Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-08-26
[coRREsPoNDENcE OF THE sPY.l
NEWPORT, Aug. %, 1871.

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE SPY,
NEWPORT, Aug. 25, 1871.
Few of the places of interest in Newport ex-
cite more curiosity, and of few is less known to
the general visitor than Of the old Jewish syna-
gogue and burial place. The former is situated
on Touro street, is plain edifice, surrounded
by wcll-kept grounds, from which the passers-
by are excluded by high iron fence. Further
up the street, is the burial place, which is cared
for with the best of taste, and is kept more like
a beautiful flower garden than graveyard.
Concerning these evidences of the former resi-
dence of class of people seldom now seen in
the streets Of Newport much has been said and
written. But, much of the early history of the
Newport Jews was so wrapped in mystery, that
what has been published concerning them has
necessarily been more like gatherings from ira
dition than historical account of these people
and their connection with the city. But, care
full and long continued research, by thoseinterest-
cd in the matter, has unraveled much of the mys-
terry, and it is not improbable that correct and
authentic history of the ancient Israeltes of Rhode
Island will soon appear. In fact such work
Is now in the hands of a gentleman who has de-
voted much time to the investigation of the sub
iect-Dr. Feschel, a German, whose work will
probably be published in England and France
The materials for such a book have been found
to be ample; and, as giving an account of
highly interesting period in the history of this
country, the work must find a good demand
here, while, as an account of Jewish trials,
travels and successes, it will doubtless be read
by the people of that faith in all parts of the
world.
Drawing from the same sources that have
been made to contribute to the groundwork of
DR.. FeSchePs book, brief account of the Old
Israelites of Newport, and the causes that
brought them here, may prove of interest to the
reader: The persecution of the Jews in nearly
all parts of Europe, in the sixteenth and seven
tenth centuries, caused the suffering Israeltes
to gather in large numbers in Holland, where,
for time, more mercy was extended to them
The government, however, finally became some
what alarmed at the size of their settlements and
began TO fear their power Not wishing to treat
the refugees with the spirit of persecution that
had forced them to seek refuge in Holland, the
government took another course, equally eff
fective, but less tyrannical. Representations
were made TO the Jews that untold treasure
might be obtained from the mines of South
America, with little labor and that the refugees
would find homes of safety in the land of gold
and diamonds. This report, carefully spread
and enlarged, had the desired effect, and Hol-
land soon babe farewell to large numbers of
treasure seekers.
The Jews, on their arrival in the far off land
of tabled wealth, soon learned that however
true might be the story in regard to the mines,
the most bitter persecution awaited them. The
Spanish Brazilians soon drove them from the
country, and they next found refuge in Jamaica.
The voyages to Brazil were made from Holland in
1868, and, their stay in Brazil being short,
they must have landed in Jamaica about 1860
They fourished to a considerable degree in their
island home, and, with their natural instinct
for trading, soon established commerce with
United States ports. AT this time, Newport
was, comparatively, an important trading port,
and its foreign commerce was larger than at the
present day. Naturally enough trade sprang
up between Jamaica and Newport At last, one
of the captains commanding a Newport ship
hearing from the Jews their story of trials and
wanderings, told them that he knew of "king
dom without a king, and church without bish-
OPP" where their civil rights would be equal to
those of the best in the land and their religious
views tolerated and respected.
This account of the land of Roger Williams
so pleased the lsraelites that a few of them en-
barked for what to them seemed almost like the
promised land. Their reception in Newport
was cordial, and the merchants of the city well
coined this new element of thrift and enter
prize. The staid and pious people of Connecti-
cut, however, were Mortified at the affair." In
their view, this reception of "the descendants
of the murderers Of our Savior" could be only
fraught with danger to the community and to
the republic. A formal protest was sent to
Newport, declaring that the curse of heaven
would rest upon the city and that the colony
would he destroyed if the enterprise were al
lowed to go on. The Jews continued to come
however, and, in short time, one hundred per-
sons of the faith were landed in this city, Their
experience was made known to their suffering
prosecuted kinsfOlk in all parts of the world,
and in a few years the Israelites formed a large
and influential class in the city. AT the time of
their greatest prosperity and success, about
port. 1t is somewhat surprising fact, in con-
nection with this statement, that only about
half dozen can now be found among the per-
manent residents of the city.
The Jews began their religious services in an
old house then standing at the corner of Queen
and Duke streets. This old structure is now
gone. The synagogue, on Touro street, was
built in 1902, and in the following year was ded-
icated with all the ceremony and pomp of the
church. Services were held regularly up to
1920, at which time the number of Israelites in
the city had become quite small. The building
has been opened occasionally for service since
that year, although the sacred vessels were at
that time nearly all removed TO New York. Two
years later the remaining vessels were also car
ried to New York, where synagogue had been
established, and large number of Jews were
residing.
The old synagogue is now seldom opened, ex-
cept to crafty the curiosity of visitors. In the
center of the floor stands the readers desk,
surrounded by a railing. On the desk is a
register, in which is recorded the names of
visitors, and matters of interest connected with
the building. piece of copy of the New
POit ISialuJ VI pepl - liJUJ is also 10 De seen,
containing an account of the visit of Washington
to Newport in that year, with copy of the adj
dress presented to him by the Israelites, recog-
nizing his influence and abors in the establish
ment Of government where they, as well as all
Others, might live in peace and safety. Around
the sides of the room, are low benches, intended
TO be used only by the sick and the lame, the
main portion of the congregation remaining
standing during the entire service; the idea be-
ing that, with slaves in hands, and with all
things in readiness, the worshippers were wait
ing for the coming of the true Messiah, who
would call them from worship to victory" A
small gallery was used for the women, they not
being allowed to mingle with the men in the
services,