1846.
COUNT KISSELEFF IS MORE CONCILIATORY--SIR MOSES SETS OUT FOR
WILNA--ARRIVAL AT WILNA--THE JEWS' ANSWERS TO THE CHARGES OF RUSSIAN
OFFICIALS.
_April 15th._--We went to see Count Kisseleff. His Excellency told Sir
Moses that the Emperor had inquired what he thought of the Synagogue.
The Count assured him they had determined to adopt a new plan with the
Jews, more mild and conciliatory. The Emperor wished them to
amalgamate with their fellow subjects, and to cultivate the land. But
he would not force them; they would be left to their own free will,
and less under the control of the police than they had been, and all
who wished to leave the Empire might do so. The Count said he would
write to Sir Moses to that effect, and would give him the list of
towns to be visited, but the roads, he observed, were dreadfully bad.
Sir Moses expressed a strong desire to see Wilna, to which the
Minister acceded, giving him introductions to the different places,
and writing to the postmasters for horses.
When Sir Moses spoke of religion, Count Kisseleff said he did not care
what was between man and his God, but he wished the Jews to become
useful citizens, and that they had as many privileges as those in
England. He spoke much of their poverty and distress. Sir Moses was
pleased to observe that his manner of speaking of the Jews was more
friendly. Count Kisseleff said that Jewish artisans and mechanics
might come and work at St Petersburg, but that they might not bring
their wives and children. He promised to give Sir Moses copies of the
Ukase relating to their removal from the villages, and he showed him
the _Journal des Debats_, which stated that Mr Gilbert had put a
question to Sir Robert Peel on the subject.
"I am satisfied," Sir Moses records in his diary, "that the Jews will
be better off in consequence of our visit to this city. Praise be to
God alone!"
_April 17th._--We attended service in the soldiers' Synagogue. Two of
the superior officers accompanied Sir Moses to the gate of the
barracks, and expressed a hope that he was satisfied with the
arrangements. The soldiers told us that the coming of Sir Moses had
been of the utmost benefit to them, and that their officers treated
them much better since his arrival.
_April 20th._--We proceeded to Count Ouvaroff, and remained with him
one hour. He offered Sir Moses a letter of introduction to the
Inspector of Public Instruction at Wilna, and promised to attend to
any suggestion that he might send to him after his tour.
We then called and took leave of Count Kisseleff, who assured Sir
Moses that his report and suggestions should have his best
consideration, that he would put his letter into the hands of the
Emperor, and that he would send Sir Moses an answer. He could not have
been more friendly. Count Ouvaroff was equally amiable. Orders were
sent to all the postmasters along the route to have horses ready for
us.
At one o'clock we visited Count Nesselrode, and were equally well
received. His Excellency said that he would send Sir Moses a letter of
introduction to the Governor of Wilna, and promised to give every
consideration to any suggestion he might send him for the improvement
of the condition of his co-religionists.
Sir Moses again received the assurances of all the Ministers that
their measures for the better education of the Jews was in no way
actuated by a desire for their conversion, and that this might be
depended upon.
Count Kisseleff told him, in reply to his inquiry, that the Jews did
not serve as long in the army as others. He spoke much in favour of
the establishment of manufactories, and said that the Government would
grant them privileges.
Returning to the hotel Sir Moses, accompanied by Lady Montefiore, went
to take leave of Mr and Mrs Bloomfield, from whom they had received
the kindest attention and assistance. His Excellency said that if Sir
Moses wanted anything at St Petersburg he should recollect he was
there, and would always be happy to render his best assistance. He
gave him a letter of introduction to the British Consul at Warsaw.
This was a memorable day here. The Emperor inspected the Guards, and
gave each soldier one and a half silver roubles. The Isaac Square was
thronged with holiday folks, enjoying the national sports. Count
Kisseleff told Sir Moses that four hundred recruits had just arrived
from a place near Wilna without a single man having fallen sick or
deserted. The Emperor had seen them, was pleased with them, and gave
them money.
Sir Moses spoke with several of the Jews who had served from ten to
fifteen years. They said that after twenty years they were free, if
they served in the Guards; but if they were attendants, or served in
the hospitals, or as mechanics, then their service was extended to
twenty-five years. As far as Sir Moses could judge, they did not
appear to be discontented with their situation, and observed their
religion. They were together in barracks, with their wives and
children.
Among the visitors who called during the day was Sheikh Mouhhammad
Ayyad Ettantawy, Professor of the Arabic Language and Literature in
the Asiatic Institution (who had been my Arabic master during my stay
at Cairo). The Sheikh expressed great admiration for the character of
Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, and their noble exertions to ameliorate
the condition of their brethren; and he composed two poems in
commemoration of their visit to St Petersburg, which he himself copied
in the Arabic language in their diaries. He had been sent to St
Petersburg at the instance of Count Medem, the Russian Consul General
in Alexandria. Owing to his great learning the Mooslim professor had
already received two decorations--the Orders of St Anne and of St
Stanislas--from the Emperor Nicholas, and had become a great favourite
with all the students who attended his lectures.
The Hebrew soldiers brought the books from the charitable institutions
and schools which they had established among themselves.
Various authors and poets sent their literary compositions in honour
to Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore's arrival, hospitals, schools, and
institutions of all kinds sent their representatives to enlist their
sympathies for a good cause, and the latter endeavoured, as much as
possible, to satisfy all deserving applicants.
The number of visitors from the nobility, since Sir Moses had been
received by the Emperor, greatly increased; but there was no time for
him to return their visits or accept their invitations, as he was
anxious to proceed without further delay to visit the places pointed
out to him by the Government. A great many Israelites from different
parts of the empire came and gave us their blessings; nearly all were
soldiers. One of them had two distinguished orders for his bravery in
Poland; he had been in the army eighteen years.
Count Nesselrode sent a letter of introduction to the Governor of
Warsaw, and Count Kisseleff one to the Postmaster of Wilcomir, that we
might find no difficulty in proceeding from that place to Wilna. All
arrangements for our departure being now completed, Sir Moses gave the
order to start.
For the first two days of our journey the weather was beautiful and
the roads excellent, as smooth as a bowling green; but just before
entering Ostroff we encountered terribly rough weather and desperately
bad roads, full of ruts and holes. We were ferried over several rivers
before reaching Roubelove, where we resolved on remaining for the
night.
_Regiza, Friday, April 24th._--"We find," as the entry in the diary
says, "the post stations get worse as we proceed, both in respect to
cleanliness and comfort. Last night there was no bread, no beer, wine,
or spirits, and very bad water, and beds out of the question. We have
slept on sofas since we left St Petersburg, with the greater part of
our clothes on, being covered with our cloaks. It is indeed roughing
it. We have travelled 418-1/4 posts. This is the first town from St
Petersburg inhabited by Israelites, and poor indeed they appear. My
dear Judith has a very bad cough, but bears the fatigue and
deprivation of all comfort most admirably; she is cheerful and
content. We noticed the land ready to be cultivated, and observed many
ploughs at work, but with only one horse to each. We continue to pass
through large forests of firs, birch, &c.; the ground being very sandy
and marshy, very poor for cultivation."
The Sabbath enabled us to enjoy the repose we so much required.
_Sunday, April 26th._--We proceeded to Dueneberg, thence to Wilcomir,
where, on our arrival, a deputation from Wilna came to bid us welcome.
_April 29th._--We continued our journey to Wilna. This town may be
described as the most important centre of Hebrew literature in
Russia, and numbers among its inhabitants very many distinguished
Hebrew authors and poets. The works written by them on all subjects
connected with the elucidation of the Sacred Scriptures may be counted
by hundreds. They also excel in works of industry of every
description, and are the principal artisans in the place. In their
commercial transactions they show great ability, and are often, for
their sound judgment, consulted by their non-Israelite neighbours on
subjects which require special consideration.
The Jewish settlement in Wilna dates from long before 1326. According
to a statement given in the _Otsherki Wilenskoi Gubernii_ (Wilna,
1852), they had at that time (in the year 1326) already in their
community a special Chamber of Commerce, which they could only have
established there after a long residence in the country.
Cardinal Commendoni, the Nuncio of the Pope at the Court of King
Sigismund-Auguste in the year 1561, though he reproached the Poles for
having granted too many privileges to the infidels, nevertheless
expressed himself favourably when speaking of the Jews in Lithuania,
of which Wilna is the capital.
The following is the substance of his remarks on the subject, as given
in the book entitled "Rosprawa O Zydach, Czackiego," p. 93:--There are
still a great many Jews in these provinces, including Lithuania, who
are not, as in many other places, regarded with disrespect; they do
not maintain themselves miserably by base profits; they are landed
proprietors, are engaged in commerce, and even devote themselves to
the study of literature, and more especially to medicine and
astrology. They hold almost everywhere the commission of levying the
customs duties; they are classed among the most honest people; they
wear no outward mark to distinguish them from Christians, and are
permitted to carry a sword and walk about with their arms; in a word,
they enjoy the same privileges as other citizens.
The Jews of Wilna determined to give a most hearty welcome to Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore.
The Spiritual Head of the community, all the members of his
Ecclesiastical Court, the representatives of all the educational,
industrial and charitable institutions, and all the officers connected
with them, came to meet Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore at a place
called Krisanke (Krigeanki), seventeen versts from Wilna. A deputation
from among them proceeded five versts further. On meeting us they
presented Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore with a poem written in the
purest Biblical Hebrew, which was gratefully acknowledged by Sir
Moses. They then left in great haste to apprise their colleagues of
our approach.
On our arrival at Krisanke we found all the members of the Committee
of Welcome drawn up in a line. As the carriage stopped, the Spiritual
Head of the community, accompanied by the representatives of the
various institutions, approached Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, and
delivered an address to them, which Sir Moses answered in his own name
and that of Lady Montefiore. They were then requested to alight and
enter a room, most tastefully decorated for the occasion, and where an
excellent breakfast awaited them.
We left Krisanke and directed our course towards Wilna. For the whole
distance of seventeen versts the fields to the right and left of the
road were crowded by people, who shouted in Hebrew, "Blessed be those
who come in the name of the Lord;" and when, on approaching the
carriage of Sir Moses, they beheld the Hebrew word "Jerusalem" on the
banner attached to the supporters of his coat of arms, joy filled
their hearts, and they showered innumerable blessings on the heads of
its occupants.
We arrived safely at the house of Mr Isaac A. L. Setil, which had been
specially prepared for our reception, and there met three gentlemen of
the Hebrew community waiting to receive Sir Moses' orders.
A comfortable night's rest made both Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore
soon forget the discomforts which they had to endure on the road from
St Petersburg.
I now give Sir Moses' own words, as entered in the diary.
"_Wilna, April 30th._--I took my letter of introduction
to the Governor, and he received me instantly. Dr Loewe
accompanied me. The Governor was extremely polite, and
spoke much of the Jews. He attributed their present
unhappy state to great poverty, but could not suggest
any other remedy than colonisation; the want of capital
will render this measure very slow. He did not think the
Jews could be removed from the villages till the autumn,
when some arrangement would be adopted for their
employment. The Jews might have land near to Christians,
and he thought it desirable that they should be more
together. I am of opinion that the Jewish population has
increased more rapidly than the others, and consequently
their means of obtaining a livelihood by barter is more
difficult. We were introduced to the Governor's wife, a
very handsome and agreeable lady, and extremely well
informed. She expressed the kindest sentiments towards
the Jews. I called with Monsieur Ouvaroff's letter on
His Excellency Monsieur E. Gruber, Councillor of State.
He was much in favour of the Jews. At five I received
those persons who formed the deputation and came twenty
versts to see me. Dr Loewe addressed them in German,
related all that had passed at St Petersburg, and read
them the papers I had received. They will write me their
observations."
The reader will probably remember the charges which the Ministers
brought against the Jews; also the special reports referring to the
unsuccessful endeavours to raise their status, with which the Russian
Government provided Sir Moses, to enable him to ascertain the exact
state of the Hebrew communities. It was therefore necessary, however
painful it must have been to him, to make fully known to the
deputation all the wrong-doings of which they stood accused before the
Government, and to afford them the opportunity of clearing their
character.
I addressed them in the name of Sir Moses, saying that "this fatiguing
journey over land and sea had been exclusively undertaken by him for
their sakes. The guiding hand of the Eternal God, which always
accompanied him on his travels, had not forsaken him on the present
occasion, and made him arrive at an opportune time at St Petersburg,
when His Majesty the Emperor had just returned from a journey to
Moscow. He was fortunate enough to be received by His Imperial Majesty
in a private audience, where His Majesty deigned to receive him most
kindly, and afterwards sent him to his three Imperial Ministers, Count
Nesselrode, Minister of State; Count Ouvaroff, Minister of Public
Instruction; and Count Kisseleff, Minister of the Crown Lands, to
receive from them their reports. His Majesty had promised Sir Moses
that he would treat the Jews paternally, and with forbearance. But to
Sir Moses' great sorrow, he had also heard complaints against them. He
therefore entreated the deputation to give him all the information
they could on all the subjects to which he had drawn their attention."
Having listened, with tears in their eyes, to the accusations brought
against them, the deputation promised to provide him, with a statement
in which all the questions brought to his notice would be treated
_seriatim_, and containing many historically interesting notices on
the civil condition of the Russian Jews, also many letters from Jewish
families that had, at that time, been expelled from villages and
taverns.
"The Civil Governor of the town," Sir Moses enters in his diary, "sent
the chief officer of police to say he should be happy to accompany me
at any time I might fix, to the several public institutions. We cannot
move a step without being surrounded by hundreds of people, all giving
us their blessing."
_Wilna, May 1st._--Sir Moses went to the Civil Governor, and was with
him an hour. The Governor repeated all that the other Ministers had
said, and told him that the Jews were not obliged to leave the
villages, but only to discontinue selling brandy. This, at least, was
something gained.
During our absence, Monsieur E. Gruber left his card. The Military
Governor paid us a visit, and invited Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore to
a ball on Sunday, the 17th inst. Sir Moses, not expecting to be
present at a ball in Wilna, had left his uniform at Wilcomir, and
intended for this reason to decline accepting the invitation; but the
Governor at once observed that a special messenger would bring his
uniform from Wilcomir in due time, and hoped to see him at the ball.
Many members of the aristocracy called, among whom was Count
Wittgenstein.