Letter from Palestine
JAFFO, April 6.—The glories of the ancient days are again appearing in Palestine. Formerly the days of Passover were the symbols of the ingathering of scattered Israel, when those dwelling in the lands of the heathen came to rejoice among their brethren on their own soil and in their Temple. Nearly twenty centuries have passed since the defeat of the Jewish nation and the disappearance of the Jewish pilgrims to Jerusalem on the feasts of rejoicing. But with the spread of the nationalistic idea, things are beginning to brighten, and Palestine is again becoming the centre of Jewish hope and aspirations.
The pilgrims now arrive not only to pray and rejoice, but also to work and revive the country.
At this present moment there are in Palestine the following well-known Zionists, who have come here to study and promote their particular interests in the Zionist programme: Mr. Moser is awaiting the inauguration of the newly built gymnasium. Dr. Schmaryahu Lewin and Dr. Paul Nathan are occupied with the technical school at Haifa. Dr. Francis Oppenheimer has arrived with regard to his scheme of establishing a co-operative colony. Mr. Goldberg, of Wilna is to arrive the following week to superintend the building of his mansion on the heights of Artuf.
Through the streets of Jaffa and Jerusalem may be seen Jews from the four corners of the world. This increase in the population has a marked effect on general conditions.
That the Jews are a large factor in the development of the country the general population no longer doubts, and the Germans in Palestine are not only envious of the Jewish prosperity but are using their Constantinople journal as the instrument for arousing ill feeling between the Jews
and the government, in order to harm the interests of the Zionists in Palestine. From Roumania there have arrived several gentlemen representing a newly formed society for buying land in Palestine with a view to immediate settlement. They have entered into negotiations for the purchase of a tract of land.
Zionists abroad will read with pleasure of the progress of Rechoboth. Rechoboth has now become a summer and winter resort for those who desire a few months repose in Palestine. By its healthy position it has attracted many wealthy individuals who have settled there and built beautiful residences in its immediate vicinity. A rich man possessing a house buys a garden or plants one himself and so Rechoboth has become a flourishing rich colony. It has now a water works system and sanitation.
Petach Tikvah still retains the lead in commerce. It has its exchange where land is bought and disposed of several times a day. The colony now resembles a small town with its shops and houses. Petach Tikvah is a sort of political centre and is fast losing its countrified appearance.
The Anglo-Palestine Company will open a new branch at Safed soon after the Passover holidays.
Prince Frederick, of Germany, is to arrive soon. He will proceed to Jerusalem to inaugurate a German Sanitorium on the Mount of Olives. He will stay in Palestine for a fortnight. In his honor the streets are cleaned and rubbish removed. Would that princes arrived every day! The Germans in Palestine are preparing a reception for their prince.
The weather here is beautiful. The sky is cloudless. The crops are growing well. The oranges are blooming and the fragrance of the blossoms fills the air