The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-05-04
'SIRIIS N HOLY LAND
Writes Of ne German Ameri-
Cc.A Settlement.
NO RAILROADS YET BUILT
Streets Made Prior 10 Emper-
or Williams Visit.
NO RAILROADS YET BUILT


Object Icsso nthat the Turks and Arabs
should study with profit. although 1 am
told that they have not done so. The
coIondsts have taken up abaut 1900 acres
OF land, have erected comfortable houses
of modern architecture and conveniences.
built schoolhoues. cultivated vegetable
gardens, planted vineyards, set out olive,
hg and other fruit-bearing trees, and
have TILED the fertile plains around them
in an negligent manner with labor-sav-
ing machines, so that the earth has pro-
duced abundantly. and the advantage Of
using brains and modern implements in
farming has been fully demonstrated. 1
am sure that the example Of these thrifty
and industrious people cannot be entire
ly lost upon the natives, but it is appar-
ent to the ordinary oberver, for they adj
here to their ancient lovenly methods and
filthy habits and are satisfied with the
small returns they receive for their labor
becaue their fathers received no more.
The Germans belong to what is known
as the sect Of the Temple" or Friends
Of Jerusalem" which was founded in
on the principle that the duty of Chris
tiantiy was 10 found d kingdom of Cod
on earth The Hofmans were members
Of the Pietist branch of the Lutheran
denomination in Wurtenberg. and at
tempted to persuade its members to join
/ nthe colonization of the Holy Land,
but as they did not adopt the plan. a
separate association, called the Friends
of Jerusalem. was organized to establish
an ideal Christian community in the
Land Of Promise" and to commence the
regeneration Of its people by offering
an example of medern civilization and
honest industry to the Gentiles Of the
Jews. Five colonies have been established
at Jerusalem. Haifa, Jafa. sarona and
in the valley Of Rephaim.
The colony Of Haifa was begun in 1859
and now includes 570 souls, of whom
seventy-three are Americans. The re
1nainder are from Wurtenberg and south
err Russia.
The interest OF Americans In this coll
ony is especially due to the fact that its
leader was Jacob Schumacher Of Buffalo.
who was sent out by the members of the
Temple Society in the United States in 1859
10 select the location and secure the land.
Christian Ordon of Schenectady accom-
panied him. Having found the country
around Mount Caramel TO their taste.
they bought tract and obtained from
the sultan a tirman authorizing them to
hold the titles in their own names. This.
believe, was the first time this privI-
uists came from Buffalo. Philadelphia.
Schenectady and New York City. bring
inr American ideas. American methods.
and American tools and machinery with
them.
The land was allotted to individuals
and sold at price proportionate to its
cost. streets were laid out. reservations
were made for the churches and school
houses. hotels and other public purposes.
DIR. Schumacher was appointed the head
of the colony and remained as such until
his death in 1S9). when he was succeeded
by his son. who is also the American
consular agent In addition to their farm
ing. the colonists breed horses cattle.
sheep and poultry; they have a large
soap factory. from which they ship the
finest of CASTLE soap TO all parts Of the
world; they export olive oil and other
local products; they contract for the ere
uon of buildings in al parts OF Psles-
tine. having architects and engineers
anon gtheir number: they furnish the
horses, wagons and camping outfits To
pilgrims and tourists; they keep tourists
hotels throughout Palestine (Which are a
comfort and blessing for they are al
WAYS neat and comfortable and do a
great variety OF other things.
The Haifa colony is a beautiful oasis in
this great moral desert. and it is refresh
ing for travellers 10 find clean hotels. hon
est people and clean streets. But as
have said. their example has made very
little impression upon the natives. who
arc q mongrei race Of Arabs. Ishmaelites,
Assyrians, Greeks. Romans, Egyptians.
Turks and Jews. with good deal Of Cru
sader blood mixed in thcr. They Will
not work. nor VIII they adapt themselves
10 modern conditions. These sons Of Ish-
maa and Esau prefer 70 live from hand
% mouth FOR various reasons. and there
is no inducement for them 10 accumu-
1 late wealth because il they did they
would be robbed Of it by officials No
man can accumulate capital 81 this coun-
! try. no man can become better or than
az the Turks ond ez.e
/ his neighbor without exciting the aval
macknaH and persecution Therefore The
Germans have difficult task before
them Among tneir immediate surround
ines ngca Improvement is noticed The
/ City % Hata has been regeuerated by
1 their iufuence. and IS now one Of the most
attractive towns in syria. IT'S streets are
comparatively clean. its shops are wcIl
Sen- IT'S schools ARE Sufficient Tor the
sducation of the Nolcn rs well as the
/ Christian population. ana SIS inhabitants
+ have q reputation amous their ueighbors
for honest dealing thar was net suspected
: befo-e the Germans came.
Hatca uisht become town q impor-
tance IF the railroad 70 Damascus which
WAS started few years ago could Ice
/ mpleted. out there is little prospect Of
( the success of that enterprise because
I ~ The jealousy II the suitan and the Pc
culisr policy lie pursues toward pubic
+ improvements The concession Is owned
/ hy the Thames Iron Company - London.
whieh has graded fftv-sev7n miles. with
/ q splendid >Voard-bed. bridges ard c,i-
/ ve~ts ault u heavy masonry. ard had
+ laid SIX miles II track when The governor
/ az the province toppes the work sv
/ order ~ the Sultan and las not allowed