The Maccabaean

THE title of Theodor Herzl to rank among the. great ones of the earth is already established beyond all cavil in the public mind and rests on a firm, rock-like foundation, admitting of no dispute or qualification. The value of contemporary opinion in regard to prominent men of the day is often of a’ doubtful nature. Usually a cloud of side issues intervenes to mar any perfect judgment that may be bestowed, but neither in the years to come nor in the far-off ages to follow, will the judgment of posterity differ from the universal opinion prevailing to-day that Theodor Herzl was the greatest Jewish statesman since Judah Maccabaeus lived and won for his race their liberty and independence. It was not given to Herzl to achieve as much, but, during the few brief years of his leadership of the Zionist movement, he has completely transformed the political destinies of the Jewish people. He has consolidated them into a political entity and has advanced the Jewish question into the forefront of international politics. The work that he accomplished may be summed up in the statement that he successfully laid the foundations of the modern Jewish nation.

But apart from this, Theodor Herzl possessed all the elements of true greatness in his person. The occasion of his death has suddenly revealed in a very vivid light the lofty proportions of his character. Death, which always performs the function of an official critic on its subjects, has transfixed in the mind's eye the moral elevation of this grand specimen of humanity. The demonstration of respect and affection for his memory

has been a notable one. It has not by any means been confined to the Jewish people. Emperor, Sultan and King, princes and statesmen of the leading countries of the world, the classes and the masses, all have spontaneously hurried to salute in him the uncrowned head of his nation. In this silent recognition of him as the representative of Israel lies the full measure of his achievements. He welded together the scattered elements of his people and invested them with the strength and dignity of a compact body. They are no more mere units, but under the Zionist flag they are a united army, a material and moral force, ready to spring into national being whenever the psychological moment may make it propitious. This great achievement has been the contribution which Herzl has rendered to Israel and to the world. For let there be no mistake about it. The invincible and unshaken faith of every intelligent Zionist is that a reconstituted national centre will not only be of immeasurable beneficial consequence to the Jew but will react in a proportionate degree upon other nations.

What manner of man, then, was that figure around whom so much of a divine halo has gathered? Hundreds and thousands have during the last eight or nine years portrayed with more or less pen and pencil talent, the physical, mental and moral qualities of Herzl; and the last few weeks in particular have called forth an avalanche of eloquent tributes of a character which are rarely written except in the case of distinguished personalities standing in the front rank of statesmen or writers. This contribution will simply add