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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1935. Volume 6. Number 8.

Convincing Facts

Convincing Facts.

Cross-examined at first on more technical and economic matters, Mr. Riske gave direct, and for the most part convincing, replies. He did not fence. All the fencing was done before the meeting—in an exhibition bout upon which the Labour Club rudely intruded.

Thereafter the questioning turned to questions of morality. "Now that we are on the question of morality," said Guy Bliss, with (we thought) a disarming lack of logic, "what is the position of the Church in Russia?" It appeared that the Church was free except . . .

Mr. Barker opined that human nature would out, but Max Riske replied that capitalism had not existed five generations ago and therefore could not be taken as "human nature." On the figures of priests sent to Siberia being quoted at 3000, Max Riske expressed surprise at this reduction from the usual quotation of 300,000, till he was told that the latter was reckoned with interest.

We were told of freedom of speech, the Red Army of Peace, and the relations of the Soviet Government and the Communist Internationale.

In proposing a vote of thanks to the witness, who had been kept talking till twenty minutes to eleven. Mr. P. J. Smith, foreman of the jury, congratulated him on his ideals, sincerity, and "Satanic plausibility." Max Riske, he said, would go on making such speeches till he was shot, hanged, or made on of Mr. Coates commissars.

One is bound to admit that the witness gave a factual account of his experiences, and did not merely plead "the case for Russia." He spoke not with the hysteria of sudden conversion, but with the force of calm and reasoned conviction. The jury had not returned with a verdict when we went to press.