The age-herald., 1897-10-13
BY MRS. GEORGE c. BALL.


The widow of the great Hebrew phi lan;hropist, Baron Hirsch, has lately de- cided not to expend any more of her husbands vast estate in attempting to establish Jewish colonies in the Argen- tine Republic. The enterprise, which orig mated with Baron GIrrsch many years ago-ibecause of his anxietiy to improve the condition of the Jews of Russia and eastern Europe-has proved a failure. Baron Hirsch was man of unusual in telligence, of marvellous financial ability, and with his heart acutely alive to the dfstresses and humiliations of his race in certain portions of the world. He con- tribuyed large sums of money, perfected generous plans and supervised as far as possible the spreading of the moneys and tlhe development of the plans, all looking to the bettermert of the lives of those Jews, who were persecuped in Russia and other countries Actuated with the one great desire of making them self supporting and comfortable, where they would be allowed religious liberty, Baron Hdrsch was largely instrumental in the purchase of immense tracts of land in Hhe Argentine Republic, which were d. yided into farims for the benefit of un- fortunate and impoverished Jews- Ar engagements were made to transport the emigrants to South Ame1'cda, and after fhe death of Baron Hi1sch his widow has been interested in carrying on the pfi- lanthropic enterprise began by her hus- band It is now authoritatiyely an- nounced that no more money will be ex- pended upon the colonization by Mrs. Hirsch, who has the right to act in t'he premises, whenever and however her judgment may dictate. She has discov- cred that a majority of those of her people who were intended to be benefited by her husbands charity are unwilling to go to South America, notwithstanding the alluring and emticing stories told of the remarkable fertility, agreeable tenn perature and the opportunities offered to amass a competency, with moderate amount of labor expended upon the rich farm lands The Jewish ColoniDatio society gave free transportationto South America to all who would avail them- selves of tine offer, and even under such circumstances there were out compar- ative few, only about 1000 Russian Jews, who went to the Argentine Republic. Commenting on this question, which is ore of international interest, the New York Sun says: +4.#s. litti
 A filter man than Baron de Hirsch to carry out the plan which he devised could not have been found in Europe. His millions were counted by the hun dred; aud he was ready to expend many of them in what he believed to be the interest of his people. He was man of large experience in practical affairs. He had been successful in nearly all the un- dertaa6ings of his life. He sympathized deeply with the unhappy Jews of those countries in which they are subject to disabilities, and he was most anxious to offer them such relief as he believed it to be in his power to provde. 1t was be- fore his death last year that the Argen- tine enterprise fell under a blight. His widow, exceedingly desirous to carry out all his wishes, and with abundant means at her command, is yet unable to accom- pEsh the purpose for which he provided so great a fund. She has recently sent Cnuch money to Russia, to be used for such educational, scientific and indus iral purposes as promise benefit to the six million Jews who live there.
 It was that shrewd observer of Jew ish character and Jewish experIme ents, Rabbi Abram S. Isaacs, who recently made the remark: '"The Russian Jewish problem can only be solved in Russia"
 The present attitude of Gov. Atkinson, of West Virginia, to the trial of his wife for forgery, vivfdly recalls the dramatic pathos of "The Mauxman," Hall Gaines wonderful and fascinating novel, with out the evil and suffering which stain the pages of this celebrated story. dt is predicted that Gov. Atkinson will cer- Ha!nly pardon dlis wife, should she be convicted of forgery. and then probably resign his position as governor of West Virginia. It will be readily recalled that the Deemster in "The Mauxman," after reaching the goal of his ambition. after atta ming the height to which ale f1ad aspired for many years, resignsd 1t all for lore of Kate, the young woman who