Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1872-02-17
AN UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCE.

| Washington Correspondence N. Y. Herald
The unusual circumstance of q Jewish
Rabbi opening the proceedings Of tho
House Of Representatives with prayer has
| attracted an unusual amount Of attention
in political and religious circles. A Herald
reporter yesterday called on Rev. Professor
Abraham DE So!a, the Rabbi who oiiciated
in Washington, and gained some interest,"
ing information relative to the occurrence.
DE Sola Is d benevolent and intellectual
booking old gentleman, but with strongly
marked Jewish countenance. He has the
charge of synagogue 10 Montreal al
present, but originally came from England:
The following is the statement he makes
relative to his visit to Washington:
What originated the idea Of your offer
ing up prayer" inquired the reporter. 49,,
"Well, it had been arranged precious
to my arriving by some friends Of civil and
ssligioHs liberty, who took an interest in
the affair, notably the Hon. A. l.. Solo
mons, member of the Legislature from the
District Of Columbia. I feel greatly obliged
to Rev. Dr. Butler, who gave way in my
behalf, and also to Speaker Blaine for the
courtesy extended to me-"
II suppose those Of your own persuasion
in Washington feel gratiied that such a
privilege has been grated to you 7"
"Oh, yes; very much gratifed; and L
am very much pleased myself There has
been considerable talk over it in the rclig.
ious circles of Washington, and number
6f frouinent gentlemen have expressed IS
me their satisfaction at the toleration dis:
played in the House Of Representatives.
1t is unusual for & foreigner to oficiate in
sucN a way in that city, but the fact Of
Jew opening Christian assembly with
prayer is altogether without precedent" =.
:" Have you been to England recently ?"
"Yes, a short time ago."
ado Jews enjoy as much freedom there
as they do in this country?"
"Well, yes and no. No, inasmuch as.
they have to contribute to the sdpp8ft Of
an established church in which they do not
believe. Yes, for the reason. that there
are few Positions from which they are de-
barred. mean in civil poiut of view"
"There are no disabilities remaining on
the statute hook against members Of your
persuasion ?"
"Not that am aware Of, tkossk tsiets
may be some obsolete enes. Wy. & Jew
is now n,esiEer Of Hsf Majss.3's Cabinet,
10 the person Of Jessup, VIE has re:ently
been appointed Solicitor General by Glad
stone. He Is very strict in his belief.
And then there are quite number of Jews
who are members Of Parliament-Baros
Rothschild, Goldsmith, Alderman Salo;.
mons, who has also been Lord Mayor Of
London, and number of Others"
"But such privilege as you enjoyed ip
Washington would be impessible in the
British House of Commons"
"Yes, at present it would; But Te' are
not without hopes that tie time may come
when even that viii he possible. Civil aud
fs1igfoas libcrty in the fullest sense is
making rapid strides, and in short time
it is probable that the Established Church
will cease to exist, and then, Of codrss, :
there viii be no obstacle ia the way. +,
may again say that am very much pleased,
with what transpired in Washington. and
SO also will be the people Of nay pursua-
sion, and my congregation 10 Montreal ia
particular. I think it is q pleasing indi-
cation of the rapid progress that is being
made in the religious liberation of the
country"