New-York tribune., 1918-12-16
Tells Jewish Congress He Is
Going to Palestine to De-
vote Life to His Kindred
Says Humanity Beckons
Judge Julian w. Mack Ac-
cepts Permanent Presi-
dcncy of Organization

PHILADELPHIA. Dec. 10. The
Cradle Of Liberty is destined to bear
yet another nation. The first American
Jewish Congress, perhaps the most
significant assemblage Of Jews since
their Biblical dispersion, convened
here today at the Metropolitan Opera
House to give voice to their aspira-
tions and define plan for their reali-
cation.
For the first time the many conflict
ing elements Of the 100000 Jews in
this country have been harmoniously
brought together under one roof, and
their deliberations arc expected to Law
the foundations for the unshackling of
their oppressed co-religionists through
out the world.
From the very beginning Nathan
Straus, the Temporary chairman. struck
the guiding thought Of the convention
by his declaration that "the Jews do
not want toleration-they want liberia
tion." TO this end, he said he was
about to go to Palestine and labor for
MS brothers and humanity to the end
Of his days.
IL IS not Zlonism, nor Judaism, but
humanity that beckons mo there" he
said. II am going at the earliest op-
portunity to be of service in any land
where help is needed, for the world
IS my country To do good is my "a.
| ligon."
NO less conspicuous, however, were
the declarations of Judge Julian w,
Mack in accepting the permanent presi-
aency OF the congress. All the miscon-
ceptions of the Zionist movement, he
was glad to announce, had been COM
pletely cleared away. There Is no
doubt now, he said, thst all Jews look
toward Palestine as their homeland.
put 1t was his opinion that this heme-
land must be placed under the trus-
teeship OF a powerful democracy, and
that If 1t Is finally decided at Yer
sailles that Great Britain shall exsr-
else that trusteeship, then the race
could hopo for full recognition.
Delegates rom All Sections
The procedure of the opening ses-
sions was followed with intense inter
est by the four hundred delegates to
the convention and the great throng
that crowded the edifce to the doors.
Inc delegates came from every corner
OF the country, and, being chosen by u
democratic ballot, represented every
class, profession, organization and fac
tlori'ln all Jewry. A list of their names
would include the foremost men of the
race In the nation.
With the jewish flag and its Shield
OF David, the ancient symbol of Israel,
draping all the balconies and festooned
about the stage, Colonel Harry Cutler,
OF the Jewish Welfare Board, acting
as head OF the administrative commit
tee, opened the congress with the OBJ
servation that this was the most mo-
mentous epoch in Jewish life. He ex
planned that the convention was the
culmination of two years. effort, and
that for the first time Jewish repre-
sentatlves Of every shade of opinion,
from the most radical to the ultra-co
serVatlve, had banded to impress upon
the peace conferrees at Versailles the
necessity of granting civil. religious
and political rights to the Jews in all
lands. They have made their contri-
button Of blood and treasure in all
countries, he said, and this, they feel.
should not go for naught.
Outlines Great Problems
In welcoming the delegates Profess
sor David Werner Amram, Of the Uni
verslty OF Pennsylvania Law School.
outlined the many great problems that
would have to be dealt with. He
pointed out particularly that the liber-
atlon % Jews In all lands involves the
exercise OF a power greater than that
OF any one nation, and that before such
power can be exercised there must he
new constitution adopted for the
government of the state of the world.
This" he said, "is the UNDERLYING
, thought of the new internationajisn,
tnat shall lnaugurate not only the era
OF world peace, but universal iustice
ms power shall protect any man anv-
where sx in the enjoyment of the rights
thatare given by the national const;.
tuition of the states. It brings us. too
! within sight of the millennium neriod
foreseen by the inspired genius of
Isaiah" "' ~
DR.. Amram then stated that If was
the opportunity Of the Jews and the
purposes of the convention to sec',re
their full rights in lands where thev
DO not now enjoy them, and to havs
abrogated all laws Discriminating
against them.
Would Secure Full Rights
By FULL rights, he said, he includes.
1-Civil, religious and political rivhts
and in addition thereto. '''
G-Whever various peoples of o,,
land are or may be recognized as bax
ing rights as such, the conferrin0 ,,no,,
the Jewish people of the land affecteS s
OF the rights, if desired by them NC
determined and ascertained bv tho ,on as
gress VIC e"N-