News Items.

Rev. H. A. Henry, of Cincinnati.—With all our care in treating public questions, and the public men connected with them, we cannot satisfy all of the correctness of our course, and in fact we may occasionally do an act of injustice to one or the other, in their view of the question. We take great pains to be correctly instructed on all public subjects which we speak of; yet as we, no less than our informants, are not infallible, it is unavoidable but that once in a while we should speak upon information proceeding from sources somewhat prejudiced, or not thoroughly acquainted with what they allege. In the case of the reverend gentleman whose name heads this article, we <<270>> will state honestly that we were strongly prejudiced against him, on account of various reports which had reached us; wherefore we saw his election to a clerical office in Cincinnati with no favourable eye, and did not wish his succeeding, even by any chance, at Louisville. He has, however, transmitted to us testimonials for good character and capacity from the officers of the Free School, Bell Lane, Spitalfields, London, and of the Synagogue of St. Alban’s Place, of the same city, in the first of which he was head master, and in the second Hazan for seven years, which ought not to have been given, in case he was not deserving of the same. His removal to America was owing to his having been written to by a gentleman of New York (well known for the interest he takes in supplying vacant congregations, or those about becoming so, with suitable ministers), to take the ministry at Louisville, which had been advertised in our magazine. In consequence of this, he pushed forward, after arriving in this country at Boston, first to New York, where he officiated in the late Elm Street Synagogue, and thence by way of the Lake Erie route to Cincinnati, where he was prevailed upon to stop, under the impression that, at all events, the Rev. Mr. Gutheim would not remain more than one year, and that, having understood that the Rev. Mr. Gotthelf had in the mean time reached Louisville from Philadelphia, he felt disinclined to hazard his election there by competing with him. During the first year of his ministry in Cincinnati he had some misunderstanding with several persons, in consequence of which he accepted provisionally an invitation to become teacher and lecturer  at Louisville, without interfering with Mr. Gotthelf. Our article of last September on this topic was written under the misapprehension, as we now learn, that Mr. Henry wanted to obtain Mr. G.’s place, which he assures us he did not wish. The visit he paid to Louisville was merely connected with the object of opening a school and to preach English sermons; but on his return to Cincinnati he was honoured with a unanimous re-election and an increased salary, which circumstances then induced him to remain in his first position.

It will be seen that, though we have done Mr. H. some little wrong, it was not owing to any bad intention; we judged from circumstances, and nearly every one else would have judged as we have done. Mr. H. is personally unknown to us, and we confess we did not like to see a stranger in the country first displacing one whom we highly esteem, and then trying, as it then appeared, to do the same thing elsewhere, in the case of a gentleman whom we think is acceptable to a large majority of his people. The private intentions of Mr. Henry could evidently not be familiar to us, wherefore our remarks were just, ac<<271>>cording to the facts which had reached us, though we see now that we were rather hasty in our conclusions. But it was our object, we acknowledge, to enter a solemn protest against the irreligious system of electing ministers, which, alas! prevails not only here, but in England likewise, to select men of whom nobody knows anything, except that they have a voice, and whose learning is not inquired after, and whose principles are at times more than doubtful. We protested against this deprecating Mr. Henry’s elevation over Mr. Gotthelf, and we would have done the same thing had the case been reversed, as names with us are nothing, and men are in office only because they are required, not to endow them with posts of honour and profit. We are therefore pleased to accord to Mr. H. the acknowledgment that his testimonials prove him a man of capacity, independent of his vocal powers; and hence we trust that, whilst he strives to elevate the religious character of the people honestly and faithfully, like a true shepherd, he may not alone receive the approbation of his flock, but the support and guidance of our Maker.

While speaking of Mr. H., we will call public attention to his CLASS BOOK, which some years ago appeared in England. It is now being stereotyped in Cincinnati, and will soon be ready for delivery, when Mr. H. intends visiting the Eastern States, to interest the public personally in behalf of his work. We shall be pleased to review it candidly when it appears.

Chicago, Illinois.—The consecration of the first Synagogue in the State of Illinois took place at Chicago on Friday, June 13th. The Synagogue was crowded to excess; the most influential citizens were present, and several Israelites travelled 150 miles in order to participate in the solemnity of the proceedings. The consecration service was as usual amongst Jews. The interest was, however, much enhanced by the presence of the Rev. S. M. Isaacs, from New York who travelled 1,000 miles in order to officiate, and nobly did he perform his duty; all the city papers teem with paragraphs laudatory of his address. The following sketch, from the Chicago Democrat, speaks volumes respecting his ability:—“No person that has made up his mind to be prejudiced against the Jews ought to have heard such a sermon preached. It was very captivating, and contained as much of real religion as any sermon we have ever heard preached. We never could have believed that one of these old Jews we have heard denounced so much could have taught so much liberality towards other denominations. He earnestly recommended a thorough study of the <<272>> Old Testament, each one for himself, and entire freedom of opinion and discussion.” Whilst such is the opinion of a Christian journal, we, as Jews, were indeed happy that he was amongst us to disseminate the sublime doctrines of our faith; and when again he preached on Sabbath morning, there was but one opinion, an expression of regret that he was about leaving us. One good has already resulted from his words—our determination to engage a minister conversant with the English language, for which, considering our numbers, we offer a liberal salary, convinced that, by such a course of proceeding, we secure the happiness of the rising generation.   L.

New Orleans.—We learn that the Sunday School has closed for the summer season, with every prospect of its doing well in the coming winter. The ladies, headed by Mrs. Benjamin Florance, the superintendent, have been indefatigable in their labours, and many of the children have made great improvements.—Our informant also states that there is a healthy state of things in Synagogue affairs in both congregations, and we trust that they may so continue advancing till there shall be perfect godliness prevailing.—Mr. Isaac Hart having relinquished the Presidency of the German Kahal, Mr. John Marks, the former President, has been elected in his stead. Mr. Charles Emanuel, Vice-President, and Mr. G. G. Levy, trustee. in his place.—The Rev. Mr. Gutheim has obtained leave of absence till the 15th of September, and has, ere this, reached New York.—The Rev. Dr. Kohlmayer, formerly Rabbi of the Congregation, has been appointed by the President and Directors of the University of Louisiana, Professor of Hebrew and Oriental Literature in that institution.—We have been requested also, to announce the death of Mr. Jacob Levy, formerly of Wilmington N. C., on the 15th of June. at the age of 79 years.

Baltimore.—The Rev. Mr. Levine having retired from the office of Hazan of the Lloyd Street Synagogue, the congregation are desirous of meeting with a suitable person to occupy his place. We refer to the advertisement.

Sydney, New South Wales.—Even here the necessity of religious instruction is felt. The demands of the people are plainly set forth in their public announcement; and we regret that they require many qualifications in one person that we fear they will hardly find a man who combines in himself the various functions of Rabbi, Teacher, minister, and superintendent of schools, as these offices require properly four men to do them justice. Still, we hope that they may find one who will come as near to their standard as possible.