The evening times., 1899-08-16
ZIONIS2S MEET At BASLE
Three Hundred Delegates Present
at an Important Gathering.
Max EOrdnu Expresses His Convic-
ton That Jewish Liberty in Most
Thread - Rabbis in Attendance
Clad In Gnberdine and Kaftnn.

New York. Aug. 16.-The Journal" this
morning prints the following despatch
from Basle, Switzerland dated yesterday
The Zfonists, who are organized to de-
wise means to establish a Jewish state in
Palestine, opened their third congress
here today under the presidency of DR..
Theodore Herzl the famous Vienna au-
thor, who for years has advocated the
purchase of Palestine from the Sultan OF
Turkey and the establishment of a new
Jerusalem.
Among the three hundred delegates are
many English and Americans. DR.. Max
Nordan was present. congress OF Zion
ist women Is being held simultaneously
under the presidency of Mrs. Gottheil, of
New York.
DIR. HenZfs opening address was eau
tious. clearly expressed statement. He
declared that the importane of Emperor
Williams reception OF the Jewish delega-
tion at Jerusalem could hardly be over
estimated. He thought it augured well
for the Zionist movement.
Three rabbis from Gaiicia and RouSla-
MIA, who were clad in gaberdine and kaf-
tan, attracted attention by their earnest
The Russian delegation included ortho-
dox rabbis. Almost every conceivable
Jewish costume was in evidence at the
congress.
The president announced that under the
charter obtained from the Sultan permit
ting the settlement of Palestine by the
Zionists they will be under Turkish SOW
ereignty.
The appearance of Max Nordau as a
speaker was the signal for applause. His
energetic speech aroused very great en-
thusiasm.
Il have been convinced" said he, ''by
recent events that Jewish liberty hangs
by a thread in most civilized countries,
and that that thread may easily break or
be cut
He said that it was of first Importance
TO get orthodox rabbis, who are opposed
to political Zionism to have well-informed
ideas on the question. Their followers do
not read the papers, and depend upon the
rabbis for their news.
These rabbis, he declared, by their atti-
tude made it difficult for their congrega-
tionS TO obtain accurate views on Zionism
He warned them against the just resent
ment of their dupes when they learn the
truth.
DR.. Nordau attacked the wealthy Jewish
opponents OF Zionism.
Our only enemies are Jews" he cried
Because we want to liberate our people,
why should our co-religionists who are
capitalists refuse to assist u.s."
The delegates reported that the idea OF
ZIonism was spreading.
The congress is held in Switzerland on
account of the opposition of the German
Jews, who declare that they prefer TO re-
main Germans and do not wish to go to
Palestine.
a report was made TO the effect that the
colonies in Palestine which were visited
by israel Zangwill, are in fourishing
condition. The Turkish Government is well
disposed toward the enterprise. being anx-
ious 20 increase the population of hard
working persons in its territories. The
Turks expect financial aid from the Zion
lists also
DR.. Herzl was reelected president of the
congress; Max Nordau first vice president
and Prof Gotthiel, second vice president.
The officers of the American delegation
presented TO DR.. Herz a silver mounted
gavel.