The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-06-28
The Presidents Appeal to the Gar
on Behalf OF the Jews.


In spite Of our cordial appreciation Of
the proofs of friendship given by Russia
to the United States in the past, Mr..
ROOSEVELT has deemed it his duty to
present to the Car the petition framed
by the committee Of the B'nai Birth and
the United Hebrew Congregations, in
which the recent treatment Of the Jews in
Russia is reviewed and the Car is i'm
plorod to meliorate their condition. We
do not see how, with any show Of con-
sistency. he could have pursued any other
course, in view of the precedents estab-
lished by President ARTHUR and Presi-
dent HARRISON in cases analogous, but
less fragrant; and lately, by Secretary
HAY, when, in a note addressed to the
Powers which had signed the Berlin
Treaty, he protested against the breach
Of that instrument by the persecution OF
the Jews in Roumania.
Mr.. HAYS protest was based partly on
broad humanitary grounds, and partly
on the specific charge that the treaty
breaking persecution Of Jews in Rou-
mania was causing an outflow Of unde-
sirable emigrants to this country. 1t
seems to have been on humanitary
grounds alone that in 1882, when Russian
Jews had been the victims of massacre
much less extensive and atrocious than
that which took place at kishineff,
Secretary FRELINGHUYsRN instructed
our Minister at st. Petersburg to make
known to the Cars Government the
profound regret with which the American
people had learned of the sufferings Of
Jews in Russia, and to express hope
that means would be found to stop the
persecution Of these unfortunate fellow
beings. 1t was similar appeal to COM
passion and magnanimity that was made
in 1891 by Secretary JAMES G. BLAINE,
than whom no American statesman has
been more keenly alive to the obligations
under which the United States were
placed by the friendly attitude OF Russia
during our civil war. 1t will be remem-
bered that in the year last named ukase
was issued whereby Russian Jews were
vigorously confined to a section Of the
empire. and even there subjected to
such grievous disabilities as rendered the
conditions OF life almost insupportable,
and drove them in great numbers to seek
a refuge in this country. What Mr..
BLAINE said we know, because the sub
stance Of his remonstrance was set forth
by his official superior, President HAIR
R1soN, in the annual message sent to
Congress in December, 1891. This Gov
ernment," said Mr.. HARRISON, has
found occasion to express in friendly
spirit, but with much earnestness, to the
Government Of the Gear its serious con-
Germ because Of the harsh measures now
being enforced against the Hebrews in
Russia" Mr.. HARRISON added that
the suggestions Of humanity furnish
ample ground for the circumstances
which We have presented to Russia
With such exemplary precedents be-
fore him, q just and sympathetic Presi-
dent could not refuse to give official
sanction to the temperate, respectful
and pathetic petition prepared by the
United Hebrew Congregations. He knew
that, as G matter OF fact, the remon-
etranoes addressed to a Car on two
previous and parallel occasions had
been taken In good part. and that, con-
sequently. Count. CAssINI. tho Russian
Ambassador at Warrington. had evinoed