Does the G. P. U. Demand?
   "I was summoned to the office of the G.
P. U. and asked:
   "'Is it true, comrade, that in New York
there are daily two thousand people dying
from hunger?'
   " 'No, that isn't true,' I replied. 'There is a
crisis, it has become harder for the people. But
if any one is hungry there, he can get food at
charitable organizations. I have never heard
that two thousand were dying in a day from
hunger.'
   "'You must not tell this to the peasants!
If you are going to talk too much, we are able
to arrest you.'
   "Then, noticing that I had a good flash-
light, they requested that I should give it to
them.
   "'Why should I give it to you? To make
                   = 59 -






it easier to search for the peasants who are
hiding from you?'
   "They laughed. One of them took the flash
light out of my hand and turned on the light.
Another took his gun, and aimed saying:
   " 'Wouldn't it be great to have such a light ?
. . One could hold it, and the other could
shoot.'
   "Without saying anything, I took my light
and went out. I understood very well what
they wanted my flash light for, and I was de-
termined rather to break it than to give it to
the G. P. U., which is killing the people.
                 The Exiles
   "The Soviet government is exiling multi-
tudes to the Solovetsky Islands, and to Siberia.
They are taking whole families. The men are
being separated from their wives and children.
No one knows when and where they take the
people from   the village. One morning it
awakes and notices that one or more houses
are empty,-that's all. Some return after
months, searching for their wives and chil-
dren. They report that they and their families
were sent in different directions, and that they
were forced to give their signatures that they
had gone to work voluntarily.
   "Out of a thousand such exiles only about
sixty survive. All the others die, either from
hunger, disease or horrible treatment.
                   -60 =






              In a Soviet Court
   "I attended a court session, and witnessed
how they judged an old man of 82, for some
kind of offense against the Soviet government.
He was sentenced to 99 years in prison. He
smiled and said:
   " 'Comrades, I thank you for the sentence.
Only I shall not be able to sit so many years
in prison, as I am quite old. Possibly I may
last yet for about twenty years, but the rest
of the term, comrades, you will have to finish
yourselves in prison. The day will come when
all of you shall land in prison.... ' They did
not let him finish, but led him out.
   What the Red Soldiers Are Thinking
   "I had a chance also to speak to Red sol-
diers. They are well equipped, and are being
fed well.
   "'I notice that you are living well, com-
rade,' I told one soldier.
   " 'Yes, comrade, I am all right, but ask me
where my father is. He is at the Solovetsky
Islands. And where shall I be myself after
finishing my service ? We know all and under-
stand.' Drawing a deep sigh he left me.
    The Attitude of the People Toward
              the Government
   "I was engaged in conversation with some
of my villagers. Some one noticed a member






of the militia in the distance. Immediately all
were hushed, and one said: 'Caution, citizen, a
bandit is coming.'
    In the "Kolchoz" (Collective Farm)
    "No matter how much I traveled, I did not
see sown fields. In a few places there were some
cocks of wheat, and in one place sun flower was
growing the size of an egg. Only on one col-
lective farm there were eight American trac-
tors working. The life of the peasants in tl-e
collective farms is very miserable. Each work-
er gets for himself one and one-half pounds of
bread a day, for his wife one pound, and for
each child half a pound,-and that is all that
they pay him for his labor.
           Meat for the Population
   "I saw in the city how they transported
meat for the population. It was horrible--
skinned carcasses of horses. The ribs were
sticking out, and large flies were creeping over
the uncovered meat. I was told that part of
this meat went to the stores to be sold to the
people, and the rest was used for sausages.
   "At home I fed my mother and relatives a
little. We killed and ate a sheep for which I
paid $37.00.
   "I firmly resolved that nothing could keep
me in this country, which the communists ha d
turned into something worse than hell,-for
                    S62 =






the devils in hell must be more merciful than
communists.
   "Part of my baggage was left with the G.
P. U. at the border. They had promised to
forward it to me, but did not do so. I applied
to the foreign office at Shepetovka, on the
Polish frontier. From there they sent a tele-
gram, emphasizing that I was an American.
My things were sent to me. Through the kind-
ness of a sympathetic man I got my visa, and
returned through Poland to America.
        The Watch To Save a Life
   "Departing I left my $125.00 gold watch
with my brother, that he might have some-
thing to sell, and save his life, when he had
nothing to eat. To my mother I gave $500.00.
It was all that was left of what I had brought
with me to settle down in my home village,
and to 'build socialism,' as the comrades in
America had told me.
   "With my own eyes I have seen and been
convinced that there is no socialism in U. S.
S. R. It is only robbery and massacre of the
people.
   "Formerly I was such a pernicious man in
America! I hated her and would gladly have
blown her to atoms. But now I see that Amer-
ica is the freest country in the world."
   The narrator was asked to go to the com-
                  - 63 -






munistic newspaper in New York to tell what
he had seen. He only smiled.
   "As if they would print the truth. Any-
how, if I should go it would land me in the
electric chair; for I would twist their heads
off for spreading such lies. I want to live a
while yet, and I will fight against these be-
trayers of the working class, these blood-
suckers.
   "No one, however, is writing the real truth
about Russia, because it is impossible to de-
scribe the terror there, unless one has seen and
experienced it personally. The people in Rus-
sia are afraid to write the truth. ...  
   Such is the confession of a man who just
returned from the land of the Soviets.
   Following are extracts from letters from
reliable people from the southern part of Rus-
sia:
   "Days have come for our country which are
impossible to describe. Everything has been
taken away from the people: the land, houses,
all furniture and movables, horses, cows, pigs,
chickens, clothes, all food,-even their will
and soul. The enemy has taken all, and he
wants that all that dwell on earth shall wor-
ship him.....
   "Last spring 48,000 families were exiled to
Siberia from the Ukraine alone. They were
deprived of all they had. More will be exiled
                   - 64






in the future. A number of our brethren are
among those. We have word that whole fam-
ilies of the exiles have died. In the future men
and women shall be exiled separately (hus-
bands and wives).
   "It is impossible to describe what is going
on. Never in the whole history of humanity
has anything happened like this. Our country
is a 'burning furnace.' For the unsaved it is a
punishment-but for us, the children of God-
a testing, for the judgment must begin at the
house of God.
   "Though those of the world are weeping
and groaning, I am rejoicing, for I do trust in
the Lord. No one can take my joy away. Very
likely I am writing my last letter. Soon I too
shall be exiled, but do not think that is because
of earthly possessions. No, it is only because
of faith in God. All citizen rights have been
taken away from me. ... Pray that God may
help us to bear all, and that He might send us
some relief.
   "In the city of Berdichevo the Cathedral
and the Catholic Church have been taken from
the people, and are turned into theaters.
    'Here they have taken away everything
possible, and are driving the people into col-
lectives in order to force them to give up their
faith in. God, and stop going to church.
Those who are going to church are deprived
                   --65 -






of all citizen rights, and of the right to buy
anything in the stores.
   "The price for one pud (36 American lb.)
of wheat flour is 85 rubles; one pud of barley
flour 15 rubles. There is no kerosene. A pair of
boots costs 85 rubles. One pound of soap is 10
rubles. It is impossible to buy any clothes.
The people are going around in the villages
killing dogs to get their skins. The people are
being driven from their houses. Many hang
themselves, others cut and kill themselves with
scythes, many have become insane. That is
the kind of life we have here."





                    IX.

How Does Communism Keep Itself in Power?
   The question, "how do the communists
who exercise such a despotism, keep the
power?" rises in the mind of every one who
watches events and knows of the suffering of
the Russian people. How  can a group of
about two million communists rule and terror-
ize a country with a population of 160 million ?
   It is hard to understand, even for a Rus-
sian, if he has not lived in Russia through the
                   =66 -






revolution from its earliest days, and expe-
rienced the regime of communism. Therefore
let us take a look at the scheme by which they
maintain the upper hand.
           The Criminal Element
   We have seen that when the communists
usurped the power, they opened the prisons,
and freed the whole criminal element. This
element was their support. Armed by the
communists, it seized the chief offices in each
place. In accordance with the decree vesting
full power and authority in localities, these
criminals became the absolute rulers of cities,
districts, and villages. Being criminals in their
very souls, they terrorized the helpless popu-
lation which was under their unlimited power.
    Every one who appeared to them as a sus-
picious character was subject to arrest, tor-
ture, and being shot. Revolutionary tribunals
and extraordinary executive commissions were
organized everywhere. These were drawn
from the same criminal element, supplement-
ed by Letts, Poles, Jews, Chinese, and others.
The whole country fell into their hands and
the most awful reign of terror commenced.
Communism implanted fear and horror in
every one from the first day of its rule. Today
this horror still holds the people in its fetters.
    During the first years the people made at-
                   -- 67--






tempts to free themselves, after they realized
the fraud of communism. There were scatter-
ed revolts in various places. Partisan troops
were formed. Hiding in forests or wherever
cover was available, they would emerge sud-
denly to attack local institutions and offices,
inflicting vengeance on the communists. But
these struggles for freedom were punished
with inconceivable cruelty.
                Spy System
   In order to prevent uprisings communism
organized an amazing spy-system. The liber-
ated criminals, thieves and assassins, who were
accustomed to hide from the pursuit of the
law and government, have mastered the tac-
tics of spying upon other people. They have
become the most effective organizers of
espionage, both in Russia and all over the
world.
   "Piatichatnije" (A System, Every Fifth
   House Has To Spy After the Other Four)
   The first "Piatichatnije" came out as vol-
untary spies, doing it to save their own lives.
The communist officials had counted the
houses in the villages and smaller cities, and
each fifth house was made responsible for ihe
other four. If anyone of these four houses
was implicated in anything contrary to com-
munists, the people of the fifth house had to
                   = 68 =






suffer the consequence. So, in order to save
their own lives the latter were forced to be
spies for the Soviets.

                 "Kombedy"
    (A committee of the poorest and worst of
the community.)
    Further the "Kombedy" were organized.
These committees were formed from the low-
est class, the lazy folk, drunkards, petty
thieves, all those who shunned work. But they
knew all the people of their community well.
These were now called to be the standbys of
the government, to form the foundation. The
life and death of the helpless population was
in their hands. They were the most effective
spies, for nothing in their community could
escape their ears and eyes. For such service
they enjoyed the benefit of all the privileges of
the government.
   These individuals were also in charge of
apportioning and collecting taxes, and con-
fiscating property. On their accusations men
and women are being arrested, exiled and shot.
They are considered the true Proletariat, faith-
ful to the authorities. Usually their reports
to the authorities originate from their own
wickedness and a desire for revenge for the
past.
                   - 69 -






"Domovije Committees" (House Committees)
   House committees were formed from the
same low elements in the large houses in the
cities. Later the "house administration" and
its president took the place of this committee.
These presidents are agents of the G. P. U.
   Their duty was to watch every tenant liv-
ing in the house. When each one left the
house, when he returned, what clothes he was
wearing, and what certain families were eat-
ing,-nothing eluded their vigilant eyes. Spe-
cial attention was given to watching the in-
telligent people, the specialists of various pro-
fessions, and even the officials in Soviet institu-
tions.
   One example from my own experience: In
1926 we lived in one of the best houses in
Petrograd. Most of the apartments of the
house were occupied by engineers, doctors,
and other employees of Soviet institutions.
   One day we found the elevator and the
front doors were closed, and all were com-
pelled to use the rear exit. The manager ex-
plained that it had been done to prevent beg-
gars and thieves from entering the house.
   The office of the "house administration"
was in the court, through which every one had
now to pass. Sometimes I left the house early
in the morning and returned about midnight,
                   --70






but always I had to pass before the watchful
eyes of the president or his assistant. I saw
how closely they watched every tenant. This
is typical of the espionage in the cities.
   In addition the communists place their
hired or voluntary spies among the tenants.
                  Children
   Children are employed by communism as
most effective voluntary spies against their
own parents. Young people are usually in-
quisitive about what grown folks are doing or
speaking. The communists encourage and
develop this curiosity.
   With seemingly closed eyes Peter and
Johnny, who have been put to bed by their par-
ents, are watching what father and mother are
doing. Their little ears listen attentively to
the most quiet conversation. The next day the
communists in the proper place know what
occupies the mind of a certain citizen, what
his views and opinions are about certain
things. All this he confided to his wife under
protection of the night, when he was sure they
were alone and no spies were around.
   Many such children may find out later that
they have been the instruments for death to
their parents. Then, however, it is too late!
   During the time of Evangelistic work in
Russia, we had an orphanage, where the chil-
dren were brought up in the fear and knowl-
                   --71 --





edge of God. The communists prohibited
prayers and threatened to shoot the superin-
tendent if he spoke to the children of CGod.
They demanded anti-religious teaching.
   One day two agents of the Cheka drove up
to the house, and gathered a group of chil-
dren. A subtle inquisition started. Caressing
the children they made their inquiries, asking
why they did not read their Testaments any
more, adding that it is a very good book. Why
they were not praying any more? What the
name of the One was who died on the cross?
Who told them about the Man?
   By the answers to many such questions the
Chekists knew before the superintendent ap-
proached them, what spirit prevailed in the
orphanage, and how the children were reared.
For the children had answered the cunning
questions with simpleness of heart.
                   Stores
   The stores are also places of espionage.
The clerks are either voluntary or enforced
spies. They have to watch what the differpnt
people buy and how much they pay. The ac-
count of it is given to the G. P. U. for examina-
tion. If this reveals that a certain citizen
spends more than he gets from the Soviet %n-
stitution, that one is put under special obs r-
vation to find out where he gets his money,--
                   = 72= -






whether he has hidden some former wealth,
or einjoys a secret income. In such cases the
houses are searched, and the people arrested.
     Factories and Factory Committees
  I1 the factories they organized "Zavcomy"
(factory committees). Here too, the corrupt
element predominates. Composed of those
wlio never were willing to do any useful work,
this committee is actually a group of factory
spies. Like shadows they follow and spy up-
on the directors, technicians, masters and all
workers. They listen to the private conversa-
tioris of the workers, and watch their disposi-
tiors. Through them the G. P. U. is well in-
formed about the activity of the administra-
tion, and the mood of the individual worker.
Sometimes it appears to the members of this
committee, due to their own stupidity, that
somehow this or that action of the administra-
tion is wrong. Charges are made, and en-
tirely innocent people are arrested.
   Behind these undisguised, voluntary and
hired spies, who are known to all,-there are
special, or secret spies. These latter watch
even the activity of the open spies. So that
everyone is afraid of everybody else, and no
one dares trust another. All feel that they
are tightly bound in some awful cobweb from
which there is no way out.
                   = 73 ==






                The Church
   The espionage is highly developed also in
the churches of all denominations and religious
organizations. The meetings of the church
councils, the topics of the sermons, and the
prayers are all reported. Ministers are fre-
quently called to the office of the G. P. U. after
a sermon or prayer, to be questioned about
the meaning of a certain phrase or word they
have employed. (The author has treated this
subject in a book, "Christianity and Com-
munism.")
   The following is a concrete example o: the
seeming omniscience of the G. P. U. in church
affairs. I had received invitations to preach
the Gospel in a number of places. Four lead-
ing Christians were the only persons who knew
of this intended trip. Following a brief con-
ference, one of them went to the depot to buy
my ticket and I left that same day. A three
days' journey brought me to my destination.
The first day I attended a conference of Be-
lievers in a certain city. A representative of
the G. P. U. was present. I was not personal-
ly acquainted with anyone there. At the close
of the first session the pastor introduced the
agent of the G. P. U. As we shook hands he
said with a smile:
    "I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Astakhoff.
 You are from-" (naming the place whence I
                   -- 74-






came, as well as the street on which I lived).
With a pleasant smile he went on to tell me
about my activities during the previous year.
Naturally I was amazed. How was this in-
formation obtained from such a distance? None
but those four men knew of my trip. At four
we were planning for the trip, and at eleven
o'clock I boarded the train. Evidently a spy
was at work, for this man was well informed
about me before I arrived. Though I had
been engaged only in the Lord's work during
the last ten years I was under such constant
and rigid surveillance, as this incident reveals.
Who iad reported all these facts to the G.
P. U.?I
     Hfow the "Church Spies" Are Made
   IT practically every church there is a gov-
ernmeiat spy. This agent of the G. P. U. re-
ports what the minister is preaching about, in
fact all that is said and done in the devotional
services as well as in the business meetings.
He is not just an ordinary member of the
church, but a member of the church commit-
tee who takes part in all church affairs, and
without whom no decisions are made.
    Of course no church will admit to its mem-
bership any communists as they do not be-
lieve in God. Therefore in order to have a
controlling voice in church affairs, as well as
first hand information, the communists enlist
                   = 75 -






as their agents those who are members of the
church, and are esteemed highly.
   A few of these men like Judas Iscariot,
will do anything for the love of money and
can be bribed. Others yield under heavy pres-
sure and threats, while still others are deceived
into signing documents which bind them to act
as spies. But all are very unhappy and suffer
untold anguish.
   I had ample opportunity to study the
method used by the communists to secure
agents in the different churches. They select
a prominent member of the church and sum-
mon him to their office. He is very cordially
received, and usually he is told that they are
delighted with his steadfastness and successful
Christian life. Then he is asked if he bef'eves
everything in the Scriptures. If he answers in
the affirmative, they reply:
   "Peter and Paul say that all govermnrent is
from God and that we should be subject to it.
Therefore, on the authority of the Bible we
command you, citizen, to give us a detailed ac-
count of everything that is spoken, prayed or
done in your church."
   He refuses, and then they beseech him,
make solemn promises to remunerate him for
his labor. If flattery and bribery are ineffective,
they threaten and torture him. Perhaps they
will dismiss him for a day or so to let him think
                   -76 -






it over, then summon him again and put him
through the same process. If these methods
fail they resort to cunning trickery.
   A very innocent looking paper, with but a
few words on it, is presented for his signature.
These words he reads: "On such a date I was
summoned to the office of the G. P. U., to which
I testify with my signature." He signs, with
the hope that this ends the matter. But short-
ly he is called again to the office. They now
demand that he give an accurate account of all
that transpires in the church: the attitude of
the members toward the government, whether
prayer is made to God for deliverance, and sim-
ilar information. If he refuses they threaten-
ingly reply:
   "You have promised to cooperate with us
and you have no right to refuse! We make
short work of those who are unfaithful to their
trust for we do not tolerate unfaithfulness in
any of our co-workers!"
   The paper that the unfortunate victim was
forced to sign a few days ago is then presented
to him. But the following statement has been
added since he signed it: "I solemnly agree to
be a faithful co-worker with the G. P. U."
   He then must choose one of two alterna-
tives, viz., prison and death, or become a traitor
to his fellow-believers.
   In this way many are compelled to yield
                   - 77 =





quietly and silently to the demands. They are
unhappy, conscience-stricken, and suffer in-
describable mental agony. But what can they
do? Where is a way of escape? To refuse in-
volves not only their own lives but those of
their wives and children, as well as the lives of
their fellow-members in the churches to which
they belong.
                  The Army
   The army is the greatest stronghold of the
communistic government, but it is also its
greatest menace. Therefore the most subtle
and widespread espionage is developed there.
   We have mentioned already that the army
is more privileged than all the rest of the popu-
lation. It is composed of the most "reliable"
elements, those close to communism. More-
over, its ranks are saturated with agents of the
G. P. U. Those young men who are not in-
clined toward communism are considered un-
reliable and are not permitted to enter the
army. Therefore they are made to serve their
years of military duty in various places, with-
out arms, working as slaves of the govern-
ment.
   As the initiative for a rebellion in the army
could come only through the commanders of
larger bodies, all adjutants of the commanders
are agents of the G. P. U. Furthermore, in
                  - 78






each part of the army there is an office of the
"Politrucks" (political instructors), who are
unconcealed agents of the G. P. U. But these
again are watched and spied upon by secret
spies.
   All those in lower ranks are under sur-
veillance. All their hopes and moods  are
well known. All their correspondence with
their relatives and friends is secretly censored.
   Besides this simply satanic espionage in
every class and circle of society, from the peas-
ant, worker and soldier up to the highest
Soviet: dignitaries and commissars;--provo-
cative plots and rebellions are organized from
time to time by the agents of the G. P. U.
   Agents of the G. P. U. commence to sow
discontent, to distribute proclamations and to
propagate a rebellion in some chosen place.
They gain the confidence of the people and
gather the discontented. As soon as the de-
luded people join them, some other agents
"discover" and disclose the plot against the
government. The participants are arrested,
and the most cruel revenge is taken. The
agents who organized the provocative plot are
sent to another place to continue their activity
in this line of specialized work.
   That is the system by which communism
 rules the country. All are chained, paralyzed.
 No one has the strength to break the horrible
                      79 =






fetters. Even the members of the G. P. U. do
not trust each other, and are spying one upon
the other. Hating the communists from the
depth of its soul, the whole population of 160
million can do nothing to free itself, for each
attempt results in indescribable suffering and
death.
           The Young Generation
   The young generation is also a support for
communism to some extent. It does not know
the former life under the czarist regime, and
the school and press are instilling a t trong
repugnancy against the past in the hearts of
the youth. Praise of the communistic regime
is being sounded constantly.
   Concerning the life in other countries the
rising generation has the most perverted ideas.
Not a single newspaper or book from other
countries penetrates into Russia, except those
which come into the hands of the highest dig-
nitaries of the communistic government. All
that is known of other countries, is what the
communists' newspapers publish describing
the horrors of living in capitalistic countries.
   The youth are persuaded that the blood of
the poor peopie of the wruin l  as  IS Luw-
ing continually in other countries, that mil-
lions of the unemployed are dying of starva-
tion, and that everywhere the great battle is
being fought for liberation from capitalism.
                   = 80 =






They are taught that they are called to free all
nations, under the instruction and leadership
of communism.
   Moreover, the young generation is sur-
rounded with flattery, and various favours.
The "Comsomol" (Communist International
of Youth) has been organized. Its members
are a privileged class, appointed to rule the
country, enjoying the greatest advantages.
   I- recall an occurrence on one of my trips.
The train drew into a station. On the plat-
form of the depot there was a table, set and
loaded with all kinds of food. An orchestra
was playing the International as the train
stopped. Everybody was sure a prominent
commissar must be riding on the train. How-
ever, there emerged from one of the cars six
dirty young boys, members of the Young
Communist League.
   We learned that they had been conscripted
to military service, and on the way to their
place of service were given this exultant recep-
tion. The train was kept waiting 15 minutes
over schedule, until these six boys had finished
their dinner. This is an example of the sort of
education which makes the youth dizzy. In
their turn they support a government which
bestows such favors upon them, and which
puts no restrictions on their unbridled life.

                   -81=







X.


   The Five-Year-Plan and Its Objective
   Much is being said and written about the
five-year-plan of industrialization in Russia,
worked out and practised by the communists.
Some are apprehensive for the future of their
own countries, fearing that their industry will
be unable to stand against the Soviet industry,
should the communists' plan succeed. Others
look upon it as a great economic experiment,
which should be followed as an example. They
think this experiment will serve as a pattern
for the liberation of the whole world from the
present depression,-that it will show a way
out.
   Many hope that it will bring economic wel-
fare for the Russian people, who are suffering
so unspeakably at present for its realization.
With this hope communism is comforting the
hungry, destitute, naked people, and inspiring
the young generation. But let us take a look
at the fundamental plans of the communists,
and their aims and hopes for the five-year-
plan.
   World revolution,-abolition of Capital-
ism, and property,-abolition of all religion,--
abolition of the family,-world socialism, and
                   - 82 -






the dictatorship of the proletariat. Such is the
vision, the main aim and ambition of the com-
munists, this is what they are aiming for.
   Russia is the field of the first experiment
of socialism, the trial of its power and abilities.
Lenin said on one occasion in the first years of
the revolution:
   "We are learning how to rule a country,
and every woman-cook must learn and know
how to manage a State."
   Usurping the power in Russia, communism
hoped that the world revolution would break
out shortly. The ground was very fertile in
countries worn out by war and hunger, es-
pecially in Germany and Austria after the
treaties of Versailles. These two were crush-
ed and humiliated. Communism, being un-
known and untried at that time, had a strong
morale. It contained the ideas of deliverance
for all outraged and oppressed.
    How much stronger it was morally than
capitalism at that time is indicated by the fol-
lowing: There was a conflict between Great
Britain and the Soviets in 1923. Lord Carson,
the Minister of Foreign Affairs, sent an Ulti-
matum to Moscow, which read something like
this:
    "If, after the expiration of the term, our
proposition has not been satisfied, then the
                   -83 -





Navy of His Royal Highness of Great Britain,
shall bombard Kronstadt."
   The reply of Tchicherin, Commissar of
Foreign Affairs in U. S. S. R., was unpreced-
ented in its insolence:
   "You have only one king, consequently you
are not able to put a king on every ship, and
the soldiers which you will have to put in
charge of the ships, will turn the barrels on
London, instead of Kronstadt."
   Receiving such a mocking, insolent answer
Great Britain kept her peace. Not having real
power, communism was strong morally, and
had in every country great numbers of sym-
pathizers and defenders. It had not yet re-
vealed its real character, and allured many by
its mysteriousness. Therein lay its strength,
which gave it the hope for world-revolution.
   After the communists had seized the gov-
ernment in Russia, they directed their atten-
tion and strength to the effective spreading of
their propaganda in all countries. They sup-
ported every uprising and strike of the work-
ing masses, organized provocations, planned
explosions, and plotted violence. They spent
millions in such activities, while hundreds of
thousands of people died in their own country
from starvation. Meanwhile America had to
feed tens of thousands of Russian people,
through her organizations for Famine Relief.
                  - 84 -






The communists calculated that these mil-
lions, spent for propaganda for the world-
revolution, would bear abundant fruit after
the revolution was accomplished.
   Time passed. The country was impover-
ished utterly. Industry died. The railroads
ceased to operate. Mines were flooded. Fac-
tories had closed down. The rural economy
was destroyed,-and yet, no World-revolution
in sight. Hopes for it vanished. The mo-
ment was lost. Rebellions in Germany and
Austria had been supressed. In the Balkans
there was another failure.
   Countries which had suffered from the
shocks of the war, slowly regained normal con-
ditions. The turbulent sea of the world quiet-
ed down gradually, and the communists real-
ized that they must change their tactics and
take another course to approach the world
revolution.
   The fight against capitalism promised to
be long and of slow progress. Therefore it
was necessary gradually to fortify the country
which had been seized already, and make her
economically independent of the capitalistic
countries. Simultaneously the other countries
would be weakened by provoking war between
them, by undermining and shattering their
economic and political systems, and by in-
creasing class hatred and class struggle.
                   -85 -






   Parallel with this they found it indispen-
sable to educate the youth in the communistic
spirit, and to inculcate a new standard of liv-
ing, strange and hateful toward capitalism,
and thus prepare the young generation to be
the leaders in the world-revolution.
   Only after such a preparation do they plan
on starting the world-revolution, hoping to
abolish the power of capitalism by fire and
sword, or as they put it in the International:
"To call the nations into the last decisive bat-
tle."
   With this in view the plan of industrializa-
tion, or the so-called five-year plan, was work-
ed out. Dominant attention is given to heavy
industry, which is appointed to play a decisive
role in the World War for the "liberation" of
the working class. Of course it has also to
serve for the strengthening of the economic
development in the country. Such is the fa-
vorite vision of the communists, and the final
goal of the five-year plan.
    Communism     has approached the     reali-
zation of this plan with intense speed. Bright
future prospects are being opened before the
members of the party and the communistic
youth, as the outcome of the successful com-
pletion of this plan. Enthusiasm is thus in-
flamed. The terrorized and worn out popula-
tion is being comforted with promises of fu-
                   - 86 -






ture economic welfare, but for the present the
people are urged constantly to make "self-
denying sacrifices." Lest the people should
weary of sacrificing, the "self-denial" is ef-
fectively encouraged by bayonets and prison.
The lower machinery of the government and
the youth in each locality, do all they can to
quiet the people and take from them all that is
possible for the completion of the plan. As
the five-year plan progresses with all its defects,
the suffering of the Russian people is growing
and deepening proportionately.
   For the newly erected factories machines
are needed, which Russia does not have, and
which she can not manufacture. She must
inevitably purchase them abroad. But Russia
is completely exhausted through war and
financing of propaganda in other countries.
The treasury of the communists has no stable
money. Loans and long-term credits are not
granted to the Soviets by any country. For
short-term credits the communists are paying
excessively high interest, sometimes as high
as 40% per year. This all requires enormous
sums of money.
   There are not sufficient experts to install
and operate the machinery. Those engineers
who had graduated before the revolution were
either shot or tortured to death in exile. Those
who have survived are under constant sur-
                   - 87






veillance of the G. P. U. They are unable to
manifest any initiative, and they avoid taking
any responsibility. They know the slightest
action which might for some reason appear
suspicious in the eyes of the vigilant agents,
might result in prison, exile, or death.
   The new engineers, coming from the com-
munistic schools, know thoroughly the "Polit-
gramota" (Communistic Political Economy),
the history of communism, and how to spread
communistic propaganda. But they are gross-
ly ignorant in the things in which they should
have been prepared.
   Because of such conditions it is necessary
to employ foreign experts, who are paid high
salaries in foreign exchange. The communists
do not have the required means to meet these
demands.
   To raise the funds they sell all the valu-
ables of the country. All jewels and treasures
of the former Czar and his house, and other
wealthy people have been thrown on the for-
eign market. The most valuable things from
the museums are being sold in Europe and
America. That which was of any value in the
churches is offered for sale together with ob-
jects of national sanctity and veneration. All
is disposed of at inconceivably low prices, at
auctions, at wholesale, and retail.
   However, there are not enough of these
                   =88






riches to obtain the money they need, there-
fore the communists are taking everything
possible from the population in Russia. The
peasant has to give his horses, cattle, poultry
and grain. All is sent to foreign markets and
sold for the lowest prices. They are selling it
for whatever price they can obtain if only they
can get foreign exchange with which to pay
for the necessary machinery, equipment, tech-
nical assistance, and cover current expenses.
   The Russian people have been left stripped,
hungry, destitute and naked, sunken in filth,
for it is impossible to obtain even soap. If a
man in any way shows discontent, or protests
when the agents come and take the last piece
of bread from his family;--he is arrested and
exiled, if not shot. Whatever such a person
possesses is confiscated.
   But the communists have no desire to bear
the expense of keeping hundreds of thousands
of prisoners in the prisons. Should they keep
all their victims imprisoned, the Soviets would
have to build whole "prison cities" with mil-
lions of inhabitants.
   Vast numbers of prisoners are turned into
free labor power for the accomplishing of the
five-year plan. Tens of thousands of them are
being driven into timber camps in the far
north, and most of the output of their labor
                   - 89 -






goes into foreign countries as lumber and pulp-
wood.
   Because some countries have refused to
buy goods produced by forced labor, the exiles
are forced at the point of a gun, to sign docu-
ments which state they are working volunta-
rily.
   "Convicts" are working also on the con-
struction of new railroad lines, in the mines,
in the peat bogs, and other places.
   Without exception, all products which
come on the world market from Russia have
been forcibly taken away from the hungry,
starving population. All are soaked with the
sweat, tears and blood of the Russian people.
In proportion with the advance of the five-year
plan, the burden and suffering is increasing
for the inhabitants of the land.
   Even if the five-year plan should be com-
pleted 100% (which can hardly happen), the
people of Russia would not be liberated from
the terrible yoke, the misery and the distress.
For communism is engaged in an unceasing
war against capitalism, which consumes mil-
lions that must be extracted from the people
in one way or another.
   While realizing the five-year plan, com-
munism is preparing for its "last World War."
At present, on account of economic difficulties,
and because its industry is weak, and its people
                   90 -






discontented, it changes its relations toward the
capitalistic countries as the chameleon changes
the color of his skin. But should it succeed in
gaining strength and completing the five-year
plan, then it will be able to arm itself to the
teeth, and speak another language to the
world, i. e. the language of artillery and poi-
sonous gases. This is the ultimate object of
the five-year plan. It is for this that the cap-
italistic countries are supplying the com-
munists with machines and equipping their
factories. The experts of various countries
who are installing the machines, and the in-
structors who are preparing companies of
communistic workers are all working toward
the same end.
   Simultaneously  short-term  credits are
granted the communists by the capitalists of
various countries at enormously high inter-
ests. Those who get such an interest are
growing rich-but they are receiving the
blood of the Russian people, the blood of the
martyrs which is crying to God for vengeance.
The retribution will surely come. While pay-
ing these unheard of interests, the commu-
nists are hoping that shortly they will put their
hands upon all the wealth of their creditors,
whose bodies they will hang from the first
convenient poles. That is what they did in
Russia, and that is their purpose for the world.
                   S91







XI.


          Communism and Religion
   The Greek Catholic faith was formerly the
state religion in Russia. This church support-
ed whole-heartedly the autocracy and the Em-
peror, while the government in turn supported
the church. Protestantism, the free preach-
ing of the Gospel, the distribution of the Holy
Scripture and other Christian literature (with
the exception of the literature of the Greek
Orthodox Church), were sadly limited. The
believers of other denominations were per-
secuted under various pretenses. Though the
Greek Orthodox Church never did take re-
course to such inquisitions as the Roman Cath-
olic Church did, yet she did oppress those of
another faith.
   Protestant Churches gained the right to be
legalized according to the decrees issued in
1905. But there were still many restrictions,
and Protestantism was looking forward to
better times, when it would be possible to
preach the Gospel of Salvation everywhere in
the Russian language. (The services of the
Orthodox Church are held in Church-Slavic,
which is not understood by the majority of the
population.)
                   -92






    After the first revolution, the Provisional
Government issued an edict concerning the
separation of Church and State, giving liberty
to each citizen to confess his faith according
his own conviction. This decree gave all de-
nominations and creeds equal rights.
    Communism, when usurping the power,
confirmed this decree and went even farther.
The 'Believers of several denominations had
refused to take arms during the war and had
suffered much from the representatives of the
old regime. Now the communists issued a
decree, stating that all who refused to take
arms because of religious conviction were
freed from the war.
   This arrangement of the communists won
the favor of the Protestants who had been op-
pressed for centuries. Through the agency of
the new government they felt that finally they
had obtained liberty.
   In the early days of the revolution one
could observe demonstrations of tens of thou-
sands, passing through the streets with red
flags, and carrying banners inscribed with
texts: "We preach Christ crucified," "The
Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all
sin," and similar verses from the Scripture.
   At that time, when there was liberty in
elections, many Christians, especially promi-
                   -- 93 -






nent church members and ministers, were
elected to offices.' The people declared:
   "You preach a Gospel of justice and love.
Now the time has come to show this justice in
deeds. We want you to rule over us."
   Many ministers became presidents of local
soviets. In 1917 I was visiting a Baptist
Church in a certain city, which was the capital
of the province. After I had preached a ser-
mon the pastor took the pulpit. His sermon
was nothing but a political speech. After the
service I learned that he was the pastor of the
church and also the president of the province.
No one was surprised at this. Many believed
that the new government stood for righteous-
ness and justice, and would put into practice
the teachings of the Gospel of the Kingdom
of God. All hoped for a wonderful future for
the country which was now under the control
of people who defended the oppressed. Chris-
tians were eager to cooperate with the govern-
ment.
   In this way many Christians and active
workers were lured into communism. Sub-
sequently some left the posts to which they
had been assigned and returned to the church-
es. But some went downward, became com-
munists and did much harm to the Christians.
   As soon as the communists had defeated
all their opponents in the Civil War, and es-
                  - 94-






tablished their rule, they began to reveal their
real face toward the Christians. All who be-
lieved in God began to realize the awful deceit
that had been fostered concerning religious
liberty. Believers in God and religion were
introduced to treatment in accord with the
teachings of the Manifesto of Communism, its
foundation and bible.
   According to the principles of Karl Marx,
capitalism can be defeated only by:
   Abolition of God and religion
   Abolition of all family relations
   Abolition of patriotism
   Abolition of private property, and
   Abolition of the right of inheritance.
   Communism affirms that the teachings
about God and religion are the foundation of
capitalism, the pillars on which it rests. Hence
these must be done away with first of all.
Those in control are proceeding systematical-
ly to wipe out all religion and all reminders
of religion in Russia.
   According to a decree issued by the com-
munists all churches and prayer houses of the
various denominations became property of the
state, and might be rented to groups or de-
nominations. This decree laid the foundation
for the abolition of all that reminds the people
of God.
                   - 95 -






   The second step was the confiscation of
everything of value in the churches and cath-
edrals. Gold and silver crosses, services for
communion, sacerdotal  vestments, image-
trimmings,--anything   with   a commercial
value was taken by the government, including
all metals, chiefly the bells of the Greek Cath-
olic Churches.
   Those of the clergy who attempted to pro-
test against such pillage, considering it sacri-
lege, and who tried to hide some of the
things, were arrested,-exiled to Siberia or
shot.
   At the same time church buildings were
gradually being taken away. Of course this
is done in a "lawful" way.
   Based upon the decree of the churches hav-
ing become state property, they actually be-
long to the communists and are rented by the
government to the congregations. But the
congregations are forced to make all repairs,
pay for the insurance and meet various civil
and religious taxes.
   The impoverished church members are not
able to support those who minister to them.
Soviet laws make it impossible for ministers
and religious workers to secure any kind of
employment. Many either die of starvation or
give up their service in the church in order to
get work. As a result many churches are
                   -96=






without ministers. In such cases the church
buildings are being taken away from their
members by the communists.
   Further, the people unable to secure even
their daily bread and the bare necessities of
life, can neither pay the extremely high taxes
nor repair the buildings. If any group or
church manages to pay regularly, then the
taxes are raised gradually until it is impossible
to bear the burden any longer. Always such
a church ultimately is taken away for the bene-
fit of the government.
   During the 14 years of the existence of the
Soviet government about 75 per cent of all
the churches have been taken away from the
believers of various denominations. For an
illustration: In  1927 the Protestants in
Petrograd had about 25 churches in the city.
At present they all have to worship in one
church, all others having been taken from
them. The same is true in Moscow and
throughout Russia.
    The confiscated churches are turned into
clubs, theatres, and warehouses or else de-
stroyed. Recently one of the largest Cathe-
drals in the world, the "Cathedral of Christ
the Saviour" in Moscow, was blown up and
destroyed by the communists. When built it
had   cost approximately fourteen millions.
                    - 97===






Some monasteries are converted into houses
of compulsory labor.
   Many Christians left without churches
gather secretly in private homes. The gov-
ernment arrests and exiles those in whose
homes the meetings are discovered, confiscat-
ing their possessions.
   At present most of the clergy and religious
workers are either in prison, exile, or killed.
Many have died in places of exile, while others
under inhuman torture have lost their minds.
Nine missionaries, co-workers of mine, *vere
martyred while preaching the Gospel. (The
author has written of the persecution of Chris-
tians by the communists: "Christianity and
Communism").
   Extracts from two recent letters tell of, the
merciless persecution of the Christians that
continues to rage:
   "... I want to inform you that Mary I--- is
going through hard trials. In the beginning
of the month she was arrested, and at present
she has to walk heavily guarded to the place
where she used to live. (From K. to Moscow,
about 450 to 500 miles. The author.)
    "She had to leave her two infant children
without any care, the one being seriously ill,
will very likely die.
    "It was a most agonizing picture when they
arrested her. Several men broke into the house
                   =98






at midnight, waking up the children, and
searching the whole house. They took all
New Testaments, Bibles, etc. When they led
her out both children cried bitterly, and Lea
(the oldest) sobed:
   "',Mother, why are they taking you away?
You told us that only thieves were put into
prison.'
   "Poor child! She does not know yet that
she has to suffer more for Christ's sake than if
she was a thief, drunkard or murderer.-Now
theye children are left alone, without father
and mother, the latter being now in the most
horrible circumstances. The father was taken
from the family long ago.
    "Oh, how cruel!
    "Mary I-- is going to be exiled for three
to five years. Her youngest sister was exiled
the other day to far-away Siberia for three
years. The crime she had committed was: She
had once attended a prayer meeting in a pri-
vate home." (These Christians are friends of
the author.)
    The second letter tells about the President
 of' the All-Russian Baptist Union, Odentsov.
    "All he had was taken away and he was
 thrown out on the street. Then he was ar-
 rested and sentenced to death. He was cast
 into the cellar of the G. P. U., together with
 other condemned. One day he and a number
                   - 99 -






of others were led out to be shot. They were
lined up against the wall, and all the others
were shot in his presence. After a few days
he was led out again to be shot with other vic-
tims. Again all were shot before his eyes, and
once again he was led back into the death-
cellar. When the same torture was repeated
the third time his nerves gave way, he became
insane. He was sent then to an asylum. There
he recovered. What they are going to do with
him now, no one knows."
   In the country with a population of 160
million, there is at present not one Bible
School for the preparation of the ministers of
the Gospel. There is no Sunday School for
the children. Not one page is being printed
of the Holy Scriptures, or of any religious
book, leaflet or magazine. All this is prohibit-
ed by the government.
   Not one page of religious literature, or
anything with the name of God on it is allow-
ed to enter the country,-not even enclosed in
a letter. All Bibles and Testaments which
they can get hold of are being taken away
from the people and destroyed.
   Tnder the economic pressure of other coun-n,~
tries, communism checked the horrible persecu-
tion of the believers somewhat in September,
1931, and retarded the speed of abolishing re-
ligion. But this is only a temporary interrup-
                  - 100 -






tion. It is only until the opposition in other
countries quiets down, until the people have
dressed their bleeding wounds, and the com-
munists have grown stronger. Undoubtedly
they will then make a new attack,-start a
more severe persecution. These are the usual
tactics of the communities.
   There have been a number of such tempor-
ary retreats already. They made one at the
end of February, 1930, when for a while they
slackened their bitter and terrific persecution.
Many hoped then that communism would
change its attitude toward religion. But those
who so prophesied deceived themselves and
others. The recession of the communists is
but a clever maneuver. One who has studied
the spirit and strategy of communism sees
clearly that it is but a slight pause,--tactics.
   As a rule, they determine upon a definite
goal: which is in this instance the destruction
of all religion. The goal is set, but knowing
that they can not reach it at once, the com-
munists make a mark on their way to the goal.
Gathering all force they start out, but always
they go far beyond the set mark. In proportion
to their rate of progress toward the goal, pres-
sure and suffering increase until the climax is
reached. When the population has reached the
limit of endurance, the communists suddenly
slacken their speed toward the goal and drop
                   - 101 -






back to the predetermined mark, fearing the
awful consequences which would ensue should
they continue. But they have attained the
mark set for that period of time.
   While they relax the forces of persecution
for a short time, they are steadily advancing,
as the thousands of churches closed or de-
stroyed during the severe persecution, remain
unused. Thousands upon thousands of min-
isters, priests, rabbis, and religious men, wom-
en and children have been cruelly martyred,
and many thousands are suffering in prison
and in indescribable places of exile. While
the presses of other countries are busy with
the altered tactics of the communists, while
politicians and business men of the world
warmly clasp the bloody hands of these ex-
ecutioners, and establish friendly relations
with them,-the communists laugh derisively
at such deluded people and celebrate their vic-
tories. At the same time they re-enforce their
powers, drain the land of all resources, iri-
crease their activity in other lands and wait
for the moment to exert greater pressure than
ever.
   All possible is done to mislead public opin-
ion abroad, and in some measure to deceive the
persecuted inhabitants of the home-land. To
clear itself in the eyes of other countries, the
government blames its rural officials for cruel-
                   = 102 -






ties perpetrated by them without authority.
Sometimes it goes so far as to execute a few of
less important members of the party in order
to justify itself. But such times are only a
breathing space to better prepare for new at-
tacks in the war on religion.
   Similar tactics are employed in their politi-
cal fight against capitalism, and in their prepar-
ation for the World Revolution. If pressed on
all sides communism changes its complexion,
quiets down, appears defeated, and seems to
be emerging through evolutionary process.
Thus dust is thrown in the eyes of their oppo-
nents who shortly turn their attention in other
directions.
    The greatest hope of the communists for
world revolution is closely connected with the
success of the five-year plan. If that can be
accomplished, communism will abandon the
tactics of propaganda. Then heavily armed,
she will engage openly in war against capital-
ism. All those who believe in God are consider-
ed associates of capitalism. Therefore lest they
become a hindrance in the coming war, it is
determined to exterminate them as fast as the
five-year plan progresses and the youth are
educated in the atheistic spirit.
    In the press and in public speeches the com-
munists declare with effrontery that at the
end of the five-year plan (1933) not one who
                   - 103 -






believes in God shall be left in Russia,--all
will have been exterminated.
   How far communism will succeed remains
to be seen. Shall Russia be saved from its
dominion, or will the civilization of the whole
world collapse and perish under the destructive
power of communism? I am not attempting
to answer this question. But I do say, that
the deliverance of Russia, and the safety of
other countries, depends upon the economic
relations of other countries with the soviets.
(Viewed from the humane standpoint.)
   All forcible interference of other countries,
as declaring war on Russia, would only give
moral victory  to  the  communists,   and
strengthen their influence upon the minds of
the working masses of other countries, and
would result in disaster. Only economic and
moral bankruptcy of communism inside of
Russia can save the world from its influence,
and Russia from bondage and future suffering.
    From the following cartoon (printed in
Moscow, and broadcast in America and other
countries) the reader can see for himself the
purpose of the communists regarding God, re-
ligion, as well as their plans for the destruction
of capitalistic systems in other countries. They
portray the fondest hopes and aims of the com-
munists concerning the five-year plan.
                   - 104 -







































    The shrapnel stands for the Five-Year Plan. It is blowing up
and destroying God, the Pope (who is representing religion), cap-
italism, and the Second International. It is shattering also the
churches and the banks, the support of God, religion, and capital-
ism. Such are the expectations and hopes of the communists, built
upon the successful 100% completion of the Five-Year Plan.
                           S105 -







XII.


Can Communism Give Welfare to Russia?
   Based upon facts we have seen that the
communists have not kept one of the promises
given to the people when they usurped the
governmental power, with the sole exception
of horrible terror. But the thought is ex-
pressed some time, "Perhaps communism will
bring welfare in the future?"
   Communism will never create a quiet life
in the country, and bring it into a healthy
economic state, as long as the capitalistic sys-
tem prevails in other countries. For these two
systems can never be reconciled. Communism
will always war against capitalism, be it on
the economic front or openly with arms and
ammunition.
   The inhabitants of Russia have to bear the
whole burden of this war. Millions are being
taken from the starving people and expended
for propaganda in other countries, and for
armaments. How can a country which is at
war with the whole world prosper?


- 106=







XIII.


       COMMUNISM IN AMERICA

 1. The Activity of Communism in America
   Karl Marx who dreamed of a World
United States based upon Socialist Principles,
formulated his dreams in writing about 80
years ago.
   Today the organization of a World Social-
ist State is taking a real form. The followers
of Marx have usurped the governmental power
over a country with 160,000,000 people, and
there they are making their experiments,-
learning how to rule or govern the "future So-
cialist World Empire," as the leaders of com-
munism express themselves.
   Simultaneously propaganda is being spread
all over the world through the Third Interna-
tional, which has its headquarters in Moscow
with its membership composed of all commu-
nist parties on the face of the globe. Agents,
propagandists, and spies of the various branch-
es are being prepared in special institutions in
Moscow from whence they are sent to all coun-
tries. Their duty is to prepare the ground for
"the World Revolution."
   The most fertile ground for their prop-
                  -- 107 =





aganda is in China   (where already :0,000,-
000 to 50,000,000 people are living under or-
ganized communistic rule), India an4 Ger-
many, but at the same time they are spread-
ing their propaganda effectively in other coun-
tries. Their main work is being done among
the working classes, the farmers, the armies
and the navies.
   America, being the strongest capitalistic
country has beenthe least accessible for dom-
munism. The farmers and working people in
America lived, until this last depression, in
much better conditions than those in other
countries. As the Army and Navy were in
excellent condition communistic propaganda
failed to attract them. Nevertheless, the com-
munists are attacking America persistently,
and meeting with surprising success unknown
to most Americans.
   The Communist party spreads anti-Amer-
ican propaganda in Cuba, the Philippines,
Mexico and South America.
   The best field for communistic propaganda
in America is among those foreigners who do
not live under the best conditions, because they
do not know the language, and have no special-
ty.
    At the present time about 40 to 45 daily
and weekly newspapers and magazines, in
nineteen languages, are being published in the
                  - 108 =






United States by the communists. Millions of
leaflets and proclamations are being issued and
circulated demanding the overthrow of the
present form of government.
    Communistic propaganda is being spread
in the United States by 15,000 to 20,000 active
members of the party,-instructors and agita-
tors. They work among the negroes, workers,
farmers, women's, youth's and children's or-
ganizations.
    The majority of the colleges and universi-
ties are places of communistic propaganda.
Hon. Hamilton Fish Jr. names in his report
the Universities of Chicago, Wisconsin, Wash-
ington, California, Harvard, and Columbia as
institutions into which the communists had
infiltrated. But it is a grave question if there
is still a college or university of this country
where communistic propaganda is not spread
either openly or secretly, directly or indirect-
ly, except a few colleges which are still true
to the Old Faith in the Old Gospel.
    The "New York Herald Tribune" carried
an interesting article February 29, 1932, which
gives   a picture of communistic influence
among the students of colleges and universi-
ties.
    "Students hear Call to Cause of Commission."
    "A symposium of the NATIONAL STUDENT'S LEAGUE
l ast night at the NEW SCHOOL for SOCIAL RESEARCH, 66
                   - 109 -=








West Twelfth Street, resolved itself into a forum where pleas
for Communism were made by one speaker after another. ,The
hall was packed, though some present were seemingly above the
student age.
     "Joseph Cohen, a student at the College of the City of New
York, described the league as a 'revolutionary student organiza-
tion.' It publishes a 'Student Review' and is about to give
classes in Marxism   and 'the critique of bourgeous culture' at
its headquarters, 102 West 14th Street.  It will 'seek to put
into practice the analysis of a decaying social and economic
order' by participating in campus battles over military train-
ing, academic freedom, and the like, and will also 'attempt to
participate in some of the struggles of the working class,' such
as the garment strike here and the Kentucky miners' troubles.

             ASK   REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTION
     " We have concluded that the way out for the students is
the revolutionary way out, and that no other way exists for the
American students," exclaimed Cohen, a tall youth, while his
hearers applauded.
     There was even more applause when Arnold Johnson, a stu-
dent at Union Theological Seminary, after telling of injustices in
the Kentucky coal fields which he studied, and asserting that
capitalism must be overthrown, declared:
     "We students have been victims of the educational institu-
tions in which we have been prisoners. We have nothing to lose
but the chains of drugged minds. We face the same enemies as
the workers.   Educational institutions give us sops to weaken
and divide us. We must clear the cobwebs from our brains."
    Mr. Johnson added one fact to the Kentucky saga--that two
Barnard College girls who went to Harlan County during their
Christmas vacation to study conditions were "kicked out" after
a day and a half by deputies because "they failed to tell the
bosses they were for them."

                  SOVIET IDEALS PRAISED
     Professor George S. Counts, of Teachers' College, Columbia
University, praised the educational ideals of the Soviet Union,
where he went to study the school system. "The whole educa-
tional system is hitched to the problem of building their country,"
he said.   "It gives their education a degree of seriousness I

                           =  110-







never saw in an American institution of higher learning.  The
social ideal is relatively absent in schools in the United States,
which place the emphasis on individual success."
    Lewis Mumford, author and critic, differentiated between
"adaptive education," which "trains people to take their place
in social caste,'" and "integral education," which would "create
a common center in life for intelligence," ethics and emotions
alike. Communism, he declared, was the only way to the latter,
but he told his hearers they would have to do more than merely be
Communist sympathizers and would have to "end the sophisti-
cated shiftlessness of the intellectuals of America" for the last
fifteen years.
    Dr. Addison T. Cutler, instructor in economics at Columbia,
was chairman, replacing Professor Bexford G. Tugwell, of tho
same institution, who was ill. He described the league as the
"white hope" of the colleges, which would "surely swing the
students into action on the side of the workers."
    Another speaker was Harry Gannes, of "The Daily Worker."

    Even in 1929 there were 20 communist
summer camps. From those in New York
State alone there has come an annual crop of
about 15,000 young boys and girls infected
with the ideas of the violent overthrow and
destruction of the present form of government
in America.
    The communists have also made the cin-
 ema an instrument of their propaganda. Soviet
 propaganda films have been introduced, and
 are   demonstrated      throughout      the   United
 States.
    Further, many tourists who visit Soviet
 Russia have been made instruments of propa-
 ganda. There they are prepared through dif-
 ferent means and in various ways. On return-
 ing they write and speak about the wonderful
                        =- 111-=








experiment, of the communists in Russia, and
about their achievements.
    Today in the cities, factories, and farming
sections of America, gripped by hard times,
the communist agents are spreading the news
that the people in Soviet Russia do not have
to pay rent for their houses, nor do they pay
for gas, electric light, coal, etc. They assert
the farmers do not pay taxes for the land, and
receive machinery and farm instruments free
from the government. And-the great masses
believe this lie!
    Here is a page from the communists' mag-
azine, Workers' Defender, which is a good il-
lustration of communist propaganda in this
country. Conditions in America and in Soviet
Russia in 1931 are compared as follows:


      America-  1931
  1. In the U. S. A. 11 million
workers are unemployed, their
families evicted, and starving.

  2. Farmers' production in-
creased greatly, but their in-
come last year dropped two
and one half billion dollars,
and many had to shoulder guns
(England, Ark.) and get food
for their starving families.

  3. Fifty and sixty hours is
the working week in  many
plants and about two and a
half million of children are at
work.


    Soviet Russit---1931
  1. In the Soviet Union there
is no unemployment, no evio-
tion of  workers from their
homes, no starvation.

  2. Fourteen million peasant
families organized in collec-
tives, their production, and their
income in 1930 increased more
than 50 per cent over 1929-
with a still further increase
this year.

  3. The seven hour day is the
general rule, and children un-
der 14 are not allowed to work
at all.


=  112--








       America----1931
  4. Total wages paid in mans-
faoturing industry were 40%1
lower in June, 1930 than in
June, 1929.  Wage cuts have
inoreased in number.

  5. In 1930 accidents killed
25 to 35    thousand   workers;
about a hundred thousand are
permanently disabled, more than
25,009 of them are crippled
for life; and non-fatal injuries
number about 3,250,000 a year.

   6. No social insurance, no
medical care, no pay for sick-
ness, only about a third of the
wages' for accidents-and only
for a limited time---with fam-
ilies left starving, no provision
for Childbirth.

  7. Epidemics killed 250,000
between 1920 and 1929, and
suicides are constantly increas-
ig. Death rate for the same
period declinded only from 14.1
to 11.9 per thousand, and death
rae of infants (under one year
of age) declined only from 94
to 69 per thousand births.

  8. There are about 50 per
cent more sick today than in
1927; about 65 thousand more
in insane asylums than in 1922;
and of the 45 million children,
about 19 million are sick--2!
million of them are totally deaf,
blind,   tubercular,   epileptic,
feeble minded.


         Soviet Russia-1931
     4. Real wages in 1930 were
   24 per cent higher than in
   1929, and this year are sched-
   uled to be 32 per cent higher
   than in 1930.

     5. All humanly possible care
  is taken to safeguard the life
  and health of workers. Fatal
  accidents have been practically
  eliminated, and children undef
  18 are not allowed to work in
  dangerous industries.

     6. 13,000,000  workers   are
  protected  by   social insur-
  ance; getting, besides full med-
  ical care free, full wages for
  sickness, accidents, and women
  getting four months off with
  full pay for childbirth.

     7. There are practically no
  suicides,  and   no  epidemics.
  Death rate declined from     28
  in pre-revolution period to 17.9
  per thousand, and infant death
  rate declined from 287 to 127
  per thousand -births. In rural
  sections decline jumped from
  350 to 168.

    8. Of those living, due to all
  insurance and benefits, the Sov-
  iet workers have no worry about
  the future; their health is con-
  stantly improving; and contin-
  ually less sick or defective chil-
  dren are born; and they are
  the most cheerful and healthy
  children in the world.

13








     America---1931
  9. Inr addition to all the
above, the workers are victims
of race division and discrimina-
tion. By fostering division be-
tween native and foreign-born
workers, to cow and intimidate
the latter, the master class will
have deported by the end of
the year "well over 20,000"
workers. And over 700 Negro
workers  have been  lynched
since the war by local, state,
and the Federal government in
capitalism's effort to keep
white and black workers divid-
ed, for its equal aploitation of
both.


      Soviet Bussia---1931
  9. The Czars, to keep the
masses of Russia divided, kill-
ed 100,000 Jews in one year.
And in 1919 Denikin cilled---in
one month,- in one city--5,600
Jews. This was duplicated by
all counter-revolutionafy lead-
ers-with the aid of American
and all other capitalists.
  Today, under Soviet princi-
ples and guidance, massacres
have been entirely eradicated,
and over 30 nationalities, com-
prising 182 ethnic groups using
149 languages, are united in a
booialist brotherhood, ,triving
for the common good.


    The preceding pages of this book have
shown actual living conditions in the Soviet
Union from the days of the revolution until
today. In the comparison above we see the
communistic lie presented to American read-
ers. It is appalling to see this deceitful prqp-
aganda constantly gaining more follow rs
and sympathizers in a country kept ignoraint
of the true conditions in Russia.

     2. The Number of Communists in the
            United States of America

    Ominously significant is the comparison of
the number of communists in America today
with the number which was able to seize con-
trol in Russia. At that time their party in
Russia numbered around 30,000. Lenin said

                      - 114 -






in the first days of the revolution: "Russia has
only two communists, myself and my wife."
   Hon. Hamilton Fish Jr. states in his re-
port that it is the belief of the committee that
there are about 500,000 or 600,000 communists
in America.
   Mr. Harry A. Jung, Chicago, is a man well
informed on communism in America, and one
who was called to testify before the commit-
tee to investigate the activities of the commu-
nists. He states that the number of commu-
nists in the United States is about 2,000,000.
   The number of communists who carry
membership cardsis said to be not large, approx-
imately 20,000. These are the leaders, instruc-
tors, propagandists and agitators. It is not
their aim to increase their party membership,
but to establish their control over the masses,
that they many count on support in case they
are able to seize the power. But the number
of those favoring and supporting communism
is far more than 2,000,000. The depression of
the last years has greatly helped to increase
the influence of the communists.
   If a well organized party of 30,000 was able
to usurp the power in Russia in a moment of
national calamity, what could 2,000,000 ac-
complish in America in case of a similar dis-
aster ? What might happen in case of increased
depression or war? The communists are much
                  - 115-






better organized today than they were before
the Russian revolution, and they now have
added experience. The chart in the back of
the book shows the communist organizations
in the United States.
     3. The Character of Communism in
              Russia and America
    Sometimes people think that communism
in America and other countries is more hu-
mane, less cruel and blood-thirsty than it has
been in Russia.
    We know what the character of commu-
nism is in Russia. The following extracts from
speeches and conversations with communists
show us the character of communism in this
country.
    Hon. Hamilton Fish Jr. includes in his re-
port, part of the speech of W. Z. Foster, com-
munistic candidate for President of the United
States in 1928.
    "Our party, different from the Socialist Party, creates no
illusions amongst the workers that they can vote their way to
emanoipation, that they can capture the ready-made machinery
of the 8tates and utilize it for the emancipation of the working
class. On the contrary, we must utilize this campaign to carry
on widespread and energetic propaganda to teach the workers that
the capitalist class would never allow the working class peace-
fully to take control of the state. That is their strong right arm
and they will fight violently to the end to retain it. The work-
ing class must shatter the capitalist state. It must build a new
state, a new government, a workers' and farmers' government, the
soviet government of the United States. No communist, no mat-
                     - 116=





ter how many votes he should secure in a national election, could,
even if he would, become President of the present Government.
When a communist heads a government in the United States, and
that day will come just as sure as the sun rises, that government
will not be a capitalistic government, but a soviet government,
and behind this government will stand the red army to enforce
the dictatorship of the proletariat."
   Mr. Ed. S-, Ohio, met a member of the
"hunger-march" staged from Cleveland to
Columbus in the spring of 1931. The hunger-
marchers had not been treated like guests in
Delaware, Ohio, but sawdust had been put on
the floor of the Armory to provide them a
night's lodging.
    In conversation with Mr. S-, the commu-
nist threatened revenge as soon as they should
get the power into their hands, which he was
sure would happen in about two years. He
said, "We are not going to shoot the people of
that city, but we shall tear them apart limb by
limb while they are still alive."
    Then Mr. S-asked him       about their atti-
tude toward religion, churches, and the be-
lievers in God. The answer was something
like this, "all who believe in God are our bit-
terest enemies, and we must kill them first of
all, we will do it as soon as we are ready for
it."
    At their meeting at Union Square, New
York, on the first of May, 1930, one of the
communist orators declared, that, "The first
thing we will do after we get the power is to
                    -117=





erect three gallows at Union Square, and hang
Mr. Hoover, Edison and Rockfeller." (It is
too late now for Mr. Edison. The Author.)
   Father R-, of an Episcopal Church in S-,
attended a meeting in New York City, late in
the fall of 1931. He had put on a collar and
tie, and took a seat among a group of young
men in the rear of the building. While Rev.
S- was preaching, the Rev. R-     overheard
a conversation between the young men near
him.
   "What shall we do with preachers like this
S- when we obtain the power? It wouldn't
be enough, and would be too easy to shoot
them, but we shall just pull them apart while
they are yet alive."
   Reverend R-- turned to them saying that
they could not get very far with such hatred,
and that it was far better to love than to hate.
"We have loved long enough, now we have
only to hate, and we shall soon start the last
war, which will end war forever," was their
reply.
   Telling about this incident, the Reverend
R-- said that the hatred he witnessed in those
young Americans made him shudder, and left
such an impression that he could not sleep for
four nights.
   These four illustrations show that com-
munism is the same everywhere.
                  - 118 -




_                        t  1A


                                         fI







































     The Statue of Liberty represents America. The negro, hanged on the torch of the
Statue stands for the poor working class of this country. At the left the Lord Jesus Christ
is depicted with a swastika, the anti-semitic emblem, over his head. On the pages of the open
book there is a call to the working class to come to him, and he will quiet them forever,
i. e. kill them. All this is sanctioned by the American flag. FOLLOWING IS THE
INSCRIPTION OF THE COMMUNISTS UNDER THIS CARTOON: "In the country
of the Lord God," i. e. the U. S. of America.
    "The lynching of negroes,--the basest and most abominable form of expression of race
hatred, has thrived under the Christian religion which exploite and is man-hating through
and through. For the capitalists and the clergy lynching is the highest expression of cul-
ture and Christian morals, an act pleasing in the sight of God."






   This cartoon is designed to stir up hatred
toward Christianity, the American govern-
ment, and the American flag.




                   XIV.

      A Word to All True Americans

   a. Communism is a world menace, bring-
ing destruction to culture and civilization in
all countries, America included.
   b. Communism is destroying and abolish-
ing everything that is dear and sacred to men.
   c. Communism is degrading human life
to the level of the lowest beasts.
   Therefore-it behooves everyone who cher-
ishes faith in God, who honors the sanctity of
family relationship, and who loves his coun-
try:-to fight against the evil which is seek-
ing to destroy all these-communism.
   This fight can be only a moral, humane bat-
tle. Force can do nothing but give to the com-
munists moral preponderance. They are de-
ceiving and bringing an awful delusion to those
who easily trust them, through a few high
sounding slogans, which they borrow from the
                  - 120-






Bible, a book which they do not believe and
seek to destroy. It is imperative to expose
these lies by distributing enlightening liter-
ature and organizing mass-meetings with lec-
tures on the truth about communism.
   The problem before the country is to find
a humane, lawful way to stop the spread of
communistic lies, and to lift the burden of
suffering on one hand, and to check excessive
aggrandizement on the other. By working
out economic justice the ground for commu-
nistic propaganda will be destroyed.
   It should be the duty of each one who loves
his country to do his part to expose and fight
communism.


- 121 -







XV.


      Can Communism Bring Welfare
               to the World?
   Time and again the question arises in the
minds of many people,-"could good result,
if the communists succeeded in gaining con-
trol over all countries, and establishing one
International World Union, or Empire, (which
is their goal), provided the best people of the
world would apply their knowledge and abil-
ity to build this new state without borders,
traffic and duty barriers ?"
   But this is absurd. Russia is the strong-
est proof. Having overthrown the former gov-
ernment and proclaimed socialistic ideas, com-
munism has evolved into the most tyrannical,
despotic dictatorship  of one individual,-
Stalin.
   The purpose of the communists is to ex-
terminate all former bourgeois and those con-
nected with them. Should they seize the power
in other countries they would turn the world
into chaos, killing the best statesmen, econ-
omic workers, and experts, yet being unable
themselves to manage the affairs. The inevit-
able outcome would be the world-wide tyranni-
                  = 122 -






cal dictatorship of one strong person, who
would become the most merciless despotic au-
tocrat. Political chaos always leads to dic-
tatorship.
   All hope of possible improvement through
communism is utterly vain due to its rejection
of God and abolition of all that reminds of
Him. No country can prosper where God is
banished from thought and action.
   Where there is faith in God, and trust in
Him, there is light, success and welfare. But
wherever God is shut out from the life of an
individual or a nation, or where the knowledge
of Him is growing dim, there is darkness, ret-
rogression, and chaos, with the suffering of
the people. So it was, is, and ever will be!
   All true Americans should know this truth
better than anyone else. The Pilgrim Fathers
started life and the building of this country
with God. The American people had more
light in God's revelation and Gospel than many
other nations, and this country prospered as
no other country in the world. A great won-
derful civilization has been developed in a few
centuries.
    But the children of these Pilgrim Fathers
are forgetting God, rejecting the Lord Jesus
Christ, and turning from the old Gospel,-and
America is going down rapidly. Society is
                   - 123 -






corrupting in every direction, and thus prepar-
ing the ground for communism.
   What is going to become of the American
family? Where is respect for the law? Those
who are the guardians of the law are the trans-
gressors of it. The reports of the Seabury in-
vestigation in New York give a sad picture of
this fact, and reveal a condition of astonish-
ing lawlessness. The lawyers are not able to
handle all cases, for crime is increasing stead-
ily. The kidnaping of the Lindbergh baby is
an alarming proof.
   Wherever the laws of God, which regulate
the life in the family and social relationships,
are abolished from the heart of a man, there
governmental authority and the laws of the
land become ineffective.
   Under the influence of communist propa-
ganda, and because of the general corruption
of the young people of today, the idea is grow-
ing that communism is going to introduce a
new era,-will lead the world in a new direc-
tion.
   But the only thing which communism can
bring to the world is inevitable chaos and
destruction.
   The only thing that can save the world
from communism is more trust in God, and a
nearer approach to the principles of life given
                   - 124==






in the Bible, the Word of God, a return to the
Old Gospel, and the severing of all diplomatic
and economic relations with the Soviets. Left
to themselves they would come inevitably to
economic bankruptcy. Even more important,
their morale would become bankrupt. This
only will scatter the dark lowering clouds of
communism, and lead the nations into a
brighter life and prosperity.

Lansing, Michigan.
February, 1935.


- 125 -









    BOOKS ABOUT RUSSIA

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       REV. N. I. SALOFF-ASTAKHOFF



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- 126 -







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- 127 -


















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