The Maccabæan
EDITORIAL PAGES J. DE HAAS, EDITOR
Our friends who use the double-patriotism argument against Zionists in this and other countries may see something dangerous to the security of Irishmen in this country in the recent utterances of John E. Redmond, the Irish leader in the British Parliament. Mr. Redmond comes to this country and publicly asks the support of Irishmen for the cause of Irish nationalism. He goes further and asks for the sympathy of other American citizens of whatever birth. He says: "In coming to this country we believe we have the sympathy and good-will of every freeman in America. We ask your sympathy. We appeal not only to our own countrymen, but to all Americans to assist us in carrying on the fight." And he is sure that he will receive it. What is this but double-patriotism in the Irishman who supports Redmond and votes in America? Yet we have never heard a complaint (from the Irish at least), that they are not true to their adopted country.
THE death of Minister von Plehve who, with the usual Russian diplomacy, had been granting and withdrawing concessions to the Jews, will not affect the purpose of the revolutionary party, as may be seen in the strictness of the Russian administration since the assassination. Despotism, tempered by assassination, is the correct characterization of the Russian Government, and it is futile to hope that a murder more or less will overthrow the despotism. It may have
the effect of drawing the world's attention to a desperate state of affairs in Russia; but it is conceivable that government surrounded by active foes may become stronger than when meeting with no opposition at all.
Mr. BALFOUR has written a letter to a constituent, in which he states that he deplores the necessity for the withdrawal of the Aliens' Bill, owing to the character of the opposition offered to it by Radical members. From his point of view, he thought the measure of great importance, and that no time should be lost in grappling with its difficulties. The withdrawal of the Aliens' Bill does not mean the cessation of opposition to alien immigration in England.
Herzl and After
In a notably frank article entitled "Herzl—and After?" Dr. Moses Gaster gives his views of the condition of Zionism at the present time. In his zeal for frankness, Dr. Gaster assumes a too pessimistic tone; but it is much better to be pessimistic now than to have too roseate a view of our present needs. As ever, Dr. Gaster is eloquent and full of an exaltation of spirit which moves one. He believes that the secret of the modern redemption by Herzl lies sealed under a tombstone. Yet Zionism is not dead. It has not been buried with the late leader, for no grave can contain it. At the very moment when the grief is greatest, the clarion sound of duty should be loudest.
What comes after the grief and consideration of the loss? Dr. Gaster finds it more easy to put such a question than to answer it. But in attempting his answer, he puts too much emphasis on the differences of opinion that have recently involved the movement. He declares