The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-07-01
THE z1ONIsTs

The Zionist movement, that was looked upon at the ouset
as the dream OF a dream, is growing and gaining momentum,
and when we read the names of the men behind It, there can be
no doubt of its meaningfuness. Men of great wealth, influence
and ability are seeminglE heart and soul in the movement, and
with such sponsors something is sure to come OF it. Palestine,
formerly called Canaan, the land Of promise. the land flowing
with milk and honey, to which Moses led the Israelitcs, does not
offer much encouragement to an outsider. 1t has few attrac-
tons. 1t is an arid infertne country of about 1000 square miles,
or less than one half the size of West Tennessee. 1t has a port
which gives it access to the sea, same port in which the ships of
Hiram found harbor when they brought gold and other supplies
for Solomon. By modern methods and machinery it may again
be made productive, but as a territory for a nation it is pathet-
ically small. A race of Phoenicans first occupied it; but Joshua
and his successors reduced them to a small minority. They
were a lcentious and a sinful race, and did much to corrupt the
lsraeltes. The IebuSites, who once ruled Jerusalem. are van
ished. and have left nothing behind them but a name and A few
lines in the encyclopedias, Whatever may be the doubts and mis-
givings on the subject, the whole Christian world will wish the
movement well, and agree that the Jews, who are so rich in
history, should have one spot on the earths surface which they
can call home, where they can unturl their ancient banners and
resume their ancient religious rites, or such of them as are suited
TO modern times.
While perhaps as much American money as that Of any
other country will 60 into the enterprise, few Americans will be
found willing to give up this country Tor Palestine or any other
country. Here is the promised land, and the flow Of milk and
honey continues, Here is the realization OF all the hopes and
aspirations of these people for freedom and the right to live their
own lives. Here is no danger of pogrom or persecution. Here
Judaism is a religion and not a race. Here everyone belongs to
Gods chosen people, SO long as they behave themselves and
obey the law. Here is no Moses to receive commands direct
Prom the Lord-the people make their own laws and issue their
own commands. Here is everything that any country can fur
4 Irish, provided advantage is taken OF the rich opportunities
II the Jews deSre 10 eStaOlS d ndton theN a q O so. and
Palestine is as good a location as they can find. They will be
protected by the sea on one side and by the desert on the other,
and by the friendship and support Of the league of nations on
all sides.
The tribes are still scattered, and in some countries are
being prosecuted. If they had a nation to speak for them and
protect their rights, this persecution would cease. In countries
like America and England, the Jews are merely citizens like
other people, without favortism or prejudice; but these are
! favored countries. Elsewhere on the globe, almost everywhere
else on the globe, conditions are different, and where the ancient
prosecutions are not flaming up and burning the fires are smol
dering
Palestine 'rehabiitated and established, NAV once again take
her place among the nations of the earth. The new country
would surely have money to finance it, and ability to guide its
destinies.