3-070-557 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ill-treatment of the Jews in Russia: assault on a Jew in the presence of the military at Kiev, 1881. 'The deplorable and detestable misconduct of the populace in some towns of Southern Russia, where a fanatical hatred of the Jews has recently broken out in cruel assaults and attacks on their houses, with other acts of violence, was brought under the notice of Lord Granville by a deputation at the Foreign Office...In the town of Kiev alone, the loss and destruction of property...had been estimated at not less than £140,000. They began at Kiev on the afternoon of April 26, and continued until the following morning, by which time, the troops and police having arrested five hundred of the rioters, peace was for a time restored. The shops and stores of the Jewish tradesmen were sacked, and those who resisted were savagely beaten, while some received mortal wounds. At two o'clock on the afternoon of the 30th the attack was renewed, and the rioters were so violent and determined that the troops fired upon them...It is stated that Jewish fugitives are hastening from all parts of Russia. Many are emigrating to America. ...The Emperor has appointed General Count Kutaisoff to institute a special inquiry into the disturbances which have occurred'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.