New-York tribune., 1903-07-18
TEXT OF PETITION.

To His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia.
The cruel outrages perpetrated at Kishinef dur
ing Easter Of 1903 have excited horror and reproba-
ton throughout the world. Until your majesty
gave special and personal directions the local au-
thonties failed to maintain order suppress the
rioting
The victims were Jews. and the assault was the
result Of race and religious prejudice.
The rioters violated the laws of Russia.
Tie local officials were derelict in the perform
znce of their duty.
The Jews the victims OF indefensible law
Iessness. These facts made plain by the Of
fetal reports Of and by the official following.
the riot
Under Ordinary conditions the awful calamity
would be deplored without undue fear of a recur-
renee But such is not the case in the present
instance Your petitioners are advised that mill
ions Of Jews-Russian subjects-dwelling in South
western Russia. in constant dread of fresh out
breaks. They feel that ignorance, superstition and
bigotry. exempnhed by the rioters, ever
ready TO persecute them; that the local officials,
unless thereunto specially admonished cannot be
relied strenuous protectors Of their peace
ana security that a public sentiment of hostility
has been engendered against them and hangs over
them continuing menace
Even if 1t be conceded that these fears to
extent exaggerated, II is unquestionably true
that they exist; that they are not groundless. and
that they proouce effects of great Importance.
The westward migration OF Russian Jews, which
has proceeded for over twenty years. is being
stimulated by these fears and already that move
ment has become so great overshadow in
magnitude the expulsion of the Jews from Spain
and to rank with the exodus from Egypt
sUFFERINGs OF JEWS.
No estimate is possible Of the misery suffered by
the hapess Jews who feel driven to forsake their
native land, 10 sever the most sacred ties and to
wander forth TO strange countries. Neither is il
possible to estimate the misery suffered by those
VbO unRjl Or IN 1eave ba laDd Of
their birth who must part from friends and reIa-
tives who emigrate, who remain in ending
terror
Religious persecution is more sinful and more
fatuous even than war War is sometimes neces-
sary, honorable and just; religious persecution is
never dLfcusbIe
The silfuness and folly which give impulse to
unnecessary war received their greatest check when
your Hajesty's initiative resulted an international
court OF peace
With such an example before it, the civilized
world cheIshes the hope that upon the same intia-
tive there shall be fixed in the early days of the
twenlleth century the enduring principle of re-
Aglous liberty; that by gra iOUs and convincing
expression, your majesty viii proclaim, not only
for the government Of your own subjects. but also
for the guidance Of all civilized men, that none
shall suffer in person, property liberty honor or
iile because ot ms religious belief; that the hum
"'esl suoJecj or citizen may worship according
'o 'ie ~l-~a'eS OF MS own conscience and that
-si-l' "---l1'eF It's form or agencies must
safeguard these rights and immunities b1 the eyer
else Of all its powers
al removed from your majestys donninions liv-
ing ui-ueI o-IeFent con-uons and owing allegiance
10 another government your petifiorars vet vent
IRE. in the name Of civilization 10 Md for ~a
liGlous liberty and tolerance; TO nIead tta+ bo bo
led his own people and ali others n +ta st,ia of
f.4. - ~" iuSIe 10 his reign and fame by
'eS1'--is new movement that shah cc,rr,it The
whole world in opposition to religious neTseat5os
an instructed to ask .vbatbar ~. ,+.+.o,,
Viii pe received by your exceIlenc 20 he -
nItted TO the gracious corsi6er3S+ion ~ 0e SID
majesty IN that case the periTjoT I'm IL il 10
once forwarded TO ST. Petersb1ra III DC al
avail myself, ETC.
You will report at the ear1,as. -o.a,,,. -.