Camilien Houde, mayor of Montreal and leader of the Provincial opposition, has come out with a demand for the repeal of the Jewish school bill which gives the local Jews the right to create a separate Jewish school system if no understanding can be reached during the year with the Protestant School Board. A Jewish school commission of seven, appointed in accordance with the bill, is now negotiating with the Protestant School Board.
Addressing a local gathering, Mayor Houde said, “A new school problem has arisen in this Province. Certain people think that the Provincial government exceeded its powers when it granted school privileges to a minority group. As a matter of fact it has gone beyond its powers. Premier Tascherau has refused his confidence to the Council on Public Instruction, claiming he can do better than our educators.”
The Mayor pointed out that when the Jewish school bill came up in the Provincial parliament the opposition presented an amendment suggesting that the matter be referred back to the Council on Public Instruction but it was defeated. In the name of the party of which he is the leader, Mayor Houde said he asked for the “repeal of that legislation” and he will also ask that it be referred back to the Council on Public Instruction with the understanding that the parliament act in accordance with the recommendations of that body in the matter.
The Mayor emphasized that he did not intend to undertake an anti-Semitic campaign but on the contrary condemned the campaign being waged by the anti-Semitic papers as being likely to cause animosity between the races. Nevertheless his demand for the repeal of the Jewish school bill is considered a capitulation to the demands of the anti-Semitic press.
The Council on Public Instruction to whom Mayor Houde would turn over the Jewish school bill consists mainly of clergymen and Jews are excluded. If the demand of the opposition as voiced by Mayor Houde is acceded to the Jews would have no voice in matters pertaining to the education of their children.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
