OUR TEACHER 185 



was its progress, that it became an established institu- 

 tion, thanks to the indefatigable labor, patience and en- 

 ergy of the man whose fertile mind conceived it. 



The colony and the school prospered, one gaining 

 strength from the other, and both mutually helpful. The 

 school attracted attention throughout the country, the 

 trustees of the Baron de Hirsch Fund were interested 

 and enthusiastic, and the Professor realized his dream 

 of educating the youth of his people for the soil, so that 

 the Jew should take naturally and willingly to agricul- 

 ture. 



Still, the good heart and able brain were not content 

 with their achievements, but continued to work and plan. 

 Believing that industry wouH materially assist the farm- 

 ers during the long, cold winters, Professor Sabsovich 

 gradually but surely succeeded in interesting business 

 men in his plans, and several factories were established. 

 To these factories came workers of various trades in 

 large numbers ; they bought small homes, cultivated and 

 developed the land around their homes, and, with thrift 

 and diligence, rose to be prominent citizens of the colony. 



It was then that the many-sided nature of the Pro- 

 fessor had full play. As manager of the colony, he was 

 at once brother and friend to each and every one of the 

 colonists, rejoicing, encouraging, commending in good 

 fortune; and consoling, cheering and sympathizing in 

 misfortune and misery. He was also the peacemaker 

 and arbitrator in all civic and domestic dissensions, wisely 

 holding that Jewish cases should not come before the 

 legal courts. In this way he prevented, or amicably 

 settled, disputes that otherwise would have brought con- 

 demnation, or, to say the least, unfriendly criticism upon 

 the colonists from the neighboring villagers, who were 

 at first not disposed to regard them with favor. 



