The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-11-06

The Swiss Treaty and the Hebrew Convention
AT the late Hebrew convention held in this city ssys
the Baltimore SUM the recent treaty between the United
States and Switzerland was prominent subject OF discus
sion Before adjourning committee was appointed 70
draw nm memorial TO the President of the United States
aud present in person This duty has been performed
and the following statement has been handed TO us as the
present result Of the proceeding
[Communicated.l
THE SWISS TREATY ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO call for
national convention Of Israees 10 consider what steps to
take in the treaty between the United States
and the Swiss Confederation the delegates from various
State the Union met at Baltimore, Nd, on Wednes-
The s,h October and after due deliberation adopted
memorial setting forth their grievances and resolved to
present the the President Of the United States
Notice being given Of their object the President ap
reception, when they were presented in body by Hon
H. Phillips, of Alabama, in an eloquent and dgnied
address TO the Executive After listening to the views
and objects expressed and receiving the memorial the
President viewed at some length the principle involved in
that treaty expressed his conviction that the treaty
would never have received the approval of his predeces
had been understood in its present effect and un
equvocally promised speedy and energetic course OF
action with q view remedy not inconsistent with IN
ternational faith.
We feel satisfied that the sracles of the United States
may place implicit confidence in the Executive and that
their rights citizens OF the United States will be zeal
We publish these facts the discharge of duties
delegates with the request to gonsts to abstain
from further agitation on the subject.
REV. II. HOCHHEINfER, Md.
PHI HERZBERG, Md.
NJ NJ GERSTIEY, Ill.
MARTIN BEJUR Ky.
L. f. LEOPOLD, Ohio
REV. NJ. WISE Ohio.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Oct 81, 1857
We give below the address alluded to in the above conf
municaon:-
ADDRESS OF HON. MR.. PHILLIPS TO THE PRESIDENT
OF THE UNITED STATES
Mr. PRTsIDYST:-Me delegation from a convention of
Israeles OF the United States lately held in the city of
Baltimore, has honored me with the request that should
introduce its members your Exceency, and present
their behalf memorial adopted by that convention in
ference to the first clause Of the first article OF the treaty
lately proclaimed between this country and the Swiss
Confederation
AS the head Of great conrederated republic whose
federal constitution is based only on the equality of
the States but also the equality Of the citizens of
those States the delegates desire say you that they
regard the article Of the treaty referred to as yoatye at
least Of the spirit of that equality which breahes through
our institutions and animates them into action.
Certain laws and regulations Of the Swiss canons de-
prve sraelitcs of Of the rights of civilized man.
An American citizen Of the Hebrew persuasion while in
his country, receives under the guarantees Of the
constitution, all the benefits it coners any other c
and therefore, entitled TO the privileges and
mmunites in his intercourse with foreign nations which
might be secured through the treaty making power
other portion OF his fellow citizens OF different de-
nomination.
In the particular instance before u.s. the of com
plant is, that though well known that these Can
tonal laws and regulations, which would disgrace the
statute book of the darkest ages existed that the
provision Of the treaty framed as while secured
minority hose OF the Hebrew persuason) without that
protection and subject TO an odious discrimination.
Mr.. Prcsident--The protestants know full well they
can exert but little influence over political events by
force Of their mere numbers but they know at the
time that the checks and balances OF the government
were instituted mainly for the protection OF mnorities
They therefore plant themselves upon right they adyo
cate constitutional principle; and in appealing you for
their vindcation, they feel they addressing just
magistrate whose anxiety and care will only be increased
by the weakness Of the sufferer.
IT, sir, the condition OF the country had rendered the
execution Of such treaty important If great
necessity involving the safety welfare of the people,
had called for the sacrnce the sraeltes, inform
ed and believe would have submitted TO silence.
But for the comparatively small consideration and petty
advantages secured TO the country by this treaty they
not feel tina, they called upon from any patriotic mo
tive TO withhold their solemn protest against 81 fragrant
wrong.
The delegates come, therefore, 10 you tilc executive
head OF this great concdcracy of States dictate
ton, nor even TO suggest Me remedy but frankly TO de-
clare the character Of their grievance and leave
Of justice and wisdom which have hffScd your
private life and made iusrious your public career the
determination Of the complaint and the OF its re.
dress.