Page:The History of a Lie (1921).djvu/41

 “‘Son of the tribe of Dan, your turn!’

“The answer bore the stamp of a Jew of the lower order:

“‘Every business in which there is speculation and profit must be in our hands. That is our natural right. First of all, we must get control of the traffic in liquor, butter, wool, and bread. Then we shall have in our hands agriculture, farming. We can prepare bread everywhere, and if dissatisfaction and want should arise, we can easily throw the blame on the government. Petty wares, which give a great deal of trouble and yield very little profit, we can leave in the hands of the Christians. Let them work hard and suffer as the chosen people suffered for several centuries.’

“This speech scarcely needed approval. The Levite called on the next one.

“‘Tribe of Naphtali?’

“The following words rang out shrilly and with assurance:

“‘All governmental positions should be open to us. Once this principle is established, the cunning and flattery of the Jewish employees will help them to penetrate even there, and they will have real influence. I am speaking only of the posts which bring honor, power, and pre-eminence. Positions which require work and knowledge may remain for the Christians. Therefore the Jews may neglect positions of secondary importance. Justice is very important for us, the law is a great step forward. This occupation is suited to the cunning and skill of our people and gives us influence and power against our natural enemies. Why can’t a Jew be Minister of Education as he has already been more than once Minister of Finance?’

“‘Remember the scaffold of Haman, the fate of Shushan and Leopold!’ said a warning voice.

“‘Why does the raven croak about the past which is so distant and almost forgotten? More than one of our people has been a Minister in France and respected by the King himself.’

“Approval was expressed in a tone of satisfied pride; then the orator continued:

“‘Our people must be among the legislators of the governments. The laws of the goyim against the children of Israel must be abolished. We will maintain the laws of our Fathers. We need no longer any laws that would protect us. No. We must concern ourselves about laws that will give us privileges. A mild law respecting bankruptcy, promulgated in the interests of