particular, has qualities which it is desirable, and in the highest degree in the interest of human development, to maintain and to cultivate along their own particular lines. Scattered as the race now is, it must ultimately disappear unless some course is found to conserve its development. This is one reason why I feel myself to be an ardent Zionist, why I have a strong desire to see a nucleus formed some place where the Jew may develop in his own way along the lines and under conditions of social life and civilization which he shall produce for himself.
No matter where this nucleus may be
found the surroundings and the general aspect of nature will of course have their share in forming and determining the precise character of the ultimate development. We may be sure that a Jewish nation developed in Palestine would be somewhat different in type and character from a Jewish nation developed on the plateau of central Africa, but I think we are not concerned with the variations that may be produced by the physical conditions surrounding the race. The qualities which we value are the intellectual and spiritual, which are the heritage of the Jew, and these will be preserved by a home, no matter where situated.
Prospects of the Jewish State in Palestine
THE Rev. Frank Rawlinson read the following paper before a meeting of the Literary Circle of the Shanghai Zionist association, on December 20, 1904. THE MACCABAEAN takes pleasure in reproducing it practically in full, as an intelligent discussion of the problems that may arise when the Jewish people are settled in large numbers in Palestine. There have been many forecasts made as to the future language, government, industries, etc., of Palestine, many of them often bordering on the fantastic, many of them being careful prophesies based on probabilities. Mr Rawlinson's paper deals with facts, and the possibilities of the near future.
—THE EDITORS.)
THE movement which marks the resuscitation of the Jewish nation is known as Zionism. To those ignorant and indif-
ferent to the condition of the Jews this movement might bring surprise; to those who despise them it brings disgust; to those who understand its import comes a quickening of their interest; to those who sympathize—and their number is not by any means few—it brings satisfaction.
Dr. Herzl laid stress on the fact that the propelling force in Zionism is the misery of the Jews. They have come to the position where something must be done. Their long-fettered manhood demands relief: relief from burdens that have crushed entirely many other nations. Their misery creates a demand—a demand not for charity, pity or toleration, but for a home of their own. A homeless nation is seeking to make for itself a home:—a land where it can live out the life yet pulsing through its veins. So this long scattered people has arisen