The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-01-14

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bounds Of probability to say that they will come true again
Among the great dreams of the world stands the Zionist move
ment, that was organized only a few years ago. At first IT was
looked upon as one of the fimsiest of dreams-a mere lnsub-
stantial Pigment of the brain. 1t sought TO acquire possession OF
ancient Palestine as a home for a reunited Jewish nation, where
these people could have a country and a flag Of their own, and
once more take their place among the nations of the earth. 1t
was only an idea; but an idea backed up by sincerity, earnestneSs
intelligence and capital is one of the most indestructible things
in the world. The literary worlds attention was challenged by
the fact that Israel Zangwil and many other leading literary men
indorsed the movement and gave it vitality.
The great difficulty at first met with was in assuming that
Judaism is a race or a nation, when it is only one OF the Old re-
ligions OF the world, to which the Jews have clung tenaciously
through good and i'll, through sunshine and shadow, and in spite
Of pogrom and persecution, war and robbery. The old faith
weathered the storm and continued firm and strong, yielding
slightly to evolution and the mutations of time, but remaining
essentially the same. Earnest men and women wrought aSAdu-
ously to materialize this idea and bring it into material obJec-
tivty. Wealthy members of the Jewish faith contributed large
sums OF money to carrying on the work. Obstacles were IN the
way, the greatest of which was the obdurate Turk
Then the great war came on, and as one OF its incidents BRIT
ish troops under Gen. Allenby drove out the Turk and took posses
sion Of the country. The British government, through. its au.
thorized spokesman, recognized the Zionist movement and offered
the territory to the Jews under certain restrictions. AT the same
time President Wilson in a letter gave the movement encourage
ment under similar restrictions. Since that time much has been
done. Downtrodden Jews. from many countries locked INTO
Palestine and took up land and began developing the country
They have also erected political fabrics called governments, under
which they purpose to live, and this government so far $ II hds
been projected is based on the purest democracy OF winch tnere
IL any record. In the ancient land there will be a federated gov
eminent based upon the consent OF the governed, and Dependent
upon the people for support and sustenance' MOI eve" me WIZ" nu,
est enthusiast expects that all members of the Jewish talth VIII
: 70 Palestine. The country, no matter how the lines may be
extended. is only large enough to sustain 4OooOVo people or one
third of the members of the Jewish faith.
Under the terms laid down by the British government and
President Wilson room must be made TO. such Arabs and Syrians
as desire to remain, but the country will be the nucleus Tor a
Hebrew nation, where the Hebrew language Will be the common
language of the country, and while the ancient patriarchal form
OF government is not to be restored because the world has changed
and progressed. carrying Judaism with it. and rendering prefer
able il not imperative modern political institutions as well as
economic methods, the country will belong to the Jews. 1t was
4 long wait. In the year 70 a Roman general Titus, conquered
the country and took possession OF ii" a Jew years 'ater ue leMs
rebelled and threw off the Roman yoke, and for a time enjoyed
their ancient freedom. But the funness OF time had not come n
few wears later they were again conquered and this Suhlugatroh
marked the beginning of the dispersion OF the Jsws over the tae
vi The earth. Since they have been given back their country they
have made splendid progress. Much of the land is very rich and
they are cultivating it and becoming self supporting iney nave
cattle and sheep, but they do not aspire to be exclusively a people
Of herds and focks. They are first agncultur,S's' and by m
tensive farming every foot OF land is being made 10 produce !oI
its fullest capacity, and even the mountain siaeS arc '"u'I ~
grapes TO be converted into juice or wine and nsed as ne' o'o
s.thers used il. as a food, as a welcome emolhent for their hard
bread and coarse fare. Prohibition with them is not necessary
The Mohammedans do not use alcohol in any form and the Jews
y drink to excess, or look upon wine as other than a he'eHS''!
food 10 be used sparingly in sufficient measure to promote pleas
ant mastication and degluhtion and healthy digestion
In the less advanced countries where the Jews arc victims
Of oppression and murder many OF the faith look upon Palestine
! Tie new land Of promise and are anxious to get there, but IN
civilized countries like England, France and America they are
citizens of their respective countries and as loyal to them po
t4;ca1v &c they are TO their ancient religion spiritually. AS they
increase in numbers and in wealth in Palestine they will turn to
manufacturing and become a second belgium. Outside cap'"'
= then come in and build mills and factories and give employ
nent to the people, but except for business purposes no Jews "H"
are citizens OF free countries will leave them to seek a nome +"
tbe new zion. They are too wise and practical for that,
Restricted in territory as they are the Jews cannot become
n great nation, but BY successfully developing Palestine Judaism
will have a local habitation and a home, Such an eventuality will
witness the development and iruition Of an idea that was none too
hosnitablv received at the outset. In their exile these wonderful
neonle have fashioned for themseve, temples and synagogues
4 other lands as satisfying to their artistic and spiritual needs as
anv that ever existed in Jerusalem, and in these countries millions
will remain, contented, happy and prosperous.