Russia Revisited

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MANY of the American tourists who are pouring into the Soviet Union this year are surprised by the evidences on every hand of economic vigor and large-scale construction. "From our papers," said one, "I thought everything would be in a mess. Things look pretty good here; they have built a lot." Another tourist: "People are very free here. I took as many pictures as I wanted in the Kremlin and no one stopped me."

The new rulers are obviously gaining credit with the people at large through making one minor adjustment or accommodation after another. Many Soviet people commented favorably to me on the shortening of the sixth day of work, on Saturdays and on the eve of holidays, from eight to six hours. "This will be a great help in my weekly shopping." Many individuals mentioned this change with pleasure and then asked whether people in the United States work six or eight hours on Saturday. They were amazed to learn of the normal five-day work-week in America and in many other Western countries.

Much satisfaction was expressed over the recent restoration of free tuition for students in high schools and universities, a reversion to the pre-1940 arrangement. Since education is the major channel for social advancement, this is an especially welcome improvement. Again, no one I spoke with had any realization that in the United States tuition in high schools has long been free and also includes free books and school supplies. On the other hand, the multifarious system of free, partly free and paid tuition and scholarships in our colleges and universities was much too complicated for most listeners to grasp...