Harding Lauds Jews’ Contribution to Country

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President Harding in a letter read before the American Jewish Historical Society yesterday referred to the “Story of great Jewish participation in making of our common country”, and declared, “it is one of finest chapters in our national history”. The President expressed gratification that the Society is taking “such effective steps to insure that it will properly be written and preserve”. The letter in full addressed to the Secretary of the Society is as follows:

“Whn I first received, two or three months ago, your most kind invitation to meet with the members of the American Jewish Historical Society at the time of their gathering in Washington, I entertained hopes that events might so shape themselves that my acceptance would be possible. I was, therefore, unwilling to make a final answer. I find now that as affairs have taken shape it will be impossible for me to make such an engagement and I am writing to express my thanks once more, and with them my regrets.

“I have noticed with much interest the outline of the program you have sent to sent me, and wish to express my judgement that it represents the opportunity for a valuable contribution to the story of the great Jewish participation in the making of our common country. It is one of the finest chapters in our national history and I am particularly gratified that your society is taking such effective steps to insure that it will be properly written and preserved.”

The erection of a building, to be used as a depository for its records, was decided at the final meeting here last night. The building, for which a campaign for funds will be conducted in October, will be erected as a memorial to Jews who died in the World War.

Officers elected for the ensuing year were Dr. A.S.W. Rosenbach, Philadelphia, president; Simon W. Rosendale. Albany, N.Y., Prof. Richard J.H. Gotheil, N.Y., the Rev. Dr. David Philipson, Cincinnati, and Julian W. Mack, vice presidents; Albert M. Friedenberg and Samuel Oppenheim of New York, corresponding secretaries, and Henry S. Hendricks of New York, treasurer.