The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-06
RUSSIAN JEWS IN AMERICA.

The impression prevails quite generally that
the Russian Jews who have been expelled
from their country by the edict of the Empe-
Tor belong to such a degraded order of HUI
mainly that it is questionable whether their
admission as immigrants to our American
communities would not be step of doubtful
utility.
This impression appears to be altogether
erroneous. II originates in the not unnatu-
raj suppostion that the Russian Car would
hardly deprive his empire of valuable eiti-
zens upon the mere strength Of fanatlcal feel
ing. The unpopularity of the Jews in Russia
is, however, largely owing TO their ability to
compete only too successfully with other
classes of Russians and their expulsion Is
measure which is 20 be attributed 10 the
intolerance of their defeated rivals rather
than 10 any specially obnoxious traits in
their natures.
The history of the Russian Jews who have
settled in this country has reflected only
credit upon their character as citizens. In
recent issue the Baltimore Sun gives the fol-
lowing interesting account of the Russian
Jews who have found homes in that city or
its immediate vicinity:
They are an industrious people. Here.
where they are allowed freedom to work
where they will, they show that they are soon
able TO take care of themselves. Until they
can do so those who preceded them to this
country are always willing to assist them
Those who have been here for years are
tailors cloakmakers and cigarnakers
The clothing business has increased
nearly threefold since they came
here. The cloak business and cigar manufac-
turers could scarcely get along without them.
In other ways they have benefited the city.
Coming to Baltimore, they have made the city
their headquarters and rs peddlers have
wandered through Virginia, North Carolina
and South Carolina until they hsvo sated
some little money. When they open stores
in other States they return to deal with Balti-
more houses for their supplies.
How they have grown and prospered since
they have enjoyed their freedom is shown by
the fact that they have Jewish paper pub
lished in Baltimore with more than 1920 sub
scribers. This paper teaches the duties Of
citizenship the history of the country and
also the Constitution. Besides this they have
friendly inn where immigrants are cared
for. days at time, until they obtain employ
ment. and then again there is the night school at
1872 north Front street. where all who will come
are carefully instructed in everything which
would make them useful citizens. The school
is under the special care of Miss Henri
eta Sold. She teaches them Eng
lsh. using as her textbook the History
OF the United States. 1t is touching scene
when the school is in session to see men OF
forty and fifty years Of sgs sitting there after
having completed hard days labor. side by
side with boys and girls Of ten years, all ear
nestly engaged in the pursuit of knowledge.
There are but few who do not strive 10 be-
come respectable citizens Those men who
were Just allowed to land will remain idle but
a short time. Give them but chance and
they will be hard at work Those who have
been here for some time make fair wages
now, and every day more and mora is being
done by them 10 relieve the sufferings Of their
co-religionists in oppressed Russia"