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About The monitor. (Omaha, Neb.) 1915-1928 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 15, 1924)
LONG LOST JEWS HATBESOUCHT China Colonies Have Boon Isolated for More Than a Thousand Years. Wvw York.—If a movement now M Soot among wealthy Jewa In Shanghai, China, backed by Influential support In tbs United States, la successful, Jewish colonies In China that have been virtually cut off from the West ern world for more than a thousand rears, will again be brought In touch with the main body of their race. The efforts now being made are the latest of seveUt extending over a period of more than -three-quarters of a century. The present hope of suc cess rests on an Increased knowledge mt the history and traditions of the Chinese Jewa, better organisation and more adequate financial backing. Facts which have been gradually coming to light reveal an amazing story of small communities of these exlleB dinging to their ancient rites and practices through generations in the very heart of Chinese civilization. The present revival Is due In large part to Adolph S. Oko, librarian of the Hebrew Union college of Cincinnati, who recently bronght from Europe a collection of 59 manuscripts contain ing hymns, prayers and rituals show ing condusively the connection be tween the Jews of ancient and medie val China and those of the Western world. These manuscripts, written on pa per folded Into the form of fans, are partly In Chinese and partly In an an cient Jewlsh-Perslan dialect, indicat ing that they were originally composed by emigrants from the long-established Hebrew settlements In Persia. Ac cording to a writer In the American Hebrew they “constitute all the man uscripts known to have been written by Jews living In China.” They were collected during the middle of the last century by missionaries sent to China by an English society, which hoped to convert their owners to Christianity. Origin of Settlsmsnts In Doubt The origin of the Jewish settle ments in China, as well as their probable date, is a matter of doubt among scholars. One theory advanced la that a part of'the Jewish people who were carried into captivity In Babylon in the Seventh century, B. C. gradually made their way eastward Instead of returning to Jerusalem when the city was restored to them by Cyrts, king of Persia, In the Sixth century B. C. There Is little or no direct evidence to back this up, al though In the writings of Isaiah there Is a reference to the “land of Sinim," which Is thought by some Old Testa ment commentators to mean China. If this supposition were correct, It would indicate that the Jews as far back as the Eighth century B. C. knew about the Chinese. Another theory Is that the Jews made their way In considerable num bers to China after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Emperor Titus In 70 A. D. It Is known that very early in the Christian era Jews were living not only In Persia but In India. The best testimony on the subject, however, is that of the emigrants them selves. They believed, according to their medieval writings and Inscrip tions, that they settled In China about the Third century of the present era. This accords with other evidence wl Ider trust worthy. evidence seems to show that the Jews worked their way eastward, sometimes under pres sure of religious and racial persecu tions. such as took place In Persia as sarly as the First century, and some times In the role of traders seeking new markets. The Romans called the Chinese by a name meaning “silk men," and the Jews of Persia, and, perhaps also of the Roman empire, were silk merchants at a very early date. It is thought probable that they followed the caravans through Cen tral Asia, or went by sea to India, and thence made their way Into the silk-producing regions of China. Marco Polo Found, Them. For a time these wanderers prob ably kept ta touch with members of their race In the Western world. Then, aa the Occidental Jews became scat tered and the ancient trade routes fell Into partial disuse, they were cut olT and forgotten. They were not again brought to the attention of the Occi dent, so far as is known, until Marco Polo found and mentioned them In bis famous travels toward the end of the Thirteenth century. Polo said • that the Tartar emperor, Kuhla Khan —a model of religious tolerance—hon ored the religious festivals not only of the . Mohammedans and Bud dhists but also of the Christians and the Jews, making no distinction among them. This Is held to show that the Jews must have been fairly numerous sad highly esteemed. A Chinese Inscription of the year 1489 bears out this conclusion. “They •Keel In agriculture, in merchandise, In magistracies and In warfare and are highly esteemed for Integrity, fidelity, and a strict observance of their re Bglon." I - : fA Chlneae-Jewlsh Inscription of the same date aaya: "Our religion came originally from Tlen-tchou”—or, It ta believed by modern scholars, India. This Is thought to refer to a renewed migration of Jews from India which may have taken place about the Tenth Century. The ancient Chinese name for these newcomers was "Tiuo Bell Weighs 82 Tons Poking.—The world’s masterpiece la Icanae la a ball that hangs In an ob seore temple called Ta Chung-ssn. out dgo of Poking. It Is like aa Inverted chalice, 14 feet Mgb, 84 feet aroand the rim and • laches thick at the lip. it weighs 82 B la engraved inside aad oat characters, each tt-lncb . „ 1 — VOh bhbhbhI El* Klaou," which refer* to a detail •f the traditional Hebrew manner of preparing meat for human consump tion. There aeem to have been a number of Chinese-Jewlah communities, but ths moat Important of these was the one at Kal-Fung-Fu in the province of Honan. Here they not only worked aa farmers, merchants and occasion ally aa bankers, but manufactured a particular kind of silk fabric that was well known In that part of China. Intermarried With Chinese. For a long time the Jews of Kal Fung-Fu clung to their religious and racial customs tenaciously, although they adopted the queue and the Chi nese method of. drees, and sometimes Intermarried with the Chinese. They built a famous temple, of which accu rate descriptions have been preserved and whose ruins may be restored If the present campaign succeeds. This building, according to the records, was a characteristic mixture of the Hebraic and the Chinese. The Chinese Influ ence showed Itself In many other ways, for Instance, In ancestor worship. The Chinese writers, however, were fond of pointing out that the Jewish re ligion was not at all at variance wltf> Confucianism. Perhaps this was mere ly the polite Oriental manner of mini mizing religious differences among the subjects of the empire. The next distinct reference to the Chinese Jews after the account given by Marco Polo was that made by the Jesuit missionaries la the Seventeenth century. The Jewa had hy thla time loat all trace of their origin, although they still adhered to the customs and observances handed down from father to son for many generations. One of them, hearing that the Jesulta taught belief In a single deity, came to the Jesuit Father Rlcel in the be lief that both were members of the same faith. The Jesuit missionaries, and later those of the Protestant faith, attempted to conver* the Chinese Jews to Christianity, but apparently without success. Whether the Chinese colonies—If they can still be called that—can be rehabilitated is a question of deep in terest to the numerous members of their race all over the world. Settles Marital Woes of Birmingham Folk Who wouldn't be pleased to be ar raigned before Mrs. Virginia H. May field. Judge of the court of domestic relations, Birmingham, Ala.? Mrs. May field has shown her ability by handling all the cases since her appointment In a way that ha* endeared her to the public. The only woman judge In Ala bama. her work is to take care of all marital troubles outside of divorce cases, and many a family has been kept together by her work. — “String Bean Farm” in Heart of Boston Doomed Boston.—A farm in the heart of the metropolis goes a long way toward filling the stomachs of hungry Bos tonians. On this one city farm almost enough string beans have been raised to sup ply the entire Boston market. Then there are lettuce and spinach among the products raised so close to the market that one truck can carry sev eral loads In a day. For twenty-five years the city farm has flourished, and because of the huge scale on which it was operated lta owner was known throughout the city as String Bean King. But the farm la about to disappear. Juat across the river from Harvard's far famed gold coast and opposite the Harvard stadium the farm stands directly In the path of Harvard’s ex pansion, and officials of the univer sity from which the land has been leased have notified the tenants that the land will be needed for new build ings. Hammond Hat Device to End Radio Interference New Tork.—A device to eliminate “listening In" or interference in radio tranasnlsaion was described by John Hays Hammond, Jr., who has just re turned from Italy, where he had passed two months In radio work. Complete isolation of sender and re ceiver is afforded by a method of tend ing out rays which have curves and dents in them, similar to the rise and fall of the pulse on a nurse’s chart, according to Mr. Hammond. Only the receiver familiar with the wave type can read the message. The new method of tranamiaalon ‘will also make It possible to flash com plete pages of print across the Atlan tic ocean by radio, Mr. Hammond pre dicts. “In a private audience with the pope," Mr. Hammond said, "I was In terested to learn of his enthusiasm aver radio matters, and he discussed with me the application of my work to the aeeda of his ohoervstoriao." DEFECTIVE EYES ~ HONK LOSS Poor Vision of School Pupils Costs Taxpayers Annually $130,000,000. New Tort—Defective eyesight la public schools Is costing the taxpayers of the nation at least $190,000,000 an nually, It Is asserted by the Eyesight Conservation Council of America, which, In a statement sent to direc tors of summer schools throughout tho country, urges organized conservation of vision as a social and economic need. Warning that poor eyesight Is a pro lific source of retardation, the council makes public the results of Investiga tions showing that a large proportion of backward children have visual de fects. Accompanying the statement Is a report revealing that heavy moral and financial losses arise from this evlL Approximately 25 per cent of all school children In the United States, the council finds, are retarded In their studies and fully one-third of this retardation Is conservatively estimated as due to defective vlRlon. If this Is a correct estimate there are at least 2,000,000 school children In the United States one or more years behind In their studies because of de fective vision, says the council’s re port, continuing: “According to the United States bu reau of education the cost of public elementary and secondary education for the entire United States averaged In 1920 $04.16 per pupil per year. If each one of the 6.000,000 retarded children In the United States, as esti mated, was forced to drop back only one year the cost would be $390,000, 000. “The public school system spend* this amount each year In order that these children may have one or more years longer to complete their educa tion. At least one-third of this amount, or $130,000,000, Is lost annually be cause the eyesight of the children lg neglected. “This estimated cost l* low, for the average backward pupil Is retarded more than one year. Studies made in two cities of 5,815 retarded pupils show a total of 12,970 school years lost, making an average much in ex cess of two years for each retarded pupil. “Furthermore, the estimate doe* not represent the total loss to the child and to the state when considera tion Is given to the future Inefficiency, lowered earning power and less com i petent service of the Individual as an economic unit of society.” Leads to Other Troubles. John J. Tigert. Whited States com missioner of education and a member of the board of councilors of the eye sight council, Is quoted as asserting, after a careful review of the situation, (fiat “one of the greatest disturbing factors In measuring the effects of de fective vision upon retardation Is the fact that faulty eyesight Invariably leads to other troubles, and the effect of these Is not attributed to defective vision.” The council’s statement to summer school directors, signed by Guy A, Henry of New Tork, general director, says that “a large percentage of the pupils attending summer schools are j obliged to do so merely because they have not kept up with their classes.” In the report disclosing waste the | relation between sound vision and ! school progress Is Indicated. “Defec tive vision is responsible for much of the retardation in school progress which exists in the educational Instl | tutlons of the country,” says the re ! port. “Investigations of 28.667 public | school children with defective vision show that of this group an average of 67 per cent were retarded In their studies one or more years. This Is almost three times as high as the re tardation of groups when not classi fied according to eyesight. In an other group of 32,050 pupils of which retardation Investigations were made without segregating or giving consid eration to condition of eyes, the pro portion of those retarded In their studies averaged 24 per cent.” Large Number Backward. Of 7,319 school children found with defective vision In the public school eye clinic of one of our large cities 72 per cent were backward in their studies. An examination of 2,180 rural school children In a mldwestern state disclosed that of those retarded nearly 60 per cent had visual defect*, according to the council. y -—-- a ♦2* Our beautiful, modem funeral home provides every convenience and A y our experience qualifies us to render the service demanded when loved A y* ones are called by death. I Jones & Co., Undertakers f | 24th and Grant Sts. Webster 1100 “Hie correction of visual defects re sults In a marked Improvement In school progress,” the report continue* The records of 20.000 cases sent to a public school eye clinic for corree. tlon of refractive errors show that from 20 to 70 per cent of the children were classified as backward. mentaUy deficient, stupid or habitually left back. The careful follow-up system proved that after their defective vi sion had been corrected 70 to 80 per cent of these children progressed and took their place In the class with the normal average child. The reason the remaining 20 to 80 per cent did not progress was because their retarda tion was due to causes other than de fective vision. "The proportion of retardation in another group, all with visual defects, was found to be 85.4 per cent. One year later, after the defective eyes had been corrected by glasses, only IT per cent of these corrected eonttn- | ned to be backward In their studies." Dogs in Bed Too Much Los Angeles, Cal —Too many pat dog* which she kept In her home sgalnst her husband's wishes, cost Mrs. Estelle S. Faussette her husband. James O. Faussette, a Los Angeles merchant, In a petition for divorce, alleges his wife Insisted on taking at least three of her pet dogs to bed wlfh her and that the remainder of her ’ dozen or more dogs she kept In the ' house. /I re you self-conscious about the impression you make on people? PERSONAL appearance has a lot to do with the way you fed. Clothes count, of course. But still there is one thing so many people overlook—something that at once brands them as either fastidious or careless—the teeth. Notice today how you, yoursdf, watch another person’s teeth when he or she is talking. If the teeth are not well kept they at opcc become a liability. Listerime Tenth Teste electee teeth e mem mey. AJ lest erne chemists have disceperethe polishing ingredient thet reelly ciemns wish on! scratching the enemel—a difieutl problem finally talced. A large tube of Listerine Tooth Paste is only 25 cents; at your drug gist’s.—Lambert Pharmacol Co., Saint Louis, U. S. A. HEADACHES caused by Indigestion, colds, grippe, r! fatigue or periodic exhaustion slm f ply vanish. Tou brace right upwlth Powder*, 10c) They bring Instant relief, stomach | settles, nerves relax, entire system I responds. Perfect medicine for men or women, prevents nearly all sick- \ ness. 10c. AM druggists. Millions used yearly. They never fall. For mula on every pkg. For a free trial write The Orangelne Chemical Co., |j | S^-SSyjrjJuronStgiCJlcago^IUj FOR RENT—Neatly furnished rooms, 2536 Patrick avenue. Two blocks from car line. Those Who Recognize the Usefulness of Pe-ru-na Are Never Without It Its tonic properties and the invigorat ing effect which it exerts upon the mucous membranes are what makes / Pe-ru-na such a valuable treatment for a great number of bodily ills. Coughs, colds, nasal catarrh, stomach and bowel disorders are among the more common affections of the mucous linings which call for Pe-ru-na. Fifty years in the service of the people Sold Everywhere Tablet or Liquid Send 4 cents for book on catarrh The Pe-ru-na Company, columbus, ohio For Reat FOR RENT—Furnished rooms. All modern. WE 3613. 3-28 FOR RENT—Two rooms for light house-keeping, 2216 North 27th Ave. WEbster 6834. 8-8-24 FOR RENT—Two nicely furnished rooms in modem home. Gentlemen preferred. 814 North Twenty-third street. Jackson 0210. lt-8-8-23 FOR RENT—Modern furnished rooms. One block from car line. Web. 3025. lt-8-8-24 FOR RENT—Furnished room in mod em home for man and wife. At lantic 6248. lt-8-8-24 FOR RENT—Furnished rooms for light house keeping. One block from car line. 1712 North 26th street. WEbster 5450.—Indf. (7-26 24). FOR RENT—Nicely furnished rooms. Home convenience. Two blocks from car line. 2619 Caldwell. WEbster 6731. 4t. 7-25-24. FOR RENT—One large furnished room, suitable for two men. 2433 Blondo street. WEbster 2927. 2t. 7-25-24. FURNISHED ROOM in modern home one block from car line. 2875 Wirt St. Web. 4285. FOR RENT—Neatly furnished back room In modern home with kitchen convenience, for married couple. Webster 5372. 4t-7-18-24. FOR RENT—Furnished rooms In mod ern home. Web. 3993.—6, 6, 24. FOR RENT—6 room steam heated apartments. Well arranged. $35.00. For rental call Western Real Es tate Co., 414 Karbach Blk., Jack son 3607, Eugene Thomas, Mgr. FOR RENT—3 and 4-room modern apartments, 1547-1561 North 17th SL References required. Call at 1549 North 17tb St. or phone ATIantic 6863. FOR RENT—Office space or suitable for Beauty Parlor. Call WEbster 4882.—2t-6-27-24. FOR RENT—Modern furnished rooms. Steam heat. Close in. On two car lines. Mrs. Anna Banks, 924 North Twentieth street. Jackson 4379 FOR RENT—Neatly furnished room. Single person preferred. 2429 Lake street. WEbster 1529.—7-5-24. FOR RENT—Neatly furnished room, one block from North Twenty fourth and Dodge car line. WEbster 5652. Help Wanted WANTED—Colored men to qualify for sleeping car and train porters. Ex perience unnecessary, transportation furnished. Write T. McCaffrey, Supt., St. Louis, Mo. Miscellaneous DRESSMAKING—Mrs. A. E. Smith, experienced dressmaker. Work guaranteed. 2426 Blondo. Web. 5552. 4-4-24 Use DENTLO tor the teeth. Large tube 25c.—Adv. H. A. CHILES A CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS AMD LICENSED EMBALMB8 Chapel Phene, Wek TIM Ren. Phone, Weh. MM 1839 No. Tweatf-fowth St. MRS. L. ABNER NOTION STORE ARTISTIC WORK Fruit and Omamantal Traaa far spring and fall planting. 141ti/a North 24th Straot Clean, Clear, Healthy Beautiful Eyes Are a Wonderful Asset Murine is Cleansing, Soothing, Refreshing and Harmless. You Will Like It. Boot on "Eye Care” or ”Ey* Beauty” Mario. Co., H.S., 9B. OWoSc, Chk»«o FittonRtqual_ EXPERT BARBERS USE ARROWAY GOOD LOOKING HAIR FOR EVERY MAN “Hair Velvet Creme" Makes hair lie straight, smooth; gives beautiful gloss; nourishes.encour ages growth. Used by well-dressed, particular men and first-class Bar ber Shops. Arroway Elastic Hair Cap ARROWAY Hair Velvet Creme (For Men) 50c ARROWAY Elastic Cap (For Men) 65c ARROWAY Skin Beautifier 50c ARROWAY Hair Grower and Beautifier (For Women) 50c ARROWA Y Smoothing Oil (For Women) 50c FREE Book on Care of Hair and Skin THE ARROWAY 3423 lndianaAve.Chicago.nl. Dept. S iiiiUMiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimimiimiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiuiittiumuHHMHW rBEAUTIFUL HAIR For Every Woman THE ARROWAY Aristocrat of Toilet Preparations Uaed by Beat Dreaaed Women and High - Claaa Hair dr eater a ARROWAY PRODUCTS Arrows? Hair Grower and Beautifier.... 50c Arrows? Smoothing Oil. 50c Arrows? 8kin Beautifier.50c Arrows? Hairvelvet Creme (For Men).. 50c II Arrows? Elastic Cap (For Men).65c JJ Agents Wanted Everywhere FREE! The Beauty Book ] Complete Beaut? Course with Diploma and Degree.$10.00 H THE ARROWAY 3423 Indians Avenue Chicago. Illinois I Dept. 2 THE MONITOR WILL GROW IF YOU WILL DO YOIR SHARE I GOOD GROCERIES ALWAYS | C. P. Wesin Grocery Co. f Also Fresh Fruits and Vegetables X 2001 CUMING STREET TELEPHONE JACKSON 1098 | I I I ..riiHHHum f REID-DUFFY PHARMACY ii | FREE DELIVERY l! | 24th and Lake Streets Phone WEbeter «60f i I