TESTIMONIAL TO SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 339, 14 July 1875, Page 3

TESTIMONIAL TO SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE.

Steps have recently been taken in London to collect subscriptions for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Sir Moses Montefiore, as a mark of the great esteem in which he is held for his many labors in the cause of humanity. During his long life the Baronet has spent a large amount of his time in seeking to relieve the sufferings, not only of his own race, but of all who were oppressed on account of their religion—whether Jews or Christians. From a sketch of his life in “ Men ol the Time,” we learn that as long ago as 1840 he went on a mission to the East in order to secure certain rights for his Jewish brethren at Damascus. In 1864 he received the thanks of the Court of Common Council for the signal services he had rendered by missions to various countries for the relief of persons oppressed for their religious convictions, more especially by a journey to Morocco, undertaken to solicit the Emperor to relieve his Jewish and Christian subjects from all civil and religious disabilities. In 1867 he was successful in a mission to Roumania in favor of his oppressed brethren in that country. A central committee has been formed in London for the purpose of collecting subscriptions towards the testimonial, which, at Sir Moses Montefiore’s request, is to be spent, not in charity, but in the purchase of land in the Holy Land, on which to establish a colony of the Jewish nation, to teach them the art of agriculture, and to procure machines and all the other necessary appliances for the successful working out of the scheme. The committee has appealed for subscriptions towards this good object, first to their own race throughout the world, and also to all who hold in respect those virtues for which the aged baronet has made himself famous. A meeting of the members of the Canterbury Jewish congregation was held at the synagogue on Sunday, under the presidency of Mr L. E. Nathan, to take into consideration a circular received from England, requesting their co-operation in collecting subscriptions towards the above object. The chairman, referring to the circular, said as the much respected gentleman, on behalf of whom the testimonial now under consideration was being raised, was so well known to them by his actions, it would be altogether unnecessary for him to dilate upon his manifold virtues or refer to the in numerable instances of his arduous labors in the cause of humanity—a truly hoi} cause; not confined with the narrow limits of any peculiar creed, but exercised largely by the worthy baronet (in many instances at great personal sacrifice and risk) in the interests of a common humanity: The theme was an eloquent one, but he felt that he should only be occupying their time unnecessarily in referring at any fouiderable length thereto. As it was one

that he felt had the warmest sympathy of them all, he would merely add that upon a committee of gentlemen waiting on the venerable baronet to ascertain his wishes as to the character he would like the testimonial to assume, he with characteristic love of bis people, expressed his desire to have the fund raised devoted to ameliorating the distressed condition of the Jews in Jerusalem, and the London committee have decided to adopt the wishes so expressed, and with that view appeal to friends of humanity to enable them to raise a testimonial alike worthy of the gentleman whom they were all desirous of honoring, and the principle of his inestimable virtue. Be therefore requested their cooperation in the movement, and would, with confidence, leave it in their hands, feeling that they, with him, would regard it as a happy privilege to contribute to so worthy an object, andthoughtthatitwas not unlikely that some of their Christian friends would also like to avail themselves of this opportunity of subscribing, and testifying their appreciation of the efforts made by Sir Moses Montefiore in the cause of general humanity. The subject was discussed at considerable length, and the meeting was unanimous in expressing their sympathy in the matter. A subscription list was then opened at the meeting, and the sum of £74 8s 6d at once subscribed. It was resolved that a local committee be formed, consisting of the Rev I. Zacharia, Messrs L. B, Nathan, M. Harris, D. Davis, D, Caro, and C. Lezard, for the purpose of collecting subscriptions, &c, in fmrtherance of the movement. It was decided to accept subscriptions payable in three annual instalments when so ‘desired. Mr L. B. Nathan was requested to act as treasurer to the local fund. After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting dissolved.