The Jewish "Pale" knew but vaguely what was taking place in the recesses of the St.Petersburg chancelleries during the decade of reforms, but that a striking change in the attitude of the Government had taken place was seen and felt by all.

Freedom had been granted to the victims of the military inquisition, the cantonists.

The gates of the Russian interior had been opened to Jews possessing certain qualifications with regard to property, education, or labor.

The educated Jews, in particular, were smiled upon benevolently "from above": they were regarded by the Government as a factor making for assimilation and as a connecting link with the lower Jewish classes.

The vernal sun of Russian liberty, which flooded with its rays the social life of the whole country, just then emerging from serfdom, shone also for the hapless Jewish people, and filled their hearts with cheer and hope.