The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-12-01

exaltation"
 The letters from President Roosevelt and President Fairbanks next were read
 The Presidents Letter.
 Pr sident Roosevelt's g letter read as fol- lows:
 "The White House,
 Washington, November 16 1905
 My Dear Sir-I am forced to make a rule not to write letters on the occasion of any celebration, no matter how im- portant, simply because I cannot write one without either committing myself to write hundreds of others or else running the risk of giving offense to worthy per sons. I make an exception in this case because the lamentable and terrible suf- fering to which so many of the Jewish people in other lands have been sub jected makes me feel 1t my duty as the head of the American people not only to express my deep sympathy for them, as l now do. but at the same time to point out what fine qualities of citizenship have been displayed by the men of Jewish faith and race. who, having come to this coun- try. enjoy the benefits of free institu- tions and equal treatment before the law. feel very strongly that if any people are oppressed anywhere. the wrong inevi- tably reacts in the end on those who op-
 
 the spiritual world that no one can wrong others and yet in the end himself escape unhurt
 Of Great Significance.
 "The celebration of the 25Oth anniver- sary of the settlement of the Jews in the United States properly emphasizes series of historical facts of more than merely national significance. Even in our colonial period the Jews participated in the upbuiding of thls country, acquired citizenship, and took an active part in the development of foreign and domestic com merce. During the Revolutionary period they aided the cause of liberty by serving in the Continental army and by substan- tial contributions to the empty treasury of the republic. During the Civil war thousands served in the armies and min gled their blood with the soil for which they fought I am glad to be able to say. in addressing you on this occasion, that while the Jews of the United States. who number more than a million. have remained loyal to their faith and their race traditions. they have become indis- solublv incorporated in the great army of American citizenship. prepared to make all sacrifice for the country. either in war or peace. and striving for the perpetuation of good government and for the mainten- ance of the principles embodied in our constitution They are honorablv distn- rushed by their industry, their obedience to law and their devotion to the national welfare They are enga ged in generous rivalry with their fellow citizens of other denominations in advancine the interests of our common country. This Is trne not only of the descendants of the early set tiers and those of American birth but of great and constantly increasing pro- portion of those who have come to our shores within the last twenty-five years as refugees reduced to the direst straits of penury and misery. All Americans may well be proud of the extraordinary illustration of the wisdom and strength of our governmental system thus afforded. Tn a few years men and women hitherto utterly unaccustomed to any of the privi- Ieees of citizenship. have moved nightly inward toward the standard of loyal self-resnectlng American citizenship: of that citizenship which not merely insists upon it's rights, but also eagerly recog- nizes It's duty to do it's full share in the material social and moral advancement of the nation.
 with all good wishes. believe me. sin cerely yours.
 THEODORE ROOSEVELT Jacob H. SchiH. Esd.. Chairman Commit tee on the Celebration of the 25Qth Anni- versary of the Settlement of the Jews in the United States. 52 William Street, New York"
 Vice President Fairbanks Letter. The letter from Vice President Fair banks was as follows:
 q greatly regret my inability to par ticipate with you today in celebrating the 25Oth anniversary of the settlement of the Jews in America. The event is one in which we may all take pleasure in obs serving with appropriate ceremonies for the Jewish people abroad are contribut- ing their full measure to our national growth and strength. They are enamored of our institutions and are with part of that loyal, intelligent. conservative cit izenship which continues the stay and support of the great republic.
 Our hearts are filled with gratitude in their honor of national thanksgiving that Jew and Gentle enjoy absolute po- litical equality and live together in amity and good fellowship throughout the limits of the United States. Here they entertain for each other a high degree of respect and good will They are alike touched by the atrocities inflicted upon the Jew in Russia. They are moved by a common fraternal impulse to make their protest against this master crime of modern times and send their aid and sympathy to those in sore distress. entertain the confident hope that the Jews in America may con
 
 ure of reciprocity and happiness. and that freedom in our common country may for ever continue to be blessed by Jew and Gentile."
 Governor Higgins Pave Tribute.
 Governor Higgins spoke of the Jews iE America, closing with this tribute:
 Proud of his descent from Moses and the prophets, and the law givers of old, he has an equal pride in his American cit izenshp. As his ancestral religion teaches him the obligations of the ancient do- nestle virtues, so his citizenship teaches him the duties of service to the state and to his fellow man. We may safely place on his shoulders the responsibility for handing down unimpaired to his chill dren and his childrens children the price less heritage of American liberty
 Mayor Mcclellan, Bishop Greer, Mir. Sulzberger and pr. Mendezl each spoke words of congratulations and told of va ricus phases of the Jews in America.
 Thanksgiving Contributions.
 New York, November S0.-Thanksgiving contributions of $27,5s2 were made today to tine Russian relief fund which is be- ing collected by the national relief com mittee The total amount now raised is se2o 130 Among the contributors today were the following: Baton Rouge, La,