Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-09-05

that has been made in many months,
for it is far-reaching in it's influence.
Mr. Wilson follows almost verbatim
the language of the declaration by
Foreign Minister Balfour on behalf
of the British cabinet, which approved
the establishment of national
home for the Jewish people" and
facilitate the achievement of that OBJ
ject, with the understanding that
nothing would be done to prejudice
the civil and religious rights of no9-
Jewish people in Palestine or the
right and political status enjoyed by
America Was Consulted.
When Great Britain adopted that
declaration-and America was consulted
at the time-it created quite a
stir in Germany and Austria. France
and Italy promptly concurred, and
Jews in Germany and Austria openly
expressed their appreciation. Indeed.
pointed out that the allies had really
stolen a march on the German gov
eminent:
The headquarters of the Zionist
movement, 1t must be remembered.
were in Berlin before the outbreak
strong factor in Austria Hungary.
Among the Czeoho-slovaks are many
Jews. and there is an influential and
considerable Jewish population in
Saloniki and northern Greece.
Identified with the Danish and
with the Spanish government are
prominent Jews who have been con-
spicuous in the Zionist movement.
They cannot but feel. as must the
Jewish leaders in Germany and Aus
tria. that the allies are not pursuing
to the long-oppressed Jews an oppor-
tunity at least to realize their ma
tionalistic aspirations.
Vital Source Of Discomfort.
Add to this the discomfort and dis
satisfaction which the Jewish popu-
lation in the central powers have
lately felt at the DETERMINATIONS
against them, and it is obvious that
statesmen have seized upon vital
source of discomfort in enemy coun-
tries and probably will turn 1t to the
advantage OF the entente.
Notwithstanding the fact, for in
stance, that Germany considers her
self at peace with Russia and people
are permitted to come and go across
the frontier-indeed Poles and Lithu-
anians were encouraged to come into
Germany-specif1c regulations were
promulgated to exclude Jews. Fur
thermore, the Jews in Germany and
Russia are forbidden to correspond
with each other in the Yiddish Ian
guage, which is their chief means of
This has interfered with
their commercial relations not only.
but has emphasized publicly the
strong feeling of anti-Semittsm which
prevails inside the German govern
ment.
The Jews have boldly protested
against such measures and rumors
ing from Austria. particularly where
resentment against anti-Jewish tao
tics has been most pronounced.
Technically Approves.
President Wilson has not been able
to do more than announce an express
sion of sympathy. with the zionist
aspirations as technically the United
States and Turkey are not at war.
Palestine. however, is dominated by
British forces and there isn't the
slightest chance that the territory
will ever be given back to Turkey.
In all probability the United States
will unite at the peace conference
with Great Britain and France in See
ing to. it that Palestine is given au-
tonomy.
In recent years a large colony OF
Jews has established itself in Pales-
tine, has revived the ancient Hebrew
tongue for conversation and school
use, and the laying Of the foundations
for a Hebrew university has just been
accomplished by DR.. -Weizmann, presi-
dent Of the English Zionist Fedora
ton, and g. distinguished scientist in
the service of the British government
which sent him to make survey OF
conditions in Palestine. Justice Louis
D. Brandeis Of the Supreme Court OF
dent of the American Zionist move
ment, and United States Judge Julian
w. Mack Of Chicago it's president.
Timed With New Year"
President Wilson timed his declara-
ton of sympathy with the Jewish new
year, which will be celebrated
throughout the world Saturday next.
Not only has he given an incalcula.
Bile stimulus to the tens of thousands
of Jews in the Army and Navy Of the
United States and the forces of the
allied countries, but he has taken an.
other decisive step that will tend tc
weaken the power of the German and
Austrian governments with their PEG.
pies.
Propaganda as used by the German.
has been tainted wit hdeception, SO i,
is confusing to speak of the Presi.
dents letter to Rabbi Wise as q valu.
able piece Of propaganda. but 1t will
have. nevertheless, all the effects ane
benefits of propaganda, especially be.
cause, with the United States com.
mitted to an autonomous Palestine
the Jews in enemy countries will
know that the entire allied family Ii
now pledged to see their ancient home
restored.