The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-08-21

II the Jewish race were as the JeUish
| Tsdings Of Rochester in this State. repre-
| sents it to be, it would be bound to go to
the bottom OF the heap. Since it keeps
near the top Of social. financial. CONNER
| cal. and professional activity. and has got
there In spite OF bitter competition. violent
opposition. and actual persecution during
| long periods. this paper Of western New
York manifestly libels Its own people and
tends TO degrade them in the estimation Of
other races.
The Je,oish 2fdings describes the Jews as
morbidly sensitive people. quick to take
offence at any discussion of the peculiar
tiles which contribute to their successful
persistency. and worried in mind for fear
that they will not be properly estimated
by their nelghbors. It makes them out
touchy. thin-skinned race. with an
| exaggerated bump u approba.iveness. as
the phrenologists call it. or a vain
and weak disposition. when IN reality
their whole history in ancient and modern
times has proved them to be proud peo-
pie, sufficient unto themselves, and too
much occupied with their own affairs to
concern themselves about the opinion Of
thcm entertained by competitors. whom
t,iay have beaten In the struggle for adj
vancement.
The Rochester paper whines because THE
SUN has spoken Of certain qualities and
tastes which seem to distinguish the Jews
from the other clements Of our population.
as II the pointing out OF such a distinction
constituted an insult to them. 1t cries oUS
querulously. simply because we have as
cribed TO them view Of life which is wise
and practically useful in increasing
their happiness. and enabling them to
bear with equanimity any race pref
udice to which they may BIO subjected. II
people are poor and miserable. deficient In
self-esteem. easily discouraged by adverse
criticism and unfavorable opinion. and
afraid to assert themselves because OF it.
they are sure to receive the contempt they
deserve: but the Jews are prosperous and
self-reliant. and hence. even IL people do not
like them. they are not despised. They are
respected as a powerful race because they
are totally different from this vain and SUI
persenstive Rochester editor.
The SUN spoke of the Jews as apparently
fond Of the social excitement OF crowded
summerlng places and intent on getting all
possible enjoyment out OF life as they went
along. These characteristics are also indi-
Gated by their constant and large pat
ronage OF theatres. musical entertain
ments. and the good eating Of res
taurants. Hence. We described them
as seemingly happy. content. and capable
of enjoying the fat things OF existence.
In the morbid mind OF the JelVish
Tidin0s. that lis an evident attempt to
slur and sneer at religion" and ma
liclous description of the typical jew Of the
period as more pleasure-lovlng or wealth.
Haunting than his fellow citizens or
course. the religion Of the Jews was not
under consideration. but only their race.
Many OF the Jews OF whom We were speak
ing. like many Christians. are religious
unbelieyers: but whatever their belief.
or their form of infldelity. 1t had moth
ing to do with the subject We were talk
ing about. 1t Is matter which concerns
themselves and not US. 30 far as the prac-
ticai conduct OF life goes. the Jews seem to
be as much governed by religious principle
as other people: and 1t Is to their
credit that they do not NEEDLE with
the religious convictions Of their neigh
bors. They worship COP in their own
way, when they worship Him at ALL
and they respect the right of Christians
TO do the same The Jews do not stir up