The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-11-08


AND THE CAVE OF MAcHPKLAH.-Thisl learned
and distin guished representative of the Israel
itish faith, who has come TO this country to
call the attention Of the American people to
the mournful and destitute condition Of Pal
estine and the holy cities, and who somo
months ago made profound Impression In
this city BY his discourse upon Jerusalem,
gave very interesting lecture upon Hebron
and the Cave Of Machpelah last evening In
the Hebrew synagogue, on Ninth street, TO
large and attentive audience, and we should
say, from our acquaintance with the people,
that half Of those present were Of the Gen.
tile faith. The genuine orthodox lsraelite
always sits In the synagogue with bis head
covered, and, judging from this fact, It would
seem that the Reformed Jews 10 this city
were very decidedly In the majority, as the
number Of hats worn during the discourse
were very few indeed, though the number Of
Jews present were certainly very large.
There is, as matter Of fact, on this point
very decided division In this synagogue be-
tween the orthodox party aud that Of the re-
formers, In which the latter party Is Alto
gether In the majority. This synagogue
numbers among Its members q very large
number Of our most enterprislng aud valua-
Bile citizens In all branches Of business life,
and much wealth 10 represented BY them.
The eminent oriental oxpounder OF the
Hon. 8. 8. Fisher, Commissioner Of Patents,
In few brief but exceedingly graceful and
impressive remarks, abiding with the great
est effect 10 Jerusalem, the city Of the Great
King, which was the learned Rabbits home.
The discourse Of the Rabbi occupied, per-
haps, an hour, and presented o comprehen-
sive historical sketch Of Hebron, one Of the
Oldest Of existing cities, having been founded
by Arbah, the father OF Anak and the Anak-
IL 10 .hnAa ~ he nat 81 rah
Abraham, and the residence Of King David
during the early part Of his reign. The
Arabic name signifies "Thc Fond Of God,
by which epithet tho Arabs designate Abra-
ham. The lecturer gave an account Of the
sufierings Of its people In 1884, when, as q
consequence Of the rebellion and defeat Of its
inhabitants, II was stormcd aud plundered
by Ibrahim Pasha, and Of its plumber again
In 1912.
He described the wretched state OF It's peo-
pie under the oppressive domination Of the
Mussulman, and showed how religious SUI
perstition and intellectual stupor held rule,
aud said that his delightful visit to this new
est, freest and happiest Of the nations Of the
earth had inspired him with perpetual mel
ancholy, through the amazing contrast
which was presented by the terrible condl-
tion Of his own country, Of which he dis
coursed.
He also described the Cave OF Machpelah,
which, according to the Mahommedans, Is
now covered by mosque, formerly Greek
church, at the south extremity Of the town,
and spoke at much length and with great In
terest of the scpulchres OF Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob. Hebron Is situated eighteen
miles from Jerusalem, with a population va
riously estimated at from 5000 TO 10000.
The second lecture will DO given at the
same place on Wednesday evening next, and
the subject will be "The Holy Land"
These lectures are delivered under the
auspices Of the "Independent Order Of the
Benai Berith," benevolent organization
connected with the Israelitish people Of this
country.
| EVIDENTLY lSsANE.-For several evenings
| past German, named Frederick Keft, has
! applied to the Seventh precinct station for
| lodging. On Saturday he was found loung-
ing about the Baltimore depot, and arrested
as q yagrant, and confined 10 the above sta
tlon until last evening, when he was brought
out for O hearing before Justice Chase.
Being unable to speak English, an inter-
prefer was called In, who translated his
story, which appeared to be about as fol-
lows; He says he came from Pennsylvania
about ten days ago, where he had been en-
gagged In carrying Ice twenty days for Prcsi-
dent Grant; that he called on the President,
who knew all about him and his occupation,
and that the President promised he should
receive sl.75 per day for the labor performed.
He said he had q book Of his life In his
pocket. but 1t was unnecessary to read 1t, as
It had nothing to do with the Ice business,
and al he wanted was that President Grant
pay him for the twenty days he was In his
service In carrying ice. The weather being
extremely cold, and the wind blowing a
hurricane, (of dust, at least,) Justice
Chase concluded to remand the man to the
"lock-up" until this morning, when his case
will be further inquired into.
WASHINGTON TEMPERANCE SOCIETY
This society, which has probably done more
efficient work In the temperance cause than
any other In this District, last night held Its
first meeting for the winter season. Much
to the regret Of the members, the president,
Mr.. John II. Thompson, rendered his resig-
nation on account Of his inability to attend
regularly 70 the meetings. The resignation
was reluctantly accepted, and Mr.. o. X.
Harris was elected to Ill the vacancy. The
association now takes fresh start, and Its
members arc pledged, each to the other, to
do all to further the great cause.
After the transaction OF some business,
short addresses were made by Messrs. @. A.
Middlebrook, John II. Thompson, W. P.
Drew, John Golden, ]. F. Dobbyns, W. g.
Flood and others, after which the meeting
| adjourned.
The meetings will hereafter be held regu-
larry every Sunday evening at the hall on F.
| street.
THE PROPOSED LABOR CONVENIENTLY
board of directors Of the Chesapeake and
Marine Railway Company, Of Baltimore, at
a recent meeting took action In reference to
the National Labor Convention, which meets
In Washington on the 9th OF next month.
They adopted resolutions indorsing the
movement as being the beginning Of the
organization and elevation Of colored labor
throughout the United States. The assocla-
ton appeals TO the National Labor Conven-
tion when assembled to leglslate upon the
question Of labor so that the deliberations
may ultimately result In the complete or
ganization and consolidation Of all branches
OF labor, without respect to color, into one
common brotherhood. Tho association has
elected George Myers, its secretary, q dele
gate to the coming convention.
! CuMMISs' Doors AND SHOES.