The evening times., 1901-01-18
RIGHTS OF THE JEWS.
Simon woIf's Report 10 the Union OF
American Hebrew Congregations.

American Hebrew ConEreEntiOns-
One of the most interesting reports
heard at the seventeenth council of the
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
was that of the Board of Delegates on
civil and Religious Rights. of which
Hon. Simon Wolf. OF this city, is chair
man.
The report says, among other things
The board had a great deal CT important
work before it during the past year, not
only work tE.at embraced matters OF in
terest of a local character. but also that
which affected international affairs. 1t
has been very severe tax on the chair
man. who has not only worked hard in The
various branches of our government, but
has had considerable correspondence vita
persons abroad, and also was compelled
10 90 to New York twice and Phnadei-
phia once for the purpose of securing
favorable action In matters that came be-
fore the board There were eleven spe-
clal cases in the Bureau of Emigration,
affecting the redepOrtation of worthy
Jews who were looked upon as improper
under the law. After full and exhaus-
tive Investigation % the part OF your
committee. each and every one of these
persons were permitted to land. and have
since amalgamate8 with the general pub
lie. and, TO cur knowledge, have proven
! themselves worthy of the interest taken
on and in their behalf
In the matter of a young lady at Flor
ence, :. c., correspondence was had as
suring the person who had been discrim-
mated against IN regard TO her religion,
having been dismissed from the public
service, and the result has been that moth
ing further has been heard from the lady.
The board takes II for granted, therefore.
that that matter has been satisfactorily
arranged.
THE case of a young soldier at West
Point was also promptly attended to. and.
at the request OF II : father Of the young
man. nothing further was done. as ne did
not court any further publicity. Two
cases Of American citizens residing in Mo
rocco and one in Peru have received con-
sieeration. The solution Of their claims
IS with the State Department.
The report compliments T V PoyderIy,
/ Commissioner % ne Bureau Of Immigra-
{ ton, and adds that:
Robert Watchhorn. who was sent 10
ROumania TO make a careful and intelli-
gent report. discharged his duty with
great Justice and keen appreciation Of the
/ delicate work in hand. His reports were
exhibited TO your board. and I deem it due
sincere thanks. and to each and every
one who has aided in betterfng the unfor-
tunate condition Of the refugees. and at
the same time uphold the dignity OF laws
OF our own country In all the statements
made and correspondence had. the one in
portant fact is continually kept to the fore
that We ask 10 special legislation or priv
/ ileges or decisions. because we are Jews,
but We do ask as American citizens 10 be
treated with that same impartiality which
our other fellOw-cttiZens receive and il
! has been generously aad promptly given,
and il is to the lasting credit of our Gov
eTBment and its officials. that they know
no sect and no nationality. but treat each
and everyone coming before them on that
broad basis for which our institutions
stand -
Mr. Wolf concludes his report as fol-
lows 4 would respectfully recommend
that instead of having a large board. as
heretofore. the number be limited to
three or five. residing in Washington Bal
timore, New York. and Philadelphia
where in case Of some imDortance that
needs prompt attending ~ the beard
could be convened and thus relieve the
chairman of responsibilities. the scIiIfiou
Of which is often criticised when in fact
they should be commended and therefore
if this small board can be appointed. it is
possible that the criticisms heretofore
made might cease. and the wcrk OF yOuT
board receive more generous treatmen-. .'