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The
intimation which we threw out in our December
number. (p. 472), when speaking of Dr. Lilienthal’s arrival in
this country, seems to have been at the moment of our writing it, though
of course, unknown to us, but too well-founded by the actual state of the
Russian Jews. We are utterly at a loss to understand the movements of
Nicholas, with regard to our unfortunate people. One day he seems to
desire that they should be educated, and that their condition should be
improved; and barely is the ink dry with which he has affixed his
signature to the decree, than another is promulgated which would disgrace
a Haman or a Nero. It is perfectly useless for us to offer any comments
upon the subjoined article, from the Voice of Jacob, No. 118, received
since our January number was printed, the substance of which, is taken
from the Zeitung des Judenthums, of Dr. Philippson. Our readers will see
that the Voice of Jacob thinks it dangerous for the poor oppressed
inhabitants of Russia, that any invectives should be uttered against the
tyrant in countries, where, thank God! we dare to breathe freely; since
such comments might dispose the Autocrat to increase their burdens still
farther. The same intimation has been conveyed to us from a gentleman, now
in America, who has had ample opportunities to know the manner of doing
justice in Russia. But surely Israelites in America, England, France, and
Holland, will not thereby be prevented from expressing their sympathy with
the oppressed, and their detestation of their oppressor. Yet such
proceedings will not relieve them. What can be done? Dr. Frankel, the
distinguished Rabbi of Dresden, according to the Voice of Jacob, of
January 30th (No. 121), proposes settling them as colonists in more
friendly lands. The Editors of the A. Z. d. J., (Dr. Philippson,) of the
Voice of Jacob, and the Universal Israelite, coincide in the plan; and
America, Palestine, Australia, and other South Sea Islands, are mentioned
as the countries whither they should be transplanted, so only that they
quit Russia for ever. Gladly would we see them freed from their worse than
Egyptian bondage; but how is it to be effected? How are the funds so
necessary for this undertaking to be raised? But more than all—how are
they to obtain the consent of Nicholas to emigrate? Those who know aught
of Russian politics must have learned that it is next to impossible to
quit the country without a passport, and one for emigration is not more
easily obtained than for a suspected foreigner to obtain entrance into
that country. What then is to be done? Can there be any hope to soften the
Emperor’s heart, by an appeal to his mercy from the Jews all over Europe
and America, for their fellow Israelites in his dominions? We fear that
the petition would not be received; there are too many minions around him,
who prevent the cry of justice to reach his ears, if they can prevent it;
and what is not in their power in an empire where one man is the sole
ruler, and where, under his name and sanction, barbarities are committed
by the great against the poor, against which they dare not complain! Let
our readers think well on this subject, and we shall be glad to receive
their suggestions, in order that we in America may also offer our aid to
relieve those whose case is one of hardships, against which the state of
the much pitied African bondmen in America is care of absolute happiness.
More anon.—Ed. Oc.
Note.—The
remainder of this article is crowded out till our
next.
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