New-York tribune., 1906-10-14
of patriotism and will keep the flag still flying
on its historic ramparts.
JEWISH FARMERS.

In spite of the fact that there are many jew
ish farmers in Southern Russia ana ID faIes-
tine and that early in his history the Jew was
generally 4 cultivator OF the soil and herds
man, an American finus difficulty IN thinking
of him as a husbandman. Herded for eentu-
ries in the ghettoes of Europe, restricted TO IL
limited number of occupations and often pre-
vented from owning immovable property any
tendency he may have had to gain a living
from the land has been stifed to such an ex-
tent that the Jew to-day does not naturally
turn 70 the fields. He has become more gre
garious than in his earlier days.
AS is indicated in an article IN another col
umn q movement is on foot in this country 10
take him back to the land. 1t is part OF a
plan to break up the almost indigestlhle mass
of Jewish immigrants in this city and hasten
the assimilation of European refugees by dis
tribution That the movement is mol Wlthoul
promise of some success Is shown by the ex-
hibit at the Educational Alliance OF what has
been accomplished already.
One of the most promising characteristics OF
the movement is its method. 1t is being con-
Quoted In such a way that the impelling force
is generated within the individual, not applied
from without The managers, who are backed
by the Baron de Hirsch Fund and number or
well-todo Jews are not begging the Jew 10
become q farmer, but are simply showing MIN
what he can do in practical way TO improve
his lot. Nor are they so overcome with the
spectacle Of fifty thousand additions yearly TO
the Jewish colony of this city that they are
attempting to send many persons as pos
sibls out into the country, regardless of the
immigrants wishes, his ability to take care of
himself there. or the opportunities open to him.
They have looked beyond the present They
have simply opened the door of opportunity and
shown him the prospect beyond. If he asks for
q chance TO accept the opportunity, they test
him for year q farm before they furnish
him with the means to secure one, Ii he Is con-
tented with the work and desires farm, they
pick out one OF moderate size and cost In
the neighborhood Of colony Of his co-rellglon-
lists. In order TO purchase and stock 1t with
animals and implements they lend him money.
the whole amount secured by mortgage TO be
paid back with interest IN small payments.
Model farms are provided in, these eommqni-
ties in order to illustrate modern methods, show
how TO develop the land In the most profitable
manner and encourage the eolonists Several
years ago two agricultural schools were estab-
lshed for training young Jews in scientific
farming. movement based on desire. instead
of compulsion, scientific methods and sound
financial scheme however small its beginning,
has in 1t the elements essential to success. 1t
is a hopeful work. That it is worth while is
evident from the results of the exhibition. Up
ward of forty thousand Jews have visited the
exhibit since 1t was opened two weeks ago, and
the offices of the Agricultural Aid Society were
besieged to such an extent that II was neGes-
sary to close the doors.
To the native American this movement Is Of
especial interest for it not only means greater
distribution, but better and more rapid assimi-
latlon. In the city assimilation comes chiefly
through the schools, and is seen first In the sec
ond generation. In the country the land hold
ing first generation may be Americanized II
measure. The payment of taxes leads to an
interest in the way public money is to be spent,
and the sparseness Of population aids in deyet-
oping sense OF personal responsibility.