1829-1830.
MR MONTEFIORE PRESENTED TO THE KING--SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE JEWS IN
LONDON IN 1829.
Immediately after the Passover Festival Mr Montefiore was present at
an important meeting, convened by the elders of the Spanish and
Portuguese congregation, to consider the propriety of introducing the
English language for the delivery of sermons and addresses in the
synagogues and colleges. The debate was very long and stormy, as many
members of the congregation were greatly attached to the Spanish
tongue, in which their ancestors in many cases had made their names
famous. This is scarcely to be wondered at, when we consider that the
Jews at one time were highly esteemed in Spain. From the works of
Abbot Bartolocci de Cellens, we learn that they were regarded among
the learned as scholars, and among financiers as honorable,
intelligent, and enterprising men; and that they filled high offices
in colleges and universities, as well as in the councils of kings and
assemblies of merchants and bankers. We must, therefore, not be
surprised that they still clung to that language in spite of the
terrible persecutions which drove them from the Spanish peninsula, but
which do not seem to have weakened the affection they felt for their
native land. The language of the country must always constitute the
strongest bond of union between that country and its people, although
intelligent men emigrating to a land where all are treated with
justice and humanity, must consider it their first duty to make
themselves thoroughly acquainted with its language. In a land where
justice and humanity are unknown, however, or hidden under the dark
shadows of prejudice, ignorance, and fanaticism; where some of the
children of the land would scarcely dare to speak of it as "my
fatherland" or "my mother country," because it disowns those who would
designate it by these terms; in such a land the language is often
disliked by its oppressed children themselves, who long for some other
country where they may learn to forget the injustice they have
encountered there.
Yet, as it may appear, this was not the case with the Spanish Jews.
Although the many years of prosperity which they had enjoyed in Spain
had terminated in persecutions, almost unparalleled in history;
although thousands of them perished under the terrible reign of the
Inquisition, in the awful tortures of the "Auto da fe," and the rest
were finally banished in the year 1492, yet, as their continued use of
the Spanish language seems to prove, they only remembered their days
of happiness in that land. Even those who settled in Turkey, Morocco,
Algiers, Egypt, Palestine, Austria, or Holland, still used the Spanish
language in their prayer-books, Bibles, and codes of communal laws.
Such was also the case with the Jews who settled in England. Though
they had all gladly adopted the language of the land which they had
made their home under the sway of a just and enlightened monarch, they
still clung to the Spanish tongue as that of their fatherland, and
were loth to banish its use entirely. But in all the schools and
colleges in England so much time was in those days devoted to the
various branches of English study, that little was left for the
acquirement of what was now to them a foreign language. The rising
Jewish generation was, therefore, not well acquainted with the
language into which the prayers had been translated, and hence the
desire of several members of the community to replace it by the
English tongue.
The struggle between the two parties--those advanced in years, who
naturally wished to adhere to the old ways, and the young and
energetic members, who desired to adopt the innovation--proved long
and hard. Finally, a resolution was carried by eighteen votes to
eleven, "To have all religious discourses delivered in the synagogues
in English, and also henceforth to have all proclamations made in the
same tongue."
The meeting, which opened its deliberations at 11 A.M., did not
adjourn until half-past four.
On Tuesday, April 28th, Mr Montefiore called at the Lord Chamberlain's
office and left his card, on which he had written, "To be presented by
the Duke of Norfolk." After communicating with Mr N. M. Rothschild, he
went, accompanied by Messrs I. L. Goldsmid and Moses Mocatta, to Mr
Pearce to consider some points in connection with the petition, and
subsequently resolved to consult Lord Brougham and Dr Lushington on
the matter. Later in the day he went with Mr N. M. Rothschild and I.
L. Goldsmid to see the Lord Chancellor, who recommended their
presenting the petition either through Lord Bexley or Lord Holland; he
preferred the former, as the latter, he thought, would make some
sensation. When presented, he said, they would see how it was
received; if quietly, they could immediately bring in a Bill. In the
event of its occasioning any unpleasant feeling, they would not
attempt to advance farther that session, more particularly as the
public, and even the King himself, were not yet reconciled to the
measure in favour of the Catholics.
Mr Montefiore and Mr Rothschild afterwards spoke with Lord Bexley, and
explained their wishes to him. He appeared to be doubtful of their
obtaining all the privileges that year, but said he would speak to the
Chancellor, and see them again the following Thursday.
Mr Montefiore dined that day with Mrs Rothschild, at whose house he
met several political friends, as well as Mr I. L. Goldsmid, who told
him that Lord Auckland had requested the Marquis of Lansdowne to
introduce him (Mr Goldsmid) at the levee.
_Wednesday, April 29th._--He gives the following particulars of his
first presentation to the King:--
"At 1 P.M. Mr G. Blount, with his son and his nephew Sir Edward
Blount, Bart., came for me. I accompanied them to the levee. Our
carriage fell into the rank about the middle of Bond Street. It was
twenty minutes past two when we reached St James Palace. We entered
the first room, and gave a card to the page-in-waiting--'Mr
Montefiore, presented by the Duke of Norfolk.' There appeared to be
four or five hundred persons in the waiting-room, mostly naval and
military officers in full uniform, also many bishops, clergymen, and
barristers. The crush was most fatiguing and annoying. It was four
o'clock when we reached the second room. Here, as only a few were
admitted at a time, we were much more at our ease. In the third room
the King was seated about ten paces from the entrance, surrounded by,
or rather having on each side of him, his grand officers. Six or
seven persons entered at a time; those who had been introduced before
merely gave their cards to the lord-in-waiting, made their bow, and
passed on. When I reached His Majesty, I gave my card to the
lord-in-waiting, who was standing on his right hand, and who announced
in a distinct voice, 'Mr Montefiore, presented to your Majesty by the
Duke of Norfolk.' I thereupon bent my left knee to the ground. The
King very graciously smiled, and held out his right hand to me, which
I kissed. I then rose, and made my bow, and passed on. We passed the
King from left to right, and not as I expected from right to left. We
were only permitted to remain a few minutes in the audience room.
"Colonel French was standing a few paces from his Majesty, on the
right; he spoke with me in a very friendly manner. I was much pleased
with the gracious reception I met with. It was twenty-five minutes
past four when we left the audience room. We then had to get through a
great crowd before we could reach the doors of the palace."
On the following day Mr Montefiore, together with Messrs Rothschild
and Goldsmid, went to Lord Bexley, and gave him their petition to
read. He read it over, and said he would speak to Lord Eldon and the
Bishops, and would see them the next day. He recommended that Mr
Thomas Baring should bring the Bill into the Commons.
In the course of the afternoon he called at New Court, and there heard
the report of the Duke of Wellington's going out of office, also of
the funding of eight millions of Exchequer bills, important topics for
consideration to the financiers of the day. Mr Montefiore, however,
did not allow this news to disturb his peace of mind, for we find him
the same evening accompanying his wife to a grand fancy dress ball
given by Mr Goldsmid on the occasion of the coming of age of his
eldest son.
On returning home after the ball, a little incident occurred as a
consequence of the rumours of a change of Ministry. Their coachman,
considering himself somewhat of a politician, took the opportunity,
while they were at the ball, of entering one of the neighbouring
taverns, where the reported change in the Ministry was being discussed
in a lively manner by a large number of his friends. It appears that
during the excitement of the debate he had indulged too much in "the
cup that cheers," but, unfortunately, does inebriate, although
whether from joy or grief at the anticipated change does not
transpire; anyhow, the result was that on attempting to drive Mr and
Mrs Montefiore back from the ball he was found totally incapable of
guiding the horses, and, notwithstanding the efforts made by the
footman to come to his assistance, they had to leave the carriage
before arriving at their destination, and complete the journey on
foot.
The next morning Mr Montefiore proceeded, in company with Messrs
Goldsmid and Rothschild, to the House of Lords, where they spoke to
Lord Bexley. He had not yet had an opportunity of conversing with Lord
Eldon or the Bishops on the subject of the Jews' petition, but said he
would endeavour to do so before Tuesday, on which day he agreed to
meet them again. He had conferred with the Chancellor, who said the
Duke would not make it a government measure, but expressed himself in
favour of it.
The arrival of the Baroness Anselm de Rothschild and her brother
Lionel from Paris took Mr and Mrs Montefiore to Piccadilly. But Mr
Montefiore allowed himself no relaxation in the furtherance of the
great cause he had at heart. On Sunday, 13th of May, he attended in
the morning a meeting of the Elders, which lasted from eleven o'clock
till a quarter to five. In the evening he was present at a meeting of
the Deputies of several Synagogues at Mr Mocatta's residence in
Russell Square, where after considerable discussion the petition was
finally agreed to, and was to be signed the next day.
Mr Montefiore, in his diary, gives a further account of the matter. "I
accompanied Mr Rothschild," he says, "to the House of Lords. Lord
Bexley had already left, so we proceeded to his own house. He said he
had spoken with Lord Eldon and several of the Bishops, and ascertained
that they had no objection to a Bill to omit the words, 'On the true
faith of a Christian,' introduced into the Dissenters' Act last
session. What would be its effect in law he could not state; he would,
however, confer with Lord Brougham and Dr Lushington. He suggested
some slight alteration in the wording of the petition. We are to bring
it back to him signed on Thursday, and he has promised to present it.
He again recommended that Sir Thos. Baring should present it the
Commons."
At the meeting of the Deputies they at first objected to the petition
as altered by Lord Bexley, but finally agreed to sign it. Mr
Montefiore then went, with Messrs Rothschild and Goldsmid, to Lord
Bexley with the petition. The latter thought that everything would be
granted to the Jews except seats in Parliament. Before he could
present it, he said, he must confer once more with the Lord Chancellor
and the Duke of Wellington. Lord Bexley further said, that he would
have to see Dr Lushington the next day, but as that would be Saturday,
Mr Montefiore declined attending. A few days later Lord Bexley stated
distinctly that the Duke of Wellington would decidedly oppose any
application the Jews might make this year in Parliament, but would not
pledge himself as to next session. Dr Lushington and Lords Bexley and
Holland strongly advised a delay till next year.
Mr Montefiore, in his diary, gives some account of a dinner at which
he and Mrs Montefiore were present, given by Mr N. M. Rothschild to Mr
Mahoney, in payment of a wager which he had lost to that gentleman, on
the subject of the agitation for the removal of the Jewish
disabilities.
He says: "The party included many important personages. Many of the
nobility with whom we conversed on the subject expressed themselves
much in favour of the Bill. The Lords Darnley, Lauderdale, and
Glenelg, Sir Robert Farquhar, and Messrs Spring-Rice, Jennings, Otway,
Cave, and Horace Twiss, whom we met there, were most zealous for the
success of the cause. Admiral Sir Ed. Codrington and a Russian Prince,
who were among the guests, discussed the subject with great warmth
until a late hour."
It was the month of June, and Mr Montefiore required relief, even if
only for a short time, from this incessant mental work, accompanied as
it often was by the anxiety which falls to the lot of most prominent
men in the financial world. He therefore gladly accepted for Mrs
Montefiore and himself an invitation to make a tour in the Isle of
Wight with the Baron and Baroness Anselm de Rothschild, and Messrs
Nathaniel and Meyer de Rothschild.
The genial atmosphere of the island, and the cheerful conversation of
their friends and relatives, coupled with the polite attention he
received from Sir John Campbell, the Governor, and his officers, soon
made Mr Montefiore forget for a while Banks, Insurance Offices, Stock
Exchanges, and Gas Associations, whether in England, France, or
Germany.
The time for resuming his usual business pursuits now arrived, and his
own words show how well every hour of his day was employed.
"11 A.M. At St James' Palace to thank Colonel Boten for the General
Post book he left for me. 11.15. At Alliance and Marine. 12. Attended
Committee of Irish Bank till 2. 2.15. Signed policies at Marine.
Called on Mr Rothschild at New Court; solicited him to speak with
Wertheimer the printer to take N. N.'s son as apprentice. 2.30.
Attended Board of Gas till nearly 5. A special meeting of Directors
summoned for next Thursday to receive the report of the special
committee."
At the close of the year Mr Montefiore was invited by a friend to go
to Paris, to be present at the bidding for a new French loan, but he
thought proper to decline, remaining firm in his resolution not to
further extend his financial operations.
He deemed it important to enter that year in his diary a kind of
census of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews in London--another proof of
the great desire he felt to make himself thoroughly acquainted with
the affairs of his community. I bring it under the notice of the
reader whom it may interest, to enable him to compare it with the
census of that community at the present day.
Privileged members and their families, About 750
Unprivileged members and their families, " 550
Persons receiving relief from the Synagogues, " 1200
----
Total, 2500
In consequence of unsuccessful speculations in connection with
political changes in England, France, and Spain, there was a general
panic in the financial world at the beginning of 1830, but Mr
Montefiore, by cautious foresight and firm resolution, had withstood
all temptations and remained unaffected by it.
Referring to this panic, he says, on finding several persons very
depressed: "I have a thousand times given them my opinion on that
subject, and can only regret that they have not benefited by it. I am
most uneasy and unhappy about them; God only knows what the result of
this state of things will be." After entering into further details, he
concludes by observing, "At all events I stand relieved from reproach,
having so repeatedly cautioned them against what appeared to me a
desperate situation."
There are several entries, important as historical records, concerning
the steps taken in the Jewish emancipation movement. On the 27th
January he consulted M. Mocatta and I. L. Goldsmid respecting the
application to Parliament in favour of removing the disabilities of
the Jews.
On the 31st January he attended a meeting of the deputies of the
Synagogues at the house of Moses Mocatta; there were twelve present,
besides Mr I. L. Goldsmid and Mr Thomas M. Pearce. They read the
opinions of Dr Lushington and Mr Humphries on the present state of the
civil disabilities of the Jews. It was resolved to petition Parliament
for the removal of the said disabilities, and to request Messrs N. M.
Rothschild, I. L. Goldsmid, and Moses Montefiore to see the Duke of
Wellington on the subject.
The following day Mr Montefiore received a note from Mr I. L.
Goldsmid, requesting that he would endeavour to see Mr N. M.
Rothschild, and persuade him to go that day at twelve to the Duke of
Wellington.
Accordingly he went out in his carriage with the intention of
proceeding to Stamford Hill.
Mr Montefiore here introduces a little incident which may perhaps
please some of my readers, and I give it in his own words--
"On reaching Newington, I met N. M. Rothschild in his carriage. Lionel
and Anthony were with him; the two latter got into my chariot, and I
drove with the former to Prince Esterhazy, whither he was proceeding
with the intention of conferring with him on the subject of
emancipation in Austria.
"On our arrival I remained for some time with Anthony in the prince's
dining-room. An elderly gentleman, who had the appearance of a
Catholic priest, was taking his lunch there. When he had finished his
repast, he moved to one of the windows, and kneeling down, continued
in that position for about ten minutes, apparently deeply engaged in
his devotions. He then rose, and bowing to us, left the room." "I
fear," observes Mr Montefiore, "that some of my brethren would have
hesitated to have even put their hats on to say the blessing after
their meal, instead of acting as this good man did."