Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Robins, Raymond

ROBINS, RAYMOND, an American economist and writer, born on Staten Island, N. Y., in 1873. He was educated privately and studied law at George Washington University. He was engaged for several years in social work in Chicago and was a member of the Chicago Board of Education, from 1906 to 1909. He served also as social service expert for the Men and Religion Forward Movement, in 1911-12. He became identified with the Progressive party and served as chairman of the State Central Committee. In 1914 he was candidate for that party, and was temporary and permanent chairman of the Progressive National Convention in 1916. During the World War he was engaged in Y. M. C. A. work and Red Cross work in France. In 1917 he headed the expedition for the American Red Cross to Russia. On his return to the United States he presented an elaborate report on conditions in Russia, which occasioned much discussion on account of its alleged leaning toward the Soviet movement.