The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-09-20
OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
To the Iriahmen Of Missis,ippl

we do, the imperative necessity for an i'm
mediate and practical union of all Irish,
men in this country, and being actuated
solely in this undertaking by fraternal
and patriotic motives, we have, therefore,
determined upon a full consideration of
the many advantages likely to flow from
such q course, to issue, for general distri-
button among the 1rishman of Mississippi,
this Address, believing that it is only
necessary for Irishmen to be reminded,
in order to ensure a speedy and energetic
performance of their duty. We do not,
now, remember of single Irish Associa-
ton that existed in Mississippi previous
to the late war, although the Irish popula-
tion was then, as how, of a large and re-
spectacle character. Since then, however,
many of our countrymen have been awak-
enened to the necessity and Importance of
associating themselves together for the
mutual aid and improvement OF each other,
as well as for the purpose of assuming
for themselves and their children
that position in the social scale and body
polite which their intelligence and strength,
together with their moral character and
citizenship. justly entities ;hem.
To-day there are in Mississippi, several
Irish Societies in successful operation, the
most prominent, however, OF which are
those known as the HiberDian Benevolent
and Mutual Aid Associations. These are
all in II thriving and flourishing condition,
and are united together in one Grand
Body under the name of the Hiberniah
Benevolent and Immigrant Aid Associa-
ton of the State of Mississippi. This body,
since it's organization, two years ago, mas
already accomplished great good in the
advancement of those laudable objects for
which it was originally organized.
At the late session of the State Associa-
ton, the subject of immigration was
prominent topic of discussion, and it was
resolved to address ourselves earnestly to
the work of inducing to our section at least
small per cent of the emigrants from
Ireland who now are persuaded to remain
in the crowded cities of the East upon
their arrival. Knowing that we have
here as genial cline, aud as hospitable
aud generous people as can be found
upon the habitable globe, where energy
and industry will not fail to secure their
to invite to our section those who are
driven by poverty and political oppression
from the land of their birth. We who
have spied out this land, send glad tidings
and cordial welcome to the oppressed of
Old Ireland. No industriously disposed
man need be idle for one hour in Missis-
sippi. There is q demand for labor and
skill, and our Association will cheerfully
act as medium between these, who-seek
and those who have employment to give.
If there are large landowners who wish
to secure honest and industrious settlers,
reasonable terms, we shall be pleased to
hear from them, and to make known in
Ireland, from time to time, such substan-
tial invitations from our people. AS an
Association, we have yet no capital at our
control, but We have willing hearts and
ready hands to do what we can in develop
ing the boundless resources of Mississippi
and, in adding to her wealth and prospect
ty, confer at the same time lasting benefits
upon those whom we cannot forget, al
though the wide ocean staads between.
Who will help US in this good work7 Who
will be the first to say, l offer you sec
tion, half section. or one hundred acres of
land for bona tide settlersf We wish to
reduce the theory of immigration to prac-
tical results, and will gratefully acknowl-
edge any cooperation that may be ex-
tended.
Now, then, fellow. couutrymen. while
our first duty is to our God, the next we
owe T." our adopted country upon whose
welcome shores no Irishman's foot e'er trod
without feeling the iron chains of oppres=
sion imposed upon him by the most vim
dictive and despotic of governments, sud
simultaneously experiencing that lightness
OF heart, elasticity of step and freshness
of spirit, which are indigenous only to that
eoil which basks under the radiating beams |
of liberty's sun. In thus recognizing the
deep debt of gratitude, which all Irish
AAou O"o W eulS BiOEiuuS lAuu, we must |
not forget our duty to the land that bore |
our impoverished and prosecuted |
brethren in Ireland, whose sorrows and |
miefortunes are entitled, as a matter of |
right, to that aid and sympathy from us,
Of which they are so much in need, and
which, were our positions reversed, they
would, with characteristic promptitude,
freely and unhesitatingly bestow. In short
We cannot, and must not forget them in
their distress. To ignore and pass by IN
needed the plaintive appeals for succor
aud relief which are borne to us upon
every wind that sweeps across the broad
would be to stigmatize ourselves
rs base and selfish people who are emf
1ently unworthy the respect and confidence
If our fellow men.
In conclusion, then, we confidently as
ert that the release of our countrymen
Ibroad from English bondage, the perma-
lent restoration of universal liberty in
reland and the advancement aud protec-
ion ofour own interests here, can be accom-
'iished IL but one way, and, that is by as
ociating ourselves together in regularly
rGanized soeieties. and thershv nrnYinn To |