adds the enormities of his rule
upon the victims of the ignorance and slander of the ages. The
birthright of this race is thus despoiled; and, Sir, have we no word
of protest? Struggling against adversities which no other people
have encountered, do they not yet survive--the wine from the crushed
grape? [1]

[Footnote 1: _loc. cit_., p. 656.]

The resolution introduced by him on that occasion was to the following
effect:

Whereas the Government of the United States should exercise its
influence with the Government of Russia to stay the spirit of
persecution as directed against the Jews, and protect the citizens
of the United States resident in Russia, and seek redress for
injuries already inflicted, as well as to secure by wise and
enlightened administration the Hebrew subjects of Russia and the
Hebrew citizens of the United States resident in Russia against the
recurrence of wrongs; Therefore

Resolved, That the President of the United States, if not
incompatible with the public service, report to this House any
further correspondence in relation to the Jews in Russia not already
communicated to this House." [1] [Footnote 1: _Congressional Record_,
Vol. 13, p. 6691.]

The resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
was finally passed by the House on February 23, 1883.

The sentiments of the broad masses of the American people had found
utterance somewhat earlier at a big protest meeting which was held in
February, 1882, in the city of New York, where the first refugees from
Russia had begun to arrive. [1] A resolution was adopted protesting
"against the spirit of medieval persecution thus revived in Russia" and
calling upon the Government of the United States to make energetic
representations to St. Petersburg. One of the speakers at the New York
meeting, Judge Noah Davis, said, amidst the enthusiastic applause of the
audience:

[Footnote 1: The meeting was held on Wednesday, February 1, 1882, on the
same day as the Mansion House Meeting in London. The chair was occupied
by the Mayor, William R. Grace. See the _American Hebrew_ of February 3,
1882, p. 138 et seq.]

Let them come! I would to Heaven it were in our power to take the
whole three million Jews of Russia. The valley of the Mississippi
alone could throw her strong arms around, and draw them all to her
opulent bosom, and bless them with homes of comfort, prosperity, and
happiness