Chapter XIV: Part I: , for 1776, London, 1776, pp. 100-6. (The narrative is somewhat (12)

[63] Dr. E. Carmoly, in his essay on _Don Joseph Nasi, Duc de Naxos_ (Brussels, 1855), traces the relationship of this eminent personage even to American shores, where the Nasis flourished. The word Nasi in Hebrew indicates chief, or prince. See also Fuerst's _Orient_, XII (1851-2), p. 335; Steinschneider's _Hammaskir_, II (1859), p. 33.

[64] See Don Miguel Levi de Barrios, _Arbol de las Vidas_, p. 90; apud Kayserling, in _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 3, p. 18, note 2.

[65] Cf. Kayserling, _ib._, _l. c._; and his article: _Die Juden in Surinam_, published in Frankel's _Monatsschrift für die Geschichte und Wissenschaft des Judenthums_, Vol. VIII, (1859), p. 207; also Van Sijpenstein, _Beschrijving van Suriname, historisch-geographisch en statistisch overzigt. Uit officiele Bronnen bijeengebragt_ (Gravenhage, 1854,) p. 22.

[66] See Koenen's _Geschiedenis der Joden_, etc., pp. 291-92.

[67] Cf. _ibid._, _l. c._, p. 293; _Essai Historique sur la Colonie Surinam_, etc., Vol. I, p. 42.

[68] Koenen, _l. c._: "Zij werden vooral door de Joden, aan wier hoofd zich als Kapitein Samuel Nassy bevond, teruggedreven."

[69] Koenen, _l. c._, says: "Deze Nassy verkreeg van tijd tot tijd veel invloed onder zijne geloofsgenooten, en trachtte eenige hervormingen bij hen tot stand te brengen, in zonderheid met opzicht tot hunne zoo menigvaldige feestdagen; doch hij vond daarin niet weinig tegenwerking, ofschoon hij door brieven der Amsterdamsche Rabbijnen werd ondersteund."

[70] Koenen, _l. c._: "Zijn gezag verminderde zeer, toen de Kolonie op nieuw een Bewindhebber verkreeg in den Heer Van Scherpenhuizen, die Aerssens in het bestuur opvolgde."

[71] See Kayserling, in _Monatsschrift_, _l. c._, Vol. VIII, p. 207: "_Samuel (Cohen) Nasi_ wird als Bürger-Capitaen bezeichnet und trieb nicht allein die stets wieder neu einbrechenden Indianer mit starkem Arm zurück, sondern bewirkte auch, dass der neu ernannte Gouverneur Jan (Johann) van Scharphuisen von seinem Posten abberufen wurde." Cf. also Isaac de Costa's work, _op. cit._, p. 321.

[72] See Koenen's _Geschiedenis_, etc., p. 294: "Ongelukkig ontstond er een scherpe naijver tusschen den nieuwen Gouverneur en Samuel Nassy, die voor zijne komst bijkans alle gezag in zich vereenigd had, en wellicht had gehoopt den Heer Van Sommelsdyk in het bestuur te zullen opvolgen; ten gevolge waarvan hij goedvond de nieuwe wereld te verlaten, en zich onder zijne broederen te Amsterdam te gaan nederzetten. Ook na zijn vertrek bleef de spanning tusschen de hoofden der Israelitische bevolking en den Heer Van Scherpenhuizen voortduren, zoodat de eersten zich bij den Baron de Belmonte en Samuel Nassy te Amsterdam over hem beklaagden, hun bijstand verzochten, en de terugroeping van den Bewindhebber op die wijs wisten te bewerken. Hij werd in 1696 vervangen door Paulus Van Der Veen, en deze op zijne beurt in 1706 door Willem de Gooyer."

[73] Cp. Dr. M. Kayserling's sketch on "The Jews of Surinam," in _Monatsschrift_, _l. c._, p. 207: "Ehe noch Scharphuizen auf Surinam landete, hatte Samuel Nasi die Kolonie verlassen. Nasi konnte es nicht ertragen, einen andern Mann in der Stellung zu sehen, welche er selbst zu erlangen hoffte und welche er, vermoege seiner dem Lande erwiesenen Dienste und Fähigkeiten mit Recht beanspruchen konnte. Er verliess Surinam und schiffte sich nach Amsterdam ein. In Folge der Mitbewerbung des Juden um die Gouverneurstelle hatte Scharphuizen die jüdischen Kolonisten mit weniger Freundlichkeit behandelt und sie hoeher besteuert als die uebrigen Bewohner der Kolonie, so dass jene bei dem Grafen de Belmonte und ihrem Bürger-Capitän Samuel Nasi Klage führten und die Rückberufung des Gouverneurs aufs dringenste von der Regierung verlangten. Wirklich wurde ein anderer Gouverneur in der Person des Paulus van der Veen bestellt. Scharphuizen schiffte sich nach Holland ein; unterwegs von den Franzosen zum Gefangenen gemacht, gelangte er erst nach mehreren Monaten in die Heimat. Kaum aber in Amsterdam angekommen, wurde er von Nasi vor Gericht gefordert und gezwungen sich oeffentlich zu vertheidigen."

[74] _Punten en articulen, und Bericht en antwoord van den Gouverneur Jan van Scherpenhuizen._ (Amsterdam, 1697.) It would be very interesting to have a copy of this important trial, in which Samuel Nassy figured so prominently.

[75] Cf. Koenen, _l. c._, p. 293-294: "De Joden van Surinam bewezen de Kolonie wederom groote diensten, toen zij in den jare 1689 eenen aanval te verduren had van het Fransche Eskader, onder bevel van den vlootvoogd Cassard; in welke verdediging de Heer Van Chatillon, zoon van den vorigen Bewindhebber, zich bijzonder onderscheidde." See also Isaac de Costa's _Israel und die Voelker_ (1855), p. 321; Frankel in his _Monatsschrift_, vol. XII (1863), p. 362. _Révue des Études Juives_, Vol. IV (1882), p. 131.

[76] Dr. E. Carmoly, in a brief note entitled: "Patriotismus der Juden in Surinam," published in Dr. Leopold Loew's journal, _Ben Chananja_ (Szegedin, 1861), Vol. IV, No. 20, p. 178, n. 37, writes: "Niemand wird ihnen den Ruhm streitig machen, nicht nur ihre Soldatendienste zu thun, sondern auch bei Zuegen gegen ihre in die Wälder geflohene Sklaven ihre Religionsgesetze den Interesse ihrer Buergerpflichten nachzusetzen; sogar abergläubische Juden werden es ihnen nicht als Suende anzeichnen. Man sehe davon einen Beweis in Verburg's _O[st] en W[est] Ind. Geschied[enis]_, 11 D. 8, _Cyd bestek_, 35 hoofild. § 45, v. d. J. 1689, und Fr. Holf. Merkurius 40 D. wo erzählt wird, dass, da nach dem Tode des Gouverneur Aersen (_sic_) der Bevollmächtigte Scherphuizen bei seiner Ankunft in Surinam die Nachricht von der Annäherung der franzoesischen Flotte erhalten habe, sogleich alle Soldaten, nebst den Matrosen und den Bürgern auf das Kastell erboten und diesem Befehl Gehorsam geleistet worden sei, selbst von den Juden, deren viele in Surinam wohnen, ungeachtet es Sabbat war. Auch hat man darueber zwei sehr schoene Briefe an die Gesellschaft: _Felix Libertate_ von dem kuendigen Bürger H. L. Bromet der 20 Jahre lang in Surinam wohnte." These letters may yet be extant in the State library at Amsterdam, where many documents on Surinam are preserved.

[77] See my paper in the _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 3, p. 121, note 1; also _Révue des Études Juives_, Vol. IV (1882), p. 131.

[78] See Van Kampen, _Geschiedenis der Nederlanders buiten Europa_, Dl. II, bl. 416-420; _apud_ Koenen's _Geschiedenis_, etc., p. 294-295: "De Kolonie was van jaar tot jaar in bloei en welstand toegenomen, sedert de heilzame hervormingen van Aerssens hare talrijke vruchten begonnen af te werpen. Geen wonder, dat die opkomende welvaart de Franschen, die op dat pas met de Republiek in oorlog waren, geweldig in de oogen stak. In Junij des Jaars 1712 waagden zij een vrij hevigen aanval, die echter manmoedig werd afgeslagen. In October verscheen de Fransche vlootvoogd Cassard op nieuw voor de kust, en trachtte de rivier Commawine binnen te zeilen. De ingezetenen, in zonderheid de Joden onder hun Kapitein Isaac Pinto, boden een hardnekkigen wederstand, doch konden niet beletten, dat de vijand het land afliep, de stad Paramaribo bombardeerde, en de volkplanting op een gruwzame wijs brandschattede. Kort daarop werd de vrede van Utrecht gesloten, waardoor de Kolonie van dezen vijand gelukkig voor het vervolg verlost werd." See also Dr. Kayserling, in the _Monatsschrift_, _l. c._, p. 208. His remarks being substantially the same, we forbear citing in full.

[79] Cp. Dr. A. Hahn's article on _Primitive Jewish Settlements in America_, in the _American Jews' Annual_ for 1886-1887, p. 36; also Isaac de Costa, _op. cit._, p. 321; _Révue des Études Juives_, Vol. IV (1882), p. 131. We are inclined to think that the families mentioned, distinguished themselves in subsequent engagements in Surinam, during the negro revolts of which we shall speak in the next rubric.

[80] Cp. a review of the _Essai Historique sur la Colonie Surinam_, etc., quoted often in this essay, in the _Monthly Review_ for 1792; Frankel in his _Monatsschrift_, vol. XII (1863), p. 362; and Hannah Adams' _History of the Jews_ (Boston, 1810) p. 457. On pp. 455-458, a fair résumé of the History of the Jews in Surinam is given.

[81] Koenen, _l. c._, p. 295: "Reeds in het jaar 1690 waren de slaven op de plantagie van eenen rijken Israeliet, Machado genaamd, opgestaan, en hadden hun meester vermoord. Van toen af waren de Negers, die kans zagen om zich van hunne heeren te ontslaan, begonnen naar de binnenlanden te vluchten, alwaar zij zich in de bosschen nestelden. De Gouverneur Van Scherpenhuizen vond niet goed, den Joden bij dergelijke gelegenheden eenigen bijstand te verleenen, maar beval hun, om op hunne eigene verdediging bedacht te zijn. Dit was een groote misslag; want, eensdeels leerde hij daardoor de Israelitische bevolking zich onderling tot hare eigene handhaving te verbinden, hetgeen lichtelijk voor de Christenen bij eenige botsing gevaarlijk had kunnen worden; anderdeels liet hij daardoor langzamerhand eene macht opkomen, die, gelijk de ervaring geleerd heeft, niet slechts voor de rust en veiligheid, maar voor het bestaan der volkplanting zelve hoogstgevaarlijk moest worden." Cp. also Kayserling, _l. c._, p. 208.

[82] Koenen, _l. c._, pp. 295-296: "De Joden verdedigden zich meer dan eenmaal met goed gevolg.... Evenwel deed men in 1730 eene krachtvolle poging, bij welke zich eene Joodsche compagnie, onder aanvoering van een Onderofficier met veertien blanken en zes-en-dertig Negers, onderscheidde door het bezetten en bewaken van een belangrijken post, na het verwoesten van de gehuchten der Boschnegers." Cp. also Kayserling, _l. c._, p. 208.

[83] Cp. Kayserling in _Monatsschrift_, _l. c._, p. 208.

[84] Koenen, _l. c._, p. 297, has erroneously _Ben Venida del Monte_--a name unknown in Spanish-Jewish literature. Dr. Kayserling, _l. c._, p. 208, note 6, corrects the mistake, and identifies him with the same authoress, who wrote in praise of the Spanish translation of the Psalter by _Daniel Israel Lopez Laguna_, of Jamaica. Cp. the present writer's papers on _Early Jewish Literature in America_, in _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 3, p. 110-112; 140-141; and _Jewish Martyrs of the Inquisition in South America_, in _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 4, (1895) where full references are given on this famous American-Shephardic poet.

[85] See Koenen's _Geschiedenis_, _l. c._, p. 296-297: "..... Reeds in 1718 had hij, (David Nassy) onder bevel van den Joodschen Kapitein Jacob d'Avilar, aan een welgelukten aanslag van dien aard deel genomen: ten gevolge van welken hij van Onderofficier tot eersten Luitenant, straks tot Kapitein der Joodsche burger-compagnie, benoemd was. Thans was hij niet minder voorspoedig; en ofschoon door Boeyé verlaten, trof hij den vijand in zijne woningen aan; versloeg er velen, en nam een aantal anderen gevangen. Boeyé, die den Israelitischen Hoofdman wegens gebrek aan ondergeschiktheid, had aangeklaagd, werd zelf gestraft, en Nassy oogstte van dezen tocht zoo groot eenen naam in, dat hij door den Spaansch-Joodschen dichter (_sic_) Ben Venida del Monte (_sic_) in sierlijke lofdichten werd bezongen en gevierd." See also Kayserling, _l. c._, p. 208. His notes based on Koenen's are not as full.

[86] Van Kampen, in his _Geschiedenis der Nederlanders buiten Europa_, Dl. III, bl. 116, says, curiously enough, that they were away about six _months_ instead of six _weeks_.

[87] Cp. Koenen, _l. c._, p. 297: "In 1738 stonden de Negers der plantagie van den Joodschen eigenaar Manuel Pereira op, en vermoorden hunnen meester. Hierop zond Isaac Arias, voormalig Officier der Joodsche compagnie, die zijne bezittingen in de nabuurschap had, eenige vrijwilligers van zijne natie, onder aanvoering van David Nassy en Abraham De Brito, tegen de Boschnegers uit. Zes weken lang bleef deze bende op vijandelijken grond, zoodat niemand wist wat van haar geworden was; doch bij hunne terugkomst bleek het, dat zij een allervoorspoedigsten aanval hadden gedaan, terwijl zij de afgehouwene handen van zes gesneuvelde Negers, en zeven-en-veertig krijgsgevangenen medevoerden. Jeder Officier ontving daarop van den Raad voor dezen tocht f. 75; jeder burger f. 36; elke gewapende Neger f. 20, en jeder zwarte die met levensmiddelen belast geweest was, f. 5 ter belooning." See also Dr. Kayserling, _l. c._, pp. 208-209. He does not state what the rewards were.

[88] Cf. Dr. Hahn's article on _Primitive Jewish Settlements in America_, in _The American Jews' Annual_ for 1886-87, p. 36, who says that "among those who fell on the battlefield was David Nassi, in 1743, at the age of seventy. That was his thirty-first campaign against the French." We are inclined to believe that this is wrong, for earlier historians (see the following note) state that he died of a broken heart--a victim of slander. Furthermore, he did not fight against the French, but the Maroons. See also Isaac de Costa, _op. cit._, p. 321.

[89] Cf. Koenen, _l. c._, p. 297-98: "Vijf jaren later deed dezelfde onvermoeide Israeliet (David Nassy), die wel dertig tochten tegen de Boschnegers heeft ondernomen, ofschoon reeds bejaard, nog eenen aanval op het dorp der kreoolsche Negers, die door hunne meerdere beschaving en hun omgang met de Europeers de gevaarlijkste van alle waren. Deze strooptocht had plaats op den grooten Verzoendag der Joden. Zonder dat zij zich door de heiligheid van het feest lieten terughouden, trokken deze, de rivier Suriname langs, het binnenland in, vervolgden den vijand, staken zijne hutten in vlam, roeiden de veldvruchten uit den grond, brachten een aantal Negers om, en voerden veertien krijgsgevangenen met zich. Doch Nassy werd het slachtoffer van een list des vijands. Men maakte hem diets, dat de waterbronnen door de Negers vergiftigd waren; en hij, door gebrek aan de noodige verversching gedwongen, neemt op zich om terug te keeren, zonder den last of de orders ven deen Raad af te wachten. Zijne benijders en tegenstanders wisten hem deswege bij den Raad in een kwaad gerucht te brengen; zijne verdediging werd naauwelijks aangehoord; zijn proces opgemaakt. Dit krenkte den wakkeren man zoo geweldig, dat hij door eene koorts werd aangetast, die hem in den ouderdom van zeventig jaren ten grave sleepte. Na zijnen dood werd zijn geloofsgenoot, Isaac Carvalho, in zijne plaats tot Kapitein der Joodsche burger-compagnie benoemd." Cp. also, Kayserling, _l. c._, p. 209.

[90] See Koenen, _l. c._, p. 298-299: "Eenige jaren daarna werd een verdrag van vrede met de meer en meer gevaarlijk wordende westelijke Marrons gesloten. Doch nu vertoonde zich een nieuw gevaar van den kant der oostelijke of Tempati-negers, die in het jaar 1749 eene plantagie plonderden, en de Negerslaven die zich aldaar bevonden, met zich voerden. Deze plantagie behoorde eenen Joodschen eigenaar, en heette _Auka_; van daar bleef aan deze opstandelingen de naam van _Auka-negers_. Tegen dien vijand was het, dat in 1757 een tocht werd ondernomen, gedeeltelijk onder den Christenoverste Rijsdorp, gedeeltelijk onder den Joodschen Kapitein _Naar_, die reeds vroeger zestien malen tegen denzelfden vijand opgetrokken was. De uitslag ook van deze onderneming was allergunstigst. _Naar_ verbrandde een groot Negerdorp, maakte een aantal gevangenen, waaronder zich zekere Corydon, de belhamel der opstandelingen, bevond, en werd voor zijn manmoedig bedrijf door den Raad met een aanzienlijk geschenk begiftigd." See also Dr. Kayserling, _l. c._, p. 209: "Im Verein mit dem obersten Rijsdorp bekriegte Naar die noch immer Verheerung anrichtenden Neger. Er verbrannte eine ihrer groessten Doerfer, nahm ihren Häuptling gefangen und wurde wegen seiner an den Tag gelegten Tapferkeit ansehnlich belohnt."

[91] See the _Essai Historique sur la Colonie de Surinam_, etc., (Paramaribo, 1788; Dutch version, Amsterdam, 1791), Vol. I, p. 123. Of this rare and valuable work, which was called forth by the writings of Dohm on the _Emancipation of the Jews_, only one copy (in the British Museum) is known to be in existence. The writer of these lines is having the volumes copied in view of his _History of the Jews in Surinam_. See for further references his paper in the _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 3, pp. 126-30. It is worthy of mention that this is the _first_ work published in Paramaribo.

[92] Cf. Rev. E. M. Myers' _Centurial_ (New York, 1890), p. 117, _ad ann._ 1750.

[93] Cp. _Essai Historique sur la Colonie de Surinam_, etc. (Paramaribo, 1788), Vol. I, pp. 98, 99; Koenen, _l. c._, pp. 299, 300 gives a graphic account: "Zoodanige belooning, de eerzucht ook van den nog jeugdigen _Isaac Nassy_ prikkelende, berokkende dezen moedigen jongeling zijn ondergang. Naijverig op de onderscheiding, door zijnen geloofsgenoot verworven, en wanende, dat de Boschnegers tegen een' geregelden aanval geen moed noch kracht wisten over te stellen, verzamelt hij in haast een twaalftal zijner vrienden, wapent hunne beste slaven en de zijnen, voorziet zich met een onbeduidenden voorraad van krijgsbehoeften en levensmiddelen voor tien of twaalf dagen en vervolgt alzoo den op de vlucht gedreven vijand. Doch hij stutte op een veel grooter aantal dan hij berekend had. Eenen tijd lang hielden de blanken zich nog staande. _Nassy_ leide groote dapperheid aan den dag, en ofschoon hij een geweerschot in het rechterbeen bekomen had, deed hij nog groote moeite om zijne lieden te hereenigen en hun zinkenden moed weder aan te wakkeren. Doch te vergeefs. Hij werd levend door de Negers gevat, en wreedaardig vermoord. Wellicht zouden zij hem nog het leven gespaard hebben, ten einde de voldoening te smaken van zich door een' blanke te laten dienen; maar de wraakzucht, die al te hevig in hun woesten boezem blaakte, liet hun zelfs deze wreede barmhartigheid niet toe. Zij verloren echter bij deze gelegenheid een tweetal hunner opperhoofden, en nog wel twintig gemeenen." See also Kayserling, in _Monatsschrift_, _l. c._, pp. 209, 210.

[94] Cf. Koenen, _l. c._, p. 300-301: "Den 23sten Mei, 1761, werd er een vrede met hen gesloten, die thans een einde maakte aan de gewapende tochten," etc., etc.

[95] See _Essai Historique sur la Colonie de Surinam_, etc., Vol. I, p. 130.

[96] Cf. _Essai Historique_, etc., Vol. I, p. 135; Koenen, _l. c._, p. 301-302.

[97] See Koenen, _l. c._, p. 300: "... De afkeer des verdrukten Negers was veel grooter voor den Israelitischen meester dan voor den Christenplanter; en de Jood was harder tegen den armen slaaf, dan zijn landgenoot van verschillend geloof," etc.

[98] Cf. Koenen, _ibid._, _l. c._, p. 300-301: "... Haasten wij ons intusschen, tegenover deze treurige bedenkingen de aangenamer opmerking te maken, dat de volkplanting wegens hare verdediging niet minder verplichtingen aan hare Joodsche bevolking in die dagen gehad heeft, dan vroeger wegens de oorbaarmaking harer woeste gronden, of als het moederland door de herlevendiging van deszelfs handel; en dat dus de Jood in de kolonien door het beoefenen van den landbouw en het waarnemen der landsbeveiliging, die verdiensten verworven heeft, die hem in het Gemeenebest zelve nog schenen te ontbreken."

[99] _Beschrijving van de plechtigheden, nevens de lofdichten en gebeden uitgesproken op het eerste Jubelfeest van de Synagogue der Portugeesche Joodsche gemeente, op de Savane in de Colonie Suriname, genaamd Zegen En Vrede. [Berakha Ve-Shalom] op den 12den van Wijnmaand 1785._ (Amsterdam, Hendrik Willem en Cornelis Dronsberg, 1786). The volume is described at length in my paper on _Early Jewish Literature in America_, _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 3, pp. 126-129, where the Hebrew title is also given.

[100] See the writer's _Literary Gleanings on American Jewish History_, No. II, in the _Menorah Monthly_ for September, 1895 (Vol. XIX), pp. 149-152.

[101] See S. J. Rudelsom's _Lofzang op den bleyde dag der inhuldiging van ... J. G. Wichers, gouverneur-generaal over de colonie v. Suriname, 2 Juni, 1785_. The Ms. of this interesting pamphlet will soon be printed, with other works of Surinam Jews, in the French Jewish periodical, _Révue des Études Juives_, published in Paris. See also _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 3, p. 127.

[102] _Plechtigheden, vreugde gezangen en gebeeden in de Hoogd. Joodsche Synagogue Neve Salom, te Suriname, op d. dag d. inhuldig. van Sir Charles Green, Gouverneur-Generaal over Suriname, opgesteld en gezongen d. J. M. De Vries, Voorzanger._ (Paramaribo, 1804.) See also _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 3, p. 130.

[103] See _Plechtige Vreugde Gezangen, en Gebeden, Verricht in de Hoogduitsche Israelitische Sinagogue Neve Salom ... te Suriname, ter gelegenheid, en op den blyden dag der Inhuldiging van Zynen Hoog Edelen Gestrengen Heer Abraham De Veer, Gouverneur-Generaal der gemelde kolonie,--Gezongen door den Eerwaarden Heer Tobias Tall._ The Hebrew title and other particulars are given in the writer's paper, _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 3, pp. 130-131.

[104] Cf. Dr. Kayserling, _Monatsschrift_, l. c., p. 213.

VI.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF DAVID EBRON (DATED 1597) TO KING PHILIP II, GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF HIS DISCOVERIES AND SERVICES TO THE STATE, IN SOUTH AMERICA.

Among the numerous letters, documents and registers of the Albaic archives,[105] which bear special reference to the discovery and colonization of America, is particularly noticeable the culture-historic, perhaps valuable memorial address of DAVID EBRON from Constantine, Algeria (dated December 9th, 1597), to the Emperor, Philip II. The writer introduces himself in the preliminary note as an Israelite, who, at a tender age, fled to Africa, and rendered important services to the King of India and other personages of rank in various sections of Africa.

He enumerates many items of surprising significance, apparently anxious to array them as an overwhelming evidence of his abilities and reliability, and eager to impress upon the august reader the great amount of gratitude due him for his achievements. He prepared accurate sketches of distant regions and established settlements, dependent upon his generous bounty; he discovered countries and conquered them, and whatsoever had been attempted in Santa Marta, South America, within the last five years, may be safely attributed to his energetic activity and perseverance. Thence he repaired by land to Peru, and enlisted in the service of the monarch in Huancabelica. The last remarkable harvest in quicksilver, which was so advantageous to the king, was chiefly due to his judicious management. By careful husbanding of material and laudable zeal he was instrumental in not only saving sixty and some odd thousand pesos (!) involved in the annual transportation of small fleets from Lima and Panama but equally as much by causing galleys to be constructed there.

Through the personal malice and mean manoeuvers of two officials, the well-merited reward for the last mentioned benefits was withheld from him. "But," affirms the abused victim of ingratitude with a dignified emphasis, which seemed to restore his confidence, "my accomplishments in this regard may easily be ascertained by application to Gutierrez Florez, the Indian minister of commerce in Seville."

"I do not bring these facts to your notice," continues the self-vindicator in haughty terms, "in order to obtain reward from your Majesty, but that your serene highness might perceive how zealously and indefatigably, I, a _secret Hebrew_,[106] travelled everywhere, despite harassing circumstances, obstacles end even imminent perils, and have forsaken your realm out of pure fear to die outside of my faith, which, according to my conception is the only true creed appointed by the Almighty, the Creator of heaven, sun, moon, sea and all things therein, you, gracious Sire included. I do not revive these recollections in order to deplore my ill-fortune or petition for the proper remuneration and recognition denied me for the various favors rendered, for such great and weighty benefits I am yet in a position to offer from here, without necessitating my residence there; only out of simple attachment to your royal highness, whom I desire to serve and in order that the memory of this Israelite and his faithful acts be not wholly eradicated from your heart, I am quite satisfied to continue the diligent execution of projects confided to my trust. O, would it please the Heavenly Father, that the Jews in your dominion could enjoy the same liberties and privileges accorded to them by the exemplary toleration of the Pope in Rome, Venice, Milan, Naples, in the whole of Apulia, Ragusa, Florence, Pisa, Ferrara, Mantova and Italy and _here in Constantine_ and the Barbary States.

Would that they were permitted to migrate from one portion of your realm to the other and live under the same circumstances as elsewhere. Then I would not resign from the office I so loyally occupied, and your countries would considerably increase in commercial opulence--it is inconceivable why your Grace should not participate in the profits reaped by others--then your armies, military exploits and campaigns against Lutherans, heretics and other enemies would be much more successful than they have been heretofore.

"And as regards the Spanish Inquisition against the Jews,"[107] further declares this remarkable champion of the Mosaic faith, "I have absolutely no objection to urge, if it is directed against such as voluntarily embrace Christianity and secretly profess the ancient religion." He calls the King's attention to the fact that within two months he could at command transport 200,000 pesos cash money into the state treasury without injuring anyone; in a similar manner he is able in one single day, whenever the King willed it, to obtain more than one million pieces of gold from Santa Fe in the new kingdom of Granada. Other treasures are spoken of as accessible to the all-conquering genius of _David Ebron_, and obtainable by him for the King, whom he is intent on reconciling to his Jewish subjects. His eloquence reaches the fever heat of indignation, however, when he alludes to the thievish officials in the King's employ. "What a pity, your Majesty, that so much money is stolen in India and Spain. I could aggravate myself to death when I contemplate upon the mass of wealth wrongfully acquired by your representatives and ministers. Were I to enumerate all the outrageous robberies committed against you, O mighty Sovereign, in Seville, and apprise you of the doings of that infamous horde there stationed, and admitted into your court! ... O lips, if only you would divulge the secrets which oppress the heart! O tongue! why not reveal what you know and feel?" In concluding his remarks, he places himself at the disposal of the government as confidential agent in the affairs of Portugal, the marriage of the Oranian, and similar matters, and enjoins upon the King to communicate with him under the seal of strictest privacy, should he require his co-operation or assistance at any future time. "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob," says he, "who created the universe, protect and exalt your Majesty and inspire you to deal leniently and indulgently with your Hebrews, whom God never totally ignores or forgets, but inflicts with penalties and disasters only to try their fortitude and allegiance!"

This quite forgotten explorer and financier, whose eloquent plea in behalf of his race can not fail to appeal to every one, and whose only demand for the enormous service rendered to his king is more tolerance toward his people, deserves an honorable place in the annals of American Jewish History as a loyal, patriotic subject.

VII.

ENTERPRISE AND INFLUENCE OF THE GRADIS FAMILY IN THE WEST INDIES, AND DURING THE CANADIAN WARS.

This is not to be a series of biographical sketches on the Rothschilds of the Eighteenth Century, for neither the space nor the scope of this work would permit of such an elaborate history. This chapter aims merely to set forth the political prominence attained by the family of Gradis,[108] to whose hands the fortunes of two continents were entrusted, and whose labors of love and patriotic services during the war-times of France in America, deserve to be chronicled in our annals. Reserving the elaboration of the family's antecedents, and other interesting particulars for another large paper on the _History of the Jews in Martinique_--the seat of their chief activity--we shall here detail those facts which concern our topic the most.

We may begin with _David Gradis_, who, in 1731, was naturalized in Bordeaux,[109] and who died in 1751. Already in 1696 he founded the great mercantile house which had commercial connections with England, Holland, Paris, southern France and the West Indies. The exports were linen, wine and alcohol. In the year 1715, David Gradis tided over the financial crisis under Louis XIV., after paying a draft of 150,000 francs, which his house endorsed. In fact the hard times did not affect him much, for we know that only two years after he conducted all the transatlantic commerce. He fitted out three ships, one bound for Cayenne and two for the Island of Martinique (or _Martinico_). His cargo consisted of wine, alcohol, meal and pickled meat, which he exchanged for sugar and indigo in the West Indian ports. Another money-crisis in 1719, passed without materially injuring his prospects, although he lost heavily. In spite of it, however, he again undertook foreign expeditions and was, as before, successful. In 1724, his business expanded to such an extent that he opened a branch on the island of St. Domingo. His name and fame grew in popularity and opulence, and French America was glad to acknowledge the enterprise of this energetic man who passed under the name of _the Portuguese Merchant_. And, although Jews were not tolerated in the French colonies, by the stern and scheming Jesuits, as we shall have ample occasion to show elsewhere, the government was constrained to overlook his origin and belief, in view of his vast influence and commercial importance. So universal was the esteem felt for the house of David Gradis that when his son Samuel, who conducted the interests of the business in St. Pierre, Martinique, died there in 1732, his remains were interred in the garden of the _frères de la Charité_, and masses were held in the cloisters for the repose of his soul. True, the monks dared not erect a monument to mark the spot. The lieutenant of the colony urged in argument of their expulsion the fact that were any of the members of the house of Gradis, there established, to die, their property would have to be confiscated, for Jews were not permitted to have possessions. Nevertheless he shut his eyes on their prolonged residence on the island. Abraham, eldest son of David Gradis, succeeded his father as senior member of the firm, of which he was previously a partner. He achieved even more fame than his predecessor. Endowed with wonderful ability and speculative genius, he also controlled the trade of France with the West Indies. He received important official contracts from the government; became intimate with personages of the highest political rank; obtained the protection and friendship of M. Maurepas, the confidant of Louis XVI., and added much to the glory and renown of the house of "_David Gradis, et fils_." His extensive correspondence with the greatest men of the reign of Louis XV. and XVI., is still extant.

Through the friends who were influential in his behalf at court, his ships were fitted out at the cost of the government, and this gave him further opportunity to enlarge his business connections. Nor was he ungrateful for these privileges and for the consideration shown him by his royal patron. Thus we hear of remarkable exploits undertaken in behalf of his country. In the wars between England and France for the possession of Canada, he displayed extraordinary activity. In order to expedite matters, he fitted out ships to Canada, although the insurance on the cargo, because of the war then pending, was most exorbitant. If his freight vessels were captured by the armed cruisers of the enemy, he built and replenished new ones, without caring for losses thus incurred for France. In 1748, he organized the society of Canada, under the auspices of the government, in order to test the possibilities of the land, and thereby again widened the sphere of his mercantile activity. Important missions were entrusted to him. His ships carried valuable cargo (presumably military ammunition, etc.), always at the expense of the firm. He even erected magazines in Quebec. Later on the government defrayed these costs, but _David Gradis et fils_ had no little share in the success of these projects.

After his father's death in 1751, Abraham Gradis' financial interests were still more extended. To give an idea of the scope of his commercial activity we will cast a momentary glance into the private accounts of the firm. In 1758, the commerce of the house with the French colonies alone, amounted to 2,369,326 francs. In the following year, the firm received the commission to forward 4500 tons of goods and ammunition for the French troops in Canada. Twelve ships, among them _eight of his own_ were called into service for the purpose. From 1759 to 1763, when Canada ceased to be a French possession, the export trade of the firm of Gradis was worth _nine million francs_. These merchant vessels, on account of the war, had to be manned by a goodly company of soldiers, who had frequent occasion to defend themselves from attacks on the sea, and saved quite often the honor of their flag by their fearlessness and bravery.

During the struggle between England and France for the occupation of Canada, the house of Gradis dispatched thither many heavily laden ships at the order and expense of the French Government, which was their debtor to the amount of several millions on more than one occasion. Of course these obligations could not be liquidated for some time. Gradis & Co.'s drafts were not promptly paid, for France was impoverished by the American wars and had no means at her disposal. Although these noble financiers suffered heavy losses from the capture and detention of richly cargoed vessels sent out in the name of France, they did not lose faith and preserved their balance with a skill and energy which is remarkable. Far from fearing to sacrifice too much for the fatherland, they strove more and more to merit the good will and esteem of the king and the aristocracy. It was indeed a work of charity and patriotism on their part to ransom French captives.[110] Abraham Gradis, we are told, authorized an influential business friend in London, to supply the captains and commanders held as prisoners in England with everything necessary to ease and comfort their condition.[111]

He more than once was compelled to appeal to the government for the necessary funds due him, in order to carry on his trade with the colonies, which was increasing in dimensions every year. The road to the audience-chamber of the King was not always clear to even so influential a personage as Abraham Gradis. On one occasion, being hard pressed for money to fill a large order received from the West Indies, he presented his claim to Minister Berryer--well known for his harsh and imperious demeanor. The latter, hesitating to comply, Gradis assured him that unless his demands were soon satisfied he would be prevented from accomplishing his duties. Whereupon the stern minister cuttingly replied: "_That will not be such a great misfortune; you merchants are accustomed to such things; in fact you become rich through them!_" Abraham Gradis straightened himself up at this insult, and looking steadily at the great man, said: "The name of Gradis, better known in four quarters of the globe than that of the Minister of France, is free from dishonor. No taint of any kind covers its escutcheon!" With this he urged the minister with even greater persistence to render him satisfaction by appealing to the King in his behalf. Berryer, unused to such show of courage and firmness, could not but comply with his request, and Gradis' claims were duly honored.

It was no conceit that prompted his reply to the haughty representative of King Louis XV. His sovereign gave frequent sign of his favor and gratitude for the diplomatic skill and rare tact as well as noble devotion with which Gradis managed the business affairs of the empire in these revolutionary days. The minister once wrote in the following strain to Gradis & Co.: "I considered it my duty to remind his Majesty that your conduct was both unselfish and zealous for the welfare and services of the state on all occasions and under all circumstances. His Majesty commissions me to express to you his utmost satisfaction and recognition."

As a reward for his untiring interest in behalf of the French nation, exceptional privileges were granted to him (Abraham Gradis), and his family in the colonies. The right of owning real estate and civil equality in common with the other citizens of France on the Island of Martinique, were accorded to him in 1779. It is interesting to note that he was associated with the Superior of the Jesuit Missionaries in Martinique--the famous _pater Lavalette_, who had charge of the largest and most influential congregation there, and who conducted an immense business with foreign countries. Gradis once advanced him 400,000 francs. He often received him in his own home socially, and was charmed by the personal merits of the enterprising Jesuit. This did not prevent Gradis--a shrewd and careful merchant who knew just how much to risk--from severing all connections with him, for he rather early suspected the utter collapse of Lavalette's colossal undertakings, and thus avoided the bankruptcy which would inevitably have resulted, had he, like other careless firms, allowed himself to be drawn into the vortex of speculation. Similar causes of self-preservation prompted him to withdraw from further commercial relations with the State, as another financial crisis warned him of the outbreak of the Revolution.

Much more of interest might be told of Abraham Gradis and other members of the same stock. Thus for instance of his acts of kindness during the famine in the French Colonies, at which time he sent seventeen ships laden with nourishment and merchandise for the relief of the suffering--a fact used by the Abbé Gregoire as a plea and an argument in favor of the emancipation of the Jews.

A rebellion in St. Domingo and in Martinique where the Gradis family (among them David II, Benjamin, Moses Gradis, etc.), owned extensive territory, together with the losses in the mother country during the French Revolution, caused the downfall of this princely house. Their possessions in St. Domingo, valued at three million francs, were utterly ruined. The slaves in their employ were (unknown to them) misused by their representative, hence the "habitation," as his property was called, began to yield but sad results. The younger brother, Moses, saved at least a meagre portion of the vast wealth once commanded by the house of Gradis, by visiting the island and caring for the negroes, who, in gratitude for his kind treatment of them--eulogized by the abolitionist Schoelcher--strove to make good their former losses. The family of Gradis is immortalized in the history of the commerce of two continents. "Their works are their monuments."

VIII.

THE CIVIL AND MILITARY STATUS OF THE JEWS IN JAMAICA.

In the West Indies, the Jews, though debarred from public office until late, contributed much to the public good. Their constancy and restless activity in behalf of the Government under which they served are chronicled by many historians. It were useless to give an elaborate account of their influence for good in the islands. It would lead us much too far to recount them, and in fact many things have been recorded of this nature by the present writer elsewhere.[112] If we mention the case of _Daniel Cordoso_, who was killed while defending Curaçao, from an attack of the English in 1805,[113] it is because his is the only one referred to by name in the history of that island. No doubt other researches will be made by the active members of the _American Jewish Historical Society_, in this direction, which will silence all calumny against our patriotism. As a fitting epilogue to these pages, we subjoin a "List of Jews appointed to civil and military offices in Jamaica, since the act of 1831," extracted from the official gazettes of the island, and presented by Sir F. H. Goldsmid, in his _Arguments advanced against the enfranchisement of the Jews, considered in a series of letters_, Second Edition, London 1833, pp. 39-40 (First Ed., London, 1831), arranged in the following chronological order:

1831.

October 15th MYER BENJAMIN, Gent., to be a Quartermaster.

October 24th MOSES GOMES SILVA, ESQ., to be a Provost
Marshal-General.[114]

October 27th ALEXANDER BRAVO, Esq., to be a Magistrate
and Assistant Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas for the Parish of Clarendon.

November 2nd PHILIP LUCAS, Esq., to be a Magistrate and
Assistant Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas for the Parish of Kingston.

December 13th AARON GOMES DACOSTA, Gent., to be an
Ensign.

December 31st DANIEL JACOBS, Gent., to be an Ensign.

1832.

January 19th ALEXANDER JOSEPH LINDO, Gent., to be a
Quartermaster.

March 8th JACOB DE PASS, Esq., to be a Magistrate and
Assistant Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas for the Parish Port Royal.

March 9th SAMUEL DELISSER, Gent., to be an Ensign.

April 27th ISAAC GOMES DACOSTA, Gent., to be a Quartermaster.

May 1st GEORGE ISAACS, Gent., to be a Quartermaster.

May 5th BARNET ISAACS, Gent., to be an Ensign.

July 6th DAVID LOPEZ, Gent., to be a Lieutenant of
Artillery.

July 26th ABRAHAM ISAACS, Esq., to be a Magistrate
and Assistant Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas for the Parish of St. Ann.

August 4th MOSES Q. HENRIQUES, Gent., to be an
Ensign.[115]

It is evident from this brief and insufficient summary of our subject, that the Jews on American soil, north and south, east and west, were loyal, law-abiding citizens, noble philanthropists and exemplary patriots.

FOOTNOTES:

[105] For completeness' sake we reproduce this chapter from a recent sketch in the _Menorah Monthly_ (Vol. XIX), for September, 1895, pp. 145-148, entitled: _A 16th Century document written by David Ebron, a Jewish financier in America_. This newly discovered letter is perhaps the most important evidence yet furnished of the services rendered by the Jews in the discovery and financial improvement of America, and deserves to be incorporated in this work. The book containing a copy of this document was lately published in Madrid (1891), under the title: _Documentos Escogidos del Archivo de la Casa di Alba_. See for other particulars the above quoted article in _Menorah_, note. We intend publishing Ebron's letter soon in the original.

[106] On the Marranos in Hispañiola and South America, Dr. Kayserling has published some interesting data in the _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 2; see also his _Christopher Columbus and the Participation of the Jews in the Discovery of America_ (New York, 1894).

[107] The writer of these pages, in another paper, treats of the sufferings of the _Marranos_ or New Christians in Mexico, Peru and Brazil from 1570 to 1750. See his article on "The Jewish Martyrs of the Inquisition in South America," in _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 4, (1895). Dr. Cyrus Adler furnishes in the same _Publications_, No. 4, a valuable sketch on the "Trial of Jorge de Almeida by the Inquisition in Mexico," 1590-1609, which sets forth the social condition of the secret Jews in that country at the end of the sixteenth century.

[108] The sources whence the materials contained in this chapter are taken, being for the most part accessible, and, as in a forthcoming essay on the _Jews of Martinique_, all the references will be incorporated in full, the writer merely quotes the following authorities: _Notice sur la famille Gradis et sur la maison Gradis ét fils de Bordeaux, par Henri Gradis_ (1875), _apud_ Graetz, "Die Familie Gradis," in his _Monatsschrift_, etc., Vol. XXIV (1875), pp. 447-459; XXV (1876), pp. 78-85; his _Geschichte der Juden_, Vol. XI (Leipzig, 1870), pp. 190, 200, 202, 223; see also Ad. Thierry: _Dissertation sur cette quest, est-il des moyens de rendre les juifs plus heureux et plus utile en France--(ouvrage couronné)_ Paris, 1788; and several books on the history of the Jews in Bordeaux. In our narrative of the career of the Gradis family we follow Prof. Graetz, in his _Monatsschrift_, _l. c._

[109] Cf. also Dr. Graetz, in _Monatsschrift_, Vol. XXIV, p. 557.

[110] This important fact is thus recorded by Prof. Graetz: (_Geschichte der Juden_, vol. XI, p. 190) "Gradis aus einer reichen und angesehenen Familie in Bordeaux, die grosse Bank- und ueber-seeische Geschaefte fuer die franzoesischen Colonien betrieb, eigene Schiffe ausruestete und dem franzoesischen Staate in den entfernten Besitzungen _durch Ausloesung franzoesischer Gefangener aus den Haenden der Englaender Dienste geleistet hatte_." See also the following note, which is still more explicit.

[111] Cf. Graetz, in _Monatsschrift_, vol. XXIV., p. 452: "... _Abraham Gradis gab einem Geschaeftsfreunde in London den Auftrag, den gefangenen franzoesischen Capitaenen und Commandanten auf seine Rechnung Alles zu verabreichen, was sie noethig haben sollten, um ihre Lage zu erleichtern_."

[112] Cf. G. A. Kohut's article on _Jews in St. Thomas, Jamaica and Barbados_, in the _P. A. J. H. S._, No. 4.

[113] See Koenen's _Geschiedenis_, etc., p. 307-8: "... Toen in 1805 de Engelschen een vruchteloozen aanval op dit eiland deden, de Joden, aldaar woonachtig, hun plicht ter verdediging van hetzelve moedig betracht hebben, zoodat een van hen, zijnde _Daniel Cardoso_, geboortig van Amsterdam, bij die gelegenheid gesneuveld is." Cf. also Van Hamelsveld, _Geschiedenis der Joden_, p. 363.

[114] This is analogous to the English office of Sheriff.

[115] This list was already published by the writer in an article on _The Civil and Military Status of American Jews_, in _Menorah Monthly_, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, pp. 256-7.

JEWS IN THE ARMIES OF EUROPE.

The purpose of the present volume, as its title indicates, is a review of the record and the status as patriot, soldier and citizen of the _American_ Jew. But the Jew is co-extensive with civilization, not only historically but geographically as well, and wherever civilization makes its way, there the Jew will be found exerting a positive influence in furthering its progress. He will be found at the nucleus and core of conservatism and order wherever order is akin to right, but he has never been wanting at the front of Revolution when wrong could no longer otherwise be righted.

Avoiding more than a passing advertence to Jewish military achievements in the beginning of Israel's history, in the later struggles against the Greeks and subsequently against the Romans; stopping but a moment to remember Joshua, and Gideon, and Deborah, the successive Maccabæan heroes, and the last desperate struggle for freedom that was led by Bar Cochba against Hadrian; passing down through all the martyrdoms of the Dark Ages to the present "nineteenth century," we come face to face with the fact that Jews have been present in European armies since the time of the Napoleonic wars. They were to be found in the ranks of all the combatants during that bloody prelude to the great political regeneration that is yet going on before us, and they have risen as far above the ranks as the prejudices of the Christianity-professing majority would admit.

In the successive Polish uprisings, in all the great political upheavals of 1848, and especially in the Hungarian revolution of that time, the Jews of their respective nationalities took a vigorous and aggressive part.[116] Their position in this regard was so positive and unmistakable that when those great socio-political disturbances had been quieted through the partial concession of popular rights by the monarchies of Europe, the Jews of Germany and Austria had reached a position where they could logically demand their political enfranchisement and the abolition of the mediæval restrictions which remained imposed on them. That they did not obtain a full measure of citizenship until after the establishment of the German Empire in 1871, is indeed true, and even yet the spirit of the Dark Ages is so far prevalent in Germany and in Austria (leaving Slavic Europe out of consideration as not yet modernized) as to preclude the advancement of Jews to the higher posts of the army. In France, however, since the French Revolution, and in Italy since the consolidation of the Kingdom, Jews have been advanced to the highest military commands. In both countries and especially in France, several Jewish soldiers at present hold the rank of General of Division, and quite a number, proportionately, that of Brigade and Regimental Commander.[117]

FOOTNOTES:

[116] ... "It is a gratifying proof of progress that the President of the Magyars (Kossuth) has promised freedom to those who equally with himself are struggling for the independence of their country, since it is said that there are no less than 35,000 Israelites in the Hungarian army." _Extract from a French newspaper reprinted in "The Occident," August, 1849. Phila.; Edited by Isaac Leeser._

... "It cannot be denied that already at that time the majority of the Magyar Jews were patriotically inclined towards the country which they called their home. As by magic, they felt themselves drawn towards the man who preached liberty and equality, and at whose hands they were expecting redemption from the Ghetto and from civil and political degradation. As a matter of fact, thousands of Jews, among them a general, fought in the Magyar army.... The contribution which the notorious Haynau levied upon the Jewish congregations was but a consequence of the loyalty to the man of the New Era, attributed to the Jews." _Dr. Adolph Kohut on "The Relations of Kossuth to the Jews," in the American Hebrew, N. Y., March, 1894._

* * * * *

To the above may be added the following testimony of General Julius Stahel, one of the active participants in the Hungarian Revolution, and who subsequently made a distinguished military record in our civil war.

NEW YORK, MAY 22d, 1895,
_Hon. Simon Wolf, Washington, D. C._,

DEAR SIR:

I know from personal knowledge that many Jews fought in the battles
for the independence of Hungary in 1848, with as much bravery and
gallantry as the American Jew fought here during the late strife
between the North and the South, and I also know that the late
humane and illustrious apostle of liberty, Louis Kossuth, always
fully appreciated the patriotism, loyalty and devotion of the Jews
to the cause of Hungary during that great struggle for freedom.

Patriotism and bravery are not the birthright of one nation or
race, but of all mankind.

Very sincerely yours, J. STAHEL.

[117] Referring to a newspaper item regarding the rumors of a duel between Capt. Cremieux Foa, a French cavalry officer, and a certain anti-Semite editor of a Paris newspaper, General Franz Sigel wrote as follows:

played by the Jews of Europe in all the various avenues of progress need not detain us here. The recurrent ebullitions of unreasoning prejudice against them which become manifest from time to time, are ultimately traceable as but distorted expressions of the unrest which the European social organism is suffering under its abnormal political and economic conditions. What there is left of this spirit on American soil is but a reflex of that of Europe, but there, as here, the record made by the Jewish people in politics and in war, in commerce and in industry, in science, art and literature, has placed beyond question their position as patriots, soldiers and citizens.

_New York, May_ 31st, 1892.
_Hon. Simon Wolf, Washington, D. C_.,

DEAR SIR:

Not knowing whether you have seen or will see the inclosed item, I
send it to you. It shows at least that there are no less than 300
Jewish officers serving in the French army, probably the highest
number in any of the great European armies, which speaks well for
France and her republican government.

Hoping that you are well, I am,

Truly yours, FRANZ SIGEL.

THE JEWISH PEOPLE BEFORE THE WORLD.

As already noted by the author in the introduction to this work, it was in December, 1891, that another of the numberless public vilifications of the Jewish people which have appeared from time to time had demanded a no less public refutation of its falsities. It has furthermore been noted that this refutation was dictated not by anything specially remarkable in the nature of the slander itself, nor of its source, inasmuch as the former was commonplace and the latter obscure, but that the reply had been called forth wholly by reason of the extraordinary condition of the public mind with regard to the subject at that particular juncture. It was the time and the occasion that gave the slander prominence, rather than any peculiarity of its own.

It has been so for a long time past. From the time, nearly 1900 years ago, when Philo of Alexandria appeared before Caligula in defence of his people, down along the centuries to the date of Menasseh ben Israel's appeal to Cromwell in 1656, there were repeated occasions for such defenses and appeals, and there have been many since. These contingencies have repeatedly arisen in the course of the slow process of popular enlightenment which makes up the history of Man, and as that process is yet far from accomplishment it is not at all unlikely that they may be repeated in the future.

It is, however, more than passingly remarkable that in the closing decade of the 19th Century, when "the thoughts of men have widened with the process of the suns," an occasion of this nature should have arisen. That such exigencies occur but rarely in the midst of our Western civilization, and that rare as they are, their occurrence is always traceable to foreign impulses, only renders more apparent the liberalizing influences of our free American institutions, while on the other hand further emphasizing the lessons taught us by the spectacle of Monarchic Europe. There the remnants of the mediæval system, political, ecclesiastic and social, that remained as historic _debris_ after the cataclysm of the French Revolution, still clog the advance of true enlightenment. In Germany and in Austria a considerable portion of the populace is still affected by a taint of monkish fanaticism, and in Russia only a comparatively few individuals appear to be free from it. Schools are numerous in Austria and universities flourish in Germany, but the prejudices which form the obverse side of folly find still some teachers in the schools and preachers in the pulpit.

"Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers,"

and the dictates of reason, the teachings of political and economic science, the lessons of history, will have to be yet more than once repeated before that umbra of the Dark Ages, the so-called "anti-Semitism" of Slavic and Teutonic Europe, and its penumbra in America, will have been lost in historic space.