The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-29
THE RUSSIAN JEWS.

No recent event in the history of the Rus
sian Empire reveals more clearly the rude and
barbarous spirit of Russian institutions and
the tyranny and intolerance of the Russian
people than the expulsion of the Jews from
the European dominons Of the Gar 1t is
estimated that the Jewish population in Rus
STA numbers not less than five million indiyi-
duals and this enormous aggregation of
human beings is being driven forth from the
land of their nativity and from their homes,
in which all their happiness is centred, with
as much cruelty and indifference as if they
| were so many wild animals that are to be
scattered in fight to the four quarters of the
globe.
Detailed reports have been received Of the
dreadful sufferings which the Jewish fugitives
have been compelled to undergo, old men
and women falling by the wayside and perish
ing in their tracks. women giving birth TO
children in the open fields and without pro-
lection from the storms of a northern climate
at the most trying season, young children dying
from prolonged exposure-these are q few Of
the terrible incidents in the tragic story of
the great expulsion.
And even after the shelter Of German and
Austrian towns, where more humane govern
ment is found, has been reached, the story is
not the less devoid of misfortunes and calam-
ties We are told that all the cities of north
ern Europe are now overrun by the expatria-
ted Russian Jews, who, without food and
without means TO purchase the temporary pro-
lection of roof, are seen wandering up and
down the streets presenting an appearance
that is most forlorn, and compelled to rely
upon the casual charity of passers-by for
crust of bread with which to sustain life
History has not recorded since the conquest
of Jerusalem by the Roman Emperor story
that is marked by more narrowing details or
by more ruthless disregard of every humane
interest than this. If this story appeals with
singular force to races and nations alien by
birth and in tradition TO the Israelite, with
what moving pathos must it express itself
upon the minds and hearts of all who are
bound together in a community of feeling
by their Hebrew descent
There are many evidences that it has made
this impression. Baron Hrsh, one of the
leading financiers of Europe, Jew who has
accumulated an enormous fortune, has come
forward and offered a very large part of his
wealth to alleviate the privations. hardships
and discomforts which men of his own faith
are now undergoing in consequence of their
expulsion from the Russian Empire.
In long interview which was held with
him on Wednesday he deprecates in the name
of the whole Jewish race the cruel DEGREES by |
which its members are being driven out of |
the dominions of the Gar, and very Justly
declares that if all the Russian Jews are IN be !
expelled from their country, their forcible
emigration should be regulated in such a wav
as to allow an interval 10 elapse between the
departure of the different patches of exiles
that Will be sufficiently long enough TO per-
nit the amplest provision TO be made for
them by their friends in the countries 10
which they shall direct their steps. Under
The operation of the existing DEGREES only a
partial provision can be made on account Of
The enormous number of exiles who are in
need of assistance.
For the active part which he is taking 10
imeliorate the condition of these exiles
Baron Hirsh is justly entitled not only 10 the
gratitude of his own race, but TO the warm
aspect of all men who have one spark of
in their breasts.