CHAPTER II.
1848.
THE POLISH AND RUSSIAN JEWS AND THE QUESTION OF AGRICULTURE—THE JEWISH DISABILITIES IN PARLIAMENT AGAIN—THE CHARTIST RIOTS—SIR MOSES AND LADY MONTEFIORE DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND—ABSURD CHARGE BROUGHT AGAINST THEM—THEIR RETURN TO ENGLAND.
IN the early part of the year 1848 Sir Moses was occupied with the question of agriculture in Poland and Russia, and had several interviews with Baron Brunnow on the subject. A plan, drawn up by Mr Posener of Warsaw, in connection with the tenancy, treatment, and improvement of farms, fields, and estates generally in the dominions of the Czar, was submitted by Sir Moses to the Ambassador, who fully approved of it.
At home his interest was centered in the Bill for the removal of Jewish disabilities, which was read a second time on the night of the 11th February, and passed by a majority of 73, there having been 277 for and 204 against it. Sir Robert Peel, in his memorable speech on this occasion, spoke in most flattering terms of Sir Moses.
Lady Montefiore's interest in politics was also much sustained by her regular interchange of visits with Mrs Disraeli, who was a near neighbour.
April 9th.—In consequence of the threatening Chartist riots, much alarm was felt at the meeting of the rioters which was convened for the morrow, and it was found necessary to take measures for the protection of the Bank of England, the parapet of which was lined and covered with sand-bags, to form a breast-work.
April 10th.—Sir Moses was at Mount Street at half-past eight this morning. Mr Graham, a magistrate, was in attendance, and remained with him till three, swearing in about 450 special constables. "It has been," he says, "a day of much anxiety for the public peace, but, thank God! the Chartists' meeting has proved a complete failure." At three o'clock he went to the Alliance and the Irish Bank, where all the clerks had been sworn in; some were to remain till late in the evening. Sir Moses returned afterwards to Mount Street, where he remained till five.
May 11th.—Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore attended the first Drawing-Room of the season.
May 25th.—Sir Moses proceeded to the House of Lords. "Sir Augustus Clifford," he writes, "was so good as to procure for me a place at the Bar, and at six o'clock a place near the Throne. The debate for the removal of Jewish disabilities lasted till half-past one. It was a painful excitement. The majority against us was thirty-five, much greater than was expected."
The Duke of Cambridge, on that occasion, although one of the opponents of the Bill from conscientious motives, made a speech in which he expressed himself favourably towards the character of the Jews in general, and more especially towards that of Sir Moses.