National Affairs: A Philistine

Israel Zangwill, British man of letters, “third Jew in the world” (TIME, Sept. 17), arrived in Manhattan on his first visit to the U. S. since 1908. Said he:

” My object in coming to New York at a time of great stress for me is to take advantage of my friend Dr. Stephen Wise’s flattering invitation to address the American Jewish Congress,* presided over by the universally beloved Nathan Straus. I expect to deliver at Carnegie Hall a somewhat lengthy address, entitled Watchman, What of the Night? It will deal with the whole Jewish problem in the setting of the larger world problem. As the only Zionist now left in the world, I shall naturally include the situation that has arisen in Palestine from the failure of Balfour and Lloyd George to see their big idea through.”

He spoke at length about his literary activities and deplored the fact that the best literary genius of America is gone. He knew nothing of Booth Tarkington’s works and the name of Eugene O’Neill was an enigma to him. ” I am a Philistine,” he said. ” I do not like modern things —art, music, books and what not. There is nothing in them to like!”

He also remarked: ” I have had to refuse generous proposals to lecture. The American standard of lecturing is too low. Your public expects impromptu lectures and I have no time to prepare them—up to my own standard.

” Yes, I have never even heard broadcasting.”

* The Congress opens in Manhattan, Oct. 14.