before, or, more correctly, created
simultaneously with the State.

The _gestor_ thus becomes answerable for every form of negligence,
even for the failure of business undertakings, and the neglect of such
affairs as are intimately connected with them, etc. I shall not
further enlarge on the _negotiorum gestio_, but rather leave it to the
State, else it would take us too far from the main subject. One remark
only: "Business management, if it is approved by the owner, is just as
effectual as if it had originally been carried on by his authority."

And how does all this affect our case?

The Jewish people are at present prevented by the Diaspora from
conducting their political affairs themselves. Besides, they are in a
condition of more or less severe distress in many parts of the world.
They need, above all things a _gestor_. This _gestor_ cannot, of
course, be a single individual. Such a one would either make himself
ridiculous, or--seeing that he would appear to be working for his own
interests--contemptible.

The _gestor_ of the Jews must therefore be a body corporate.

And that is the Society of Jews.

THE GESTOR OF THE JEWS

This organ of the national movement, the nature and functions of which
we are at last dealing with, will, in fact, be created before
everything else. Its formation is perfectly simple. It will take shape
among those energetic Jews to whom I imparted my scheme in London.[B]

The Society will have scientific and political tasks, for the founding
of a Jewish State, as I conceive it, presupposes the application of
scientific methods. We cannot journey out of Egypt today in the
primitive fashion of ancient times. We shall previously obtain an
accurate account of our number and strength. The undertaking of that
great and ancient _gestor_ of the Jews in primitive days bears much
the same relation to ours that some wonderful melody bears to a modern
opera. We are playing the same melody with many more violins, flutes,
harps, violoncellos, and bass viols; with electric light, decorations,
choirs, beautiful costumes, and with the first singers of their day.

This pamphlet is intended to open a general discussion on the Jewish
Question. Friends and foes will take part in it; but it will no
longer, I hope, take the form of violent abuse or of sentimental
vindication, but of a debate, practical, large, earnest, and
political.

The Society of Jews will gather all available declarations of
state