New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-06-26
JEWISH AGRICULTURAL COLONIES
N PALESTINE

Two recent debates in the Turkish
parliament have served 10 shed consld-
cradle. and favorable, light on the sue
cess of the Jewish agricultural colonies
established in Palestine since the anti
Semitic outbreaks in Russia and Ruina-
mia thirty years ago. The member Tor
Jerusalem, Ruhi ell Alidi, opened the
discussion with warning to the gov
eminent that these colonies were becom-
ing a menace to the state, owing to their
systematic striving after complete lnde-
pendence from Turkish rule. He was sup
ported in his attitude by the member for
Damascus who went so far as to predict
the creation Of "a second Crete in the
heart Of the province. An Armenian and
q Bulgarian member took UP the defence
Of the Jewish colonists, first OF all by
ridiculing the notion Of danger con-
ssting Of handful Of industrious agri-
culturists in state that commands an
army Of 100000 men. But they went
further. and proved, in part by the adj
missions Of their opponents themselves.
that the colonies had become valuable
economic assets Of the province, benefit
ing not only their members but the sur
rounding native population as well.
The charge Of striving after complete
Independence brought against the jew
ish colonists consisted OF three counts:
Their custom of submitting all matters
Of dispute 10 arbitrators chosen by them
selves, instead of appealing to Turkish
courts of justice: their Independent habit
Of constructing and maintaining high
ways at their own cost, instead Of wait
ing for the governments dilatory officials
to do this, and, finally, their no less prac-
teal and needful organization Of pos
tai service Of their own, Independent Of
the untrustworthy Turkish postofiice de-
partment. On this last charge, the only
serious one Of the three, the anti-Semitic
member for Jerusalem was forced TO adj
nit that 1t would he a very good thing
indeed IL the Jewish postal service were
generally introduced into Palestine. He
MES were models OF public order under
the Turkish law.
These Jewish colonies. between thirty
and forty in number now cultivate some
Is. 900 acres of land ard consist Of APP
proximately 5000 souls. Originally vini-
culture was their main industry, but the
results proving improbable the colonists
turned to the growing Of oranges. al
monds, olives and cereals instead, sue
ccedlng from the very first IN these later
undertakings. II ia no doubt due TO the
agricultural school established AT Jaffa
forty years ago by the Alliance Israelite
JIniverselle that the plantations Of the
colonies have become models of modern
agricultural methods. What is more, they
have also rendered great service through
afforestation. especially in swampy
tracts. Their schools are excellent, and
they support competent physicians and
good hospitals. The debate served I'm
the end TO bring out the value Of the
Jewish colonies as civilizing rural cen
tres. whose influence Is already marked
~ noticeable in the improved material
condition and ways Of husbandry of the
surrounding natives.
The motive for an attack so easily re-
futed must remain mystery, but it has
served at least TO bring to light some in
teresting and most encourag ing informa-
ton concerning the Jewish colonies in
Palestine.