game," said Aleck finally, and with that the incident was dismissed, for it could not have been expected that such a trifle could long hold the attention of the gang, which was then interested in "sleigh-riding."
A NOBLE FRIEND OF ZION.
Zionists have good cause to mourn the death of the Grand Duke of Baden. It was owing to his influential intervention that Dr. Herzl was received by the German Emperor, and Dr. Herzl was frequently received in audience by the Grand Duke, who only recently, after the Eighth Congress at The Hague, also accorded an audience to Dr. Mahler, the Jewish Nationalist member of the Austrian Reichsrath, and member of the Zionist Great Actions Committee. Ihe Grand Duke had the name of Sir Moses Montefiore entered in the “Golden Book,” and was the only Prince who contributed to the recent Russo-Jewish Relief Fund. In an interview granted by him to Dr. A. Berliner, the Duke, some years before his death, said: “You know, of course, the Zionist movement as well as its leader, Dr. Herzl. Dr. Herzl is a noble man, who has put himself at its head out of pure unselfishness. The movement is of importance, and requires powerful assistance. Unfortunately, the Governments have not yet a right understanding of the subject, but that will come in time.” The Zionist Actions Committee, as well as the German Zionist Federation, sent messages of condolence.
WAS MOSES MENDELSSOHN A ZIONIST?
In Mendelssohn's correspondence" (Brock- haus edition) we find a letter addressed by him to "a man of rank" (An einen Mann von Stande), probably a man who was at that time well known in the political world and who de-
sired to keep the proposed scheme of restoring the Jews to the Holy Land. The translation of the letter is briefly as follows:
WE (KEIL AULENA 309 MARUSIY AD 3VIV VW 0. “Although my knowledge of the philosophy of politics is very poor, I confess with pleasure that the idea of reviving Palestine through the Hebrew nation is magnificent and sublime, The creator and promoter of this idea is an inspired and courageous champion. His full confidence in his ideal and belief in its reali« zation have endowed him with strength and courage to begin the practical part of the Palestine work. But I am only a man of phil osophical and not of practical work, and it is difieult for me to overcome all the great obstacles. I will, however, confess that I met in the realization of the Palestine idea not outside opposition, but only interior disturbances emanating from the peculiarity of our nation. Our people are deprived of an independent vitality in consequence of their ancient affliction. The natural inclination of all people to live independently in their own land is totally absent from my brethren. We are satisfied with our intellectual world, and, hoping in the Lord, we bear with fortitude all buffets of Fate, all persecution and oppression, without trying to undertake something for our redemption. I am doubtful whether our scattered people desire their unity, and without unity between all the children of our nation this excellent ideal has no hope. In any case the work in Palestine is immeasurably great, and to carry it out, much power and princely. treasures are necessary. But our people are not rich enough, and our few millionaires will not open their pockets for the benefit of their nation. According to my opinion, the idea has the best chance of succeeding at a time when the great Powers are fighting among themselves, and not at a time of quiet and peace in the political world. I return to your worship all the papers sent to me, and I assure you that I will keep the secret forever.”