Sna,—The Shorter Oxford Dictionary defines a nation as "A distinct
race or people, characterised by common descent, language or history, usually organised as a separate political state and occupying a definite territory" and "a family, kindred or clan " and "a particular class, kind or race of persons or of animals."
It should be noted that, by the definition, a Nation is not necessarily confined in a definite territory, and this is emphasised by the application of the word to animals, which obviously are not conscious of territorial boundaries. It would appear therefore that Mr. Lipson's contention that Jews are not a nation is untenable, for they certainly have a "common descent, language and history" and also certainly are "a particular class, race or kind of persons."
But, apart from a strict definition of the term "nation," surely it is an obvious fact that Jews are a distinct class of persons whatever com- munity they are in. I know many Jews who are not adherents to the Jewish religious faith, but they are nevertheless Jews and are plainly so. Mr. Lipson's suggestions for the solution of the Jewish problem should have careful consideration and, fortunately, his suggestions do not depend upon the truth of his primary assertion.—Yours, &c.,
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