Our Daily News Letter

(By Our London Correspondent)

To those who are familiar with the important role played by Jews in British politics, as exemplified only recently by the successful termination of Lord Reading’s term as Viceroy of India and Sir Herbert Samuel’s mediation of the general strike, it may be a surprise to be told that there are only a handful of Jews in the House of Lords–the Marquis of Reading, Lord Rothschild, Lord Swaythling, Lord Michelham, Lord Bearsted, Lord Jessel — and only about a dozen in the House of Commons.

One of the Jews on the front Government bench is Mr. A. M. Samuel, who hails from Norwich, and it is interesting to note that it was Mr. Robert Grant, then member from Norwich, who in 1830 originally moved for leave to bring in a Bill to allow British-born Jews to enjoy all the rights of the British subject without having to profess the religion of the State. It was on this motion that Macaulay delivered his maiden speech — a powerful plea for emancipation.

Lord Bearsted is now the first Viscount of Maidstone. That was one of the first constituencies ever contested by a Jew and he — Mr. David Salomons — made history. Although unsuccessful at Maidstone, he was elected for Greenwich in 1851 — for although a professing member of his faith could not then sit in the House of Commons, there was nothing to prevent the electorate from selecting him. He presented himself at the table in order to take the oath, but he declined to pronounce the then obligatory words, “On the true faith of a Christian.” He was ordered to withdraw, and he obeyed — but only temporarily. The circumstances were interesting.

Major Astor, the giant member for Dover in 1924, voted in a division without taking the oath, thereby forfeiting his seat — there was a by-election — and rendering himself liable for a penalty of £500. Well, Mr. David Salomons did wittingly what Major Astor did unwittingly.

A fellow member of the House asked the Government whether they would sue him for the penalties provided by the Act if Mr. Salomons took his seat without taking the oath. Lord John Russell replied in the negative. So Mr. Salomons, to the general disconcertment, calmly walked into the House and sat down. There was an uproar. What was to be done with this quiet and respectable gentleman, who claimed to be where he was at the bidding of his constituents?

Matters were complicated by the fact that probably a majority of the House of Commons thought the restriction ridiculous, and on many occasions had so decided. It was the House of Lords that always imposed a blank negative to the wishes in this matter of the Lower House. All that could be done was to debate the matter, and on the many amendments and motions that were moved, Mr. Salomons gaily voted. Eventually the Speaker ordered Mr. Salomons to withdraw. Mr. Salomons in effect answered politely that they had better throw him out — and this theoretically they did. But Mr. Salomons had virtually won his battle and emancipation was carried shortly afterwards.

Even before Mr. Salomons began his battle the City of Lendon had begun electing Rothschilds to the House of Commons, and their connection with that assembly had only recently been broken.

Similarly, the Disraeli connection was broken only when Mr. Coningsby Disraeli ceased to be a member in 1906. This nephew of the great Benjamin — he is a son of Mr. Ralph Disraeli, who was clerk of the House of Commons — still lives in the family manor of Hughenden.

With no Rothschilds and no Disraelis in the House of Commons we must look to what is virtually a younger parliamentary generation of Jews. Sir Philip Sassoon does, however, continue the tradition of his father, who represented the same constituency — Hythe.

Major Brunel Cohen’s name has been prominent during the past week in connection with the meetings of the British Legion, of which he is honorary treasurer. He is a nephew of Sir Herbert Samuel. In the House of Commons he specializes in putting forward the case of the ex-service men, and always speaks from a sitting position — he had the misfortune to lose both his legs in the war — from the corner seat by the Bar.

NEW YORK UNITED JEWISH CAMPAIGN TOTALS $6,775,456

Acting Chairman David M. Bressler announced that since the official closing of the United Jewish Campaign on May 24th, $119,456 in additional contributions have been received, bringing the total up to $6,775,456. The New York “drive,” which was for a $6,000,000 quota, ended with a total of $6,656,000.

A number of trade division chairmen, M. Bressler said, are still canvassing their industries and propose to carry on throughout the summer.

Mr. Bressler said that he expected that the fund will be further augmented by the receipts from the Theatrical Field and Sports Day, which is to be given by the Amusement Industry Division of the Campaign at the Polo Grounds on June 27th.

Among the recent contributions are one for $139.50 from the patients of the Hospital for Joint Discases, $1,500 from George Sidney, comedian, $50 from Bella Baker, and $500 from the proceeds of the Soccer game at the Polo Grounds in which the Hakoah players participated.

A prize fear proficiency in otology was awarded to Miss Bettina Warburg. daughter of Paul M. Warburg, at the graduation exercises of Cornell Medical College. Ten of the 63 students to receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine are Jewish.