New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-06
A ROMAN CATHOLIC INVASION
PLANS FOR CoLoN1zNG THE SOUTH.
TRUE MOTIVE OF THE SOUTHERN IMMIGRATION
ASSOCIATION.

Chicago, May tSpecial.-A correspondent OF
" The Daily News who was sent to Hot Springs
Ark. to ascertain further particulars regarding
the Southern immigration Association recently
formed there, reports that the Church OF Rome
has decided to propagandize the South, and thai
the plan of the Association is to colonize the
region with poor Roman Catholics who can be in
duced to leave their native lands. The convention
finished its labors on April 25.
:" This convention. in the composite character
Of it's attendance, was unique" writes - The
News" correspondent The Roman Catholic
hierarchy was present in the person Of Cardinal
Gibbons, Archbishop Of Baltimore, and Of many
other preates and priests eminent for learning and
culture The Southern States were represented by
General Fitzhugh Lee, Governor Of Virginia, who
presided; by Governor Gordon, Of Georgia; by
the Governor of South Carolina and by delegates
appointed By the executives Of eight other States
In addition to these prclates and priests, these
Governors and State representatives, there were
at least 200 gentlemen from all parts of the South
representing their respective communities; also
very considerable number of the foremost railroad
officials of the trunk lines east of the Mississippi
River. Such gathering means something What? ?
Why has Rome developed such an interest in the
South as to have her ranking priest Cardinal
Gibbons, her bishops of Nashville, Of Savannah,
and half score of growing cities in the South
leave their dioceses TO attend q convention that
ordinarily would have drawn to it none but
business men and railroad magnates?
The intention is clear Rome has decided 70
propagandize the South. The Southern States are
aroused TO their need of greater populations,
Of an increased diversity Of industries;
The railroads desire TO swell the volume OF travei
and freight transportation. Rome ever watchful,
has noted these things carefully, and in them
sees her opportunity. The future wealth OF the
South is assured. Europe is overcrowded Tens
of thousands of Romes children could be influenced
by the Church to leave their native lands ana
settle in the South. They could be planted in
colonies In all the States and thus form the
The speech Of Cardinal Gibbons was master
piece of policy. From the moment he took his
seat until the convention adjourned, all the pro
ccedings in harmony with his thoughts. Inc
resolutions adopted provided for the organization OF
the Southern immigration Association, with head
quarters in New-YOrk, and for the raising OF a
large fund, by 1000 subscriptions from railroads,
from public and private corporations and from
trade and industrial organizations in all the South
crn States east of the Mississippi River
In conclusion the correspondent writes: " Rome
plans have been kept out of sight lmmigrau1oaa 40 \
from Europe was suggested, nothing more. Had
the idea been made conspicuous that the WORK
in hand was to bring many coOnlsts as pos
sible from Europe to the South, there would have
been some dissent, for there were many members
of the convention who represented communities
that are totally opposed to influx Of foreigners.
Had it been boldly put forth that special efforts
would be made among European Roman Cathollcs,
there would have been many objections, for the
South as q whole, is Overwhelmingly Protestant.
But corporations are sOullcss All these powers
will naturally Join the organization. Evidently
the hierarchy has studied the situation carefully
and enters upon its work with reasonable hopes
Of succpSSn "