Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-06
IN BEHALF OF THE HEBREWS.
A Memorial with Distinguished Signatures
Presented to the President.

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A Memorial with Distinguished Signatures
Presented to the President.
President Harrison yesterday received an
exceedingly interesting memorial on the sub
ject Of the Russian Hebrews and advancing the
proposal Of re-establishment Of the race in
Palestine. The memorial was presented to the
President by Mr.. William E. Blackstone of
Chicago, who was accompanied by Secretary
Blaine. Mr.. Blackstone explained that the
memorial resulted from Q large conference
which had been held in Chicago He also
pointed out the future commercial prospects of
Palestine, especially if the new railroad from
Joppa to Jerusalem be extended to Damascus,
Tadmor and down the Euphrates.
TEXT OF THE MEMORIAL.
The memorial is as follows:
What shall be done for the Russian Jews? It
is both unwise and useless to undertake to die
tate to Russia concerning her internal affairs.
The jews have lived as foreigners in her domin-
ions for centuries, and she fully believes that
they are a burden upon her resources and
prejudicial to the welfare of her peasant popu-
latiOn, and will not allow them to remain. She
is determined that they must 60. Hence, like
the Sephardim of Spain, these Ashkenazim
must emigrate. But where shall 1000. 900 of
such poor people go? Europe is crowded and
has no room for more peasant population.
Shall they come to America? This will be
tremendous expense and require years.
Why not give Palestine back to them again?
According to Gods distribution of nations it is
their home-an inalienable possession from
which they we're expelled by force. Under
their cultivation it was q remarkably fruitful
land, sustaining millions of Israelites, who in
dustriously titled its hillsides and valleys. They
were agriculturists and producers az well as
nation of great commercial importance--the
center of civilization and religion.
Why shall not the powers which under the
treaty of Berlin in 1878 gave Bulgaria to the
Bulgarians and servia to the Servians now give
Palestine back to the Jews? These provinces. as
well as Roumania. Montenegro and Greece, were
wrcsted from the Turks and given to their nat
ural owners. Does not Palestine as rightfully
belong to the Jews! 1t is said that rains in
creasing and there are many evidences that the
land Is recovering its ancient fertility. If they
could have autonomy in government the jews
OF the world would rally to transport and estab
lish their suffering brethren in their time-hon-
ored habitation- For over seventeen centuries
they have patiently waited for such privileged
opportunity. They have not become agricult-
wrists elsewhere because they believed they
were mere sojourners in the various nations.
and were vet to return to Palestine and till
their own land. Whatever vested rights, by
possession. may have accrued to Turkey can be
easily compensated. possibly by the Jews
Stunning an equitable portion of the national
debt.
We believe this is an appropriate time for all
nations. and especially the Christian nations of
Europe, to show kindness to Israel. million
Of exiIes, by their terrible sufferings are pite-
ously appealing to our sympathy. justice and
humanity. Let US restore to them the land of
which they were SO cruelty despoiled by our
Roman ancestors.
To this end we respectfully petition his excel
lency, Benjamin Harrison President of the
United States. and the Hon. James q. Blaine
Secretary of State. to use their good offices and
influence with the governments of their impe-
rial majesties, Alexander III, Gar of Russia;
Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Empress
Of India; William III, Emperor of Germany;
Francis Joseph. Emperor of Austria-Hungary;
Abdul Hamid III. Sultan of Turkey; his royal
majesty, Humbert, King of Italy; her royal
majesty, Marie Christiana, Queen Regent OF
Spain, and with the government of the repub-
lie of France. and with the governments of
Belgium, Holland. Denmark. Sweden Portugal.
Roumania, Servia, Bulgaria and Greece. to
cure the holding, at an early date, Of an inter-
national conference to consider the condition
Of the Israelites and their claims to Palestine
as their ancient home, and to promote all
other just and proper ways the alienation of
their suffering condition
MANY DISTINGUISHED sIGSERs.
The memorial is signed by many prominent
citizens all over the country, the following
being among the Washington signers: Mel
shie W. uiiSi. eheI lusuce VI tne United
States; Hon. Thomas B. Reed, as Speaker of the
House of Representatives; Hon. Robert Il.
Hit. chairman of the committee ON foreign
affairs; Representatives Mills, Holman, McKin-
lev, Frank, Morrow, Vandever, Wallace, Nc
Comas, Dalzell and Payne; Edward Mcpherson.
clerk of the House OF Representatives; J. W.
Douglass, president of the board of District
Commissioners; editors STAR, Critic and Post;
G.. II. Corey, pastor Metropolitan N. E.
Church; Teunis 5. Hamlin, pastor Covenant
Presbyterian Church; Louis Stern, minister
Washington Hebrew congregation; John f.
Hurst. bishop Of the Methodist Episcopal
church: Simon Wolf.