TRIAL BY JEWRY

At the request of the anti-Defamation League of the Order of B'nai Brith, Mr. Cecil DeMille will revise the picture "King of Kings", and in his foreword obligingly "exculpate the Jews of guilt for the death of Jesus," and put the responsibility on Roman hirelings. As a historian Mr. DcMille is both magnanimous and tactful. It is an act that should make the wallets of exhibitors swell with good feeling. And Premier Mussolini is hardly likely to protest in favor of the newly accused culprits. The B'nai Brith magazine praises the "fine sensitiveness of the leaders" in passing such an edict. Only the captious will recall the coincidence that the majority of these leaders are themselves of faintly Hebraic name and appearance. As formulated by Will Hays, the edict in question was, "that no pictures be issued that could offend the Jew or cause the thoughtless to point the finger of scorn at him."

It is hard to see why it is the Jew is singled out for such attention. Individually, by their artistic ability and business acumen the Jews play an important part in American life. But, on the other hand, in their race clannishness, they choose to constitute a distinct body. And as such they are a perfectly legitimate subject for discussion. It is customary to assail Babbitry for all it is worth, and a fling now and then at the Republican party does not come a miss. The ministry for former celebrities remain tranquil beneath the attacks of authors. But criticize the Jews, ancient or modern, and editors will write about stupid race prejudice; and the literati will devise new synonyms for moron, Nordie, and bigot. Race pride is a powerful and admirable force, but it would seem that the Jews could attain the desired friendly unity with the Gentile much sooner if the chord were not struck so loudly and often.