ut the cup of
unhappiness for Julie Herzl overflowed when Herzl became the official
leader of a public movement. From that time on her home was constantly
overrun with unwelcome visitors. Not only did Herzl give his life to
the movement in the literal sense, but he gave his reserve of funds
and sacrificed the welfare of his family for the sake of the movement
he had brought to life. His domestic affairs as well as his failing
heart, made all the years of Herzl's brief Zionist life pain and
struggle.

The tragic position of Jews in various parts of Europe, greatly
agitated Herzl during the time he was carrying on negotiations with
the Kaiser and the Sultan. He was constantly being led to the thought
that it would become necessary to find a temporary haven of refuge for
Jews. In 1899 a series of pogroms broke out in Galicia. In his diary
at the time, he had references to England and Cyprus, "we may even
have to consider South Africa or America." But he banished these
thoughts from his mind because he knew that the Zionists would place
serious obstacles in the way of considering any project other than
Palestine. When his hopes with regard to Germany had collapsed,
however, he thought of these alternative proposals again.

* * * * *

On October 22, 1902 a Conference between Joseph Chamberlain, the
Colonial Secretary, and Herzl took place. Chamberlain had been in the
Colonial Office since 1895. He held an influential position in the
councils of the British Government. He was a man of strong will and
political integrity. Herzl submitted his plan for the colonization of
Cyprus and the Sinai Peninsula, which included El Arish--"Jewish
settlers under a Jewish administration."

Chamberlain said that he could speak definitely only about Cyprus. The
Sinai Peninsula came under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Office. As
far as Cyprus was concerned, he believed that it was not promising
because the Greeks and Moslems would object, and it would be his
official duty to side with them. He took a more favorable view,
however, of El Arish. In that connection, it was necessary for Herzl
to talk to Lord Lansdowne of the Foreign Office. A great deal would
depend upon the good-will of Lord Cromer, the British Consul General
in Egypt, and actually the Vice Regent of that country. Through the
good offices of Chamberlain, it became possible for Herzl to meet
Lord Lansdowne a few days later. He was well received