Jewish Colonies in Palestine.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 156, 4 July 1896, Page 1 (Supplement)

Jewish Colonies in Palestine.

Rothschild's Philanthbopies,

The Jewish colonisation scheme in Syria and Palestine projected by Baron Edmond de Rothschild has eucceeded a little, although the ultimate success ia yet doubtful. The anti Jewish riotß i» Russia of 1881-82 and the wave of Chauvinism and its attendant «nti-Semitiom, which ewtfpb over-Europe about thab tiino, made the Jew shrink back a little from the outside world, itad reminded him thab the days of persecution and religious hatred are not yet over. Seeing thab all claims of progress and nineteenth -century enlightenment) are hypocrisy and sham, at least aB far as the conduct of ChristiaHa toward him ia concerned, the Russian Jaw began to fear- a repetition ef the darkest deeds of the dark ages, and looked around for an inspiring idea or a glimpse of hope in those trying days. Ib was ab that time that the 'Zionist' agitator caugho his ear, and thin sect, which assumed the name of national, has been increasing rapidly ever since. The Zionists, or 'Chobebe Zion' (lovers of Zion), insiab thab Palestine i 9 the ultimate destination of the Jew, and that he can never rind permanent reat and happiness in any other country except in his' old Biblical home, the land which God has promised to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. When the great exodaa of Jews from Russia began aboub fourteen years ago the greab majority went to the free countries of western civilization, especially to the United States, while a» good many, actuated by the ideas of the Zionists' movements, ventured bo the Holy Land. The latter had to endure many hardships, and sores died in misery, while others had to leave for other countries. But sood after Baron Rothschild began bo take an interest in the colonization of Palestine, and the Zionists had good reason bo rejoice. Many now colonies were started by him, and some of the old ones were taken under his protection. The leaders of the Zion movement) hailed the baron aa the Moses who is going to effect a new redemption of Israel from the house of slavery. Even those who do nob believe in the efficacy of the plan or the soundness of the Zionists' principles admitted that, aside from the great sacrifices involved, it was very gracious and considerate of the Parish banker to step in and help a movement which appealed so ranch to the hearts of the Jewish pstriote.,, Hothschild fias, ife i« believed, eunk in his Palestine venture about 20,000,000 francs, and has to show for itacarly a score of seemingly |qurUhJPg colonies, most of which, however, are not yet self •supporting.

Rivalry of Two Champions.

Rumour has it that there was always a certain rivalry between Baron de Hirsch and tha Rothschilds. Some say it datea back to the time when the former began his gigantic railroad operations in Turkey. Ho wag but a plain double or trebie millionaire in those days, and he wanted the Rothschilds to embark in the undertaking with him and furnish the money. They refused; and when Baron Hirsch succeeded wonderfully, and became one of the great financiers of tho century, he never forgave the old banking firm, and kept aloof from that illustrious family all hie life. Baae tonguea even imputed thab the Argentine colonization scheme was started to counteract tho prestige gained by tho eroab Parisian banker as the deliverer of hU people. But, in any case, thengh Baron Hirsch was, perhaps, moro extolled because of the great amounts of ready cash which ho distributed in many countries, his well known ideas in favour of the ultimate assimilation of the Jews and Gentiles prevented him from being a real favourite with tbo Jewish masse?. Edmoad Rofchschild, on tho other hand, absolutely prohibite his colonists from mentioning his name publicly as their benefactor, and is, therefore, not known to the outside world as well as the late Baron de Hirsch. But there is no question of his being several degress more successful in the project of colonisation.

It will, perhaps, teke another generation too find out tho feasibility of turning city bred tradespeople into assisted pauper farmers. Bub, whatever the outcome, it will not diminish the glory juptly due to the dead as well as to the living philanthropists for their extraordinary efforts in behalf of their oppressed and helpless brethren.