The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1903-05-25
Mr.. Magath on the Jews in Russia

The Constitution publishes else
where today an interesting communi-
cation written for it by Mr.. julius Ma
gath who for many years filled the
chair Of modern languages of Emory
college, and who, in all matters per
/ tanning TO the history and the lltera-
ture of the Hebraic people is recog-
nized as one of the most eminent
scholars in America.
Mr.. Magath is a native Of Russia
and lived in that country almost until
manhood By actual contact, there
fore, as we'll as by his intimate knowl-
edge of conditions existing there, he
is in a position to speak in a manner
/ both interesting and instructive OF the
/ developments leading up to the fearful
massacre at Kishinef, the condemna-
ton of which has rung around the
civilized world.
DR.. Magaths article is an interest
ing feature of today's Constitution. A
/ reading Of the article win impress the
fact that public sentiment in this
country can make itself felt in prac-
teal way by contributing literally TO
the relief fund and ~ giving the op-
pressed Jews to understand that they
may find a new home here whore so
many Of their race and religion have
come before them.
1t has been suggested that the Unit
ed States government might find q
way TO directly protest against the
Kishinef atrocities by protesting
against conditions calculated to bring
Tt1.. ,..,Ji ftvo4 O
these shores. as was done with Rou-
mania, but that could hardly be done
in this particular case for two reasons
/ First. because, n view of the constant
immigration Of Russian Jews in the
past. no note could be worded which
would not he construed by Russia as
/ bearing directly upon this kishinef
episode and, therefore, intermeddling
! in Russia's internal affairs, and, sec
Ond, because there is no disposition
in this country to close the doors to
/ this particular class of immigrants.
The fact that just at q time when
/ Russia is most anxious 10 enjoy the
! friendship of this and other nations,
/ the enlightened public opinion of the
( civilized world is mantesting itself
| in bitter criticism, cannot but have an
effect upon the car and his govern
ment Even Russia must consider this
world opinion. From this massacre
two results must, therefore, inevitably
follow. Russian local authorities will
be made to understand the necessity
of according protection and fair treat
ment to the Jews, and an important
impetus will be given the Zionist
movement
II has probably never been contem-
plated by even the most enthusiastic
supporters of the Zionist idea that it
would obtain substantial fOOthold in
this country Theoretically, perhaps,
but not practically. The United States
is a real promised land" for the sew
eral million Jews who are among its
very best citizens. Few could be in
duced under any circumstances to join
in an exodus which had as its purpose
the building up Of a Jewish nation in
/ Palestine or elsewhere. Here is found
abs lutte freedom in religion coupled
with the finest opportunities that the
world affords for obtaining the highest
/ places in all walks Of life; and the rec
ords of achievement of the represen-
/ tatives of this truly wonderful race
/ shov that they have taken full advan-
! tage Of these opportunities.
But the Zionist movement holds out
/ high promise to the downtrodden
members of the race In Russia and
/ the MOhammedan countries, and
! Kishinef is like to give that move
ment Its greatest impetus. More than
one-half the ten million Jews In the
world are in Russia Not at once
for that is possible-but gradually
as many of these as can do SO will
leave the environment where they
/ find nothing but oppression. They
would be vastly better off in Pales-
tine and a great many Of them will go
there 1t is stated that there are now
more than one hundred thousand
members of Zionist societies in Russia,
and in their desire to emigrate they
will be given substantial aid by their
more fortunate brethren in other parts
of the world.
1t is almost inevitable, too, that
many will core to this country.
Friends and relatives who have pre-
ceded them here will aid their incom-
ing In point of -umbers of Jewish
population, the United States is now
second only to Russia. In New York
city there is the largest Jewish com
munity in the world-probably the