National Republican., 1878-01-15
The American Hebrew In Politics.

The American Hebrew In Politics.
The position of the American Hebrew in
politics is certainly very peculiar. While
in Europe he is admitted to the high
est positions in the gift Of the gov
ernment, here in this boosted land
of freedom he rarely attains more
elevated station than that of mu-
nicipal counselor, occasiona lly to be mem-
Der of State Legislature. Even in these
instances his success arises from caucus
combinations, or he is nominated because
II is expected to carry the Hebrew vote. II
is in consequence of this that we seldom see
Hebrews of pre-eminent ability occupying
public positions. This is more particularly 4
the case when the office is one of govern
been Americans of the Mosaic filth ap-
pointed to consulships, but the instances
have been rare, and in pecuniary sense
the positions insignificant.
In England, France, Germany, Italy, and
Holland how different is the case. There
we see commanding abilities recognized
without regard to religion In England not
only do we see lsraelites in Parliament, but
holding distinguished positions at the bar,
in the army, and in the civil service. Sir
! GEORGE JEsSEL, who was SUiicitor-Gencral
under Mr.. GLADSTONE, was knightcd on re-
firing from that Office and appointed TO the
eminent legal position as Master of the
| Rolls, one OF the most prominent places in
the judiciary. He is known to be a strict
orthodox liebrcw-a frequent, if not con-
stant, attendant at the Spanish -POrtugese
synagogue. This in no sense operated to his
prejudice.
One of the most eminent Of British bar
rsters is Mr.. Sergeant -JUHN SIMON, who is
also a member of the House of Commons.
Not to wealth for Sergeant SIMON is poor
man. docs that eminent gentleman owe his
distinction, but TO his superior talents and
worth, freely recognized by his countrymen
without distinction Of religion. And it is
now said the Queen will soon promote him
TO the woolsack. Her Majesty has shown
her appreciation Of genius and worth wher-
ever found, and has knighted at least n
dozen Hebrews for distinguished services.
In France We have an example in ADoLPH
CHEIMEuX, who has not only been Minister
of State several times, but is now life SEN
ator. Germany has five members of Par$ia-
ment who are Hebrews Austria Hungary
seven, Italy five, Holland three, and Bel
GUM two
These countries where, but scarcely
twenty years ago, the most bitter prejudices
prevailed against the Hebrew, open up to
him to-day all the avenues TO distinction
They all have either Hebrew Senators, OF
Deputies, or Ministers of State, foreign rep,
resentatives, judges, generals, or professors
appointed by the gOvcrnmcnt.) No dis
elimination is made on account of religion
and Hebrews may attain to the most exalted
places.
How different Is 1t here? The fact of al
american being Hebrew seems 10 prciu
dice him in the eyes of the President, Cab
met, and Senate. No matter how high hi,
, character, how exalted his worth Or tai
ents how eminent his services to the caus,
of human liberty. he is an Hebrew! ~
. if that name, shot from the deadly level o
gun, did murder all else, and hence no
to be thought of.
What docs this sentiment this feeling
'cyincc, if not prejudice, and prejudice no
easily overcome?
II is not creditable to our proud civilization
but rather Il blot upon our rdcmocatic-rcpub
: liCan form Of government; and while thes
Q narrow and contracted views prevail it vii
e not do to indulge the vain and silly Fourth
{ ot-July boasts which 50 strikingly mark tn
character Of State papers and Congressiona
I Orations.
! 1t is about time that these silly prejudice
should give way to more enlightened IN,
0 liberal sediments.
The points Of difference between Christian
u ity and Judaism" says Lord MACAULEY, "huy
very much to do with u mans fitness to b..
( bishop or a rabbi but they have no more +
r do with his fitness to be IA magistrate, lcgi,
! latOr, or minister Of finance than with hi
fitness TO be u cObbler. Nobody has eve
thought of compelling cobblers to make an,
declaration on the true faith of q Christian
. Any man would rather have his shoes mendcC
by heretical cobbler than by u person VIII
= had subscribed all the thirty-nine articles, bu
:. had never handled an awl. Men act thus, no
because they arc Indifferent to religion, bu
; because they do not see what religion has to d
with the mGnding Of their shoes yet rcligiO
c has as much to do with the mcnding of shoe
Z ! 4 ba b,,I nat ha arTny nsti -