Hirschmann Explains Views on Boycott in Letter to Bulletin

The Jewish Daily Bulletin has received the following communications from Mr. I. A. Hirschmann and Mr. Samuel Untermyer regarding the interview with Mr. Hirschmann published in the Jewish Daily Bulletin last Sunday.

MR. HIRSCHMANN’S STATEMENT

“Editor, Jewish Daily Bulletin,

“In the Jewish Daily Bulletin of December 17th, you published what was purported to be an interview with me on the German-Jewish situation which was susceptible to misinterpretation. I would appreciate publication of this communication to clear up any misconception of my views which might arise.

“I regret that I was quoted as an executive of Lord & Taylor. I have the honor to be associated with Lord & Taylor but my interest in the present Jewish emergency is an individual one and not as an executive of Lord & Taylor. Any statements attributed to me must be construed as personal and individual expressions.

“I did not intend to criticize the leadership of Mr. Samuel Untermyer or any of the other important Jewish personalities who have had the vigor and the courage to stand up in defense of Jewish rights and who have done and are doing so much for the welfare of our people. Nor was it my purpose to criticize or suggest what position should be taken by the retail stores. As a Jew, I am naturally concerned with the progress of our efforts at defense and I hope for an intelligently planned constructive program of defense.

“You are probably aware of the position of twenty leading stores in the matter of handling German made merchandise. However, in case you do not know of their position in this matter, I quote the article published in the New York Times of September 19, 1933:

“‘At the request of Samuel Untermyer, Esq., the leading New York retail stores have exchanged experiences on the effect of the consumer boycott on German-made goods.

“‘They reported that it had become so extensive and effective that sales of German merchandise have decreased to such an extent that purchases by the stores are now confined to a very few essential items which are not obtainable in any other country; that German stocks on hand now are much less than 1 per cent.

“‘Although they abhor the political and religious persecution in Germany today, they feel that a boycott by the stores would create a dangerous precedent.’

“The statement was issued on behalf of Abraham & Straus, Inc., B. Altman & Co., Arnold Constable & Co., Best & Co., Bloomingdale Brothers, Hearn Department Stores, Gimbel Brothers, Frederick Loeser & Co., Inc., Lord & Taylor, R. H. Macy & Co., Inc., James McCreery & Co., The Namm Store, Oppenheim Collins & Co. (New York and Brooklyn), Ovington’s, Saks—34th Street, Saks—Fifth Avenue, Franklin Simon & Co., Stern Brothers, John Wanamaker.

“I cannot see that the cause, in which we as Jewish people are so interested, can receive any enduring benefit from appeals to emotionalism. It is a time for sober thought.

“I. A. Hirschmann.”

MR. UNTERMYER’S STATEMENT

“Editor, Jewish Daily Bulletin

“I regret to note from an interview with Mr. I. A. Hirschmann of Lord & Taylor in today’s Bulletin that he is disappointed with the conduct of the boycott. Mr. Hirschmann has been such a consistent, loyal champion of the boycott, from the very beginning, that I attribute his attitude to earnest enthusiasm and impatience, and particularly to want of knowledge of what has been accomplished, rather than to mere fault-finding. It is so much easier to criticize than to improve. We know that things might conceivably be improved and are welcoming all really constructive criticism.

“Why does not Mr. Hirschmann join our newly-enlarged Board of Directors and help us? We would welcome him as a valuable acquisition. Perhaps he would find that we are progressing much faster than he imagines.

“Is Mr. Hirschmann aware that no campaign for funds for the prosecution of the boycott has yet been launched, and that I have thus far advanced the bulk of the very considerable amount of money that has been required to carry on the work?

“How does Mr. Hirschmann expect to reach the many millions of consumers of this country except by publicity? And how is publicity to be secured except by meetings, statements and speeches? What alternative has he to suggest?

“On the whole, we feel greatly encouraged by the outlook; but would of course like to do better, no matter how well we are succeeding. We hope that Mr. Hirschmann will help, for we need earnest sympathizers such as he is known to be, and we are grateful.

“Samuel Untermyer.”