Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-29
MoHAMMEDANs COMING HERE.
Large Colonies to Re Established in tn.
South.


1t appears that Alexander Russell Webb. the
United States consul, who four years ago en-
braced the religion of Mohammed, and who
represents the Mohammedans in the United
States, has returned to this country for other
reasons than those lac has already stated. MANY
Will now be surprised who have heard Linn cav
oniy that his mission here is the propagation
Ga that religion to learn that he is also the
agent of rich worshipers of Mchammed.
In an interview Yesterday at New York
Mr.. Webb confirmed this statement. while
regre'ting that it must become public be-
fore certain negotiations with landown-
ers had been completed Mr.. Webb states
that a large number of Mohammedans are plan
ming to emigrate from India TO the uited States
and that they will probably form colonies in
several of the southern states. For some weeks
past he has been in communication with large
property holders in the south, notably in
Georgia and Florida. He has secured figures
on large strips of land and has already reported
these prices to a syndicate of Mohammedans
who are. from religious and financial motives,
interested in the movement
TO ESTABLISH COLONIES
Mr.. Webb has no doubt that the colonies will
actually be established He says the Moham-
medans are extravagant admirers Of the United
States and the majority would, he thinks. be
glad to become American citizens. 1.-The sub
ject," said Mr.. Webb, has been discussed by
Mohammedans in India for number of years.
India has $50, 600 900 people, you know and yet
it is but one-fourth Of the size of the United
States. There are in India alone 60 600 900
Mohammedans and they include the better class
of residents. They are taxed to death by the
government and they do not feel that they are
occupying the social position to which they are
entitled.
"They have read Of our great institutions
and comparatively small rate of taxation. They
are anxious to become American citizens and
especially rs a man is here free to follow any
religion he chooses. They have wanted TO emf
cipal objection has been the absence of any
means Of observing the forms of their own re-
ligion among themselves.
1.-The Mohammedans pray five times day and
each time they wash their heads. faces and
hands and feet Naturally they could do this
when the desire to come to America took def
mite form they thought only Of the warmest
part of the country. They do not propose to
abandon their religion, which they regard as
lar superior to Christianity.
"From that feeling grew the negotiations
with the owners of southern land properties.
Mohammedans eat no beef or pork any
thing that is killed except in the name of God.
They will be found never to drink liquors. They
will pray wherever they happen to be. and this
Is another reason why the idea of establishing
colonies was born. They want to be together
where they will be free from observation and
ridIcuie.
CIRCLES ARE ESTABLISHED.
The idea of the wealthier and more promi-
nent Mohammedans was said by Mr.. Webb to
be to form in every town aud city Of the United
States circles to study the Mohammedan reli-
gion. The primary purpose is not, however, to
soften
Christians in America against the great religion
of the Indies. Already three of these circles
have been established. two in New York city
and IN Woodbridge. \. J. Charters have been
applied for by these societies and it Is believed
that many more circles will shortly be in opera
ton.
~ am in negotiation" be added, with re-
sponsib!e men for the purchase of large tracts
of land in jacksonville, Pensacola and Augusta.
and in Alabama. The sellers understand the
purpose to which the land will be put and say
the neighbors will probably offer no objections
whatever. Americans will not find the Moham-
medans to be beggars or charity seekers. but
on tho contrary valuable workmen in many in
dustries.
LANDS IN THE SOUTH.
81 have secured for such purposes an option
Of 5000 acres in Georgia and on seven or eight
other tracts equally large. Committees will be
sent from India TO inspect the lands here and
then bargains will be closed.
The immigrants will of course. purchase all
their farming implements. cattle and other
necessities here. and they ough. to make thor
oughly good citizens. You may say that en-
other syndicate of Mohammedans are negota-
ting TO run line of steamers between Bombay
and New York. and in this WAY transportation
to the United States Will be greatly facilitated.
The syndicate have leased the buildings q: ASS
West 10th street for their headquarters.
81 believe :ha! within five years there will be
about 5000 active. able-bodied Musselmen SET
tied in the first colony. 1t is difficult at this
time to fix a definite date for the arrival of the
first colony, but think that will be settled i'm
mediately after the land is purchased"