Elections Pass Without Disorder in Roumania; Maniu Regime Upheld by Great Majority

Single Anti-Jewish Act Reported from Bessarabia; No Anti-Semitic Danger Threatens Jewish Population, Was Last Pre-Election Assurance of Government Members (Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

With the exception of a single anti-Jewish act reported from a Bessarabian town, no anti-Jewish disturbances occurred during the elections to parliament held Wednesday, resulting in an overwhelming majority for the National Peasant Party and the Maniu cabinet.

Neither the Cuzists, the anti-Semites, nor the Communists, succeeded in electing any representatives. The Liberal Party, the chief opponent of the Maniu government, elected only 10 representatives. The vote, as nearly as can be determined at this moment, was above 85% in favor of the Maniu government. The parliament has 376 members. Although final returns or lists are not available, it is almost certain that all Jewish candidates on the lists of the government party were elected. What is not known yet is whether Dr. William Filderman, leader of the Union of Roumanian Jews, is among the 100 Liberal representatives elected.

A single anti-Jewish act was reported today by the “Adeverul” from Leowa, Bessarabia, where the synagogue was invaded and the Torah Scrolls desecrated. The Minister of the Interior telegraphed immediately to the local authorities to institute an investigation and apprehend the culprits.

Assurances that the Jewish population in Roumania is not threatened by any anti-Semitic danger in case the Maniu government is upheld, were given by various members of the cabinet in pre-election speeches delivered Tuesday night. Particularly emphatic was Minister Madgearu, who declared that the Jews of Roumania have nothing to fear. Even the student body, the most turbulent factor in the anti-Semitic movement in years gone by, is now returning to peaceful studies. Measures have also been taken by the Ministry of Education to clear the atmosphere in the secondary schools of anti-Semitic virus, he stated.

“It is quite natural that the abolition of censorship and the suspension of martial law gave freedom of the press, to our regret, also to the Communists, as well as to the anti-Semites, who have taken advantage of the privilege. However, the government, which wishes to establish freedom in the country, is strong enough and determined enough to prevent the slightest attempt at disturbing the peace,” Minister Madgearu declared.

The member of the Maniu cabinet then polemized in strong terms with assertions reported to have been made by Dr. William Filderman, Liberal candidate in Bucharest. “It is unfair to spread rumors that the accession of the Maniu government to power has revived the anti-Semitic movement. It is deplorable that Dr. Filderman should lend himself to such assertions, although he knows that the regency as well as the government have at their disposal effective means and are earnestly determined to punish not only those responsible for acts, but even intentions, to disturb the peace of the country and citizenry,” he declared.