The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-12-22

Austria that the Minister Of the Interior Of that
country has made general prohibition hitherto
applicable only to certain provinces, by which the
jews are prevented from manufacturing or trad
ing in church vasee crncifxes, and images of
saints. This s another OF the results OF the Con-
cordat. In Paris similar business lie carried on,
even by the orthodox lsraelites, without hind
rance or molestasion, for in France the Catholic
Church lie of very limited influence in the lrec-
ton Of pablo affairs.
This curious race Of people, marked by charac-
teristic differences which have not been efaced
since their overthrow as nation, have within
the last half century greatly advanced in their
social position. The increasing liberaiity of the
age has relieved them from many OF the disabili-
ties under which they have lab0red for ages
In England, a Jew is another person from what
he was in the time of Richard the First, or even
George the First. The Lord Mayor OF Lon
don is Jew, and SO are some of the members Of
Parliament. In 1888, the fret Jewish lawyer,
named Godsmid, was admitted to the English bar
and in New York there is quite number in the
profession. The Rothschilds are professedly the
greatest stock gamblers in Europe, and the best
friends Of kingiy borrowers In Germany all
the highest walks Of literature and philoso
ply are filed with Jews, and in this country
we find them in our colleges and schools
of learning, and in the Senate Of the
United States. They excel in many Of
the fine arts, and as composers musicians and
actors they are remarkable for their excellence
We need not look farther than cur own theatres
to observe their predominant tastes They tread
the stage as performers, or fill the boxes Of the
Academy as patrons Of the lyric art. The greatest
actress in the world is Jewess Rachel; the
most popular ballad singer OF the day is Jew,
Russell. The composers Of some Of the most scien-
tifc and classical operas are Jews. In business
none are more keen, though others may be more
scrupulous They occupy whole streets in Europe;
they are beginning to do so in this country. 10
this city, and even in Albany, there are parts Of
the town where they Inonopolize their peculiar
branches Of trade. Many OF them do not hesitate
to keep their shops open the Christian Sabbath,
as well as their own, and we have heard this
complained Of by other tradesmen as great ad-
vantage taken of those who observe at least one
day in the week.
The peculiarities OF the Jewish character are
thought to consist in the single mindedness with
which each individual follows his peculiar pro-
fession. A contemporary says of them, that they
have the power OF Selling the strong points of
whatever they attempt to to do, beyond any
other nation, and developing them with unsur-
passed energy and enterprise" Nothing is al
lowed to stand in the way of their projects, and
thus they appear selfish in rything they under
take. But they are devoted 10 each other, and
are capable Of the most generous actions.
1t is difficult to say, what at this time are the
real tenets Of the Jews. The old distinction OF
Sadducees and Pnarisees is pretty much gone
the latter prevailing in the synagogues, and
everywhere in the ascendant 10 Africa, it is
said some of the former may yet be found, who
deny the resurrection Of the body. Much inii-
deity, according to their own Rahbis, prevails
among them everywhere, and the lower classes
are very ignorant and poorly informed as to the
exact nature Of their faith. The more learned
are very subtle and able 10 support OF their
opinions, and are difficult to be overcome in
argument. IL is common opinion among these
that the Socinians Of modern times assimilate
closely in their belief, and would become Jews if
it was not for the rite Of circumcision!
Tie synagogues 10 this city are numerous, anI
several of them very elegant in their interio'.
Tie service i solemn and curious and the n a
with which the prayers are recited is remarkapls.
We have seen tears colrsing down the cheeks OF
men Of mature age, as they uttered their heart
felt invocations 70 the God OF theft fathers.
The rites Of their religion are very sCrupglousiy
followed in this city by q large number of the
faithful, and some Of their ceremonies are Singh
lar enough The Feast OF Tabernacles was OBJ
served 10y some Of the most strict, by their
actually living out Of their houses in
their gardens, during the allotted period aud
even the little boys Of that persuasion might have
been seen sitting on dry goods boxes. at sbop
doors, with green branches over their heads, in
playful remembrance OF the feast.
The Jewish population OF this city is estimated
by many as high as 30 900. 1t is utterly impossi-
bic to say what their numbers arc 10 the whole
world. A recent estimate gives the total at ten
millions which il three times and third more
than II was when they we're 10 Canaan. Others
suppose that the extent is six millions Their
dispersion over the earth is remar kable fulfil
ment Of the predictions of thcir own prophets
but their final restoration 10 their ancient home
ia fully believed in. The period Of this return Is
fixed by some commentators at 1866, to be pr,
ceded first 10y the ,lll Of the Turkish empire.
As We walk up Chatham street hoscver, we see
no particular preparation nor mich anxiety f.
such an event a. trip TO Palestine.
GENERAL MoseuERA's REPIY 70 PrERCEs MI.