"A whisper of approbation was the answer to this question.
"'Representative of the tribe of Simeon, it is your turn now!'
"A serious, dull voice resounded after this order. Each word was
pronounced slowly and thoughtfully:
"'Ownership of land is always the iron-clad, everlasting possession
of every country. This in itself gives power, respect and
influence. Therefore, the Jews should secure the possibility of
acquiring real estate. It will not be hard to accomplish this, if
we acquire movable capital. Therefore it is necessary to facilitate
loans on land. Under the fear of scandal we will destroy land
wealth and minimize its importance. Ownership of land should be
mobilized, if lands are sold as other commodities. The more we help
in the breaking up of estates, the more easily will they fall into
our hands. Under the pretext of relieving the poor classes, it is
necessary to levy all taxes of states and communities on the land
owners. When the land is in our hands, the labor of the Christian
workers and farmers will give us a tenfold income.'
"He who did not belong to any tribe laughed sneeringly.
"'This advice is good, but not new. Ask in Paris and in Vienna, who
owns the houses there?'
"A whisper of approbation was heard again.
"'Tribe of Judah, your turn!'
"The voice that resounded was marked with conviction and reminded
one of the sound of the Thaller.
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