The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-11
WORTH OF THE SOUTH.
WHAT THE POLICY OF THE ROMAN
CHURCH is SAID TO BE.
The Object of tho Presence of Cardinal
Gibbons at the Recent North Carolina
immigration Convention-Some Very
Interesting Information.


Hot Springs IN. c. Special to Chicago Daily News
A great convention at this beautiful
health and pleasure resort opened and
closed its labors few days ago. The out
line Of what il was has been furnished the
country by the Associated Press, and the
Chicago Daily Neics has told that version
of the story to the world. But the true
inwardness Of the matter has not gone to
the public, and therefore, in accordance
with instructions, your correspondent now
gives ii.
This convention, in the composite char
acter Of It's attendance, was unique. The
Roman Catholic hierarchy was present
in the person Of Cardinal Gibbons, arch
bishop Of Baltimore, and Of many
other prelates and priests eminent
for learning and culture. The Southern
States were represented by Gen. Fitz
Hugh Lee, Governor of Virginia, who
presided; by Gov. Gordon, OF Georgia,
one of the truest and most eloquent men
Of the SOUTH by tho Governor of South
Carolina, and by delegates appointed by
the executives Of eight other States. In
addition 10 these prclates and priests
these Governors and State representatives,
there were at least 200 gentlemen from all
parts Of the south representing their re-
spectivo communities, also very consid-
cradle number Of the foremost railroad
officials OF the trunk lines east OF the Mis-
sissippi river.
ROME IN THE SOUTH.
Such n gathering means something.
What? That was the question the Chicago
Daily Neim sent its representative 10 ascer-
tain. Why has Rome developed such an
interest in the south as 10 have her rank
ing priest, Cardinal Gibbons, her bishops
OF Nashville, OF Savannah, and n half
score Of growing cities in the south, leave
their dioceses 20 attend convention that
ordinarily would have drawn TO il none
but business men and railroad magnates?
The intention Is clear. Rome has de-
eidcd 10 propaganda the south. That
historic church has plans for this part OF
the country. She intends TO consummate
Rome works-not for today or for this
year, but for all time. When a purpose
has been formed II remains fixed. What
ever obstacles intervene must be over
come. Energy, zeal, persistence and pa
tience will be employed for the purpose is
accomplished. The southern States are
aroused TO their need OF greater popua-
tions, of an increased diversity OF indus
tries, OF the wonderful richness of their
natural resources, and the importance OF
having them developed. The railroads de-
sire 10 swell the volume OF travel and
ts.l. a. l.st.
Of the south In the past ten years, the vast
sums that have been permanently invest
cd in mines, furnaces, mills and factories;
the marvellous growth Of Chattanooga,
birmingham aud other new towns, and
the new life and vigor Of older ones like
Atlanta and Augusta, have stimulated the
ambitions OF the southern people and
given Ihe-FaiiIUad managers an idea of tho
tremendous traffic that will accompany an
increase OF population.
TuR FUTURE ASSURED.
Rome, ever watchiul. has noted these
things carefully, and In them secs her OPP
portunity. The future wealth Of the south
Il assured. The new towns OF today are
the pioneers Of hundreds more that will
arisc and flourish before the opening OF the
twentieth century. The mines, the manu-
factories, the railroads and the town build
ems will require multitudes Of mechanics,
artisans and laborcn. The negro race can
do all the common labor, but Il will be q
long time before II can be qualified for
anything beyond. Europe is oyorcrowded.
Tens OF thousands OF Rome's children
could be influenced by the church 10 leave
their native lands and settle In the south.
They could be planted in colonies in all
the States and thus form the nuclei for the
spread oi Catholicism. Such an invading
army establishing itself NJ all points would
give the church sure ioothold, and en-
able Il To push forward with greater speed
and security ~ the accomplishment OF its
purpose.
The speech Of Cardinal Gibbons was a
masterpiece Of policy. lie manifested n
broad American spirit. lie complimcnted
the southern people by speaking with adj
miration OF their great resources, hidden
wealth and glorious climate. lilo alluded
dclicately oi their hospitality aud general
warmth. lie conirasicd the burdens borne
/ by the people OF Europe with the freedom
| enjoyed by American citizens. Few men
/ could have putso much into n ten minutes
address II removed all doubts, Il Quoted
| III fears, Il evoked general enthusiasm.
| II was the keynote Of the convention.
IMPORTANT BUSINESS MEASURES.
From the moment Cardinal Gibbons
| took his scat until the convention AL,
! journcd all the proceedings were IN har.
mony with bis thoughts. Tho resolutions
adopted presented a plan for putting
thought into action. They provided Tor the
organization Of the Southern Immigration
l .......t.ft.. ,,stti. IuunVf.f,l "a Naty N,rl
for the raising of large fund, by Sl,0O
subscriptions from railroads, from publ,
aud private corporations, and from trade
aud industrial organizations IN all th,
southern States east OF the Mississippi
river. II gave charge Of the preparatory
work Ia Mai. J. ID. Kelley, IT,, man o
unusua, executive force, who had shown
his zeal aud ability by planning an,
hHngingiogcthc this large and Influential
nsscmhlagc. As result OF his worl
this movement has been iairlyand strongly
inaugumtcd.
What will the southern people do abou
it7 That remains 10 bc discovered. A
the outset the movement will be hearth,
welcomed. Romo's plans have been kcp
ont Of sight immigration from Europ
was suggested, nothing more. The genera
impression made by the speeches and th
resolutions was that this would be an OF
mnimliun Tor concerted work 10 divert &
the south that tide OF immigration that la
long been flowing from the northern Az
lantic States 90 the west Had the Idle
! been made conspicuous that the work 4
, hand was 10 bring "a many colonists ~ pos
sihlc from Europe 30 tho south, thoc woul
, have been some dissent, for there wcr