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Leaders Here and Abroad Join in Tribute to Louis Marshall

September 13, 1929
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Leaders in every field of activity, here and abroad, Jewish and non-Jewish, voice their grief at the passing of Louis Marshall and express their admiration for his services to Jewry and humanity at large.

Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson-“I am deeply grieved to learn of the death of Louis Marshall whose high attainments and sterling character have won for him the respect of his fellow citizens at home and of those of foreign nationalities with whom he has labored. His work for the betterment of the conditions of his fellow men regardless of race or creed has been indefatigable. Our country has lost a faithful and loyal citizen whose death will be sincerely mourned.”

Charles G. Dawes, U. S. Ambassador to Great Britain-“Louis Marshall was a constructive force for the good of humanity and his passing is a great loss which will be universally mourned.”

Marquis of Reading-“I am greatly grieved by the death of Mr. Marshall, whose loss, especially at this moment, is of the gravest concern to the community. His passing will be felt not only in America but everywhere, for his stalwart championship and his fine character.”

Lord Melchett-“I heard with profound grief of the death of my friend and colleague, Louis Marshall. His death was a great blow to Jewry and the Jewish Agency, the foundations of which he laid with the most enormous efforts and sacrifices. His memory will always be with us as a tender and noble hearted Jew. He was loved by all who knew him. I only hope there will be another found in the ranks of American Jewry worthy to take his place and assist us in the great and difficult task which lies before us.”

Dr. Chaim Weizmann-“I am overcome by grief. I can hardly find words to express my sorrow at the passing away of the greatest man Jewry had, at a moment when the blow was struck at our Palestine work by the Arab outbreak. Even the tragic Palestine events do not eclipse the sense of disaster that all Jews must feel at the passing of Louis Marshall.”

Dr. Cyrus Adler-“Louis Marshall’s death is so great a personal loss to me that I can hardly trust myself to speak of him. He was the most loyal of friends. America has lost a distinguished citizen and the Jewish people their leader.

“He was a man of powerful intellect, wide and deep knowledge, not only in his own profession but in many fields, a man of profound religious sentiment, and a lover of the fine arts. Lawyers will know better than I how to appraise his legal standing, but he has been referred to on the floor of the Senate of the United States by one of its leaders as “the great constitutional lawyer.” He did innumerable services for the State of New York, sat in three State constitutional conventions, served as chairman of its immigration commission, and in other capacities too numerous to mention.

“Though a busy and successful practitioner of the law, frequently appearing before the higher courts of various states and before the Supreme Court of the United States, his passionate sense of justice led him to take up many causes, sometimes for humble and unknown people, entirely without deriving any advantage or benefit to himself. My own association with him was mainly with regard to Jewish affairs.

“He had a good Jewish knowledge and upbringing and the results of this manifested themselves in the interest he took while still a young man in the Jewish institutions of his native city Syracuse. When he came to New York City, these interests were enlarged and intensified. He came into close association with Jacob H. Schiff in New York and Mayor Sulzberger in Philadelphia, and in many ways was a successor of these two noble men in his devotion to every Jewish cause, though his principal interests were in the promotion of religious education, in defending the rights of Jews throughout the world when they were assailed, and in the alleviation of their suffering.

“I have known him for forty years, and during the last thirty of these, was associated with him in many of these endeavors. He was a life member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, chairman of its executive committee, since 1904 chairman of its board of directors, and was also a governor of the Dropsie College. Through this I was brought in close contact with him on the side of his interest in Judaism and in Jewish learning and education. No professional educator could have been more deeply concerned, and few more fully acquainted with the needs and the methods, in this work; moreover, he was entirely fair and never tried to obtrude his personal views upon the curriculum or faculty of the Seminary. Many and many a time during difficult days he advanced the funds necessary to carry on the Seminary, and he was a friend of all scholars. He was one of the founders of the American Jewish Committee, and for the last sixteen years its president. He never omitted an occasion to defend and protect the rights of the Jewish people whenever they were assailed.

“After the outbreak of the World War, he travelled up and down the land in behalf of the American Jewish Relief Committee, of which he was chairman, and gave unremitting attention to the distribution of the funds through the Joint Distribution Committee of which he was an active member.

“He never shirked a duty, he never wearied in his efforts, he spent himself utterly. He took no thought of his own comfort or recreation and was completely at the service of the Jewish cause.

“Your columns will no doubt recite his many deeds up to the very last, the consummation of the Jewish Agency for Palestine; equally notable was the way in which he fought for the rights of the minorities at the Versailles Conference. He was a man of great vigor and energy, an advocate and a fighter, but he could exhibit, too, softness and sentiment and diplomacy. It is only about a month since we crossed the ocean together with other friends to attend the conference at Zurich. During the three and a half days of this conference he was much before the meeting, and everyone marvelled at the vigor, the energy, the clearness of the voice of this man of seventy-three, hardly to be equalled in a man of fifty.

“The night after the conference closed, a few of us sat together chatting. He was well and comfortable and content that something had been achieved which in his opinion would be to the advantage of the upbuilding of Palestine and would weld the Jewish people into a harmonious unity. And the very next day he was stricken with illness from which, alas, he was not to recover.”

Governor John S. Fisher of Pennsylvania-“The death of Louis Marshall takes from the Jewish people their outstanding leader and from America one of its distinguished citizens. I feel his loss keenly because on the several occasions when we came into contact I learned to admire and respect him. His was a picturesque personality and it will be most difficult to fill his exalted position in the many benevolent movements in which he was such an outstanding figure.”

Mayor James J. Walker-“Mr. Marshall was distinguished not only for his legal attainments but his beneficence and spirit of helpfulness made everybody proud of him. His unfailing interest in public affairs and his civic spirit plus his devotion to the religion of his forefathers set for every American an example worthy of emulation.”

William P. MacCracken, Jr., Secretary, American Bar Association-“It is with a sense of deep regret that I have learned of the death of Louis Marshall who was a prominent member of the American Bar Association. As a lawyer of international repute he rendered high service not only to the cause of justice, but to his country and his race. He exemplified in high degree the ethics and best traditions of his chosen profession.”

Charles H. Strong, Secretary, New York Bar Association-“The organized Bar of the City and State of New York (Continued on Page 6)

“I have known intimately the last seven Presidents of the Association, Wickersham, Ingraham, Mildurn, Byrne. Taft, Guthrie and Hughes and of the official responsibilities that were theirs and I know how every one of them turned with confidence for counsel at critical moment to Louis Marshall.”

Charles Wesley Flint, Chancellor, Syracuse University

-“I was greatly shocked by Mr. Marshall’s death. He was ever loyal to the city of his youth and devoted to the university serving it efficiently without stint, and as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New York State College of Forestry, he promoted the interest of the state and of forestry education in that thorough and efficient way which characterized all he undertook. We will sadly miss him.”

Dr. J. H. Hertz, Chief Rabbi British Empire

-“Louis Marshall was an eminent jurist, trusted leader and patron of Jewish learning. He was a loyal lover and defender of his people. Throughout his life he placed his rare intellectual power and wide-reaching political influence at the service of his brethren in and out of America.

“Mr. Marshall, as a Jewish statesman, whose consuming desire was to serve Jewry, advanced the cause of Judaism. The whole house of Israel may well mourn the passing of this great Jew.”

Louis Lipsky (on board S. S. “Berengaria,” via wireless)-“The report of the death of Louis Marshall comes as a shock to all who saw him in the full vigor of splendid manhood at the Zurich conference of the Jewish Agency. He never, either physically or mentally, showed the burden of his many years. He carried himself with so much assurance, he seemed to feel himself a part of the eternal stream of life, so strong were his Jewish interests and enthusiasms. It is too early to appraise all that Marshall meant in the development of American Jewry. His touch is still felt; his guiding hand is still in control. But this may be said now. He was a personality of great distinction. He occupied a high position because of what he gave to his people. He was a sturdy advocate, an uncompromising for of all his people’s enemies, and he was always true to his nature which had in it simple but lasting affections and sympathies and great nobility of expression.”

Dr. Stephen S. Wise (on board S. S. “Berengaria,” via wireless)-” ‘A great Jew’ will be the instinctive tribute of millions of his fellow Jews throughout the world. No less will it be the ultimate verdict upon Louis Marshall’s life. He was great in his devotion to his people’s cause; he was great in his resolution to right his people’s wrongs; he was great in his resistless passions to secure justice for his fellow Jews in all lands. Let the timorous and the time-serving learn from Marshall’s life that a Jew is enriched and not impoverished, greatened and not lessened by the glad affirmation of his faith, by his unafraid loyalty to his people’s cause.”

Morris Rothenberg, Vice-President of the Zionist Organization (on board S. S. “Berengaria,” via wireless)-“A truly great and noble life has come to an end. Louis Marshall, as an American citizen, a Jewish leader, a lawyer, a humanitarian, represented the finest attainment of human character. His service was so rich and varied as to be incalculable to his own people. He was a tower of strength for generations. His extraordinary life came to an end in a blaze of glory. His last achievement in uniting world Jewry for the upbuilding of Palestine will remain an eternal monument to his name. Israel has suffered a heavy blow. The whole of Jewry mourns at his bier.”

Meyer W. Weisgal, Editor of “The New Palestine” (on board S. S. Berengaria,” via wireless)-“To those who participated in the meeting of the Council of the Jewish Agency in Zurich, it seems almost impossible to imagine that Louis Marshall, co-creator of Jewish unity, whose personality dominated that historic gathering, is no more among the living. He had ascended to the top of the mountain to look over the Promised Land, and he died, died in the service of his people. His death like his life which he dedicated to his people, is a challenge to us to carry on the flag of Jewish consciousness that he unfurled at Zurich. The work that we achieve will be the monument by which he will be remembered.”

Vladimir Jabotinsky-“A most remarkable man, a very beautiful spirit, one of the embodiments of Jewish youth, I consider his death as a great blow to American Jewry and also to all those suffering co-religionists in eastern Europe for whose relief Louis Marshall has worked with such devotion.”

Bishop William T. Manning-“In the death of Louis Marshall the Jewish people lose one of their ablest, wisest and most trusted leaders, and the City of New York one of its most influential and useful citizens. By his ability, his high character and his public spirit. Mr. Marshall had won a place such as few men hold and he will be sorely missed from the life of our great city.”

Alfred M. Cohen, President Independent Order B’nai B’rith-“A great man-a great Jew-has gone the way of all flesh. It is difficult to realize that Louis Marshall, vigorous and virile champion of the oppressed and underprivileged is cold in death.

“How strange it will be in future Jewish gatherings with Louis Marshall not present! Everywhere he went, he was a leader. He commanded not because he willed so. Jewish causes were inestimably valuable to him. He threw himself into the breach with might and main wherever a Jew was imperiled. His ability was of the highest order and he gave of it unstintedly and unreserverly. He dealt sledge hammer blows when he believed they were called for, yet his nature was kindly and beneficent. To recount his appearances in behalf of the Jews and of others whose rights were assailed within the compass of a brief testimonial is utterly impossible. On both sides of the ocean he was regarded as one of the valiant defenders of the Jew in every crisis.

“All Israel is his debtor. The weight of their obligation will more clearly appear as time recedes. Truly his memory is for blessing.

“Life’s race well run; life’s work well done; life’s victory won. Now cometh rest.”

Rabbi Louis Finkelstein, President, Rabbinical Assembly-“The terrible news of the passing of Louis Marshall will come as a severe shock to all members of the Rabbinical Assembly. Together with American Jews we had come to regard him as our natural leader, but perhaps we feel his loss more than others because of the great debt we, as graduates of the Jewish Theological Seminary owe him for his indefatigable efforts in behalf of the institution of whose board of directors he was chairman. He combined with remarkable energy a spiritual outlook on life and intense Judaism, reminiscent of the great lay leaders of the past. It is tragic his end should come just when he brought the organization of the Jewish Agency to a successful conclusion. It remains for us to carry on in his spirit the work he so well began and to which he gave himself so unremittingly in spite of his advancing years.”

Judge Horace Stern, Philadelphia, Pa.-“Louis Marshall’s death creates not only a personal void in my life but leaves me with a sense of bewilderment. The Jewish people have lost their greatest general. His colossal ability and militant energy compelled admiration, his humanitarianism and purity of heart, the love of those fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity of peering into his soul. He truly died on Nebo, with the Promised Land within his spiritual vision.”

Henry Morgenthau-“Louis Marshall’s death deprives the Jews of their most eminent and painstaking leader. His vigilance on behalf of our people can hardly be equalled by any one, and his many years of devotion to our (Continued on Page 7)

Mrs. Sol Rosenbloom-“The death of Louis Marshall is a distinct blow to me. The late Mr. Rosenbloom was associated with him in many communal activities. His inspiration to all who came within his influence was stimulating. The Jewish community at this time, in the light of the sad events that have transpired in Palestine, will miss his wise counsel and judgment greatly. I feel a deep sense of personal loss which I can inadequately express.”

Nathan D. Shapiro, President of the Brooklyn Federation of Jewish Charities-“Brooklyn mourns its great loss with the rest of the world. Louis Marshall is no longer with us, but his name and his accomplishments will live with us forever.

“In the death of Mr. Marshall, American Jewry has lost its leader and foremost member. He was thoroughly Jewish, as well as American, and died while in the actual service of the Jews of the whole world.”

Joseph C. Hyman, Secretary, Joint Distribution Committee-“I am inexpressibly saddened at the news of Mr. Marshall’s passing away. It is difficult to believe that this great American, this great Jew, is no more. Only a few weeks ago I saw him in the fullness of all his powers and vigor at Zurich, where he had consummated the crowning achievement of his career-the unification of the House of Israel. He was truly the Tribune of his people. Through him the conscience and ideals of Jewry were made articulate. His name was revered and beloved in every land. In Eastern Europe, where this summer I had the opportunity to meet men and women and children of every type and kind, there was one name that always stood out with affection and with pride-Louis Marshall. Everywhere he was acknowledged the leader of his people. Everywhere the Jews are irreparably poorer for his loss, for his place cannot be taken. It was my privilege to work with him in the activities of the Joint Distribution Committee, where through his indomitable courage, his profound understanding and the inspiration of his leadership, he always exerted his great powers toward a continuance of the work of mercy and reconstruction in behalf of the weak and the down-trodden Jews of Eastern Europe. His was a wondrous personality and genius and power for good. He has bequeathed us an imperishable memory and inspiration.”

Elihu D. Stone, Boston-“At this time, at a time of strife and struggle, when Palestine is again being sanctified by the blood of our martyrs, the leadership of Louis Marshall was needed more than ever. However, we shall hear his voice from the grave. He will be reborn through his death. From his life, from his deeds, sacrifices and achievements, posterity will derive inspiration for the purpose of going onward and forward to complete the great things which were so nobly begun by him.”

Congressman Emanuel Celler-“The death of Louis Marshall is indeed a sad blow to Jews the world over. He was a very fierce champion of constitutional rights and nestor of Amercian citizenship, a patriarch of American Jewry. In the words of the great Jewish prophet Micah: ‘He did justice, loved mercy and walked humbly before his God’.”

Louis E. Kirstein-“The death of Louis Marshall is a great blow not alone to the Jews but to the lowly and oppressed minorities everywhere. One does not need to await the passage of time to assess his great service in all humanitarian causes. We had come to rely upon him for so much that it is hard at the moment to contemplate how we shall carry on without him.”

William Fox-“It is with the deepest sorrow that I have learned of the death of Louis Marshall, whose friendship I have always cherished. His great intellectual and spiritual gifts made him an outstanding figure in American life. His passing is a keen loss to all of his many friends throughout the world. In the death of Louis Marshall, the Jews of the world have lost their greatest champion.”

David N. Mosessohn-“In the passing of Louis Marshall, mankind is bereft of an able and valiant defender of the civil and religious rights of all people. His life was in every aspect the true fulfillment of a great leader. America was the fortunate land of his birth, and Judaism the blessed field of his faith, yet he dispensed of his invaluable gifts to men of all nations, regardless of rank or creed. Now that the inevitable has taken him from our midst, we can find no words to eulogize him fitly. As it has been said of Abraham Lincoln, ‘He now belongs to the ages’.”

Bernard Semel-“It is impossible for one who has had the rare privilege of working with Mr. Marshall in the cause of Jewry, as I have had, to give expression at this tragic moment to one’s grief and sense of loss. Mr. Marshall’s strength of intellect and wisdom were only equalled by the greatness of his heart and soul and the charm of his personality. I recall especially his profound interest and concern in the cause of Jewish education. Any appeal in behalf of this cause which we of the Jewish Education Association addressed to him always found him ready. In the inspiring addresses he delivered at the annual functions of the Association he invariably described Jewish education as the most fundamental need of the American Jewish community. Louis Marshall had the gift of ennobling every cause which he touched. He ennobled the name of Jew in the sight of all the world.”

Estelle M. Sternberger-“The passing of Mr. Marshall takes from American Jewry and world Jewry a man whose counsel and sympathy and support were always a source of strength and inspiration. Jewish womanhood found in him a devoted champion.”

J. D. C. VOICES GRIEF

At a special meeting of the Joint Distribution Committee, the following resolution was adopted:

“Louis Marshall has been gathered to his fathers.

“For many years we have leaned upon the great strength that was in him.

“We have heeded the clear call of his voice, raised for the weary and the suffering.

“We have gained stimulus and inspiration from the great soul, the warm heart that beat ever in sympathy for the downtrodden and persecuted.

“We have tried to follow upon the great heights toward which his lofty purpose, his rugged courage, his unswerving dedication to the service of mankind always led him.

“We mourn the loss of leader, friend, counsellor and co-worker.

“His life was dedicated to the highest ideals of Judaism and humanity. Strength, courage and wisdom marked all his undertakings.

“His voice is stilled. The Tribune of his people is no more, but his memory and inspiration will ever consecrate us to carry on the work to which he gave himself.”

CONGRESS CALLS LOSS IRREPARABLE

The Administrative Committee of the American Jewish Congress, at a special meeting, adopted the following resolution on the death of Louis Marshall:

“In the death of Louis Marshall American Jewry and Israel throughout the world suffers an irreparable and unparalleled loss. Distinguished leader and spokesman of the Jewish people, eloquent champion and defender of the oppressed everywhere, relentless for of all forms of racial prejudice and intolerance, noble promoter of many philanthropic and educational activities, tireless communal worker, equally devoted to the highest ethical ideals of Judaism and American institutions, illustrious representative of his chosen profession, generous helper of the destitute and unfortunate, his life and labors were an inspiration to his brethren in race and faith as well as to fellow-Americans throughout the community.

“Supporter of Jewish study and scholarship, lover of literature and the arts, friend of the preservation of ancient, Jewish cultural and spiritual values, himself a thorough-going student and master of all the intricate problems associated with Jewish life, Mr. Marshall’s private benefactions and public activities left an indelible imprint upon the modern annals of Jewry.

“Workers for the full political eman- (Continued on Page 8)

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

“The National Council of Jewish Women deeply mourns the passing of Louis Marshall, whose leadership in some of the most critical hours affecting world Jewry, has brought hope, encouragement and succor to millions of our people. His name is one that will be enshrined in our hearts as a challenge to engage courageously and untiringly in every work that is for the weal and enlightenment of the Jews throughout the world. As a citizen, he offers an unforgettable standard of what each and every one of us owes to our country. He was the noblest among the noble in Israel; a prophet fearlessly calling his people to its duty; a stout-hearted champion of causes that won his conscientious support and belief, and a citizen whose deeds served as foundation stones for building a greater American democracy.”

CANADIAN ZIONISTS CABLE CONDOLENCES TO AGENCY

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