New-York tribune., 1905-11-27
"TO ARMS." CRY JEWS.
Mass Meeting Cheers for Setf-De-
fence Plan an Russia.

Six thousand Jews mostly from the East Side,
attended the meeting of the Jewish Defence Asso-
citation last night at the Grand Central Palace The
meeting was called for the purpose of encouraging
the plan for the arming Of the Jews in Russia Tor
purposes of self-defence.
ITO arms!' the sentiment that domi-
mated the meeting and formed the text OF nearly
all of the speeches
Among the speakers were clergymen. lawyers
and laymen, all prominent in their respective
spheres. Some of these were Dr. Lyman Abbott,
Judge Greenbaum of the Supreme Court; Corpora
ton Counsel John J. Delany. the Rev. DR.. Madison
c. Peters the Rev. DR.. Joseph Silverman, ex-
Congressman Robert Bacon and Ernest Crosby
Every word Of encoura cement of the movement
inaugurated by the Jewish Defence Association
was received with thunderous applause and cheers
by the audience among which many women
But their approval of the plans set forth for the
supplying of their brethren in Russia with the
means of defence betook itself Of more sub
stantial character than applause. They con-
trbuted 5000 last night, in money OF every oe-
nomination from cent up to s5, TO the coliec-
ton taken up during the meeting.
Every seat was taken three-quarters OF an hour
before the meeting was called 10 order, and when
DR.. ]. /. Magnus president Of the association
faced the audience there was hardly root OF
standing room.
Dr.. Magnes said that the Jews must no longer
plead for existence, but demand their rights. He
referred to the commemorahon Of the 25oth ami
versary OF the landing Of the Jews in America
which takes place this week and said that the
traditions Of the American people must have taught
them to stand up for their rights.
This is not the time for tears. lamenting and
dirges,' said Dr. Magnes THE call is TO arms ;
the call is for heroes.
Ours is the shame. disgrace and reproach. for
standing idly by while people in Russia are cut
down"
expressing his regrets at his inability to be pres
ent.
Bishop Greer also sent letter Of regrets. and
expressed his sympathy with the suffering Jews
Telegrams received from Governor higgins
and Seth Low.
DR. Lyman Abbott said the Jews are fighting
the same battle the Puritans, the French reVolu-
tionists and the American colonists fought
Judge Greenbaun presented Indictment against
the Russian government, whom he charged with
responsibility and said that the United States and
the foreign powers ought to intervene, as they nave
on similar occasions.
A memorial service for the Russian dead was
held yesterday afternoon in the Henry Street Syna
gogue, during which men and women in the COLI
gregation wept aloud.
Among the contributors to the Jewish relief fund
yesterday was Vice-Presdent Charles W. Fair
banks who sent his check for 800.
The contributions yesterday amounted 10 $o"-
ss2 %, bringing the total up to Ss7s,511 1s.
One man in the audience at the Central PaI-
ace meeting dropped in the plate small silver
watch. He said that he had no money, having
sent every cent he could spare to his wife who
in Kishineff. The last letter he had received
from her he showed to the chairman and he read
it to the meeting In & the woman said that the
massacre was on and that she expected to be killed
any minute She therefore bade goodby 10 her
husband in America
The man said that his wife had given him the
watch when they parted IN Russia, he TO come here
to make a home for her. and that he felt that he
should put even this keepsake forward to help
He said he felt It to be his duty 10 go back to
Russia and find and avenge her.
After the letter had been read the chairman
asked what would be given for the watch. Some
one bid SO. The next bid of S15 made
So and soon so offered by the
platform The money paid and the watch
returned the who had handed it in.
The resolutions adopted said:
We glory in our brethren of the self-defence
organizations of Russia who have given up their
lives in the defence of the lives, property and lib
erty OF the Jewish people in Russia, and we there
fore call upon American Jews, upon all American
citizens and all lovers Of freedom the world over
to contribute funds to the support of the self
defence organizations that in future outbursts
the Jewish people may have the means TO protect
themselves.