Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-02-21
AIDING JEWS.
ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING IN NEW YORK.

A few nights ago a meeting was held
in New York city to express sympathy
for the Jews who are being prosecuted in
Europe.
Hon. William Evarts was the first
speaker, and said IL was the custom when
anything deeply moved our hearts To
hold public meetings to make up a vol
ume OF opinion on the object in view.
There was no need oil any apology for
this. Desiring freedom ourselves. it was
our duty TO raise our voice when the
liberty of others was assailed. He spoke
of the outrages that had been perpetrat'
ed upon Jews in Russia during the past
nine months. affecting population of
5000, 1000. One hundred ard sixty towns
and villages in Russia had felt the per-
secution. The greatest outrage was COM
mitted on Christmas Day, when 300
houses and 600 shops were plundered.
Though standing in no dread Of such
outrage and oppression. srch deeds must
affect us all. not because il was the OPP
preston of Jews. but because il was the
oppression of men and women by men
and women. II was our duty to see tina
such deeds should not be repeated. A
the relations LOT life in civilization had
been trampled under foot in such way
that we were justified in lamenting, re-
senting. protesting and preventing.
Noah Davis. the next speaker, express
ed earnest sympathy with the men, wo-
men, and children OF the Jewish lace
now suffering in Russia. After a vivid
word picture of the fearful spectacle Of
human suffering Mt the burning of the
Potter building recently. he said that
even that scene Of agony was not more
terrible than those. that had been seen
among the prosecuted Jews of Russia.
He disavowed the name Of Christians for
the demons who had committed those
outrages. He traced the real cause OF
the troubles in Russia to the absence OF
popular liberty, and said that the cure
of all these troubles would be the estab-
lishment of freedom. He thought the
Jews could protect themselves il per
mitted to bear arms. In conclusion he
suggested that Nihilism was an instru-
ment Of the vengeance Of Jehovah.
Rev. DIR. john Hall made a terse and
vigorous speech. He said the Hebrew
people are suffering the indirect conse-
ouenccs of the wrongs that have been
inflicted upon them by nations OF the
earth for many centuries. Russia had
kept the Hebrew people within very
narrow and limited range OF her domin-
ions, where bitter hatred Of them has
been engendered.
Rev. DIR. Crosby said it was n marvel
Gus thing that religious hatred is the
most diabolical hatred on the face OF the
earth. and that men who pretend to serve
their God should merely serve their own
seifishness. He was inclined to disagree
praise of Russia which he had
heard. and was not to be withheld by
any courtly feeling from pronouncing
her barbarian. lie could hardly accept
the thought OF Judge Noah Davis that
law would furnish the cure, for he said,
IL have lived too long in New York
city,"
Here the applause and laughter were
uproarious. DIR. Crosby added:
IL have lived too long in New York
not to know that law is worth nothing
without public opinion to back it," He
believed that nihilism was the legitimate
result OF czarism.
Rev. J. p. Newman spoke words of
earnest sympathy with the prosecuted
Hebrews. He said that the history of
that nationality showed that their harps
had ever been hung upon the willows;
hey had been martyrs and exiles in
many lands, and had enriched and bene-
fitted all lands. He spoke OF the grow
ing Justice and liberality Of nations to
the Jews. He said we must demand
from Russia the protection of the He
brews. the restoration of the property
taken, and the punishment of the plum
derers.
Secretary Walter Howe read letter
from Judge John r. Brady sympathiz-
ing with the prosecuted Russians. and
saying that such persecution was anti
Christian, nti-moral, and ought to be
antediluyian.