The Denver Jewish news., 1920-02-04

political announcements as well as by
public speeches, the non-Jewish eie-
lnents of the Polish people is urged
to. abstain from dealing with the Jews.
The report deals at length with the
causes of the anti-Semiiic feeling in
Poland, which is declared to be to
large extent political, rather than !
racial or religious. 1t is stated that
Polish national feeling is irritated by
what is regarded as the alien char
acter of the great mass or the Jewish
population.
This is constantly brought home |
to the Poles" the report says, by the
fact that the majority of the Jews
affect distinctive dress, observe the
Sabbath on Saturday, conduct business
on Sunday, have separate dietary laws,
wear long boards and speak Ian |
guage of their own. The basis OF TINS
language is German Ginlect, and the
fact that Germany was and still is
looked upon as an enemy country, rem
ders this vernacular especially un-
popular.
Manufacturing and commerce have
virtually ceased. The shortage, the
high price, and the imperfect distribu-
tion of food, are II dangerous menace
10 the health and welfare of the urban
population. As result hundreds OF
thousands. are suffering from hunger
and are but half-clad, while thousands
.1x-s.. - ii S,f,l
The cessation of commerce is partic-
ularly felt by the Jewish population,
who are almost entirely dependent up
on it, Owing to the conditions describ-
cd, prices have doubled and tripled,
and the population has become irritat-
ed against the Jewish traders whom 1t
blames for the abnormal increase thus
occasioned.
''The great majority of Jews in
Poland belong to separate Jewish polit-
ical parties. TIE largest of these are
the Orthodox and Zionist and the Ma
tional. Since the Jews form separate
political groups, it is probable that
some of the POLISH discrimination
against them is political rather than
anti-Semitic in character. The dOmin-
ant Polish parties give TO their sup
pOrters Government positions and Gov
crnment patronage. 1t is to be hoped,
however, that the Polish majority will
not follow this system in the case of
positions which are not essestially
political. There should be no dis
| elimination in the choice Of professors
and teachers, nor in the selection of
railroad employees, policemen, and
firemen, or the incumbents of any
other positions which are placed under
the civil service in England and the
United States. Like other democracies.
Poland must realize thar these posi-
tions must not be drawn into politics.
Efficiency can only be attained If the
best men are employed, irrespective
of party or religion.
''The relations between the Jews and
non-Jews will undoubtedly improve in
a strong democratic Poiand. To hasten
this. there should be reconciliation and
cooperation between the SO per cent.
Christians and II per cent. Jews. The
sc per cent. must realize that they
cannot present solid front against
their neighbors if one-scventh of their
population is discontented, fear-strick- |
IN, and inactive. The minority must
he encouraged to participate with their /,
whole strength and influence in max
ing Poland the great unified country |
that is required in Central Europe to
combat the tremendous dangers that |
confront it.
ut was impossible for the mission
during the two months it was in Po-
land, to do more than acquaint itself
with the general condition of the peo-
pie. To formulate a solution of the
Jewish problem will necessitate n care
full and broad study, not only of the
economic condition of the Jews, but |
also of the exact requirements Of Po-
land. These requirements will not he
definitely known prior TO the fixation
of Polish boundaries, and the final
regulation of Polish relations with Rus
sia. with which the largest share of
trade was previously conducted. 1t is
recommended that the League of Na-
tions. or the larger nations interested
in this problem. send to Poland COM
mission consisting of recognized indus
trial, educational, agricultural, econom-
ic and vocational experts, which should
remain there as long as necessary to
examine the problem at its source.
This commission should devise "A
plan by which the Jews in Poland can
secure the same economic and social