Utah Senator Explains Why He Could Not Address Meeting (Jewish Daily Bulletin)
Rabbi Julius Silberfeld of Temple B’nai Abraham, this city, has made public the letter he received from Senator William H. King of Utah in which the Senator declined to address a meeting planned by local organizations to protest against the anti-Jewish excesses in Roumania. In refusing the invitation to speak, Senator King quoted a letter of Louis Marshall who expressed the opinion that “the introduction of further resolutions on this subject in Congress” would “occasion the Jews of Roumania serious injury and would certainly not be productive of good results.” Senator King’s letter to Rabbi Silberfeld ead:
“Since seeing you I have received a letter from Mr. Louis Marshall of New York City. As you know Mr. Marshall as an eminent lawyer and represents the Jews in important matters. He writes ?e, with reference to my statements concerning the Jews and the situation in Roumania, that in his opinion ‘the introduction of further resolutions on this object in Congress’ would ‘occasion the Jews of Roumania serious injury and could certainly not be productive of good results.’
“Mr. Marshall states that he was larger responsible for the adoption of the called Minority Treaties, including at which Roumania entered into and he is kept in close touch with the manner which the various European countries tering into these treaties have dealt with them. He suggests that in his opinion it might be better to seek to bring about action upon the part of the Roumanian Government whereby it would recognize its duty in the premises. He ?lls attention to some correspondence which appeared in the Jewish Daily Bultin on January 11.
“In view of Mr. Marshall’s prominence and his service in behalf of the Jews, I ?el disinclined to accept the kind invitation tendered me to speak at Newark in the near future on the subject mentioned to our conversation. As you know I am deeply interested in this subject and could be glad to do anything in my power to ameliorate the condition of the Jews in Europe as well as elsewhere.
“If I could do or say anything to make their burdens less severe or stay the hand of opposition or persecution, it would give me great satisfaction. I suggest that you confer with Mr. Marshall because I know he has been and is now deeply interested in this matter and his judgment as to the wisest course to pursue is entiled to very great consideration.
“I would not feel like further expressing myself upon the situation in Roumania in view of Mr. Marshall’s letter until I was in possession of further information. If Mr. Marshall’s position is correct, and I have no reason to doubt it, then it would seem that the best policy would be to not agitate the question, at least for the present, with a view to determining whether the Roumanian treatment of the Jews is changed and their rights respected. As stated in view of Mr. Marshall’s letter, I feel constrained to ask you to excuse me from speaking at the proposed meeting above referred to. I need not assure you of my desire to be of service, whenever it is within my power, to the oppressed members of your race wherever they may be found.
“I shall be glad to hear from you and learn what your views are in regard to Mr. Marshall’s position.”
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