The Topeka state journal., 1903-06-27
is IT A PROTEST ?
Diplomats Regard Presidents
COuIse Regarding Jews
As Brought About by Russia's
Attitude in Manchuria.

iomats are surprised at the decision of
the president 10 forward TO the Russian
government the B'nai Birth petition
ii had been accepted that this govern
ment had taken the position that aay
form of protest or petition would be
Objectionable to Russia. Secretary
Hay was known to have held the po-
sItiou that the Kischinef trouble was
a matter which solely involved the do
mestc peace of Russia Numerous con-
fereuces have been held between thz
secretary Of state and Count Cassini.
the Russian ambassador. ana two con-
ferences between the president and the
Russian ambassador have been held
cent Cassini shared i'm the almost uni
Versal view that complaints of the
Russian Jews in America would never
be transmitted as an official communl
cation from this government.
All the first meeting of the ca blnet
the news was telegraphed that the ma
jority held TO the opinion that under
the general rule international obserY
auce TAO government had any warrant
for interference in the domestic affairs
OF another government. The Kisclli'
nen affair was universally deplored. but
the general understanding was that the
petition to the ear had been pigeon
holed- respondents are discussing
the presidents decision indicating
This governments dissatisfa ctiOn WIZ
Eussia's efforts TO prevent China fsom
operating the ports in Manchuria.
Russias attitude probably win de-
pend uuon the way in which Secretary
Hays letter transmitting the petition
IS couched. Those who hold to Optim-
istic views are Inclined to believe that
the secretary of state viii be able to
so present the petition that a repls
from the Russian government can be
made without acceutuating the
strained relations A note expressing
the friendship and esteem OF this coun-
Try for Russia. with reference to the
traditional friendship between the two
countries would not necessarily give
oaense-
on June Count Cassini gave out
statement intended to explain the att
utude of his government This expla-
nation related mainly to the prompt
steps taken To relieve the KisChineff
sufferers, but there was one paragrapl
which is of great interest i'm view o.
the Presidents latest decision COung
Cassiu said
Nor VIII it be possible for Russia to
receive any representa- ton regarding
the kischineff incident from a foreign
power The Russian government takes
the same position, SO long held by the
American government. that it refrains
from Interference in the internal affairs
Of another power and must insist on
similar treatment for itself"
THE PETITION.
The petition of the B'nai Birth as
submitted to the president and sub
stantially as it Will go to St. Petersburg,
is as follows.
To His Imperial Majesty. the Gar:
laN IA Afl ANAAIdEE~ per llt.tldLEti AT kl@N-
ineif during Easter, 1903 have excited
horror and reprobation throughout the
world. Until your majesty gave special
and personal directions the local author
tiles failed to maintain order or to sup
press rioting The victims were Jews
and the assault was the result of race
ana religious prejudice, the rioters vio-
lating the laws Of Russia the local Off
cials were derelict in the performance of
their duty. the Jews were victims of in
HaFpncffIn laV-facGuaee
made plain by the official reports of and
by the official accounts following the
riot.
Under ordinary conditions the awful
calamity would be deplorable, without
undue fear of its recurrence But such
is not the case in the present instance
Your petitioners are advised that mill
lions of Jews. Russian subjects, dwelling
in southwestern Russia. are in constant
dread of fresh outbreaks. They feel that
ignorance superstition and bigOtry, as
exemphhed by the rioters are ever
ready to prosecute them. that the local
officials, unless thereunto specially ad-
monished. cannot be relied upon as
strenuous protectors of their peace and
security. that q public sentiment of
hostility has been engendered against
them and hangs over them as a contin-
uing menace.
Even if it be conceded that these
fears are to some extent exaggerated
it is unQueStionably true that they
exist. that they are not groHndless. ana
that they produce effects Of great inn
portance The westward migration o.
Russian Jews. which has proceeded for
over twenty years. is being stimulated
by these fears. and already that move
rnent has become so great as to over
shadow i'm magnitude the expulsion OF
the Jews from Spain and to rank with
the exodus from Egypt.
mo estimate is possible of the misery
suffered by the hapless Jews. who feel
driven for the sake of their native land
TO sever the most sacred ties and TO
wander forth in strange countries
Neither is it possible to estimate th~
misery suffered by those who are un-
willing or unable TO leave the land Of
their birth. who must part from friends
and relatives who emigrate. who re-
main in never ending terror.
Religious persecution is more sinfn
and more fatuous even than war. War
sometimes is necessary. hONCl BILE end
just; religious persecution never Is do
fensible The sinfulness end folIv
which give impulse to unnecvss4ry sya~
received their greatest check VIXEN
your majesty's initiative resulted III IN
international court of peace. With such
an example before II the civilized Worll
cherishes the hope that upon the 81 me-
initiative there shall he fixed i'm the
early days of the twentieth century the
enduring principle of religious lbert-
that by gracious and convincing ex-
preston YOUR majesty viii proclaim not
only for the government of your sub
Jects but also for the guidance of af
civilized men. that none shall suffer in
person. property liberty honor or life
because of his religious belief. that the
humblest subject or citizen may WGr-
ship according to the dictates of his
own conscience. and that the govern
ment whatever its form or agencies
must safeguard these rights and i'm
munities by the exercise of all its
powers.
Far removed from your majesty's
dominions, living under different couGi~
uons and owing allegiance to another
government. your petitioners Vet venture
IN the name of civilization, to plead for
religious liberty and tolerance; to plead
that he who led his own people and all
others to the shrine of peace will ada
new iuster TO his reign and fame by
leading the new movement that shan
IL L. 4 =.