USA > Rhode Island > The "Old Stone Bank" history of Rhode Island, Vol. III > Part 19
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It was, then, no illiterate, undeveloped, narrowminded part of America that the youthful James Manning surveyed when he undertook the project of establishing a college on Rhode Island soil. Manning found many sympathizers and supporters and had no difficulty in securing the in- dorsement of his plan by the leading citi- zens of the times. A charter was soon framed and laid before the General As- sembly at its August session in 1763, but action on it was postponed. A somewhat different charter was presented at sessions
in October 1763 and January 1764, and was finally granted at the session in East Greenwich. It was signed and sealed on October 24, 1765.
There was some delay in the drawing of the charter, inasmuch as it was claimed by some that the originators of the college idea, the Baptists, might, as the charter was first written, be tricked out of holding control of the destinies of the proposed institution, but that is a long intricate story. Since the ultimate result of the efforts of those, who had a hand in the framing of the document, was the creation of an academic instrument worthy of admiration, the narrative of its evolution is not essential in a review of this kind. In short, Brown's charter permitted ad- ministrative control of the college by other denominations as well as by Baptists. Under this charter, representatives of the various denominations were to be chosen by the corporation, not by the denomina- tions themselves, and might be either clergymen or laymen. The outstanding fact is that the instrument, which to this day governs Brown University, recognized more broadly and fundamentally than any other college charter of the times, the principle of denominational cooperation.
Never has Brown required religious tests of its students or teachers, and, in the beginning, positions of all grades of teachers, with the exception of the Presi- dent, were open to all denominations. Furthermore, under its historic charter, Brown has excluded from its courses of public instruction all teaching of sectarian differences of opinion, and youth of all religious faiths have been, and are today, on an equal footing in every respect.
Here in Rhode Island, the cradle of religious freedom, the legislators approved of a college that subscribed to the follow- ing : "Institutions for Liberal education are highly beneficial to society, by form- ing the rising generation to virtue, knowl- edge and useful literature and thus pre- serving in the Community a Succession of men duly qualified for discharging the offices of life with usefulness and repu- tation - into this liberal and catholic institution shall never be admitted any religious tests but on the contrary all the members hereof shall forever enjoy full
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free absolute and uninterrupted Liberty of Conscience."
In the spirit of this fine promise, the Corporation of Brown voted on Septem- ber 6, 1770, "that the children of Jews may be admitted into this Institution and entirely enjoy the freedom of their religion without any constraint or imposition whatever." For generations Brown has
been a seat of liberal culture, furnishing and inspiring its graduates for manifold honorable and useful vocations. It has asked of its graduates that they think their own way through the problem of the choice of a life work; - that they go each to serve with fidelity and devotion his day and generation according to the will of God.
THE OLD SYNAGOGUE IN NEWPORT
0 F all the landmarks in Rhode Island none has more of historic interest and genuine architectural beauty than the old Jewish Synagogue in Newport. This an- cient house of worship, the first in Amer- ica for that denomination, is one of the several masterpieces of design and con- struction created by Peter Harrison, whose genius had a profound influence upon Colonial architecture. On Sunday, February 21, 1932, the Grand Lodge of Masons in Rhode Island met in this his- toric shrine where the members of the fraternal body heard a stirring address by the Hon. Max Levy, a distinguished Jewish citizen of Newport, who reviewed the history of the building and told of George Washington's visit there in 1790 when he came to Rhode Island as Presi- dent of the United States. Hundreds of visitors, of all creeds, annually enter the synagogue on Touro Street, next to the Newport Historical Society's building and not a great distance from Washington Square, to marvel at the perfect harmony of color, decoration and panelling, and to admire pleasant proportions of construc- tion which present day experts acknowl- edge to be unsurpassed in any other edifice erected during the Colonial period.
When the settlement of Roger Williams had become established and the world in- formed that here was a friendly haven for those oppressed because of their liberal or dissenting views in the matter of religious freedom, people of all beliefs were invited to come and worship as they saw fit. Thus it happened that several Jews who, like the Quakers and even Roger Williams himself, found that living in Puritanical
Massachusetts was unbearably disagree- able, came to Rhode Island where hos- pitality was extended to everyone. Many of the first group of Jewish settlers in Newport had previously come to Bos- ton from Holland and they were men of great enlightenment and culture, the type of citizens upon which a youthful colony could build and prosper.
In 1684 the General Assembly added its approval to the acknowledged consensus of popular opinion in Newport and voted in favor of allowing members of the Jew- ish faith to settle in the Colony. With this added inducement and unselfish atti- tude, more of the race were influenced to come from the West Indies. These were for the most part German Jews, skilled workmen and men of high character. They brought with them many trade secrets which helped greatly in develop- ing the industry and commerce of the seaport. Foremost among these valuable bits of working information was their un- derstanding of the handling of spermaceti, an important substance used in the mak- ing of candles, and also their knowledge of the proper methods of tempering brass and other metals.
There seems to be no record that a con- gregation existed when the Jews first came to Newport, but, without a doubt they en- joyed the strict observances of their faith in an unostentatious and private manner, probably holding religious services in the homes of different members. If so, in- struction was given by the heads of families at these quiet meetings and noth- ing was done publicly to antagonize any of the colonists who had so kindly ex-
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tended hospitality to them as immigrants. The first move to establish a synagogue was in 1759, but the desire to do this had long been in the minds of these people. About sixty families were organized and headed by Isaac Touro and several others they raised the money to construct the building and the first congregation was formed. Peter Harrison was commis- sioned to design the synagogue and he immediately turned to a patient study of old Jewish laws and rituals, and he drew his plans in strict accordance with various specifications and customs which had been handed down from one generation to an- other during the centuries of Jewish his- tory. The cornerstone was laid that same year, and on December 2, 1763, the building was dedicated.
The visitor will notice that the main en- trance to the structure does not face the street, and that the building itself does not align itself squarely with the side- walks and streets in that vicinity. Very likely the general direction of Touro Street was changed somewhat during all these years, and inherent principles in the Jewish religion forbade both the moving of a synagogue from its original site or its sale, therefore it remains today in its relatively oblique position. The street entrance is through a small stone gateway erected by Abraham Touro, another of that illustrious family so long and closely associated with early Newport history, and the son of Isaac who officiated at the synagogue services for many years. The two pillars on either side of the outside gateway represent those of King Solo- mon's temple, Jachin and Boaz, denoting strength and establishment. The exterior of the building is beautiful in its simplicity and in its pleasing square proportions, and these would be more apparent to the observer if the site were set apart and not closely surrounded by other buildings.
The interior is magnificent in every de- tail of arrangement and furnishings. The windows are all arched on both floors and the second floor is a series of galleries for the women of the congregation. These galleries extend around three sides of the auditorium and the eastern wall is re- served for the ark, the inscription in Hebrew of the Ten Commandments and
for other sacred objects toward which, always in the East, all worshippers turn when praying. The galleries are sup- ported by twelve beautiful columns of the Ionic order, representing the tribes of Israel, and directly above these, between the galleries and the ceiling, are twelve more columns ornamented with Corin- thian capitals. The columns, balustrades, in fact, all of the woodwork is painted white in pleasing contrast to the semidomed ceiling which is now finished in a light blue giving one an impression that the room is roofed with an expanse of blue skies.
For many years there were no pews or seats, for the men used to move about during the services, wearing their hats of course. In this manner they retained an ancient custom which many synagogues have discarded. Now there are many com- fortable, attractively-upholstered seats for the congregation but the rule concern- ing the wearing of hats still prevails in this historic house of worship. It seems particularly appropriate that the mem- bers of this one congregation should be unusually faithful in their adherence to European and Asiatic precedents in their religious rituals since that group is espe- cially distinctive, and the synagogue was the first to be established in America.
The ark containing the sacred relics is covered with a handsomely embroidered curtain and other ornaments of gold and silver, magnificently wrought. The an- cient scrolls containing the laws of the faith are deposited in the ark and one of these, said to have been rescued at the time of the Inquisition in Spain, must be nearly five hundred years old. These scrolls, called the Torah, are wonderfully inscribed on parchment and are mounted with rollers at the top and bottom. Five large bronze candelabras were imported from England at different times and were installed in the building, where they re- main at the present time. The two oldest are dated 1760, two more are dated 1765, and last bears the date of 1770. It is inter- esting to note that the members had all of the expenses required for building and furnishing paid before the structure was completed. When this was done they felt that they had a right to indulge in further adornment.
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Though the building has never been moved or sold, it has had long periods when it has remained unoccupied. After the War for Independence, it was many years before the Jews, who had been driven out of Newport along with hun- dreds of other patriots, returned, but these groups were some generations re- moved and not related to the original families. At this particular period in his- tory the synagogue was closed for nearly sixty years and it was not opened again for Saturday services until 1850. A new congregation was not formed until 1893 when a new charter was procured from the State. Those who reopened the place had great pride in the historical signifi- cance of the landmark and they did a great work in reawakening interest in the building and in the religious services held there. In 1902 a couple came from New York City to be married within the walls of the ancient temple which at one time provided a place of meeting for the Gen- eral Assembly of the Colony.
George Washington was a guest of the old synagogue's congregation when he came to Newport, in 1790, as President of the United States. The exact place where the distinguished guest was seated during the services or exercises is now pointed out to visitors and the words of his address to the Hebrews of Newport have been carefully preserved in several precious manuscripts. President Washington's closing remarks in that historic address plainly show his high esteem for the mem- bers of that race who so generously sup- ported his efforts to lead a nation to vic- tory: "May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the goodwill of the other inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the Father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all, in our several vocations, useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy."
CAUSES OF THE WAR
T THE story of Rhode Island at last comes to the point when the attention of those who resided here was gradually drawn from home problems to the policies of the mother country in respect to the Colonies on the American continent. Up to the beginning of the latter half of the eighteenth century, Rhode Island had been eminently successful in her estab- lishment of self-government and soul liberty, and in her provision of protection of the Colony against foreign violence and internal dissension. After many trials, Rhode Island had organized a judiciary system adequate to the protection of person and property and the prompt ad- ministration of justice. She had culti- vated the sense of right and wrong and made careful provision for the enforce- ment of contracts and the punishment of crimes. Rhode Island had kept step in the march of American progress by the open- ing of highways, the establishment of ferries, and the building of bridges. Judi-
cious harbor laws to favor navigation were instituted and liberal bounties were of- fered to encourage the extermination of wolves, foxes and other nuisances. A strong movement was on foot to solve local public welfare problems, and a sys- tem of public education had been ini- tiated. Churches, schools, libraries and other cultural and spiritual institutions had come to take their permanent places in the daily lives of Rhode Islanders as the half way mark in the eighteenth century had been reached and passed.
From the very beginning of her career Rhode Island found little cause to be hos- tile to England - the source of all govern- ment in the Colonies. Throughout her civil life Rhode Island had been contemp- tuously refused admission to the league from which Massachusetts and Connecti- cut derived the strength that made them bold, both for aggression and for defence. From the King, Rhode Island had sought and received protection in the repeated
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attempts of Massachusetts and Connecti- cut to divide her territory between them.
And, from the King, Charles II, Rhode Island had received the charter of govern- ment that went far beyond the dreams of the leaders of the times in its provisions for civil rights and liberties. This Colony willingly supported the mother country in her struggles with France, Spain and Portugal, and, when the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1763, Rhode Island and the other colonies shared in the benefits de- rived through England's victories. The expulsion of the French from Canada, and of the Spaniards from Florida, removed all danger from foreign interference, and left the American colonists free to work out their own destinies. That part of North America that constitutes the United States, at least the area included in the original English Colonies, might have gone right along as a happy, con- tented, well-behaved child of the British Empire, and later evolved into a dominion such as Canada, if greed, the cause of most tragedy and dissension in this world, had not entered into the relations between England and her American offspring.
Far back in 1739, a heavy blow had been dealt the commercial and manufac- turing industry of the colonies by the molasses and sugar act which imposed a duty upon those articles. This act had all the flavor of unjust taxation, but no seri- ous objection was made because the col- onists were patiently waiting for the year 1764 when the odious act would expire by limitation. But, when the time did come, it was promptly renewed and extended to other articles of domestic consumption. Right there can be marked a turning point in world history, for it started the move- ment that was destined to end in the establishment of an American democracy.
In the meantime, many bitter lessons had been learned, and probably would have been forgotten by the Colonies, if England had been satisfied with the ad- vantages which she had derived from them by constitutional means. Helping the mother country to fight her private bat- tles had taught American farmers and mechanics to be soldiers and sailors and bear the hardships of life in the service. On the other hand, local taxes had in-
creased and legislation had been com- pelled to busy itself largely with questions of military organization; with the build- ing of forts, the raising of recruits, the providing of supplies. England's wars in which the Colonies co-operated had given impetus to maritime enterprise, although, from Providence alone, nearly fifty ves- sels, richly laden, had fallen into the hands of the enemy. On the land, many precious lives had been lost and many industrious hands taken from the tilling of the soil to waste their strength in fighting battles for a mother country that did not appreciate the willingness of her colonial subjects to help. As one historian put it, "They (the American Colonists) would have gladly contributed their portion to the expenses of the war ... engaged in by England . . . and taxed themselves to pay it. But English constitutional law had prescribed the forms and conditions with which taxes could be raised, and colonial constitu- tional law taught that representation was an essential condition of taxation."
Referring again to the end of England's wars with France, Spain and Portugal, Rhode Island and all of the other Ameri- can colonies would have gladly forgotten the sacrifices made, and the actual losses sustained, in behalf of the mother country. The most friendly of relations would have undoubtedly prevailed thereafter, if Eng- land had dropped the molasses and sugar act on schedule and not indulged in an ill- timed jealousy with which she sought to fetter the commerce and check the manu- facturing spirit of the colonies.
In addition to import duties placed upon various articles of domestic con- sumption, rumors were spread that the Colonies would soon suffer under the burdens of a proposed stamp act, then being hotly debated in Parliament. This act was passed, to go in effect November 1, 1765 and since it is often mentioned in accounts that describe the causes of the Revolutionary War, a brief description of the hated measure follows: The so-called Grenville Stamp Act provided for the raising of revenue in the American Colo- nies by the sale of stamps and stamped paper for commercial transactions, real estate transfers, lawsuits, marriage li- censes, inheritances, newspapers, etc .; it
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also provided that British soldiers in the Colonies should be quartered in the homes of the people.
News of what the Stamp Act held in store for the American Colonists, whose views were not asked concerning its pas- sage or rejection, immediately stirred up a great wave of opposition. Massachu- setts took the lead in recommending the call of a Congress of delegates to meet at New York and to take counsel concerning the condition of the country. Rhode Island followed close in her footsteps. Benjamin Franklin wrote from London the first of his immortal patriotic epistles; Patrick Henry of Virginia brought for- ward a series of resolutions which, going to the fundamental principles of constitu- tional taxation, found adherents every- where. In Providence the Gazette reap- peared in an extra number with "vox populi vox Dei" for superscription, and "where the spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty," for a motto. Augustus John- ston of Newport elected Attorney Gen- eral in 1758, was appointed stamp distrib- utor, but refused to "execute his office against the will of our Sovereign Lord the People."
Newport was the scene of riotous ex- pressions of Stamp Act hatred. The effigies of three citizens, who probably made it clear that they found nothing wrong with the Act, were kept hanging on a gallows in front of the court house dur- ing the day, and were cut down and burned at night in the presence of a great throng. The three, mocked in effigy, and three equally obnoxious revenue collec- tors were compelled, the following day, to take refuge on an English sloop-of-war at anchor in Newport harbor. The mention of stamps and unjust duties soon became linked with whispered references to liberty throughout this land. Feeling against the crown ran higher as the day for the en- forcement of the stamp act drew near. When it finally came, the Colonists were ready. The Congress at New York and the town meetings and assemblies had done their work thoroughly. In a session of the General Assembly held at East
Greenwich, Rhode Island had declared her intention to assert "her rights and privileges with becoming freedom and spirit - and to express these sentiments in the strongest manner."
With the inauspicious dawn of the fatal day, all legal life in Rhode Island ceased. Ships lay idle at their moorings for want of clearance papers. Merchants could not fill an invoice; the officers of the law could not enforce its decrees. Men and women could not marry or be given in marriage. Civil life was paralyzed in all its functions. Mobs and riots showed to what lengths the heated popular mind was pre- pared to go. Plans were made to develop industry in America independent of Eng- land. Some of the appointed stamp col- lectors resigned; some were afraid to carry out their instructions; others refused to act. At any rate, it would have been difficult to find a single stamp anywhere in the Colonies since not an agent dared to receive or sell his hated ware. The first blow for liberty had been struck, and strange to note, this first blow was on the defensive. England finally realized her mistake and repealed the Stamp Act, but cleverly left the way open for future taxa- tion by passing legislation giving Parlia- ment the right to bind the colonies in all cases whatever.
Thereafter followed a series of reprisals against the crown in whatever attempts were made to collect taxes from an aroused people. Smuggling became a common practise in Rhode Island and throughout the Colonies, while His Majesty's revenue officers found their duties not only diffi- cult, but extremely dangerous. In future chapters of this narrative you will prob- ably hear detailed descriptions of certain dramatic incidents that provoked open hostilities between the Colonies and England, but the underlying cause of the war has just been outlined. Taxation without representation is a phrase that nicely defines the basic cause, but, under- neath it all, was the age-old failure of a powerful institution, carried away by vic- tory or success, to recognize the rights and feelings of its component parts.
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THE FIRST BLOW FOR LIBERTY
" has been observed that there never would have been a War for Independ- ence, or Revolutionary War, if England had been the least bit considerate of the rights and sensibilities of her American Colonies at the time when a little patience and en- couragement would have been much more effective than oppression and unjust tax- ation. Carried away by victory in her long-drawn-out wars with France, Spain and Portugal, England, then the undis- puted mistress of the seas, preferred to lay the heavy hand of tribute upon the very Colonies that had shirked no cooperative effort in bringing about that victory to the mother country, and, in return for the help given, at a great cost of life and property, the American Colonists were promptly rewarded with taxation without repre- sentation.
The unfair Stamp Act was passed by Parliament but its obnoxious demands were never met by an aroused people. Skimming rapidly over the events that led to Rhode Island's participation in the Revolution we find that, after the passage of the Stamp law in March 1765, there was plenty of trouble here with stamp officials, especially in Newport. An Eng- lish schooner was fired upon by a mob at Fort George, and a small boat belonging to the "Maidstone " - a vessel engaged in impressing, or as it is commonly called "shanghaing" seamen, was seized by a mob and burned in the public square. The effigies of the stamp official and two loyal friends in Newport were burned, and the homes of these individuals were pil- laged. On August 7, 1765 a town meeting was held in Providence under the leader- ship of Stephen Hopkins, and Patrick Henry's famous Virginia resolutions were passed in toto. A month or so later, the Rhode Island General Assembly made the Virginia-Providence resolutions its own, stipulating that the officers of the As- sembly would be held harmless if they disregarded the Stamp Act.
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