The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-25

The clergy OF the city are nervous for
chance TO tell before a court OF justice
what they know OF an impostor styling
himself Rabbi Kramer.
lie has been in Memphis quite recently.
and so worked upon their sympathy as to
enlist their heariest benevolent impulses.
This same Kramer is receiving more
gratuitous advertising about this time in
his life, probably, than ever before. A
smooth tongue, a sanctimonious counte-
nance and general bearing, and con-
science that never troubles him save after
an unsuccessful conference" with ono or
more Of the leading church people, Kra-
mer is one likely 10 live. for awhile ut
least, on the fat OF the land without ex-
er,ing himself in the line OF honest toll,
manual or mental. lie has touched the
sympathetic chord in the breast Of two
local clergymen, both pastors Of wealthy
and influential congregations, II not more.
and caused them 10 minister literally TO
his wants. The tirst victim was leeced
about two weeks ago. The way TO recev-
ing OF his bounty was paved with the
statement that careful pading OF the
! Old and New Tcsiaments had con-
WINGED him that the Christ OF the
New Testament was the Messiah
prophesied in the Old. lie desired, lac
said, TO embrace the Christian faith at once,
or as soon Us he could get little start
financially. The reconstructed rabbi"
stated, rs an explanation Of his strait
ened circumstances, that lac had only been
in this country about three years. and dur
ing that time had received but $500 year
for preaching TO jewish congregations.
This had been spent, for the most Iart, for
medical attention. owing TO the sorry
! plight OF his health. What could he do?
Why. teach languages in colleges, private
schools or private families. lie was par
ticularly expert in the Hebrew. French
and English languages, and would form
classes 10 study them II nothing better
offered. But the iirst thing he wished to
do was TO unite himself with the church.
Fortunately. both pastors known to have
encountered him were saved the humilia-
ton Of receiving the impos,or INTO the
ranks OF their membership.
Ii is asccrtaincd that Kramer, ii that bo
his name, has been working the same
method OF raising money all over the
Soulil anu III poiuOuh hl lllc NORM. lie
has been published recently in tho New
York llorid, aud late issue OF leonarls-
vile. n. V, monthly periodical, sent 20
one Of the victimized pastors here and re-
ceiyed Sunday night, denounced him in
pure and unembcllished Anglo-Saxon.
Other papers have also been received here
in which he was held up as most in
famous scamp
lie is pronounced jew In appearance,
about thirty years OF age. short, dark, and
wears eye glasses.
Said one Of the wrathy clcrrymen inn
posed upon 10 an APPEAL reporter yes'er.
day: five can get him We will put him
where lac belongs. want 20 see him
once more. lie is the yilest wretch ever
saw"
"Rabbi" Kramer has shaken the dust OF
Memphis { ON his feet without having his
new sentiments OF religion turned To any
better account than bringing In goodly
number OF hard earned dollars from Chris
tian men aud women. lie has not been
guilty. 20 far ~ learned, OF iinparting lbs
Hebrew, French and English TO the an.
tutorod. nor has he east his lot with any
0i the Christian churches OF this city.
Whore he Is no one knows, but the fore
going pointers may ave the preachers and
benevolent people in other Southern cities
and towns.