Albert Meets America: How Journalists Treated Genius during Einstein's 1921 Travels

6 Freedom of the City Is Given (April 8)

Friday, April 8 Zionist Leaders Given Freedom of N.Y. State At the instance of the Hon. Nathan Straus, Jr., State Senator, the New York State Legislature has conferred the “Freedom of the State of New York,” upon Dr. Weizmann and Prof. Einstein. The text of the resolution which was unanimously adopted is as follows:— “Whereas Albert Einstein of Switzerland and Chaim Weizmann of Great Britain are now visiting our State; and “Whereas the purpose of their visit is to cement the bonds of unity between the United States and her neighbors abroad in the great struggle for human progress and happiness, and especially to unite the old world and the new in establishing a cultural centre for the Jews of the world in Palestine ; and “Whereas the achievements of Dr. Einstein in the spheres of physics and astronomy have commanded the attention and the admiration of the entire civilized world, and the record of Dr. Weizmann as a chemist during the World War has made the people of the allied and associated powers his debtors, and, “Whereas it is the desire of the Commonwealth of New York to make these distinguished visitors feel that every true American heart goes out to them in cordial welcome; therefore, “Be it resolved that the people of the State of New York extend to Dr. Einstein and Dr. Chaim Weizmann and their associates the handclasp of fellowship and a heartfelt welcome.” Yidishes Togeblat—The Jewish Daily News, April 8. 6 Freedom of the City Is Given ) 58 ) Albert Meets America Einstein Given Freedom of City by 57 Votes to 1 Falconer,Standing on Own Brand of Americanism,Still Dissents from Bestowing Courtesy Alderman Falconer still dissenting, the Board of Aldermen yesterday extended the freedom of the city to Dr. Albert Einstein and Professor Chaim Weitzman, famous scientists and Zionists, now visiting here. In impassioned speeches several of the members attacked the alderman who had blocked the resolution at its original presentation.Alderman Collins , Democratic leader, called him a “lackey,” a “bigot” and a “disgrace to the city.” Alderman B. C. Vladeck, Socialist, compared him with Newton’s dog, who was unable to comprehend his master’s theory of gravitation; the Republican leader, Alderman Ferrand, disclaimed all responsibility for Falconer ’s stand on the question. As his defense, Falconer offered his contention that too many men have been given the freedom of the city. Einstein, he said, is a German, and to honor him would be to honor an “enemy alien.” Weitzman, he admitted, might be well known to Jews, but is not sufficiently distinguished to warrant the respect of the Board of Aldermen. HeWas a Pacifist “With all of Falconer’s professed Americanism,”saidVladeck,“Professor Einstein is a better citizen than he is. It is well known that Einstein was a pacifist and refused to join in Germany’s war; that less than five months ago he was mobbed on the streets of Berlin by a gang of reactionary students, who tore his scalp and broke his glasses.” When the discussion had ended and a roll call was demanded, Falconer, despite the information offered by Vladeck, voted against the extension of the courtesy. The vote was 57 to 1. A committee of eight was elected to visit Einstein and Weitzman on Monday. Reading from his speech, Alderman Falconer recounted his family history . He had an ancestor, he said who was French, became naturalized as an Englishman and later came to America as the secretary to Lord Cornbury. The latter, he continued, was the first man who ever received the freedom of New York City. “The granting of the freedom of the city is the greatest honor that can be bestowed on any visitor to this city,”said Falconer.“There have been too many given that in the past two years. This country must not become a forum for the airing of foreign political questions. America for Americans. America first.” Alderman Collins ridiculed Falconer’s plea of Americanism. He sharply criticised him for his stand against extending the freedom of the city to Archbishop Mannix and Mrs. MacSwiney when they were in the city. An Old-Style Secretary Referring to Falconer’s ancestor, Collins said: “In the old days, when Lord Cornbury came here, there were no typewriters . There was no system of correspondence. A secretary did not write or read letters. He was a servant. He shined shoes. He was a...