The Jewish outlook., 1905-07-28
l. O. B. B.

L recently dOOpleu d feSOluIlOIl uclloullC-
ing the persecution Of the Jews in Rus
sia, and suggested agitation through the
press, pulpit and public mass meetings,
so that the public conscience be quick
ened and our government be induced to
take the matter up with Russia. The
following circular expresses the policy
of the order on that important subject:
Dear Sir and Brother: The matters sub
mitted by your general committee have had
the most careful consideration of the men,
bers of the executive committee. 1t is not
necessary to express further our sentiments
by resolution. Resolutions heretofore
adopted correctly and amply express the
feeling of not only the entire brotherhood,
but of the entire American people.
The question which requires most care
full consideration is whether from a practi-
cal standpoint at this particular time or in
the near future, in view of the ultimate effect
such proposed steps, if taken, would have
upon the cause thereby sought to be ad-
vanced, it were best to follow the sugges-
tions made by your general committee, and,
as outlined in the resolutions adopted by Dis
trict No. 1. AS to that question, the eXecu-
tive committee, with that care which its i'm
portance demands, has duly considered it
and the members thereof are practically
unanimous in their view that the present
time is inauspicious for any proceedings
along the lines and in the manner suggested.
The judgment of the members is,
First: That it is not necessary to at.
tempt to re-create any sentiment in this coun-
try by mass meetings. resolutions or other
wise, condemning murder and Outrages such
as have been perpetrated against our core
ligionists in Russia; that such sentiment
exists deeply rooted in the hearts of the
American people and has already found
preston in the Kishineff petition; repetition
would weaken instead of strengthen our posi-
ton.
Second: That SO far we have not sufi-
cient evidence to charge the Russian gov
ernment itself with responsibility for these
later outbreaks, and that therefore any pro-
testation from any other government would
be improper, particularly when at the pres
ent time all Russia is torn with disorder and
revolt at home and disastrous war abroad.
Third: In view of the position our gov
ernment has taken mediator for peace be-
tween the two warning nations, it might be
embarrassing to our government, and would
not be fair to it, to seek to influence it
through public agitation to address Russia
on this question at the present time, even if
it could be induced to do SO. Furthermore.
we believe that should occasion arise for our
government to express it's views for the sake
of humanity to Russia any other of the
governments of the world we have a right
to feel confident that the justice, wisdom,
patriotism, liberality and diplomatic skill of
our President and his advisers will evoke
the necessary action without newly aroused
public sentiment to enforce it.
Fourth: Without making record of all
the reasons, we are of the opinion that such
agitation just now would have a tendency
to injure the cause of our people rather than
to benefit it.
Assuring you that the executive commit
tee will at all times be ready to exert the