The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-16
THE DREAM OF THE JEWS.

One effect of the war In Europe, taken
I'm connection with the rumor that there
was to be religious war proclaimed by
Turkey. is a revived interest by the Jews
in the restoration of Palestine. That
hone. which has been cherished for so
many centuries. is as vivid In the neaIt
of the Hebrew people as ever. and IL there
sbou,a be a war between the Christians
and the Moslems II is not at all improo-
able that the Jews might come by their
own. Nobody is interested in keeping
that ancient people out Of the land of their
fathers except the Turks: and there are
very many reasons why some of the
European powers would be glad OF the
assistance which the Jews could give
them in bringing to bear another force
against Turkey.
Without considering the merits of the
question. there is no doubt that some OF
the Eastern peoples constantly prosecute
a social war against the Jews, and ire
quentIy embroil the government in quar-
rels which have no excuse except raciai
antipathies. Driven from their own coun-
try. they have wandered all over the
world but have never relinquished the
endeavor to return. There are four mil
lion Jews in Russia alone, and in the
event Of war between Russia and Turkey
they would be powerful allies inspired by
their own interests, but none the less
vigorous foe TO Russias enemies. II such
an event seemed assured the patriotism OF
the cubans would be as nothing compared
10 that OF the Jews. Lives would be sac
rificed willingly in such a cause, and no
Jew In the world would be too poor to
contribute his share to the necessary
funds. There are many Jews who enter
tain the hope that their people will one
day be in possession OF Palestine who have
themselves no desire 70 leave their adopt
ed country. They have settled In commu-
mites where they have been welcomed,
they have reared their families in the
language, and TO some extent In the Gus
toms, OF these among whom they dwell.
and have formed associations such as the
people Of other nations have done. They
have become loyal citizens. and their
dream OF a home country :nterferes in no
way with their fealty TO the government
under which they live. Indeed, there is
something of pride in the unique position
they occupy as the only people in all the
the want OF a state.
The difference Of opinion on the subject
was very clearly seen from the tone OF
the speakers at meeting recently held In
New York for the purpose OF discussing
a plan TO form new Jewish state. This
measure is TO be discussed by Jewish rep
resentatives from all parts Of the world
az a convention TO be held In Munich next
August. One OF the speakers said: I'VE
would be ingrates TO leave this country
where we enjoy so many privileges. and
when speak for new land for our peo-
pie ] do not contemplate an exodus from
here We want 10 form no political party.
but q Jewish state in the Orient would be
a blessing 10 thousands who are today
homeless" Another speaker said: I'VE
need no country: we are people without
one, and IN that we differ from any other
E%NRiS NuAE has ever existed NaIoAS
have been driven from their countries and
have been absorbed by their victors. and
have vanished from the earth forever:
but we live on without country. and the
Schema Yisrael Of the Jew makes that
country his country where he uttsrs it."
The preponderance Of sentiment was In
favor of the colonization of Palestine. SO
'haf those Jews who were oppressed In
other countries could hare home to so
70. II they desired: and Il was fntimaied
shai whenever such an opportunity Of
fered there would be no waat OF money 10
help the suffering people of their race
abroad The project OF new state found
80 little favor that in the most important
city in the United States IL was decided
not 10 send delegates 20 the convention.
The action OF the Jews OF the Unsted