APPENDIX I practically and constructively. Our heartfelt sympathy is with you in the great opportunity and work that lie before you. SAMUEL GOMPERS JAMES DUNCAN JAMES O'CONNELL Jos. F. VALENTINE JOHN R. ALPINE H. B. PERHAM FRANK DUFFY WILLIAM GREEN W. D. MAHON JOHN B. LENNON FRANK MORRISON Executive Council American Federation of Labor CABLEGRAM Washington, May 6, 1917. Workmen's and Soldiers' Council [Soviet] of Deputies, Petrograd, Russia. The gravest crisis in the world's history is now hanging in the balance, and the course which Russia will pursue may have a determining influence whether democracy or autocracy shall prevail. That democracy and freedom will finally prevail there can be no doubt in the minds of men who know, but the cost, the time lost and the sacrifices which would ensue from lack of united action may be appalling. It is to avoid this that I address you.
In view of the grave crisis through which the Russian people are passing we assure you that you can rely absolutely upon the whole-hearted support and cooperation of the American people in the great war against our common enemy, Kaiserism. In the fulfillment of that cause the present American Government has the
