The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-07-14
Lloyd George
Continued From Page II

NCOnbu1ueu FROM rage III
today: 1T is a land of immense pos
sibinties in spite of the terrible neg
lecr of it's resources resulting from
Turkish misrule. The Turks cut
down the forests and never troubled
to replant them"
II Palestine is to be restored to a
ancient prosperity 1t must be by
getting Jews on its soil. The con-
dition to which the land has been re-
duced by centuries Of the most dew
astating oppression in the world is
such restoration is only possible by
race prepared for entimental
reasons to make and endure sacrifices
for the purpose.
War Reduces Numbers
What is the history of Jewish
settlement in Palestine? It did not
begin with the Balfour declaration A
century ago there were barely 10 900
Jews in the whole Of Palestine. Before
the war there were 100. 900. The
war considerably reduced these num-
bers. and immigration since 1918 has
barely filled up the gaps. At present
tlmorous rate OF progress it will be
many years before 1t reaches 200, 900
Jewish settlement started practi.
cally seventy years ago. 1t started
with Sir Moses Montefiore's expert
ment in 1S54-another war year. From
that day lit has proceeded slowly but
steadily. The land available was not
Of the best Prejudices and fears had
to be negotiated. Anything in the
nature of wholesome appropriation Of
Arab cultivators, even for cash, had
to be carefully avoided. The Jews were
therefore often driven to settle on
barren sand dunes and malarial
Bwamps.
Everywhere the Jew cultivator pro-
duces heavier and richer crops than
his Arab neighbor. He has introduced
into Palestine more scientific methods
Of cultivation, and his example is
producing a benehcent effect on the
crude tillage of the Arab peasant. 1t
will be long ere Canaan becomes once
more a land flowing with milk and
honey.
Possesses Advantages
Palestine possesses in some respects
advantages for the modern settler
which to its ancient inhabitants were
a detriment.
It's one great river with its two
tributaries are rapid and have great
fall. For power this is admirable.
Whether for irrigation or for the SET
ting up Of new industries, this gift
of nature to Palestine is capable Of
exploitation impossible before the
scientific discoveries of the last GEN.
fury. The lakeland of Judea has a
rainfall which II caught In reservoirs
at appropriate centers would make OF
the desert of Judea" a garden. II
this were done. Arab and Jew alike
would share in the prosperity.
Hundreds of thousands ought to be
visiting this sacred land every year.
Why are they not doing SO? The
answer is-Turlish misrule scared
away the pilgrims. Those who went
there came back disillusioned and dis
appointed.
First Chance in 1000 Years
The settled government gives the
Holy Land it's first chance for 1900
years But there is so much I'M
developed country demanding the at
tention of civilization that Palestine
will lose that chance unless it is
made the special charge of some
powerful influence. The Jews alone
can redeem 1t from the wilderness
and restore it's ancient glory.
l..
to any other race. The Balfour
declaration Is not an expropriating
but an enabling clause. 1t Is only a
charter of equality for Jews. Here
are it's terms:
His majestys government views
with favor 4the establishment in
Palestine of a national home for
the Jewish people, and will use
their best endeavors to facilitate the
achievement Of this object. 1t being
clearly understood that nothing
shall be done which may prejudice
the civil and religious rights of
existing non-Jewieh communities in
Palestine, or the rights and political
status enjoyed by Jews in any other
country"
This declaration was subsequently
Endorsed and adopted by President
Wilson and the French and italian
foreign ministers.
Ask No More
The .Zionists ask for no more. 1t
has been suggested by their enemies
that they are seeking to establish a
Jewish oligarchy In Palestine that
will reduce the Arab inhabitant to a
condition of servitude to favored
Hebrew minority The best answer to