South Shields Hebrew Congregation South Shields, South Tyneside, Tyne & Wear

A Piece of Intolerance
(From a Correspondent)

The Jewish Chronicle, 14th February 1868

It was never thought possible that in our enlightened century, and particularly in boasted liberal England, there could be committed such an act of intolerance as recently took place in a court of justice in South Shields.  The unjust act to which I allude was the compelling of a Jew, against his conscience, and in spite of all his remonstrances, to break his Sabbath by signing his name.  The case is reported in the "Newcastle Chronicle," and I beg you kindly to to give publicity to this intolerant proceeding in your valuable paper, in order to show the world that the time is past when a Jew may be persecuted for the sake of his faith.  The English colonies have acted in a more becoming manner in similar cases than the mother country, it having been decided some time ago in an Australian court, to postpone the hearing of a trial in which a Jew was concerned from Saturday to the following Monday, so as to do no violence to his conscience.

Subjoined is the extract from the local paper:

CURIOUS "SCENE" IN A POLICE COURT. - On Saturday morning, an amusing "scene" was presented at the South Shields Police Court, arising out of the strong Sabbatarian views of a member of the Jewish persuasion.  Mr. Thomas Jackson, pawnbroker, East Holborn, being summoned to give evidence in the case of the seaman Froude, having sold a watch to him, and on the case being completed he was requested to sign his name to the depositions. - Mr Jackson: But I cannot do that to-day.  It is our Sabbath - the clerk: Oh, but you must Mr. Jackson: But I cannot to-day. I will to-morrow. It will make no difference. - The Clerk: No, that won't do. You have given your evidence. What difference is there in signing your name and coming here. - Mr. Jackson: I was forced to come here. - Ald. Glover: Mr. Jackson, you must sign the depositions before you leave the court. - Mr. Jackson: Then, I'll stay until our Sabbath is over. Councillor Anderson: A Christian respects his Sabbath as much as you (Mr. Jackson) respect yours, and he wouldn't refuse to sign a paper. - Mr. Jackson: It's breaking our law. You know I have been brought up to it. - Mr. Jackson sat down, and the business of the court proceeded. During the hearing of the other cases against Froude, Jackson left the court and fortified himself with a "drink", and on his return was remonstrated with in such terms that he consented to make his mark, but this would not do, and a threat of seven or fourteen days being held over him, he at last signed his name.
Created 14 February 2006

Provided by Harold Pollins

South Shields Congregation

 

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