New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-06-07
4 JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FORMED
TROUBLE At THE VERY START THE CLERGY
FEEL THEMSELVES SLIGHTED.

FEEL THEMSELVES SLIGHTED.
The American Jewish Historical society," the object
OF which is the collection, preservation and pubcn
ton OF historical material having reference TO the
history Of tie Jews the American continent. Was
formed yesterday at No. 80 Lexiueton-ave. The
clerical mcmters OF the convention when the nOmlna
lions for tha officers Of tie society made. f0uni
that they had received recognition and fer a
time IT loolueo If they would withdraw from the
organization. compromise made. however
andthe ayinen and the rabbls will carry the
work together. The new organization is modelled
after the American Historical Society. 1t Will collect
data concerning the various settlements OF Jcws I'm
this country which IL will place al the service OF
historical writers. 1t may also publish historical
works.
At the meeting last night oscar ). straus, ex
Minister u Turkey presided. and Professor Cyrus
Adler. OF Johns Hopkins University secretary.
Among those present were Max Cohen. librarian Of
Mamonides Library, New-YOrk; Herbert Fricdenwald
Philadelphia Dr. Charles Grass Harvard University
Daniel p. Hays NewYork: the Rev. Drs NJ. Jastrow
and NJ Jastrow, jr.. Henry S. Mariis David suh
berger Philadelphia and Henry VI. Lelpzlgcr
There considerable discussion all through the
evening but the report OF the committee on nomlna
lion OF officers raised small cyclone. The ticket
proposei wac headed by Oscar S. strus and no,
single place given To clergyman. The situation
was not apparent until the Rev Dr. KOhlcr nominated
tho Rev. DR.. II. JastrOw member Of the council.
"The report OF this committee Is an insult 10 the
self respecting Jewish ministry" said the Rev. DR..
Eohler 1T has been made IN spite anger and
shows that there Is n conflict between the pulpit and
the pew I and my colleagues had best withdraw
The laymen good enough for scribbling, but tn,
hard work and the directing must be done by the
clergy"
NJ w. Platzek, the chairman Of the nopinatng
committee, said that he aid his colleagues had no
Intention OF sighting the clergy, but had select "a
mon who were professors In colleges. aud those who
we're especially qualified for historical research. !
feel deeply grieved and nsulted' he SAID :" that
any one should draw such differences from this
report. Yet II the clergy and tho older do take
charge Of this work. there is danger that the young
men will not follow"
"'rhere are such things" said the Rev. DR.. NJ
ia. trow "as unntcntiona Intentions. ! call
them instincts. This report was made IN,
s,lnctycjy For hfty years the Jewish
lnymen have been nstinctlvely trying to get rid Of
clerical rule II Is about time that instinct was
worked out. There Is no American people that
treats its clergy with such contempt"
The Rev. Dr. K0hler said that the report Of the
considered the ccrgymen incompetent. He then lefi
tho building slammng tho door behind him. Peace was
GnnIly restored and the difatcs nominated In
the oren meeting. With the exception OF the members
Of the council the same persons elected whose
names were mentioned In the origna! report oo,
DIR Charles Gross, vicc-presldcnt; J. B. McMastcT
second vice president: simon ". Rosendac, third
yicc sdent: Cyrus Adler. spondng secretary
Herbert Friedenwald, recording secretary.