ABSTRACT
We remember that the National Assembly, in granting to non-Catholics who fulfil the conditions of eligibility the right to be chosen for all grades of administration, and to possess civil and military positions like other citizens, declared in the same decree that it did not mean to make any premature judgement on the Jews, on whom it would decide later. It is on this indefinite adjournment, which left the fate of 50,000 Jews established in France in suspense, that their deputies come, in their name, to present this petition to the National Assembly. The Jews of Bordeaux have asked, at the same time, to enjoy the active rights of citizens, for which they possess the statement declared in the letters patent. Their petition was presented to the Assembly by a prelate as distinguished for his wisdom as for his patriotism, and who, thanks to his good principles and good example, has the good fortune to be honoured in the same degree, both in the esteem of good citizens, and the hatred of the enemies of the public good. Despite the prejudicial cries and tumultuous movements of one section of the hall, which for several hours violated the sanctuary of its deliberations, the National Assembly proclaimed the great act of justice that was
asked of it, by admitting to the enjoyment of the rights of active citizenship all the Portuguese, Spanish and Avignonnais Jews. The other part of the Jews established in France is thus in the same state as it was on 24 December. Their rights are in the same state of uncertainty. The time when these rights are to be discussed is not even set, in spite of the request for adjournment to a set day, made on 28 January by the Abbé Grégoire, one of the first and most eloquent defenders of the Jews. Whatever may be the time for a discussion that the imperious law of justice does not allow to be much delayed, its success can hardly be seen as doubtful. It could be believed, as it is by the authors of this petition, that it is not the intention of the National Assembly that men whose religion and principles are the same have a different existence in France, because they do not live in the same province….
