Lipsky Administration is Returned to Power by Atlantic City Convention

(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

The Lipsky administration, somewhat modified and strengthened by the inclusion of new members in the Administrative Committee, was returned to power at the closing session of the thirtfeth annual convention of the Zionist Organization of America which ended here last night.

Louis Lipsky, who came out the victor under the attack of the opposition, when on the day preceding the convention adopted the report of the administration by an overwhelming majority, was unanimously re-elected president by an enthusiastic vote of acclamation. Similarly, Miss Henrietta Szold was elected vice-president of the organization. The change in the composition of the administration was manifested in the fact that no other vice-presidents were elected as had been the case in previous years.

The Administrative Committee was reconstituted in such a manner as to bring about greater harmony and consolidation between the various constituencies and factions within the organization. For this purpose the number of members in the Administrative Committee was increased to 25 and includes, outside of the president, a number of spokesmen for the group which came into power following the Cleveland convention, as well as a considerable clement of the Brandeis group. The composition of the Administrative Committee, coupled with certain resolutions adopted by the convention concerning the administrative policies, were termed by the factions which remained dissatisfied with the result, as an introduction of “Brandeisism without Brandeis.” This opinion is better understood on the background of the opening days of the convention when the possibility of the return of Justice Brandeis to active participation in Zionist leadership was heatedly discussed.

The following were elected to the Administrative Committee: Samuel Rosensohn, Morris Rothenberg. Norvin R. Lindheim, I. D. Morrison, A. Liebowitz. Philip Wattenburg. Dr. Stephen S. Wise, Judge Otto A. Rosalsky, Albert Rosenblatt, Lawrence Berenson, Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan, Elihu D. Stone. Irma L. Lindheim, Mrs. Robert Szold, Mrs. Anna Moskowitz Kross, Mrs. Israel Goldstein, Mrs. Archibald Silverman, Judge William Lewis, Maurice Samuel, Harry P. Fierst. Isaac Meister, Louis Topkis. Dr. A. Coralnick, Dr. David J. Kaliski and Jacob Fishman.

The formation of the new Administrative Committee was brought about not without considerable delay and a painful process of elimination and political combinations. As rumor had it. the fact that the Zionist constituencies were apparently divided over the Bran deis issue was taken advantage of by the Hadassah, the Zionist Women’s Organization, which, according to rumor, had originally negotiated with the sponsors of Brandeis’ return. It was reported that an understanding between the Hadassah leaders and the spokesmen for the Lipsky administration was reached, by which the new administration was to include a certain number of representatives of the Hadassah as well as a certain number of men who were formerly of the Brandeis group. With the argument that the new administration is to be of a homogeneous character that would be in a position to gain the one hundred per cent confidence of the Zionist public, the Hadassah leaders insisted on the exclusion of certain elements of the former administration.

In line with this trend, a policy was outlined, formulated in a set of resolutions, concerning the financial affairs of the organizations and limiting the rights of Zionist paid officials to be eligible for elective offices in the administration of Zionist affairs, in addition to the curtailment of the rights of the convention to fix the annual budget and to make the detailed allotments for the various activities of the organization–a prerogative transferred to the Finance Committee subject to the approval of the National Executive Committee. The convention, however. voted that paid Zionist officials may be eligible for election to the National Executive Committee. The ruling with regard to paid officials being ineligible to the Administrative Committee is not applicable to the president.

The issue was contested over the candidacy of Abraham Goldberg, vice-president of the Zionist Organization of America in the former administration and a member of the Administrative Committee, and that of Mrs. Anna Moskowitz Kross. The clash came when the Nominations Committee submitted its report: It appeared that notwithstanding the agreement reached between the administration and the Hadassah leaders, the majority of the Nominations Committee, headed by Elihu D. Stone of Boston, insisted on the inclusion of Abraham Goldberg in the Administrative Committee of 25. The minority, which was represented on the convention floor by Mrs. Archibald Silverman of Providence, presented an identical list of names with the exception that the name of Mrs. Anna Moskowitz Kross was substituted for that of Abraham Goldberg. The fight which ensued was bitter and many dramatic scenes impressed themselves upon the delegates.

The situation became more complicated when both parties argued that their insistence on the election of the candidate they favored was based on their desire to uphold the Lipsky administration. During the dispute Mr. Lipsky confirmed that the list presented by the minority of the Nominations Committee, including Mrs. Kross’s name, was the one suggested by the president. The sponsors of the Goldberg candidacy were animated by a feeling which was directly traceable to an opposition to the “feminine rule” and the action of the Hadassah to dictate its policy, as well as by the feeling that the older generation of Zionist workers is not to be brushed aside.

Both Mrs. Kross and Mr. Goldberg were given the floor on personal privilege. Mrs. Kross, declaring that she withdraws her name, argued that it was a question of principle involved in the issue. Similarly, Mr. Goldberg argued that he would not insist on his candidacy were it not for the principle involved. When voices in the audience shouted “Louder, louder,” Mr. Goldberg replied, “I lost my voice yesterday in defense of the Lipsky administration.” Mr. Stone, in urging the election of Mr. Goldberg, termed the insistence of the Hadassah leaders “an assassination on character.”

The issue was finally put to a ballot at the late Tuesday night session, when Mr. Goldberg’s candidacy was defeated by a majority of 20 votes.

The convention adopted the proposal of the Administrative Committee to bring about a merger of all Zionist publications in the English language into one national magazine, including the “New Palestine”, the “Hadassah News Letter” and the “Young Judaea.”

The result of the vote was announced close to adjournment. Miss. Henrietta Szold introduced a note of optimism in the depressed atmosphere of the convention following Mr. Lipsky’s concluding remarks in which he said the convention did not produce what was expected.

Miss Szold expressed her confidence that the new administration and the reforms which it will institute will relieve the crisis in Palestine. “I prophesy one year from today there will be a different story to tell.” she declared. Miss Szold disagreed with Mr. Lipsky’s appraisment of the convention. She also criticized Rabbi Jacob Sonderling for his attack in a preceding address on the new element which is entering into the administration, which he had said could supply money but not soul, which comes from the East European Jews and his description of the present convention as a conflict between Eastern and Western Jews. Miss Szold said the Western Jews also have a soul and a union of the two elements will produce advantageous results.

The report of the American Zion Commonwealth was presented by Samuel J. Rosensohn. He accused Charles Passman, former manager of the Commonwealth, with exceeding his authority, neglect of duty and careless agreements with the Meshek. Judge Rosenblatt replied that the Commonwealth possesses assets of £50,000 over liabilities, the assets consisting partly of lands worth more than the sums paid for them. He also stated that the last acquisition in the Haifa Bav region. consisting of 45,000 dunam and a 25,000 dunam waterfront concession from the government for ninety-nine years is the key to Palestine.

Lawrence Berenson reported on the Palestine Securities, Inc. He stated that the company had a deficit of $39,000. Judge Rosenblatt replied to this that the actual deficity is only $19,000 because $20,000 is due on bonds sold and $19,000 was in the good investment of the good will of the business.

Dr. Schmarya Levine delivered the closing address of the convention, urging the Zionists to keep up their courage and continue in the work of upbuilding Palestine.

A resolution was passed extending to Nathan Straus wishes for his quick recovery from his illness.

Endorsement of the Weizmann policy was expressed in a resolution adopted, in which the American delegation to the forthcoming Zionist Congress was instructed to select the members of the Palestine Zionist Executive not according to party affiliation but according to expert knowledge and ability. Another resolution expressed support of the American Jewish Congress and recommended to each Zionist District to contribute ten cents for each member toward the Congress. The Administrative Committee was also instructed to take steps to organize Zionist units in all parts of the country.

Unveiling of two tablets at the Mount Sinai Sanatorium, near Ste. Agatha des Monts Canada, was held Sunday afternoon. Louis Salomon. President of the Institution, presided at the ceremonies.

Lyon Cohen, one of the honorary presidents of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Montreal, of which the Sanatorium is a constituent society. Michael Hirsch, and Rabbi H. A. Abramowitz were the speakers.