Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-12-06
The Rnsso-JewIsh Problem.

The RusSO-J 6W1sn prODletu SetiA7 W -
crease in magnitude with every new light
that is thrown upon the situation IN the
| Cars domains. and how to solve 1t IL one
of the most momentous questions that con-
front the civilized world. The organize
ton of societies such as that formed ut
the recent mass-meeting held at Syna-
eogue Beth Ahaba IN this city for the
purpose of aiding the exiles who have
been driven 10 this country is a practical
movement in the right direction, and gives
promise of salutary results. 1t Is a step
demanded not only in the interests OF hui
maninity, but as matter of protection to
our own institutions. All who have gwen
10 the subject the serious attention
it merits-Jew as well as Christian
admit that the congestion OF these
unfortunates in the large cities con-
stitutes an element Of danger. Consider
| ing the conditions under which they nave
been reared. their methods OF thought,
and the false impressions thousands OF
them have imblbed as TO the meaning OF
liberty in this country, 1t is duty 10
them, duty to charity, and a duty to so
ciety and our principles of government
that they be scattered and subjected
az far as possible TO influences that cannot
prevail so long as they are banded to-
eether. II is essential TO their well-belng
and to their development TO the plane OF
good citizenship that the efforts for their
relief, according to the general plan adopt
ed by the aid societies, should be vigorously
prosecuted and heartily and substantially
supported by all classes.
But the movement under consideration
deals with only one phase OF the complex
and difficult problem. WHAT'S to be done
for the amelioration of the suferings OF
the thousands of prosecuted Jews that
cannot leave darkest Russia? Not oil
the money Of a thousand Baron de
HrRsHs would suffice to answer that ques-
ton. Among the remedies suggested for
bringing the Gar to his senses" Is
united protest against Russia's course from
the other great Powers of Europe. But here
we are met with the lnterrogatorles, Would
France be party to such action, and II
the protest failed of accomplishing the
result aimed at would the Powers be pre-
pared TO resort to war? The conclusion
reached on this point by some OF the most
thoroughly posted students OF European
affairs is that they would not.
Nevertheless there are those who believe
that the solution of the problem will, after
all como through an appeal to arms,
though the appeal will not involve d.
nfA n nf the Rnu-
sian Jews BISMARCK is charged with having
Systematically revived and fostered Ger
man feeling against France after 1t had
died out in order 70 lead up along safe and
sure lines to the FrancO-Gerinan struggle.
German hatred of Russia has long been
fostering itself, and recently it has received
from Russia food upon which 1t has rapid
ly grown and strengthened Not only
is the Gar prosecuting his Jewish sub
iects. but the united Greeks who are RO-
man Catholics, and the German Luthe-
rams and other Protestants OF his
possessions as well. Thousands of Ger
mans who had settled in the Baltic pro-
vinces or elsewhere in Russia, or who
were born in Russia of German parentage,
have been compelled TO fee across
the frontier to escape the oppres-
sive and cruel measures instigated by the
procurator-general of the Holy Synod and
approved by ALEXANDER. As a conse-
ouence the German mind was never moro
inhamed against Russia than 1t is to-day
and popular sentiment is fast approaching
that stage 1T which q war with Russia,
no matter what the pretext, would be
popular in the FatherlAnd. Should the
German people force the issue there
can hardly be q question what
construction the Hungarian Division
of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy would
put upon the triple alliance, and the atti-
tude Of Austria-Hungary would, OF neces-
sity, decide the attitude of Italy in such
a conflict. There could be no such thing
rs hands of with the two last-named
Powers, and it is exceedingly doubtful II
even England could keep out of tho strug-
gle. Nor does there appear that there could
be question as to what would be theresult
of the struggle. The end as now seen
would be The discontinue of Russia 10
that extent that the combination against
her sustained by the voice Of civilization
would be able not only to dictate q new
map of Europe but, but conditions that
would insure the Russian Jews exemption
from persecution for years to come, Such
a consummation would be hailed with
delight by all good men irrespective or
faith the world over.