JEWS FOR AUSTRALIA.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 104, 6 May 1907, Page 5

JEWS FOR AUSTRALIA.

An Interesting LetterPress Association—Copyright. Melbourne, May 4. Mr Alexander Marks, v.-ho is endeavouring to secure territory in Australia for the purpose of founding a Jewish colony, has received a somewhat remarkable letter from Mr Israel Zangwill, the well-known novelist. It was in reply to one from Mr Marks stating that any form of independence was ."quite out of the question for a Jewish settlement in Australia, but that under Australian laws a large amount of local autonomy was possble. Mr Zangwill's letter says: "Wo are quite satisfied with local autonomy. What we really want is elbow room. We do not desire to solve tho problem for a few thousands, but to build up, if possible, a future for the whole people. lam quite aware that Australia will fight hard against giving away any territory or fostering our aims in any way. But Australia lias to chose between a black popoulation and a Jewish white one. Australia is waking up to her folly and her possible future collapse. The .Tews could possibly safeguard her future as a white territory. Thus we are in a position to dictate our own terms. The great, mistlake of the Jewish people has always been to let other people profit by their pioneer labour. lam convinced that che /present dog in the manger attitude must pass away, and what will help it to pass away will be that the Jew takes a strong manly attitude and refuses to be further exploited for anyone's political advantage. He must get value for liis bargain, so that after he has developed the country he is not turned round 'upon as a parasite and bloodsucker.' Tho territory must be his by public, recognition. With land sufficiently healthy and sufficiently large, should have no fear of the rest. The gain to Australia will be no less than the gain to our own people. We want no hypocritical piety nor tolerance, but a fair bargain, profitable to both. Our utmost hope would be that in the future there siioud be a Jewish province of Australia, perhaps even a Jewish State, as not tho least valuable member of the Australian federation.''