ZIONIST CONGRESS IN BASEL.
By H. P. H.
A significant meeting is just closing in this city; it is the second international congress of Zionists, a movement on the part of the Jews to secure the return of the nation to Palestine. The first congress was held in this city a year ago; that was the first organized effort in the movement, and, like all beginnings, it had to pass through the pains of birth. There were so many heterogeneous elements it was expected that for a time progress would be slow and growth but feeble. But the opening of the congress this year revealed unexpected vigor and advancement. The attendance was more general and larger, there being nearly six hundred delegates present, double the number of last year. The congress was opened with more earnestness and enthusiasm. Dr. Herzl, of Berlin, the leader of the movement, presided. On the platform with him were many jurists and journalists of note; in a corner on the background were a number of rabbis in long frocks and black cowls. In the galleries were some five hundred visitors and journalists. The Jews seem to be great admirers of one another. At the appearance of the president, or on the mere pronunciation of a name of note, prolonged shouts and violent clapping of the hands made one wish for ear-muffles. The body of the delegation was composed of jurists, bankers, journalists, etc. Proceedings were conducted in German, the substance of speeches being translated into Russian and English. Speeches were made in the German, French, English, Russian, Italian, and modern Hebrew, a sort of jargon spoken by the Jews in Russia, Poland, and adjacent countries. In his opening address the president specially emphasized the new interest manifested by the powers in Asia. Palestine being on the highway to the East, Zionists expect to reap advantages from this movement. Another fact in the elements of success is the fact that everywhere the Jew is hated as an element that will not amalgamate with the nations, and hence he is considered a menace to the solidity of governments, an element of disloyalty and dismemberment. This is an alleged reason why the Jews are everywhere persecuted and driven out; an effort at colonization would, therefore, be welcomed and furthered by the nations as a peaceable means of ridding themselves of the despised element. One of the first steps toward the settlement of Palestine would be an understanding with the Ottoman Empire. At present, Jews are not permitted to enter Palestine, though a few succeed in smuggling themselves in; but Zionists desire to enter honorably, with full rights of colonization. They expect to receive the desired permission, as they believe that the Turks are convinced of the loyalty of their movement. Such a step would bring wealth and a prosperous, enlightened element to the empire. One line of work is to awaken in the Jews themselves a greater love for Zion, to create a desire for the re-establishment of the nation in the home of its glory. The president complained of rabbis who pray for Zion and oppose the Zionists. Such must be corrected or replaced. Zionist literature should be multiplied to mold the rising generation. “Our end,” they say, “can not be attained in a day; careful plans must be laid and the work built up solidly from a sure foundation.” The opening address was followed by a speech by Dr. Max Nordau, on the condition of the Jews the past year. He told us that the situation has grown darker. Oppression of the Jews in the East has increased, especially in Russia, Galacia, and Rumania. Anti-Semitism continues to grow in Germany; but the most remarkable outbreak was in France, the case of Dreyfus serving as pretext for a general crusade against the Jews. In Algeria, Jews were plundered by the wholesale, and some murdered. England is also mildly joining the general concert in anti-Jewish legislation. The same spirit is seen in America, where some hotels refuse to receive Jews. Thus the records of the past year urge us on to greater earnestness in our efforts to secure a safe home for our persecuted brethren. In closing, Dr. Nordau referred to the return to the promised land under Moses, Ezra, and Nehemiah, and claimed that Zionists are the descendants of these men. They were in the minority, yet they succeeded gloriously; and we likewise shall triumph. His last sentence brought forth a long storm of applause: “Israel is in our camp; all others are idle members.” Last year the Zionists numbered 117 societies; now, 913, an increase of 796. The majority are in Russia, Rumania, and Austria; 60 are in America, and 6 in the Transvaal. Last year a delegate was sent to Palestine to study the general situation in detail. His report showed there are 50,000 Jews in all Palestine, 28,000 being in Jerusalem, and the remainder in other cities and colonies. Rothschild and various societies in America and Europe have bought land in Palestine to the amount of 62,000 acres. Under good cultivation, the land reveals much of its former fertility. For lack of an organized system of commerce, the colonists have a hard time; by opening the usual channels of commerce, they would soon be prosperous. The aid now rendered colonists is from $1.00 to $12.00 per year per member. In connection with Palestine, the natural resources of the surrounding countries, Syria, Babylonia, Asia Minor, so rich in antiquity, could be developed. The point receiving most attention in the congress was the establishment of a colonial bank, not for speculation, but solely to support the various enterprises necessary to the success of Zionism,—a steamship line for the Orient railways in Palestine and adjacent countries, schools, and factories, and industries of all sorts. Last year an informal invitation was sent out to feel the pulse on this colonial bank question; within a few weeks, share-takers for nearly a million dollars reported; 95 per cent. of these were from the common people. With stormy enthusiasm, the congress took definite steps for the establishment of such a bank, with seat at London. Throughout the congress there was greater unanimity and solidity than last year. It was evident that the movement is rapidly taking form and gaining strength. Zionism is more national than religious in character. During the congress, no reference was made to the Bible reasons for the dispersion and persecution of the Jews, nor to God's promises to Israel. From the human standpoint, the movement is being well organised and promises success. This movement is a significant sign of the times. It is God's design that Israel shall come to Zion; the special work of the last days will be the gathering of Israel from all nations. Zionism appears to be doing precisely what the prophetic Word indicates will take place; and thousands of Christians hail it with joy as a token of the dawning millennium. But how far from the truth! A careful study of the Word shows that not Israel according to the flesh, but true Israel, the sons of Abraham, the children of faith, who are Christ's, are heirs of the promise; these will come to Zion, but not to “Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children,” but to “Jerusalem which is above,” which is free, the city for which Abraham looked, the city in which Christ prepares a place for His children, the city which will come “down from God out of heaven.” In the light of the Scriptures, what a melancholy and pathetic movement Zionism is! How sad its error! While Zionists manifest such zeal in their efforts to stir up the people to return to literal Palestine, O, let those who know the Scripture doctrine of the true return to the heavenly Zion redouble their efforts to proclaim the message of the Lord to every people! H. P. H. Basel, Switzerland, August 30.