New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-09-01
WILL THE HEBREWS SERVE?
A PLEA FOR TIE ELECTION INSPECTORS on THE
DAY OF ATONEMENT.

A PLEA FOR THE ELECTION INSPECTORS on THE
DAY OF AToNEMENT.
To The Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: As "A constant reader and subscriber or
your esteemed paper for the last five years. take
the liberty to call attention TO an Item in
Wednesdays issue under the caption mo doubt
that the Hebrews will serve The gist of the
item is that II the thousand more or less Hebrew
election inspectors VINO are to be appointed this
far or any of their number. should be so con-
scentIous and in their faith as TO desire to
observe the Day OF Atonement and thereby De
forced to absent themselves from duty for three
hours on one and that the east important, OF the
days OF registration. they would at once be sum-
MARTY discharged and their places supplied by
others The article scornfuy adds. however, that
such contingency is not key 10 arise. inasmuch
as Hebrew consistency and earnestness are at such
a low rate that there Is no doubt that the he
brews viii serve" Concerning this brief but vast
- significant article, | have several remarks 10
make
First It appears to that the religious fervor
and earnestness OF Hebrews compare favorao'y
with the fervor and earnestness Of other denomina
lions and bear up well under most dscouraging con-
dtons How many Christians for instance, wouid
consistently observe their Sunday II all the ire
nenlous power OF the State were directed against
IT, as Is directed against the Jewish sabbath the
true Sabbath of the Bible and In favor OF an
Sunday observance at present even with everything
in It's favor. Is IA sufficient answer 81. , 49,.
Secondly | do not believe that the SPIRIT OF uIte'
disregard for the religious Observance or the minor
ity as evinced by the article In question IS either
humane wise in harmony with truly Amefl ,hIi
principles traditions The population 81 p,o te
country or Of this state does not consist OF fro.es
ant chrsans y S Sonnibs pay Observers
Unltarians and others. II appears 10 me uu.y ~ y,
era ana humane more consonant wth I more con-
ducve to the friendly relations Of the va i,,s
classes Of citizens to "ach other 10 De J0u IN
considerate of one anothers views am ~ Ia
be fully obeyed and carried out wne dr
state exigencles as Tor SIe Them manifesty
Impossible. Under no circumstances should any
class of citizens be Put into Po,'V 1sw y The
majority has all possible consideration accoruen ~
religious views IN the arransShe9' o Oh Gavernment
is emitted to exactly the same consderatioh, ar,a
friendlIness and practSe me saine tbt all might
all It's citizens. its children IN oIder una an tbeir
be equally inspired WIN love Kan ana none should feel
themselves as stepchil lren. tolerated. indeed, IN
and Version. such. indeed the feelings OF citi-
Zens processing the Hebrew faith would neces-
Stat as in This instance that of election inspec-
tor they were to have the alternative presenter
to mem most Sacrrd day known to their faith
the great and solemn Day OF Atohelilent. ~ u, ~
believe that many would deaecra IT, even AT .iie e
risk ~ sacrlncins their nspectorships, DO not
think 1t at all certain that no doubt the Henrews
viii serve" for thank God respect ana reverence
for this great day SO deeply grouniel lid an tn
Jewish heart that it il the rarest OF rarites 10 u
a jew who does not vc it . l., .,,, .
But ask, is the state justified IN putting d
commission to what they deem SIN upon tne col.-
sclsnres Of ia citizens IL r. liberal In dscrlmndt
ing between one class If It's citizens ana another
Is il acting Wisely In discourasins CONSCIENTIOUS,
pess and putting a premium upon irrelgion ana
materialism? | claim that courteous regard - que
to the views and feelings Of every class OF cltze.S
M matter how few: but the disregard becomes ma
Grant when the class affected Is so important
part of the community as 10 lCrnlsh IL '"o"H""u
or more of the electiOE officers ,,,...,,
/ therefore trust that an amicabe ana !lo ,ig
manner will be found Of adjusting this slight dlh-
Guilty by excusinG. for instance. the Hebrew IN
snectors from duty during the few hours inVolVed
INA | nom. that the Tribune will be found as ever
using its influence In behalf Of the cause OF rght
.i ,rne,lorr BERNARD DRACHMAN.
A'' Rabbi OF Cong. Zichron Ephralm
New-York, Aug. g. 1894