Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-26
GEAR FAVORS ZIONISTS
REPORT OF SECRETARY HAAS OF
AMERICAN FEDERATION.
Russian Minister Plehve Sends Let
ter to DR.. Herzl Authorizing
the Announcement.

Daily News Of this city has received the
following dispatch from Jacob De Haas.
secretary of the American Federation OF
Zionists, who Is attending the Zionist con-
gress now in session at Basel, Switzerland:
During discussion regarding DR..
Herzls statement that the Russian govern
ment would hereafter tighten the burden
of the Jews and favor Zionism, and would
allow it to be propagated in Russia. Prof.
Richard Gottheil. president of the American
Federation Of Zionists, questioned DR.. Herzl
in regard to his authority for making such
statement. and asked for some document
airy proof Of the accuracy Of his informa-
ton.
Gave His Authority.
1.-THE Interpolation Of Prof Gottheil was
seconded today by Cyrus Sulzberger. treas
urer Of the United Hebrew Charities Of
New York City. who insisted on the impor-
lance of the interviews which DR.. Herzl
had recently at st. Petersburg with a num-
Der Of prominent Russian officials, and
asked whether the assurances which he had
received were verbal or written. DR..
Herzl. in reply, presented the following
communication from Minister Plehve to the
Zionist congress-:
"'You have expressed the desire to retain
proof of your interview with me. I agree
to this willingly. In order to avoid all which
might arouse exaggerated hopes or doubts
and anxiety. I have had the occasion to
make known to you the point Of view from
which the Russian government at the pres
ent moment regards Zionism. This point
Of view could very easily inspire 1t with the
necessity Of exchanging its policy Of toler-
ance for measures dictated by its safe
guarding of national interests
so long as Zionism consisted in the de-
sire to create an independent state in Pal
estine and promised to organize the emigra-
ton In Russia OF certain number Of its
Jewish subjects, the Russian government
could very we'll be favorable to it
Cannot Favor Russian Concentration.
But from the moment that this princi-
pal object Of Zionism Is abandoned in or
der to be replaced by simple propaganda
Of the national concentration Of the Jews
in Russia. 1t Is natural that the govern
ment cannot in any case tolerate this new
departure of Zionism- It would not have
individuals. perfect strangers to and even
hostile to the patriotic sentiments which
constitute the strength of each state.
This Is why faith could not be placed
In Zionism but on the condition that 1t
return to its old program Of action. It
could in that case count upon moral and
material support for certain Of Its prac-
teal measures. which would serve to d.
This support might consist in protecting
the manufactures Of the Zionists of the Otto
man government and in facilitating the
work of emigration societies, and even
in assisting these societies, evidently out
side the resources of the state, by means
of contributions levied on the Jews.
Cars Attitude.
II think 1t necessary to add that the
Russian government Is obliged to conform
it's manner Of acting toward the Jewish
question to the interests Of the state but
its great moral principles and the interests
of humanity. Quite recently. besides, it
has enlarged the rights of residence in the
confines OF the localities set apart for the
Jewish population, and nothing prevents
the hope that the development of these
measures will serve to ameliorate the con-
ditions Of existence of the Russian Jews,
especially If emigration diminishes their
number
Praises for Roosevelt.
Mr.. Sulzberger prefaced his remarks to
the congress. by referring to President
Roosevelt's splendid action in voicing the
respectful demands Of the Jewish people
Of the United States
prof Max Nordsau yesterday delivered
q magnificent address and received great
ovation. He advocated the acceptance of
the offer of the British government to
provide land for the establishment Of
Jewich colony in East Africa, and 1t is be-
ieved the executive committee will accept
the Offer"