CHAPTER XXXIII.1873.
ADDRESS TO THE CZAR ON THE OCCASION OF THE MARRIAGE OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH—THE CZAR'S REPLY—DEATH OF SIR MOSES' SISTER, MRS COHEN—SIR MOSES READS HIS OWN OBITUARY—HE RESIGNS HIS OFFICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DEPUTIES.
THE Board of Deputies of British Jews, on the occasion of the betrothal of the Duke of Edinburgh to the Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia, voted an address of congratulation to the Emperor of Russia. Sir Moses, as President of the Board, himself offered to take the address to St Petersburg and present it to the Emperor in person, but Count Brunnow, on becoming acquainted with Sir Moses' intention, persuaded him not to undergo the fatigue of travelling, and the journey was reluctantly abandoned. His Excellency himself forwarded the address to the Emperor.
Monsieur de Westmann, acknowledging the receipt of the address in the name of the Emperor, wrote to Count Brunnow as follows:—
"Les sentiments dont cette adresse contient l'expression, dans une circonstance si chère au cœur de Sa Majesté Impériale, L'ont profondément touchée. Elle a été particulièrement sensible au désir manifesté par Sir Moses Montefiore de se rendre lui-même en Russie, pour être l'organe des felicitations de ses co-religionnaires. Sa Majesté Impériale n'a pu qu'approuver l'attention que vous avez eue d'epargner à Sir Moses Montefiore les fatigues d'un si long voyage. Elle m'a donné l'ordre exprès de lui faire parvenir ses remercîments par l'intermédiaire de Votre Excellence et de l'assurer qu'ayant conservé le meilleur souvenir du séjour de Sir Moses à St Petersbourg, Elle maintient invariablement les dispositions bien-veillantes qu'Elle lui a témoignées tant pour lui personnellement que pour ses co-religionnaires, dont il a plaidé la cause avec tant de chaleureux dévouement."Veuillez, Monsieur le Comte, faire part à Sir Moses Montefiore de ces sentiments de notre Auguste Maître et recevez, &c."
"Les sentiments dont cette adresse contient l'expression, dans une circonstance si chère au cœur de Sa Majesté Impériale, L'ont profondément touchée. Elle a été particulièrement sensible au désir manifesté par Sir Moses Montefiore de se rendre lui-même en Russie, pour être l'organe des felicitations de ses co-religionnaires. Sa Majesté Impériale n'a pu qu'approuver l'attention que vous avez eue d'epargner à Sir Moses Montefiore les fatigues d'un si long voyage. Elle m'a donné l'ordre exprès de lui faire parvenir ses remercîments par l'intermédiaire de Votre Excellence et de l'assurer qu'ayant conservé le meilleur souvenir du séjour de Sir Moses à St Petersbourg, Elle maintient invariablement les dispositions bien-veillantes qu'Elle lui a témoignées tant pour lui personnellement que pour ses co-religionnaires, dont il a plaidé la cause avec tant de chaleureux dévouement.
"Veuillez, Monsieur le Comte, faire part à Sir Moses Montefiore de ces sentiments de notre Auguste Maître et recevez, &c."
During the next three months the serious illness of his sister, Mrs Cohen, caused Sir Moses great anxiety. All the time hecould spare from official duties he passed by her side, trying to alleviate her sufferings, and to cheer her by his conversation. But the dread decree had gone forth, and in spite of all that was done for her, she succumbed to the malady. On the 29th of October we read the following entry in Sir Moses' Diary:—
"It has pleased the God of our fathers to relieve my dearly beloved sister from all suffering. She was called to eternal glory this morning at seven o'clock, expiring without a sigh, passing from earth to Heaven most peaceably in a sound sleep. Oh, may my end be like hers! Peace be to her soul! 'The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.'
"It is a sad loss to me. She was the youngest of nine children. I, the oldest, by the mercy of God, still remain, I hope for the purpose of doing some good.
"May God comfort my dear sister's children, bless and preserve them. Amen."
October 31st.—"My dear sister," he says, "looks calm and happy, free from all pain. God rest her soul! The coffin had a covering of a neatly-made glass." "My sister," he continues, "desired to be clothed in the gown and cap I gave her as a present on the New Year.
"November 4th.—Her mortal remains were taken to the grave this morning. There was a very numerous attendance of friends. I was too weak to follow to the grave."
During the seven days of mourning he received a great many visits of condolence. He sometimes felt poorly, had a cough, and his hand was unsteady for writing, but, "Thanks to the God of our fathers," he says, "My head is clear." "May God's blessing continue to me now and evermore. Amen."
November 27th.—The entry in his Diary reads as follows:—"I feel very weak and low, but have had great pleasure to-day by the receipt of a most kind and pleasing letter from His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, written last evening immediately on his return from a visit with Mrs Tait and their family to my dear Judith College, where they had passed more than two hours.
"Believing the perusal of the letter would be pleasing to our esteemed Chief Rabbi, I have sent it to him."
The following is a copy of this letter:—
"Stonehouse, St Peter's, Thanet,November26, 1873."My dear Sir Moses,—I have just now returned from a most interesting visit with Mrs Tait and all my family to the College near your house. I must write a few lines to thank you for your kindness in arranging for our reception. Dr Loewe was most kind in explaining to us all the various objects of interest and treasures accumulated in the College."I beg to thank you for the kind presents of the report on the famine in Persia, of the statutes of the College, and of a copy of the Shah's letter."It is a cause of much regret to us that you should have suffered the affliction which has lately visited you, and which has prevented us from seeing you during our stay here. My son especially was most anxious to express to you personally how much he feels indebted for the letters of introduction with which you furnished him for his late visit to the East."Trusting that God may long preserve your life, and that He may keep you and guide you in all your ways.—I am, my dear Sir Moses, very faithfully yours,"A. C.Cantuar."
"Stonehouse, St Peter's, Thanet,
November26, 1873.
"My dear Sir Moses,—I have just now returned from a most interesting visit with Mrs Tait and all my family to the College near your house. I must write a few lines to thank you for your kindness in arranging for our reception. Dr Loewe was most kind in explaining to us all the various objects of interest and treasures accumulated in the College.
"I beg to thank you for the kind presents of the report on the famine in Persia, of the statutes of the College, and of a copy of the Shah's letter.
"It is a cause of much regret to us that you should have suffered the affliction which has lately visited you, and which has prevented us from seeing you during our stay here. My son especially was most anxious to express to you personally how much he feels indebted for the letters of introduction with which you furnished him for his late visit to the East.
"Trusting that God may long preserve your life, and that He may keep you and guide you in all your ways.—I am, my dear Sir Moses, very faithfully yours,
"A. C.Cantuar."
Whilst His Grace was proposing and drinking the health of Sir Moses in the College, and the latter at East Cliff was expressing his gratification at the visit of the Archbishop to the College, the people in Ramsgate were lamenting the supposed sudden death of Sir Moses. Indeed,The Kent Coast Times, Thursday, November 27, 1873, had a paragraph to that effect. Sir Moses, on being told of it, and having subsequently read that paragraph himself, said, pleasantly, "Thank God to have been able to hear of the rumour, and read an account of the same with my own eyes, without using spectacles."
April 16th.—The representatives of the several Hebrew congregations in Jerusalem addressed a sorrowful letter to Sir Moses respecting a famine which threatened to destroy the lives of many inhabitants in the Holy City.
"A wet and stormy season at its beginning ruined the prospects of the early crops, which should have been reaped on the plains of Sharon towards Jaffa and down the Ghor, the Jordan Valley, and around Jericho. In ordinary times ample food is obtained from these wide plains, but this year the Jordan flooded its banks, and all about Ramlah on the western side of the hills was a swamp. The consequence has been famine, actual famine, and in deep distress the Jews of Jerusalem utter a cry of anguish to their well-tried friend."
Sir Moses gave publicity to the letter he had received, andseveral daily papers had leading articles on the subject. He and others did all they could to alleviate the distress, but seeing how often similar calamities befel the people in the Holy Land, he wished to ascertain from the best informed and most trustworthy persons in that country the best means of securing for them some permanent help either in the direction of agriculture or mechanical work or some suitable business. Accordingly Sir Moses addressed the Háhám Báshi and the representatives of the several Hebrew congregations in Jerusalem.
"It has ever been my earnest desire," he writes, "since I first had the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the state of great poverty and distress that prevailed among you, to ameliorate your condition and cause salvation to spring forth in the Holy Land by means of industrial pursuits, such as agriculture, mechanical work, or some suitable business, so as to enable both the man who is not qualified for study, but fully able (by his physical strength) to work as well as the student, who, prompted by a desire to maintain himself by the labour of his hands, may be willing to devote the day to the work necessary for the support of his family, and part of the night to the study of the Law of God, to find the means of an honourable living."Already in the years 5599 and 5626 I entreated you to assist me with your wise and judicious counsel, and begged of you to point out to me the right path. I then forwarded to you statistical and agricultural forms to enable you to record therein all the information required, and you most cheerfully complied with my request, and gave me all the particulars referring to these subjects."I on my part made known to all my friends and acquaintances the information I received from you; but, unfortunately, from various causes I met with little success in asking for assistance to carry out this great work, and your condition remained the same as before."Having again this year noticed all the troubles and hardships you had to undergo from scarcity of bread, and from want of means to procure it, I thought I would again try to ascertain whether any of your suggestions regarding the best mode of ameliorating your condition, either by agriculture or by mechanical work, within or without the house, or some suitable business pursuits, if clearly and distinctly set forth to our brethren, might not, under present circumstances, be more favourably received, and induce them more readily to hasten with their succour to a most deserving class of people, so as to procure lasting comfort among you."Let me therefore entreat you to fully acquaint me with your views on this subject: point out to me what I am to do in order to hasten thereby the cause of bringing salvation into the land. Consider well which is the proper path, appearing most clearly to you, to produce the remedy you stand in need of."By doing so you will comply with the wishes of your brethren, who love and kiss, as it were, the dust of the Holy Land."Be strong and of good courage. Do not say 'Our words are of no avail,' but send speedily a reply to him who holds you in great esteem, and prays for the welfare of his people."
"It has ever been my earnest desire," he writes, "since I first had the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the state of great poverty and distress that prevailed among you, to ameliorate your condition and cause salvation to spring forth in the Holy Land by means of industrial pursuits, such as agriculture, mechanical work, or some suitable business, so as to enable both the man who is not qualified for study, but fully able (by his physical strength) to work as well as the student, who, prompted by a desire to maintain himself by the labour of his hands, may be willing to devote the day to the work necessary for the support of his family, and part of the night to the study of the Law of God, to find the means of an honourable living.
"Already in the years 5599 and 5626 I entreated you to assist me with your wise and judicious counsel, and begged of you to point out to me the right path. I then forwarded to you statistical and agricultural forms to enable you to record therein all the information required, and you most cheerfully complied with my request, and gave me all the particulars referring to these subjects.
"I on my part made known to all my friends and acquaintances the information I received from you; but, unfortunately, from various causes I met with little success in asking for assistance to carry out this great work, and your condition remained the same as before.
"Having again this year noticed all the troubles and hardships you had to undergo from scarcity of bread, and from want of means to procure it, I thought I would again try to ascertain whether any of your suggestions regarding the best mode of ameliorating your condition, either by agriculture or by mechanical work, within or without the house, or some suitable business pursuits, if clearly and distinctly set forth to our brethren, might not, under present circumstances, be more favourably received, and induce them more readily to hasten with their succour to a most deserving class of people, so as to procure lasting comfort among you.
"Let me therefore entreat you to fully acquaint me with your views on this subject: point out to me what I am to do in order to hasten thereby the cause of bringing salvation into the land. Consider well which is the proper path, appearing most clearly to you, to produce the remedy you stand in need of.
"By doing so you will comply with the wishes of your brethren, who love and kiss, as it were, the dust of the Holy Land.
"Be strong and of good courage. Do not say 'Our words are of no avail,' but send speedily a reply to him who holds you in great esteem, and prays for the welfare of his people."
To this letter Sir Moses received replies from the congregations of Jerusalem, Jaffa, Safed, Tiberias, Haiffa, giving full particularsrespecting the matters to which he had referred, and these letters he subsequently submitted to the Palestine Committee of the London Committee of Deputies of the British Jews. At the end of May the Board of Deputies of British Jews sent a deputation to Sir Moses to again request his acceptance of the Presidency over that body. Sir Moses was very reluctant to accept duties which the state of his health might not permit him adequately to fulfil, but the solicitations of the deputation prevailed upon him, and putting his trust in God to help him, he again accepted the honourable office.
During this year the Fishmongers' Company of London held a meeting, at which, on the motion of the Prime-Warden, Mr W. C. Venning, the freedom of the Company was unanimously voted to Sir Moses; and at the end of June a deputation from the Company, headed by the Prime-Warden, came to Ramsgate to present the document to him, enclosed in a golden casket of beautiful workmanship.
July 1st.—He had the honour of being graciously invited by Her Majesty the Queen to an evening party at Buckingham Palace, but was prevented by indisposition from availing himself of it.
July 6th.—"I should have been pleased," Sir Moses writes in his Diary, "had I been strong enough to go to London. I feel a deep interest in the question now under consideration of the London Committee of British Jews, for assisting our brethren to cultivate land in Palestine. I am confident if capital could be raised for the purpose, the people, the country, and the contributors would all be greatly benefited by the work. I should suggest that a million sterling should be obtained by 1,000,000 of £1 subscriptions, and I believe I could obtain, within one year, that sum for the purpose from the Jews in the four quarters of the globe."
July 26th.—"I feel deep anxiety on the subject of the projected scheme for agriculture in the Holy Land. I would suggest that a committee should be sent to Jerusalem, Safed, Tiberias, and Hebron to report. I should be willing to accompany the commissioners at my own expense, should it be the desire of the Board of Deputies."
August 4th.—Finding his health failing, he resolved to resign the Presidency of the Board. His nephew, Mr Joseph M. Montefiore,came down to him, and Sir Moses acquainted him with his wish. Before he left, Sir Moses read to him the letter which he afterwards posted to him as Vice-President of the Board, and of which the following is a copy:—
"East Cliff Lodge, Ramsgate,"August 4th, 5634 (1874)."My Dear Joseph Mayer Montefiore,—It is with unaffected pain that I have to place in your hands my resignation of the Presidentship of the London Committee of Deputies of the British Jews."The considerations which have urged this step have reference to my state of health, which is, unfortunately, such as utterly to preclude that unremitting attention on my part to the duties of the office which their responsible nature demands."In retiring from a post which it has been my distinguished privilege to occupy during a lengthened period, I can only assure you that I do so with great regret, and with every earnest wish that, under your able direction, the Board may long continue to exercise its powerful influence for the good of the community, and that every blessing may be enjoyed by yourself and those esteemed friends who represent so worthily the congregations of this kingdom.—I have the honour to be, my dear Joseph Mayer Montefiore, yours very truly,Moses Montefiore."
"East Cliff Lodge, Ramsgate,"August 4th, 5634 (1874).
"My Dear Joseph Mayer Montefiore,—It is with unaffected pain that I have to place in your hands my resignation of the Presidentship of the London Committee of Deputies of the British Jews.
"The considerations which have urged this step have reference to my state of health, which is, unfortunately, such as utterly to preclude that unremitting attention on my part to the duties of the office which their responsible nature demands.
"In retiring from a post which it has been my distinguished privilege to occupy during a lengthened period, I can only assure you that I do so with great regret, and with every earnest wish that, under your able direction, the Board may long continue to exercise its powerful influence for the good of the community, and that every blessing may be enjoyed by yourself and those esteemed friends who represent so worthily the congregations of this kingdom.—I have the honour to be, my dear Joseph Mayer Montefiore, yours very truly,
Moses Montefiore."
I now quote from the Board's First Annual Report of its proceedings to its constituents, Session 5634, p. 9.
"Considering Sir Moses Montefiore's lengthened association with the Board, his exalted character, his potent influence in the councils of monarchs and of ministers, and the rare judgment and tact which he exhibited in directing the affairs of the Board, the Deputies contemplated with deep concern and regret the possibility of his retirement from their body."
Earnest efforts were again made to induce him to alter his determination, but unfortunately without avail, and, bearing in mind Sir Moses' advanced age, and that he had retired on the ground of failing health, it was felt it would not be right to persuade him further to retain an office involving at times arduous and responsible duties.
In parting with its venerated President, the Board expressed its sentiments in the following resolutions, which, being engrossed on vellum and emblazoned, were signed by every Deputy, and presented to him.
"Resolved unanimously—"That this Board accept with profound regret the resignation by Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart., F.R.S., of the office of President, which he has held with so much honour and distinction since the year 1841."That during that long and eventful period this Board has had the proudsatisfaction of co-operating with Sir Moses Montefiore in many of his numerous benevolent undertakings in the cause of civilization and humanity."That by his unremitting and successful efforts on behalf of the weak and persecuted, Sir Moses Montefiore has kindled a spirit of enlightenment and toleration in foreign countries, which has already led to a material improvement in the condition of oppressed nationalities."That by these means Sir Moses Montefiore has acquired for himself a glorious and imperishable renown, and the enduring gratitude of his co-religionists."That this Board will ever cherish the remembrance of its association with Sir Moses Montefiore, whose wise and discreet counsels have prompted the efficiency and success of its labours, and whose uniform urbanity and kindliness of manners have won for him the affectionate regard and admiration of his colleagues."That it is the earnest wish of every member of this Board that Sir Moses Montefiore may yet enjoy many years of happiness and repose, cheered by the consciousness of having devoted himself to the promotion of the welfare and prosperity of his fellow-creatures."(Signed) [Members of the Board.]""It was still felt," the Board reports, "that something more was required to satisfy the feelings of affection and gratitude entertained by the Board and its constituents towards Sir Moses Montefiore."A Committee was therefore appointed to consider and report as to the best mode of recording his long and valuable services in a permanent and useful form. It was thought, moreover, that our co-religionists in all parts of the world would gladly seize the opportunity of acknowledging the invaluable services rendered by Sir Moses Montefiore in vindicating on so many memorable occasions the rights of our brethren, and in protecting and assisting the suffering and oppressed, without distinction of creeds or nationality."
"Resolved unanimously—
"That this Board accept with profound regret the resignation by Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart., F.R.S., of the office of President, which he has held with so much honour and distinction since the year 1841.
"That during that long and eventful period this Board has had the proudsatisfaction of co-operating with Sir Moses Montefiore in many of his numerous benevolent undertakings in the cause of civilization and humanity.
"That by his unremitting and successful efforts on behalf of the weak and persecuted, Sir Moses Montefiore has kindled a spirit of enlightenment and toleration in foreign countries, which has already led to a material improvement in the condition of oppressed nationalities.
"That by these means Sir Moses Montefiore has acquired for himself a glorious and imperishable renown, and the enduring gratitude of his co-religionists.
"That this Board will ever cherish the remembrance of its association with Sir Moses Montefiore, whose wise and discreet counsels have prompted the efficiency and success of its labours, and whose uniform urbanity and kindliness of manners have won for him the affectionate regard and admiration of his colleagues.
"That it is the earnest wish of every member of this Board that Sir Moses Montefiore may yet enjoy many years of happiness and repose, cheered by the consciousness of having devoted himself to the promotion of the welfare and prosperity of his fellow-creatures.
"(Signed) [Members of the Board.]"
"It was still felt," the Board reports, "that something more was required to satisfy the feelings of affection and gratitude entertained by the Board and its constituents towards Sir Moses Montefiore.
"A Committee was therefore appointed to consider and report as to the best mode of recording his long and valuable services in a permanent and useful form. It was thought, moreover, that our co-religionists in all parts of the world would gladly seize the opportunity of acknowledging the invaluable services rendered by Sir Moses Montefiore in vindicating on so many memorable occasions the rights of our brethren, and in protecting and assisting the suffering and oppressed, without distinction of creeds or nationality."
Sir Moses was invited by the Board to indicate the nature of the memorial which would be most congenial to his own feelings, and, when a deputation from the Board awaited upon him at Park Lane, he at once recommended works for the improvement of the condition of the Jews of the Holy Land.
It had happened that during the session Colonel Gawler, F.R.G.S., had submitted to Sir Moses Montefiore a scheme for the promotion of agriculture and other industrial occupations in the Holy Land by means of colonisation. Sir Moses Montefiore had referred the scheme to the Board, who had appointed a Special Committee, by whom it was carefully considered. Acting on a report from this Committee, the Board came to the conclusion that, whilst Colonel Gawler was entitled to its warmest thanks for the benevolent zeal which he had evinced in the matter, his scheme was of too vast a character to be undertaken by the Board with any reasonable prospect of success; but the Committee suggested an undertaking forpermanently improving the condition of the Jews of the Holy Land, by the promotion of industrial pursuits, the erection of improved dwellings, and the acquisition and cultivation of land on a moderate scale, strongly urging at the same time that the funds which might be raised should be entirely devoted to the assistance of those who were really desirous of helping themselves, and that no portion whatever should be applied in almsgiving.
These suggestions were carefully considered by the Board, and were adopted, and were found to be most pleasing to Sir Moses Montefiore. The Deputies therefore formed themselves into a Committee of the whole body for the purpose of carrying the proposed objects into effect.