American Jewish Press Comments Further on Zionist Convention

Further comments in the Anglo-Jewish press concerning the Zionist convention in Pittsburgh express in the main satistation with the outcome.

The American Jewish World. Minueapolis: “The lessons of the Pittsburgh convention of the Z. O. A. may be thus summarized: if people think before making charge and counter-charge, there will be less to disown, or to explain away; faithful service is appreciated in the final analysis: the favor of the “masses” is fickle; publicity in the daily press, especially with regard to controversial matters should be reduced to a minimum; the duties of officers should be definitely stipulated before rather than after they assume office.

“The main problem of the animated sessions in Pittsburgh was the fate of the “administration,” headed by Lipsky, which had been in control since 1921. Owing to the charge of maladministration, involving financial irregularities, which had unfortunately been allowed to get into the daily press, the convention opened with Lipsky definitely determined not to be a candidate for office and with the likelihood of a “clean sweep” of the entire administration. During the convention it became clear that there was no suspicion of individual dishonesty for personal gain, that the head of the administration had rendered services that no amount of innuendo or criticism could entirely negate; the unwise mention of “threatened prosecution” compelled Lipsky to be a candidate for re-election; the size of the vote proved a complete vindication.

“The Convention at Pittsburgh coming at the culmination of internal seething in Zionist circles will, like the proverbial thunderstorm, celar the atmosphere and give firesh impetus to the effort for Palestine which has surely languished during the last few months here and elsewhere. With the impending beginning of the organization of the Agency, the improved status within the ranks of Zionism comes not one day too soon.”

The Sentinel, Chicago: “The convention has also made some changes in the machinery of the organization. In the future the president will have nothing to do with money matters and the financial affairs will be conducted by an administrative committee of forty. We hope that Mr. Lipsky and his associates appreciate fully the difficult problems facing them. Whether the opposition is altogether right or altogether wrong is beside the point. The fact of the matter is that a large portion of American Zionists (including many of the heads of Hadassah) has lost confidence in the administration–a situation which has demoralized Zionism in America and jeopardized the development of Palestine. The new administration will therefore have to take drastic steps in order to restore that lost confidence.

“But while Zionism in America continues to have internal difficulties the situation in Palestine is constantly improving. Unemployment has almost completely disappeared and new capital is streaming into the country. The conference of the Jewish Agency commissioners which met recently in England, decided on an annual program of at least $5,000,000 to be spent in Palestine for economic rehabilitation. Half of this sum is to be contributed by the Jews of the United States and the other half by Jews of other countries. The Jewish Agency has been provided in the mandate for Palestine for the purpose of giving non-Zionist Jews an opportunity to have a share in the reconstruction of the Holy Land. Among the American participants in the conference were Messrs. Felix M. Warburg, Louis Marshall and Dr. Lee K. Frankel–men who are exerting a tremendous influence in American Jewry and who will undoubtedly succeed in interesting many non-Zionists in the cause of Palestine.

The Jewish Monitor, Dallas, Tex: “Not only was Zionist leadership vindicated at Pittsburgh, but also Zionist principle and Zionist dignity were saved. For all these were intricately involved. While the opposition clamored for “arithmetic” invoking their mighty “God of Efficiency.” the President, in his masterful message, showed that the majority of American Zionists have higher conceptions of Zionist ideals and national aspirations. The opposition should learn that there is infinitely more in Zionism than mere raising of money and administration of funds.

“By constitutional amendment, the convention went on record as favoring reform in finance administration and departmental government. It is to be hoped that this which was the strongest demand of the opposition will serve as a measure of reconciliation. In view of the great tasks and problems that now confront the Zionist world it is imperative that all bitterness of the struggle be cast aside, and Palestine, with its tremendous needs and repsonsibilities should find in American Zionists a united and loyal band ready for the great task.”

The Watchman, Memphis, Tenn.: “In our mind, the most important question was settled when Louis Lipsky was re-elected President of the Zionist Organization of America by an overwhelming vote.

“Louis Lipsky, according to the judges report, was not as cautious with the funds of the Zionists as the should have been. He endorsed notes for individuals in the name of the Z. O. A., but he did it without thought of personal gain, and only to meet conditions that were unusual. The Zionist Organization of America did not lose anything by these endorsements, and the judges thought that Lipsky should continue to be regarded just as highly by his associates and fellow workers in this the great cause. The delegates to the convention showed this spirt when they cast their votes for him.”

Rabbi J. Max Weis of New York City has sailed for Europe and will remain abroad for two months.

Nathan Desatnick, 24, the first Jew in the history of Massachussetts to die in the electric chair, was executed on Monday, July 16. after midnight.

Sentence was imposed on the basis of charges that he had drowned his five-months old child who was born out of wedlock.