In the year 1891, on this day, Dec. 9, President Benjamin Harrison wrote: "This Government has found occasion to express ... to the ... Czar its serious concern because of the harsh measures now being enforced against the Hebrews in Russia. ... Great numbers ... have been constrained ... to abandon their homes and leave the Empire. ... It is estimated that over 1 million will be forced from Russia within a few years." President Harrison concluded: "The Hebrew ... has always kept the law ... often under ... oppressive ... restrictions. ... This consideration, as well as the suggestion of humanity, furnishes ample ground for the remonstrances ... we have presented to Russia."
