The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-12

Gredno, Minsk, Mohilen, volhyma. Po-
dolia, the eight governments of West
Russia: Kew, Tschernigow and Pultovas
the three governments of Russia-Minor
and Jekatarinoslaw, Tauria, Cherson and
Bessarabia, the four governments of South
Russia. Beyond the boundaries Of these
districts the Russian Hebrew dare not go,
unless he has secured special privi-
leges by education or money. Mer-
chants of the first order-that is. those
who are ranked in the highest tax list,
and Hebrews with academicalE degrees
have the privilege of settling in other
parts of Russia. It is more correct to say
that such Hebrews had that privilege, as
the attempt has been made to withdraw
even that. Reforms are planned for the
professions of law and engineering, with
the intention of decreasing the percentage
of Hebrews within them. Even the privi-
lege of studying at the university is to be
restricted. Many boys who have been
able to graduate from the gymnasia, after
heavy monetary sacrifices on the part of
their parents, have not received govern
mental permission to enter the u liver
sites.
For the laborer it is still harder. One
day the head of a city government orders
the Jews to sell only wares which they
themselves have manufactured; another
day he drives them from the CITY. And
vet these same Jewish citizens are obliged
perform military service as other citi-
gems; to pay heavier taxes than their
Russian neighbors! Is it any wonder that
policemen try to gain the favor of their
superiors by cruel Interpretation of the
law? Can one wonder that they take adj
vantage of a source of income which is
easy to control.
The terrible prosecutions in Moscow be-
came known to the Russian public only
by accident. 1t was reported in govern
mental circles that the aged Prince Dol
gorukof was bribed continually by the
Jews; that thus only could the increase in
the number of Jews in Moscow be ex-
planned. They decided, therefore. to get
rid of the octogenariam. They would not
admit that he had been influenced by feel
ings of pity and humanity. They feared
to see the Jews increase in numbers even
during the few years allotted to him on
earth. They deprived the aged man of one
of the principal offices in the KINGDOM and
sent him to Western Europe for recrea-
ton. They drove hundreds and thousands
of the people whom he had protected from
their beds and exposed them to the ele-
ments, hunger and sickness. What ex-
cuses are given for this cruel conduct :?
at times they say that the laws require it;
at times they acknowledge its illegality,
but assert that they cannot permit the
ancient capital of Russia to be made
new jerusalem
A few days ago twenty-five Jewish work.
men were dismissed from a printing estab-
lishment in Moscow and sent back to the
Jewish districts. The majority of these
men had worked as printers In Moscow
since 1874. In extenuation of the expul-
sion it was alleged that printing was to be
classed among the arts and not among the
trades.
Similar assertions are made whenever
necessary. A cutter, for instance, is called
upon to do the work of presser. If the
poor fellow cannot accomplish the work
he is expelled from the laborers' guild and
is maltreated and prosecuted by the police.
The greatest sufferers are hoary-headed
men who are no longer able TO do their
own work.
In the village of Lepetischa 100 families
have received orders to leave the place,
because, it is alleged, their names were not
do registers signify in Russia? Little at
tention is paid to registration and the
Jews have seldom the opportunity to reg
lister themselves. 1t would be impossible
therefore, TO obtain a governmental proof
of the establishment of these families.
Many of them could prove that they had
worked in the village before 1852. That,
however, was not sufficient. The 190 fam
lilies must leave the village within thirty
days or submit to the degradation of being
chained together and led away as common
criminals.
The stand which the authorities have
taken toward the schools founded by the
Jews is an excellent illustration of the
cruelty allowed by the laws. Almost one
half of the $1,000 inhabitants OF this city
of Winizra, in Podolia, are Hebrews. A
wealthy member of the colony named
Weinstein founded a technical college.
Despite the large percentage of Hebrews
IN the city and the history of the institu-
ton, only five Jewish children were adj
mitted to the college halls. The other
pupils number about 100 Thus are the
laws fulfilled
A similar state of affairs exists in Cos
lowka, where the well-known railroad
contractor, S. S. Won Poljakoff, established
school of mines. A large number of
young men succeeded in preparing them
selves for the course in the school. Only
D per cent. OF the candidates were enrolled
on the list of attendants.
A few weeks ago the twenty-fifth ami
versary of an institute for ladies of noble
birth was celebrated in st. Petersburg.
Baron Guenzburg has founded the insti-
tute with his own money. Guenzburg, it
Is true, was invited TO the celebration,
which was also attended by the car. The
other guests, however, took such pains to
ignore and insult Baron Gutenberg that he
has determined TO leave st. Petersburg.
One of the most degrading OF the recent
edlcts is that of the governor general OF
odessa. In accordance with it the local
police are directed to punish Jews who do
not show them proper respect on the
streets. The poor Hebrews, in order TO
protest against the degrading order, de-
clded to boycott all the restaurants of
Odessa. Ii is possible that the edict will
be rescinded. However, the men are still
obliged to take their hats off before all city
officials If they wish to escape punishment.
The Jews called foreign vagabonds" by
the police form a class by themselves
rms term, IN realty, is to be applied only
TO foreigners who do not comply imme-
diately with their orders to emierate. The
police, however, seem to take pleasure in
lncluuing native Jews in this category.
Recently, two citizens of Letetscheff. in
Podolia, were brought before the civil and
criminal courts TO answer the charge of
vagabondage. One o these men was the
possessor OF small house and fortune,
which he had inherited from his father: .
~ 0'A'Na vas eoPcStdpIe cdDman. B0tn
wee sentenced TO prison. In ali prob
ABILITY they will remain there until their
relatives can prove that they are native
Russians.
y few weeks ago poor fellow from
1rostcanR was summoned TO trial because
he was unable 10 prove where he had been
born. At his request a period of seven
days was granted TO him to produce the
papers In proof of his statements. Owing
to the condition of the registers men
toned above, this was impossible. What
was the result! The unfortunate man was
sentenced TO four years innrisonr ,an, and