Mr. Smith to Mr. Blaine.
St. Petersburg, April 20, 1891. (Received May 4.)
Sir: In my No. 79 it was stated that some of the Hebrew residents of St. Petersburg and Moscow were taking their departure from these cities under the apprehension that measures threatened in the near future and directed against them would render their continued stay either quite uncomfortable or altogether impossible. These persons belong to the classes of Hebrews who are prohibited by law from locating outside of the pale of settlement. Under the nonenforcement or lenient administration of the law they have established themselves here and at Moscow and have remained for years without being disturbed. But the premonitions of a more stringent policy have led a few to withdraw themselves in anticipation of early steps for their forcible expulsion.
These fears have been measurably justified by the event. Within a few days the Russian journals have stated that 150 Jewish families of Moscow have been notified that they must remove from that city, and I am informed that 50 families of this city are about to receive a similar notification. It is probable that these are only the forerunners of further expulsions. No new law has been ordained and none has been required to this end. It is held to be simply an application of the existing law hitherto unenforced. According to the strict letter there are many thousands living here and at the ancient capital of the Empire [Page 743] without legal authority. The number is said to be from 10,000 to 20,000 at St. Petersburg and nearly 100,000 at Moscow. Though destitute of technical right, their residence has had the sanction of long toleration and has acquired the sacredness of an established home, the compulsory abandonment of which would be attended with hardship. It is supposed that the result will be tempered with such degree of consideration and such allowance of time for preparation as are compatible with a measure of this nature. The Government has declared that this new application of the old laws would be made “gently and gradually,” and the steps now taken, with those to follow, will show how these terms are to be interpreted.
I have, etc.,