A._ 6

2

We have learned with sorrow that that section of this ancient people who dwell within your Majesty's vast dominions are subjected to exceptional disabilities and restrictions, and that numbers of them have been and are being expatriated from Russian soil, notwithstanding their loyalty as a people to your Majesty's Throne and person, a loyalty which has often been sealed with their blood while fighting under the Imperial standard. We are emboldened to solicit the extension to your Majesty's Jewish subjects of your Majesty's clemency and generosity, by the remembrance that in the days of our forefathers restrictive legislation imposed political and other disabilities and deprivations upon the Hebrew subjects of the British Crown, and by the knowledge that the removal of all such restrictions and disabilities, which has now been for some time accomplished within the British Empire, has been attended by such happy results that we feel assured that a like extension of liberties and privileges within your Majesty's dominions would be productive of a like effect. The name of your Majesty's illustrious father is now and ever will be held in honoured and grateful remembrance throughout the world for the great boons which, through his royal beneficence and large-heartedness, were conferred upon the Russian people during his reign, and we would gladly see the reign of your Imperial Majesty, like that of our own beloved Queen, crowned with the glory of admitting all your Majesty's subjects to the enjoyment of equal rights and privileges, whereby we are persuaded that the loyal attachment of all classes to your Majesty's Throne and person would be deepened and strengthened. We therefore respectfully pray that all exceptional and restrictive laws which afflict your Majesty's Jewish subjects may be repealed, and that equal rights with those enjoyed by the rest of your Majesty's subjects may be conferred upon them, and that your Imperial Majesty will be pleased favourably to receive this our humble petition. Signed by direction of, and for and on behalf of, the House of Representatives of New Zealand, this twentieth day of August, 1891. William Jukes Stewaed, Speaker.

Repoet of a Debate in the House of Representatives of New Zealand ou 30th July, 1891, on a Eesolution moved by Sir George Grey, K.C.B. Sir G. GREY. —Sir, I have but very few minutes left before the adjournment of the House to move the motion of which I have given notice. 1 may say that this is a most important question, concerning some five millions of Jewish subjects of the Emperor of Russia. I will state to the House my reason for bringing before it so grave a question. In the first place, New Zealand will be taking for the first time a place amongst the nations of the world, in moving in a question which is of common interest to all mankind, for it is about to present a petition to the Emperor of Russia begging of him to bestow mercy on his Jewish subjects. I need not say anything as to our fellow Jewish subjects here, and the claims they have upon us that we should endeavour to prevent the sufferings that the members of their ancient race are undergoing in Russia. For many years I have been on friendly terms with a large number of persons of the Jewish race, and I have the kindliest feelings towards very many members of that race. I will also say that the Jews of Russia are ready undergoing very great sufferings indeed, and that any effort that may be made, however humble it may be, to save them from a continuance of those sufferings, which are of no ordinary character, must have a beneficial effect. We believe that the present Emperor of Russia is a good and merciful man. We know also that his own life has been imperilled for years by the dangers surrounding him in consequence of the animosity shown to him by one class of his subjects, and a belief may hence exist that this circumstance may have had the effect of hardening his heart; but I believe from all I have heard that his trials have ennobled his disposition, and rendered him truly compassionate for his fellow-men, and that we may rely on his being merciful towards the portion of his people to whom my motion refers ; I should not be surprised also that such a movement being made in a part of the earth so distant from Russia may convince him how deep are the feelings of the people of the world generally with regard to the sufferings the Jewish portion of his subjects are undergoing. I think, therefore, that this resolution should be passed. It may be said that we have nothing to do