A Baron's Multimillion-Dollar Gift Challenges Prejudice
Baron Hirsch authorizes a massive donation to support Jewish immigration, prompting a rare editorial rebuke of anti-Semitic stereotypes in the Pacific Northwest.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
There was a genuine surprise for most people in the announcement a few days ago that Baron Hirsch, a Hebrew banker who for years had been contributing $10,000 a month for the purpose, had authorized a draft for two and a half million dollars to promote Jewish immigration to the United States and to assist those of that faith who are already here and in needy circumstances. To many, this was a surprise because of the widely accepted notion that philanthropy and benevolence are antipathetic to the Jewish nature. To them, the word 'Jew' is a synonym for grasping avarice. Baron Hirsch, they perceive, is an exception. But those who have had the best opportunity for studying that people are aware that the Baron is by no means the exception. As a rule, the well-to-do Jewish residents of the United States are among the kindest and most considerate of neighbors. In no class is the home feeling, love of children, and respect for parents stronger. It is to be hoped that the Baron Hirsch announcement will induce closer investigation of the facts by those who have imbibed the notion that Jews as a class are without bowels of compassion.
“To them the word Jew is the synonym of grasping avarice and selfishness, of greed, cunning and total lack of conscience.”
This editorial represents a fascinating, if imperfect, moment in 1891 Seattle. While the paper uses the language of its time—simultaneously fighting prejudice while reinforcing other tropes—it documents a pivotal shift in the local press's willingness to challenge institutionalized bigotry against Jewish immigrants.
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