The Russian Jews.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7067, 13 February 1893, Page 3

The Russian Jews.

{By Tbieqbaph.) WELLINGTON, Feb 13. In reply to the Hon. Mr Sh-imski’s protest against iho Government’s action in instructing tho Agent-General to assist in preventing Russian Jess being sent (o the colony the Premier rays : - “ I have received your telegram. With regard to the first point it is not on the ground of religion that wo object to tho arrival of the 500 Jew?. Our action would bo precisely tbe same if they were Christians or Mabomedans. As regards the next point whiie admitting that the Jews in the colony are good citizens, it surely does not follow that 500 paupers with more to follow (sent out by a charitable aid society) ia a desirable advent; and, as to the third point it is distinctly the duty of a Liberal Government to protect its own people whose happiness and welfare are in it s keeping, from an influx of paupers. Surely you should be tbe first to condemn the heartless and reckless action of that so called charitable aid society in sending out those poor people without even consulting the Government of the colony to whom they are to be deported. The people ihemaslves deserve our sympathy, because they are made the victims of as cruel an action as ever distinguished any body of men. Reserve your indignation, therefore, for tho conduct of your co-religionists at Some who under the misapplied name of charity are earning tho contempt of the civilised world ”