can one have to having the race to which he belongs correctly entered?”
- Senator Guggenheim—“Because it is not correct when stated that way. The Jews are not a race. * * *”
Later on in the hearing, Senator Cummins entered the discussion in response to a pro-Jewish remark made by Senator Bailey:
- Senator Bailey—“If I were a Hebrew and I had been born here and they wanted me to say I was anything but an American, I would have a difference with the enumerator. I perhaps would refuse to answer their questions.”
- Senator Cummins—“I would not have any hesitancy in stating from what blood I was.”
- Senator Bailey—“No; but in the case that I refer to, it would be a matter of religion.”
- Senator Guggenheim—“That is the point; it is a question of religion.”
That was in April, 1909. In December, 1909, Simon Wolf was the chief witness for the pro-Jewish contention. Simon Wolf is a very interesting character. From before the days of President Lincoln, he has been lobbyist for the Jews at the National Capitol, and has been in contact with every President from Lincoln to Wilson. At the hearing where Mr. Wolf testified, Senator Dillingham acted as chairman, and the whole proceeding was enlivened and clarified by the vigorous part which Senator Lodge took in it. Certain extracts, which entirely reproduce the spirit and argument of the hearing, follow:
- Mr. Wolf—“The point we make is this: A Jew coming from Russia is a Russian; from Rumania, a Rumanian; from France, a Frenchman; from England, an Englishman; and from Germany, a German; that Hebrew or Jewish is simply a religion.”
- Senator Lodge—“Do I understand you to deny that the Jews are a race?”
- Mr. Wolf—“How?”
- Senator Lodge—“Do you deny that the word ‘Jew’ is used to express a race?”
