Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-03-29

II was not long before our house was be-
sieged. Hundreds of people, old friends, Jews
and Christians, and many people whom had
never seen before, came to offer me their con
gratulations
Soon letters and kilograms began to arrive
in shoals. could not read them then, and
have not had the time to finish them yet. The
postman brought sacks OF letters, which are
still pouring In on me. They come from all
parts of the world, from people OF all races and
religions. Some sent money. Others sent their
photographs. The majority were written in the
same strain. They wished me Joy onsmy re-
lease, and they thanked me for having suffered
in prison so that this foul lie on the Jewish re-
ligion had been proved false Here is a typical
letter:
Dear Mendel Beilis-We, real followers OF
Christ, do not believe that Jews require Chris
tian blood, but rather that the Russian Govern
ment drinks the blood of Jews. Accept the
photo Of my family, and believe me that the
sympathy of all good Christians is yours"
The soldiers remained in my home. They
kept the crowd In order, and often a man or
woman had scarcely time to speak to me before
a gruff voice was heard saying:
Pass on!"
During these days was not free from worry.
There was still time for the Government to ap-
peal against the verdict Although my lawyers
told me they thought this unlikely, yet all the
the end OF this time the strain became awful.
! could not sleep, and my nerves failed me.
That was one of my worst times of agony.
what Is more, was receiving every day let.
tiers threatening to kill me in hundreds from
members OF the "Two-headed Eagle" Then
was told that the Black Hundred had also
sworn a solemn oath to kill me. was afraid
to venture out Of doors, and any moment felt
might fall under the hand Of the assassin. /
was just as nervous as ever
But this terrible time passed at last, One
day the news came that 1t had been decided
not to appeal. was really free man at last
MY future left in the hands of the gentle.
men who had provided the money for nv de.
Tense. and in SO many other ways looked after
me. They told me could not remain safely in
Russia, but where ! am to go has not been
settled yet
After my acqittal received many offers from
all parts of the world. Some came from vaude.
Vile and theatrical managers, also from moving
picture concerns. They offered me big sums to
appear on the stage or allow cinematograph
film to be taken of the incidents Of my trial
But on the advice Of Or. Bychovsky decided
TO refuse them all, as l was told that the trisl
was too solemn and important for myself ana
the Jewish people for me to accept them.
But think that some true account Of my OK.
periences and sufferings should be published,
so that every one can know what happens to-
day to a Jew in Russia. This Is my reason for
writing my memoirs.
am leaving Russia, my birthplace, forever.
I thank all my dear good friends who came to
my aid when things were at their worst, friends
both in Europe and America.
thank all the journalists and the news.
papers, and l especially thank the New York
American, which has done its utmost for me,
for championing my cause, working to prove
my innocence. and helping me in all kinds Of
ways.
(Signed) MENDEL BELLS.