An explanation for the failure of Woodbine as it forms the type of a class of colonies founded by private philanthropic initiative, will be found later in the questionable success of the Palestinean colonies.
A representative of the Zionists assigned two principle reasons for the unsatisfactory condition of the colonies in Palestine, namely, (1) dependence upon the charity of Baron Rothschild and others, and (2) lack of legal security of title.
The first hindrance is inherent in the philanthropic system, which makes beggars of those who become the objects of its care. When applied to colonization, it is woefully deficient, for though nominally based upon the theory of a loan to the settler it is really not regarded by him as such. Even if he so regarded it, the degree to which he must place himself under obligation, leaves out of the question repayment. A settler in a new or old country can only become self-supporting after a number of years of patient effort. If he must fall into debt, he is crippled to begin with. Philanthropists and philanthropic bodies expect quick returns. Their system of colonization is often devoid of business methods and practical considerations of soil and adaptability of settlers. There seems to be no tendency
to learn by experience. True statesmanship as evidenced by the colonial system of certain governments today and as Zionists must surely adopt, build for all time according to business methods based on sound economic principles, where the idea of charity is repugnant.
the idea of charity is repugnant. Another fault inherent in the philanthropic system is its air of insincerity. The philanthropist usually entrusts the task of colonization or the encouragement of an industry to agents whose only interest in their work is their official income and they are often precluded by unfitness from having any other interests. The first fruits are usually crops of quarrels and scandals between officials and settlers. This is invariably the rule. There are very few Charles Netters to give an example to the contrary.
Philanthropic agriculture defeats itself. It does not succeed in creating Jewish farmers ; it does however succeed in creating a class of men who are weakened by the kind of help vouchsafed them by powerful organizations. And why? Because there is no genuine emotional interest on the part of those who give in those who are the recipients of their philanthropy.
J. J. BAKERMAN.
The National Jewish Library
THE Jewish center ! That means much. What is it, and where?
Some say: A place where the Jewish persecuted may find peace, where the burdened may be relieved of all heaviness of spirit imposed on them by men; where honest toil may not be mulct to deck the panoply of an alien people, where all may gather who seek that peace with their brethren. And where? In Palestine; on that soil made memorable by the blood and the tears shed by our people, by the hopes raised and shattered, by all that effort to retain the heritage of high thinking and well living which was born on that soil.
Others say: A place where the Jew may wield political power, where his talents for government may find scope, where his life may become harmonized and adjusted, where rulers of foreign lands may not disturb the even development of his powers. In other words a political center.
Together with these there are many who think of a Jewish center as a spiritual conception, need-
ing no land, no materialized home, existing as a thought, an attitude of mind, a spiritual kingdom.
With all these we may agree. What is uppermost in our mind is a Jewish center ! We want the scattered bones gathered again, so that the Breath of Life may be breathed in the lifeless form. We want some Structure, not wailing wall, whither the thought of Jews filled with Jewish desires and hopes may turn for guidance and inspiration. The center may be upbuilt by commercial arrangements, diplomatic treaties, teaching of Hebrew literature, dissemination of Jewish folksongs, development of Jewish art, etc.
I wish to speak here especially of an effort which deserves commendation,the result practically of the efforts of one man, which aids exceedingly in the establishment of a center. I refer to the National Library at Jerusalem, known as the Abarbanel Library. This library, an intellectual storehouse, is the work of one man, Dr. Joseph Chazanowicz, of Bialystok, a practicing physi-