The Washington times., 1903-07-12
ENGLAND AND THE JEWS
The Story of the Five Hundred York Martyrs Who
Committed Suicide to Escape Persecution.

n whose combined membership
mounts into the hundreds of
thousands, and with nourishing branches
in every State and Territory of the
United States, recently held their annual
meeting in this city when they
unanimously resolved to alleviate
the sufferings OF their prosecuted
brethren wherever they may be
domiciled, and to make every ef-
fort to obtain for them equal rights
with their co-citizens of non-Jewish per-
suasion. Committees called on the
President and Secretary Hay and stated
their grievances and asked the assist
ance of the Government for the further
ance of their plans. President Roose-
velt and Secretary Hay both promised
TO take up the matter Immediately and
give It their most serious attention.
President Roosevelt, in addressing the
committees. dwelt on the patriotism OF
the Jew and said that some of the most
prominent men of every civilized coun-
try are either Jews or have Jewish blood
In their veins.
The recent Kishinev massacre and the
Presidents speech in this connection
bring 10 mind the story of the Jews Of
York. who. imbued with a desire TO prove
their patriotism and love for their King.
Richard I of England, in so doing ex-
cited the suspicion OF the people, who
thereupon plundered their houses and
killed men. women, and children.
When Richard I ascended the throne
the Jews, to conciliate the royal protec-
tion. brought their tributes. Many had
hastened from remote parts of England.
and. appearing at Westminster, the court
and the mob imagined that they had
leagued to bewitch their king and ruler.
An edict was issued to forbid their pres
ence at the coronation, but several. says
I. DTsraeH. whose curiosity was greater
than their prudence. conceived that they
might pass unobserved among the crowd
and venture 10 insinuate themselves into
the abbey Probably voice and visage
alike betrayed them, for they were soon
discovered. They flew diversely in great
CONSERVATION, while many were dragged
out with little remains of life.
A rumor spread rapidly through the
city that in honor OF the festival the
Jews were to be massacred. The popu-
lace. at once eager for royalty and riot.
pillaged and burned their houses and
murdered the devoted Jews. Benedict.
Jew OF York. 10 save his lafe. received
baptism; and. returning to that city, TO
his friend Jocenus. the most opulent OF
the Jews, died of his wounds. Jocenus
and his servants narrated the tragic
circumstances to their neighbors, but
where they hoped to move sympathy
they excited rage. The people OF York
soon gathered to initiate the people at
London, and their first assault was on
the house of Benedict, which, having
some strength and magnitude. contained
his family and friends, who found their
graves in it's ruins. The alarmed Jews
hastended to Jocenus, who conducted
them to the goveror of York Castle and
prevailed on him to afford them an asy
lum for their persons and effects. In
the meanwhile. their habitations were
leveled and the owners murdered, ex-
cept few unresisting beings. who un-
manly in sustaining honor, were adapted
to receive baptism.
The castle had sufficient strength for
| their defense; but a suspicion arising
that the governor, who often went out.
intended to betray them, they one day
refused him entrance. He complained
| 70 the sheriff Of the county, and the
chiefs of the violent party. who stood
| deeply indebted TO the Jews, uniting
with him. orders were issued to attack
the castle. The multitude united with
the soldiery felt such a desire for
/ slaughtering those they intended 10 de-
spoil that the sheriff. repentlng OF the
order. revoked IT. but In vain. as fan
| atheism and robbery once set loose were
| bound 70 satiate their desire for blood
| and plunder. They solicited the aid o.
| the better class Of citizens, who, per
| haps not owing quite so much money Z,
the Jews. humanely refused it; but hav-
| ing addressed the clergy were by then
| animated. conducted and blessed.
! At length the Jews perceived that they
could hold out no longer, and a council
was called 20 consider what remained
to be done in the extremity OF danger
Among the Jews their elder rabbi was
most respected. II had been customary
with this people 10 invite for this place
some foreigner. renowned among then
for the depth OF his learning and the
sanctity of his manners. At this time
the Haham. or the elder rabbi, was