Speech #570052662

I say this in no spirit of criticism whatever. for unfortunately it is true that Russia makes this discrimination. and it is well and commendable for our State Department to give timely notice to our citizens of that fact. Let me call your attention to a few of the many hundred cases which forcibly illustrate Russias intolerant restriction against American Jews. and her bigoted exclusion. save in special and exceptional cases. of the American citizens from her country. for no other cause than their religious faith. Nay. sir. the Russian Government openly avows that whether the citizen be native of these United States or adopted by ties of naturalization. the restriction and exclusion equally applies. Nor does it matter whether the American Israelites be rich or poor. high or low. artisan or merchant. lawyer or professor. unknown or renowned. eminent or distinguishedall. all alikecome under Russias ban and fanatical interdiction. to which we ought. in no uncertain sound. voice our indignant protest. But recently a native American traveling abroad applied to the Russian consul at Berlin to vis6 his passport.