davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Jewish monitor. (Fort Worth-Dallas, Tex.) 191?-1921, 1920-02-20
TWO PLANS FOR GROUP WORK
IN PALESTINE AS A SOLUTION
OF THE PROBLEM OF DE.
VELOPNG THE LAND.
By Louis Fischer.
Copyright by I. ]. P. b.
Especial Correspondence to the /. ],

P. b.
Jaffa.-In an interview published in
the Palestine daily, "Haaretz," of De-
cember 18th, DR.. Chaim Weitzmann,
among numerous important statements
on current political and practical
phases of the Zionist movement,
touched on the proposal to transform
"isolated points of settlement, so quail
flied, as Ben Shemen, Chulda, Dganye,
Machnayim Merchavia, now worked by
groups (K'voozot) of our workment,
into Workment Settlements (Moosha-
vez Ovdim.)"
"Could we do this" continues DR..
Weitzmann, ut would mean a great
infusion of spirit the world over and
here in Palestine. Through this
TRANSMISSION we would feel that we had
advanced from the stage Of initiation
and had entered into the real work
of settlement. Also the income Of the
National Fund would increase. have
no doubt that if we bring about these
small matters, and if we explain our
action to the Jewish people by means
Of the necessary propaganda, the Ma
tional Fund could collect million
pounds annually"
Further he says, II believe that the
methods of settlement are becoming
clearer. The task of the Groups will
continue still, especially as prepara-
tory schools for 'Chalutz' sections.
But the groups are only transitional
a school created by life for the mate
rial which came to US from the Exile.
Had the material been different, we
might perhaps have needed other
methods. The Canadian farmer has
no need for the system Of groups. He
worked against nature for he has
been accustomed to do so. That is his
character and makeup But in order
to develop the Jewish farmer, collect
i've society is required to tighten the
battle Of life and also TO satisfy his
cultural demands"
This is DR.. Weitzmann's contribu-
ton on a question on which no con-
sensus of opinion has thus far been
reached. Only last month, Eleazar
Jaffe, workman with well-trained
mind, published a pamphlet on "Work-
men Settlements" championing this
plan and detailing its advantages over
that Of Groups" According to Jaffe,
who may be accepted as an authority
on this subject, the essential features
Of the ideal Workmen Settlement are:
~ Each worker will receive
limited portion Of land for individual
intensive labor. He may cultivate this
alone or with the mutual assistance Of
neighbors, but no labor is to be en-
ployed for wages.
(2) The land is the property Of the
National Fund and remains so.
(3) an addition to the land, each
worker must be given the possibility
to establish and completely equip his
household in every respect, immedi-
ately upon the foundation Of the set
Element. We shall never succeed IN
developing a free, efficient worker II
we place him from the beginning under
conditions enslaving him to vain wor-
ries about his livelihood and the live
lihood Of his family. Our Set
Element has hitherto been rich in ex.
amples Of this"
..4A1a~ l.. ~ ..1.,N .,.I ,o,nn
The Jewish monitor. (Fort Worth-Dallas, Tex.) 191?-1921, 1920-02-20

the primitive.
According to the ideal plan, each
settlement is to have approximately
fifty settlers, preferably no more.
Each settler is to receive sixty dunam
for cultivation, for which he is to pay
an annual rental Of per cent of the
estimated value, and in addition, ten
dunam for house, stables, vegetable
garden, etc. He is to have one horse,
a cow, two sheep, ten head of fowl,
five beehives, a wagon, set of har-
ness, plough, a cultivator and vari-
Gus smaller agricultural tools, as well
as house furnishings. For all these
and for the building of home and sta
bles, he requires an immediate loan
of approximately $1,000.
1t is very likely that in practice
these details will be changed. DR..
Weitzmann in his advocacy of the
Workmen Settlement, as against the
GROUP" prefaced it with the remark
IF we had money" So, also, do the
groups require fabulous sums. Grant
ing that each settler in the Workmen
Settlements will receive loan of ST.
300 from the National Fund or from
an agrarian bank, in order to settle
1000 farmers, the sum of $1,000, 900
is required. For twenty thousand set
tiers, the amount necessary would be
S36,000,O00. And this is exclusive of
the cost Of land, concerning which
nothing definite can be said now.
Although DR.. Weitzmann has de-
clared in favor Of these settlements,
there are in Palestine numerous sup
porters Of the system Of "K'voozot."
No one can deny that it has created a
new form Of social life among the la
borers Of the land. It has been a
step forward in the realization of the
true socialistic ideals Of living, and
perhaps because it has been a long,
radical step forward there have been
difficulties. The group dwells in
common buildings, eats at a common
table, works together on one piece Of
soil, gathers in the crops as a unit,
sells them as a unit, and then divides
the profit (if there is any equally
among the members It is an individ-
ual enlarged and multiplied. Beside
the unavoidable practical hardships
caused by lack Of means, some disad-
vantages result in the form Of social
life. The married members Of the
group fail to find the sort Of semi
seclusion which they would desire. In
Dganye, there is a frequent complaint
that the children. are too sophisticated.
They live too much with their elders
and so hear talk that is not the best
pablum for young minds. Nor can
the mother give them much of the
endearing attention they require. But
in Ben Shehem, on the other hand,
each family lives and eats apart,
while at the same time the husband
works as member Of the group, as
does the wife, when that is possible.
Both receive wages.
Again, the objection is raised that
the members Of the group have no
sense Of personal responsibility. In
dividuals may shirk. Public opinion,
however, works against this tendency.
One shirker in twenty is soon discov-
cred and either corrected or dis
missed. The group organization makes
The Jewish monitor. (Fort Worth-Dallas, Tex.) 191?-1921, 1920-02-20

a hundred years, on the assumption
that these necessities can be used for
the respective number of years. In
some places, the figures vary slightly.
Each workman receives from $25
to $35 monthly for his labor, from the
National Fund. After the harvest is
sold, so per cent of the money OBJ
tanned goes to the National Fund, and
the remaining so per cent is to be
distributed equally among the mem.
bers of the group.
This is the ideal. In practice there
is generally no profit, although DR..
Weitzmann mentioned some notable
exceptions. After the sale of the har-
vest, the National Fund must bear
the deficit, if any; advance loans, and
pay the wages. These deficits, how
ever, when considered fundamentally,
do not constitute a deficit in the real
sense Of the term.
Groups have gone out to wild, I'M
settled regions where in many cases
the first years were of necessity spent
in contesting the right to the land, as
in Karkur, for instance, at the pres
ent day. Years sometimes are taken
up in draining swamps and planting
them with trees; in laying roads,
building stone hedges, digging wells,
erecting houses, stables, etc. Besides,
it must be kept in mind that no one
group began with adequate equip
ments, or under favorable circum-
stances. There were no instructors
or qualified agricultural advisers on
the spot. Frequent mistakes were
made in the kind Of crop planted. Peo-
pie suffered from lack Of medical at
tention. Living conditions were abom-
Unable. Even today workmen sleep
on boards as beds, use stables for liv-
ing quarters, are poorly clothed and
shod. Under such conditions no
group could be expected to return its
maximum. Still, they have learned
from experience. Dganye has become
self-supporting and Ben Shemen is on
the threshold Of becoming so. Other
groups are progressing to the same
stage. The process is slow. DR..
Weitzmann has called the group a
school. II is in fact q public school
and public school never pays it own
expenses.
Opposed as he is to the "group"
system Of future land development in
Palestine, Eleazar Jaffe GENERATES
certain points in their favor, such as
the possibility Of guarding national
principles by mutual cooperation; the
development in the direction Of public
ownership; the safeguard against ex.
ploitation Of one individual by an
other; improvement in the conditions
and the honor Of labor in the land;
the possibility Of making use Of new
and unframed men by the side Of those
more experienced; the feasibility Of
the plan as the only way Of overcom-
ing the natural difficulties Of the
country; greater ease in acquiring ma
terials; the improvement in the condi-
ton Of the women through the appli-
cation Of cooperative plan Of house
work.
Eleazar Jaffe then proceeds to show
how these same favorable points, and
more, can be maintained for the sys-
tenn Of Workmen Settlements, which
The Jewish monitor. (Fort Worth-Dallas, Tex.) 191?-1921, 1920-02-20

dy, barren stretches, may prove its
right to a permanent place in Palss
tinian life
Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-05
CIRCULATION WEEK ENDING JAN. sfst, 1920
 1O,4l6
rHE RAILROAD BILL.

That the conference committee. at work on the provisions of the railroad bill over which the two houses Of congress differed, has reached an agreement comes none too soon for the bill to get consideration and the legislation enacted in order to take care of. the railroads when they are turned back to their owners the first of March.
 In view of the conflicting provis- ions of the senate and the house bills. and the stand of the respective bodies in behalf of their particular legisla- ton it was evident that there would have to be a giving and taking in or der te reach decision in committee. The fact that there has been a com promise does not therefore cause-any surprise. It was anticipated and 1t was plainly evident that it was the only possible way in which the needed legislation could be provided within the limited time. The two branches now have no more time than they need for discussing the new recom- mendations of the committee but it is important that action should be taken within the month.
 Whether the wisest course has been followed in eliminating the anti strike clause of the Cunmins bill, the atti= tude of the house in opposition to that provision indicated its modified ton. The substituted arbitration provision is at least entitled to a try out It will be difficult to tell whether 1t is drawn in way to meet the sit uation until opportunity for putting 1t into use is presented Then it ought to be quickly decided whether it has been arranged so that justice will prevail or whether national transpor- tation is controlled by a class.
 The railroad bill has been pending for a long time. It concerns a mat ter of vital importance to a large number of people, those depending upon transportation and those whose money is invited in the roads, and congress should now devote it's best efforts to the hastening of the legis- 1atiOn
Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-05
DANIELS REPLY.

In connection with the reply of Sec retary Daniels to Admiral Sims charges. as read to the senate com mittee, the secretary bears down on the many years of, shore duty in the service of the admiral and even makes a point of quoting Admiral Sims book wherein he referred to the infrequency of his sea trips.
 According to the secretary the ad- miral had served Is of his last 25 years on land and has been on sea duty but nine. It is ordinarily sup posed that it is not what rear ad- miral wants to do but what he is or dered to do that comprises his ser vice. He doesn't stick to shore duty ar he doesn't select sea duty just as he pleases. If he had been so fortu- nate or unfortunate as to have been ordered to sea duty the entire 25 years he would have responded, even as he did to the IS years shore duty [ for which he was selected.
 If the secretary thought he had had too much shore duty and would be more value on sea duty it is hard to understand why he was selected to take charge of the American sea forces and be placed in London throughout the war. Sims didn't se- lect himself for the job any more than he did during the Is years shore duty and it is futile for the secretary to attempt to dodge whatever charges have been made by the admiral by trying to claim at this time that Sims was a trouble maker, when as a matter of fact he permitted his seIec- ton for the important service in the war and awarded him a medal for the way in which he performed it.
 Such testimony on the part of the secretary doesn't serve to clear up the charges made by the admiral. In fact it does not serve to. help the case any. and if the secretary feels toward the admiral the way his statement indicates it is impossible to under stand why he ever approved the idea or putting him in the position that h. did and keeping him ther, throughout the war.
Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-05
MAKING. HIGHWAYS SAFER.

South Carolina has been having it's troubles with automobilists. the reclS- less kind, that hit, possibly kill, 8 person and get away without anyone learning who the guilty party was It is simply getting the experience that other states have had and are still haRing,. but it is in hopes of putting. an end to 1t by the passage of a. law which wi1 Rlake it necessary for the automobilists who strikes a person or another vehicle on the public highway ta stop immediately so that his iden- tity can be established and so that he can furnish help is such is needed. It is s.lsa to be expected that here will be a penalty attached for failure to obey such law. es ssa
 The idea is all right. Any driver of a vehicle, whether it happens to be an automobile or an oxcart ought to be man enough to meet his responsibil ities. It is only the coward that runs away but it has frequently been es- tablished that there are many such. Whether such a law as South Caro- lima is seeking will accomplish all that 1t desires will depend upon the character of the person affected. Any driver that is man will stop to see what damage he has done., to make good, to help make temporary repairs or to aid any that may have been in- jured but those who have laid them selves crinlinally liable by their ac- tion and see chance to get away and cover up their actions can be ex- peeted to do it, law or no law They will be as much inclined to violate such a law as they are to break the existing laws of the road.
 Still South Carolina will be Justified in adding such law to it's statute books. It is well that it should be had for the punishment of these de serving it even though it will not command the respect of those who are willing to break the law if the chance presents.
Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-05
POLAND AND RUSSIA

Right about face seems to be the attitude in Poland today, and it is in direct contrast with that of few weeks ago. It was not so long ago that Polish and neighboring forces were planning further advances inte Russia after taking Dvinsk, that new classes were being called into the Polish army and preparations were underway for the repelling of the Russian forces. Today, however, the situation seems to be changed and everything favorable to the considera- ton of peace, in keeping with the course that has been followed by the Esthonians and soviet Russia.
 The change in Poland is unoues- tionably due to the influence of the allied nations, Poland is expected to be the buffer state between Russia and the. rest of Europe. It is expect ed to keep bolshevisrn from the rest of the continent, but it is appreciated that even though Poland is ready and anxious to fight the bolshevik forces 1t Is entirely unprepared, it's support CTS are not ready to furnish the funds and the men that would be necessary and it's army would be inadequate in comparison with the, large and vel trained Russian force.
 While Poland in spite of these han dicaps has not previously. been dis. posed to make terms with Russia, and while reports indicate that it view, with fear the lifting Of the blockade whereby supplies will be allowed tt go into Russia, it is to be appreciated that it must be guided by the adyic, of it's friends, those who have heIpet in it's restoration and those upo, which reliance would have to b, placed. for help in case of trouble Thus it is not improbable that Pc land may in the not distant future b, able to devote its entire attention f, the establishment of peaaaful DIT suits. instead of devoting it's effort to war and destruction. Poland thu seems to be likely to follow in the foot steps of neighbering new states i, making peace with the boIsbevik even though it has no sympath, herewith.
Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-05
TIE GERMAN WAR BLENDS.

When the treaty of peace was arawn and signed there was included therein 8 provision that Germany should surrender to the allies those accused Of having committed an act in violation of the customs and laws of war, and according to the treaty Germany recognized the right of the allies to bring such before a mfli- .tary tribunal
 Just who or how many would be included in the list was not indicated, but it has of late sbeen recognized by Germany that 1t doesn't want to keep its promise. It has put forth the claim that there would be great dan ger of the overthr6w of the govern Fnent if such compliance was attempt ed. There is realized in this connec- ton an expected effort to aid those likely to be wanted to escape from the trial and penalty, and of course the strongest possible pressure is being used. Germany knows that the al- lies want a stable government in Ger many and it knows that it would be a source of annoyance to the allies for radicals to get control and unrest to break out there. It therefore played a trump card when it endeavored to secure the elimination of that provis- ton.
 The allies however, have disclosed through the action of the council ot
Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-05

tions and there on the other hand some people are born with very wretched ones Some are strong and some are weak. Some have surplus of good luck and some have no luck at all. It never was true that all men are created equal-save in the right to have every chance before the law to get the best there is.
 There is not a country on the face of Gods earth today where this chance is better assured to every man, woman and child than it is right here in these dear old United States. Every mortal among us is able to cite a score of instances in which those who deserved to win did win, by diHt of trying hard, although certainly born to unpromising beginnings. The outcry of the day against the Ameri-
 can government as denying oppor-
 tunity" comes exclusively from the
 crowd that wants to win without try ing, and to have without deserving. Ii gets all it's sympathy from soft heart
 ed and softer-headed idiers who are overcome with the thought that they
 themselves, have had a softer time than they deserye-and that therefore other undeserving people should have
 things pretty easy, That ie never has | been done, never will be done, and never can be done matters not tc
 these visionaries. 'ft ought to ht different-so let's make 1t sol" Ant the very first step ought to be the destruction of the government. whiel l protects privilege and property" st 1 that we can divide 1t evenly al
 around and get along without any I government at all save that of 'Ihroth erly love"
 ] FlUGENaE BERTRAM WILLARD. Chelsea, Mass, Feb. 3, 1920.
Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-05
HER INCREASING

Over the right eye of the bridge de- votee was a bandage, in explanation of which she was saying: "Oh, yes, I had a bad time last week! When I tell you"
 Tt must have been something aw- full" said her friend. surveying the bandage with apprehension. Hurry up and enlighten me, please!"
 Well, it was my day to have the bridge club at my place for luncheon, and was roasting two chickens, said the bridge fiend brightly, and the gas went down so low that the oven went out, although 1 didn't know it at the time. A little later the gas came up again and when I. went to light the burner to boil the potatoes-well, there was an explosion that people heard for three blocks. and the oven door blew out and broke my very best cut glass tun1blers I had been washing in the sink and covered the clean kitch- en with sooti''
 sHow dreadful!'' cried the friend x "Oh, that isn't the worst" said the l bridge fiend with animation. T was thrown to the floor, and when could sit up I found was perfectly stone blind!"
 "Blind?' cried the friend. Blind? Are you blind now?'
 "0h, that wasn't the worst" said the bridge fiend. enjoying the sensa- tion she had made. "Eliza came run ming and screamed, of course. And I groaned out: Eliza, what shall we do :? I'm perfectly blind, and all those women coming at 1 o'cloek!' ["
 What a thing to think of at such a time!" cried the friend.
 Wasn't it? But that wasn't the worst. Eliza ran for the witch hazel and I had just that morning put some turpentine in the bottle and forgotten to label it; so she poured turpentine over my poor sore eyes copiously! It burnt like fire, and I screamed, Eliza ! Now you have done it That's tur- pentine.' Why Mis- Potts she la mented, .wringing her hands. It's la
Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-05

ambassadors that they are not dis posed to disregard the acts of the German fends during the war be- cause of the pleas for leniency. The number of those demanded has been reduced about half so that less than 800 are called for, but it remains to be seen what speed Germany will make in complying with the demands, especially since Holland has refused to deliver the former kaiser. The situations are not the same for. Ger many has promised and Holland has not, and the latter has supported it's refusal by law.
 That Germany will continue to op- pose the delivery of the persons wanted can be expected even, though the bluff about the overthrow of the government didn't deter the council of ambassadors from demanding them.