Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-11-04
FRENCH ORGANIZING.
SOuthside Natives of AIsace and Lor-
raine Band Together
FOR A VARIETY OFGOOD PURPOSES.
The Political Interests of the People Will
be Cared For.
EDUCATION WILL NOT BE NEGLECTED.

A meeting was held in hall at the head
of South Eighteenth street yesterday alter
noon for the purpose of forming perma-
nent organization of the French natives of
Alsace and Lorraine who live on that side
of the river 1t is said there are between
5000 and 1000 of this class of people in
Pittsburg, the majority of whom live on the
Southside. They are very much scattered,
however, and have very few acquaintance.
Most OF those who come from that small
province cannot speak English. They come
to America with good trade in anticIpa-
tion of getting better wages.
The principal object OF the organization
on the Southside is to get all the French
natives together if possible; to cultivate
more fraternal feeling. among them; extend
moral and financial support to those who
are worthy and to help them in any way
possible. A library will be established in
connection with the organization, stocked
with ancient and modern French history
and Literature, together with all the best
American works.
FRENCH BECOME CITIZENS.
About four-ffths of the French who come
to this country, come from Alsace and Lor-
raine. They become citizens just as soon as
they can after their arrival. the proportion
of them who never take out naturalization
papers being very small. Another object in
forming the present association is to secure,
if possible, some recognition in politics. 1t
is claimed that what history shows France
as nation did for America is sufficient
grounds upon which to base their claims
for this recognition.
Similar organizations have been formed
in New York, Cincinnati, st. Louis and
New Orleans, and they are said to be meet
ing with considerable success. The Pitts
burg association will endeavor to
enlist the sympathies and substan-
tial encouragement of all who came
from the French Province in advanc-
ing their people in civilization, education
and refinement. The matter of education is
beginning to attract the attention of the
French natives in America. Previous to
1870 the system of education in France was
not of very high standard. Since that
time the nation has endeavored to pattern
after the American system, and it is meet
ing with much favor.
FORMING LIBRARY.
Many of the older people who came to this
country. however, are not we'll educated. It
is the intention to establish literary and
scientific reading circles in connection with
the organization. Then greater effort will
be made to have the children get the full
benefit of the public schools Of the city.
Every feature that can be made conducive
to the advancement of the people, that will
place them on a higher Plane ofcivilization, OF
that will add to their home comfort and
will be made an object of the
organization. and the zeal with which the
seem to have started out indicates
that the organization will be benefit to the
people.
The association will also adopt a bene-
fetal feature. Members taking sick will
receive weekly benefit, and when a death
occurs the association will make an assess
ment on the members for the benefit of the
deceased's family. The officers of the asso-
citation are: President, Andrew Gerard, |
Vice President, Nicholas Martenet; Secre- !
tary, John Reinbold; Treasurer, Eugene |
Ritter. Meetings will be held once month
from this On.