American Tewish Archives - American Jewish Archives

[by ISAAC M. WISE]
The sacred cause of religion and humanity demands of us that
we do as much as may be in our power for the outraged Russian
Jews who seek in our country shelter, protection, bread, and the
rights of man. Much has been done and is being done now by the
Russian Emigrants' Aid Societies in New York, New Orleans,
and other large and small cities, which deserves the acknowledg-
ment and thanks of every philanthropist. Thousands have been
taken by the hand and placed where they might earn a livelihood
by honest labor in the various trades. Two agricultural colonies
have been established, one in [Sicily Island,] Louisiana and another
[Alliance] in [southern] New Jersey. The main enterprise, how-
ever, which enables immigrants in this country to become inde-
pendent men and to attract their friends and countrymen, has not
been attempted yet; and that main enterprise is, to settle upon
Government land and to become there thrifty farmers and free
holders of one hundred and sixty acres of land each. This is the
great wealth and inducement which our country offers to the tens
of thousands of people who seek annually these hospitable shores;
this is the great advantage which also the Russian Jews must em-
brace, if they want to live among us as useful citizens and work
for themselves and posterity, with an eye to unfailing success. Any
man twenty-one years old may claim one hundred and sixty acres
of Government land. He swears to his intention to become a citizen
of the United States, pays fifteen to eighteen dollars entrance fee,
takes possession of the land, builds a house on it, however small it
may be, cultivates part of the land, and after having lived on it
five years, he receives an unincurnbered title to that property and is
a citizen and a freeholder. The settler, to be sure, has to undergo
many hardships and do a good deal of heavy work; but he is sure
of success in the end, sure of a living for himself and family, and of
perfect independence.
The reason why this advantage has not been embraced yet by or