The Denver Jewish news., 1925-08-06
BY MORDECAI DANZIS
Copyright 1928 by Seven Ans Feature
SyudiCnt.1

As many other prominent American
statesmen. William Jennings Bryan
counted numerous Jews among his
frie Ids and followers These friends
were recruited not merely from among
his own party. which had and has a
great Jewish following, but even out
side the ranks Of the Democratic divis-
ion. The great Commoner. whose color
ful. stormy life had its dramatic end.
Ing so recently, had all the elements
necessary TO attract the discerning. In
justice, his campaign against the prop
ertied and privileged. his program for
social legislation which he Incorporated
into the platform of his party: all these
activities gained for him friends and
admirers among the Jews.
Very few Jews We're as closely and In
tlmately acquainted with the political
and religious leader ms was the late
Zionist agitator. Joseph Zeff In the
late nineties. Zefr's name blazoned it.
self across the skies of Russian Jewry
with nnwonted brilllance. He was
known as enc of the most gifted and
Jealous leaders the national reawak-
ening had become heir to. His life
was dedicated from early youth to the
rehabilitation Of the national home
land. His time, his energy and his
spirit were given over completely and
selflessly toward the realization of a
two-thousand years hope. Perez Smo-
lensky, with his impassioned appeal for
the restoration of Palestine and the
great leader. Theodor Herzl. with his
logical statement of the needs Of Israel,
inspired ZeT to become one of the most
prominent Zionistlc orators and prop.
agandists In Europe.
When Zeff came to America, how
ever. his star for fortune waned The
twenty years that he spent in his
country We're replete with disillnnion-
ment, bitter penury and spiritual hum
iliations. The most interesting phase
of Zefr's life in America throws light
also upon the relation of William
Jennings Bryan 10 his Jewish country
men.
Ieffs acquaintance with Bryan was
inaugurated in his characteristic fash
ion His first meeting with Bryan oc-
Cured some time after he had come
to America. At that time, the Com
moner was at the height of his fame.
The world was still re-echOing with the
tones Of his classic speech on THE
Crown of Thorns and the Cross Of
Gold" which brought him his first
presidential nomination. Bryan's fame
had already reached the ears of the
Zionist leader while in Europe.
Early in 1900, Bryan made a visit
to New York At that time, Zefr was
just on the verge Of speaking terms
with English. But as 500 mas he heard
that Bryan was to be at the then ia.
nous Hoffman House." and that he
might have the opportunity of meeting
him, he determined to gain an intro
ductlon at all costs. Happening to be
near Bryan at one time, he accosted hin
thus:
Mr. Bryan. | came TO New York
from Europe n short time ago; and
came specifically to meet you.
should therefore like to become ac
Quainted with you. and II possible tc
become your friend"
Bryan's sharp, piercing eyes gazet
with wonderment at the attractive
features of this strange young man
whose eyes shone constantly with ;
fiery enthusiasm. The young man. will
the strongly-accented English, game,
Bryan's admiration. nevertheless TIL,
latter felt that he was In the presenc,
of an extraordinary man; he could no
understand, however, what the fellow
wanted Of him. and therefore allowe,
- him to proceed further:
There are two countries that hav
interested me throughout my life Ief
continued land those are Palestine ant
the United States. Palestine ha
spoken to me through the Prophets
America through you. That is why
should like to know you thoroughly
not that you need me, but | need you.
From that moment dates the friend
ship between the Zionist visionary an
the renowned leader of one of Amer
cas- great political parties, friendsh
that was strong and unbroken until tn
day of Zeff's tragic death in n neN
York hospital
The intimacy that arose betwee
Bryan and Zeff was of the type whic