The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-05-29
MOHAMMEDANS COMING
To Settle Colonies in the Gouthern
Atlantic States.
THEY ADMIRE OUR GOVERNMENT,


Practice Their Religion - Ex-ConsuI
Webb, a Convert to the Faith, Talks OF
Their Industry and Morality.
New York, May 29.-It transpires that
alexander Russell Webb, the United
Mates counsel who four years ago en-
braced the religion of Mohammed, and
who represents the Mohammedans In the
United States, has returned to this coun-
try for other reasons than those he has al
ready stated Many will now be sur
prised who have heard him say only that
his mission here is the propagation of
That religion to learn that he is also the
agent of rich worshippers OF Moharme-
danism. In an interview Mr.. Webb con-
nrmed this statement, while regretting
that it must become public before certain
negotiations with land owners had been
completed
Mr.. Webb states that large number of
Mohammedans are planning to elnigrate
from India to the United States, and that
they will probably form colonies in several
o. the southern states. He has secured
figures on large strips of land in Georgia
and Florida, and has already reported
these prices to syndicate Of Mohamme-
dams who are, from religious and financial
motives, interested in the movement. Mr..
Webb has no doubt that the colonies will
actually be established
During his life among the Mohamme-
dnus he has found, he says, That they are
extfayagant admirers of the United States,
and the majority would, he thinks, be
glad to become American citizens. Many
Mohammedans have told him that they
have long cherished the idea of emigrat-
ing to this country, and that they have
he eHtated because there is no established
colpny here
"fhe subject of coming to America"
said Mr.. Webb, has been discussed by
M6hammedans in India for a number of
years India has 10000, 900 people, You
know, and yet it is but one-fourth the size
of the United States. There are in India
alone 60000,000 Mohammedans, and they
include the better class of residents. The
residents are taxed to death by the govern
ment and the Mohammedans, besides, do
mot 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, and
are anxious to become American citizens,
and especially as man is here free to fol-
low any religion he chooses.
'1fhe Mohammedans pray five times q
day, and each time they wash their heads,
faces, hands and feet. Naturally, they
cou4d do fhis with comfort only in warm
climate. Hence when the desire to come
to america took definite form, as it has
done, they thought only of the warmest
par$ of the country. They do not propose
to abandon their religion, which they re-
gard as far superior to the Christian re-
hgisn. From that feeling grew the nego-
tiations with the owners OF southern prop
erties. Mohammedans eat no beef or pork,
nor anything that is killed except in the
name of God. They will be found never
20 drink liquors. They will pray wherever
they happen to be. This is another reason
why the idea of establishing colonies was
bora They want to be together, where
they will be free from the interferences of
any observation or spoken criticism bor-
derfSg upon ridicule."
The idea of the wealthier and more
prominent Mohammedans was said by Mr.
--wrfee 10 he to form in every town aud city
of the United States circles to study the
Mohtlmmedan religion. The primary pur-
poseis not, however, to seek converts, but
to soften the prejudice of Christians in
America against the great religion of the
Indies. Already three of these circles
have been established, two in New York
cityAand in Woodbridge, N j. Charters
have been applied for by these societies,
andit is believed that many more circles
will shortly be in operation.
II am in negotiation he added, with
responsible men for the purchase of large
tracts Of land in Jacksonville, Pensacola
Augusta, and in Alabama. The sellers
understand the purpose to which the land
will be put. and say that the neighbors
will probably offer no objections what
I bap tal IN fha
for Who am acting. The rich men in the
movement have already pledged them
selves to assist financially in the purchase
of lapd. That is to say they will advance
tho money on long time notes. Americans
will not find the Mohammedans to be beg
gars or charity seekers, but on the contrary
valuable workmen in many industries. Our
plans have gone so far as the preparation
of plans for laying of towns and farms
have secured for such purposes an option
of $4,000 acres in Georgia and on seven or
eight other tracts equally as large.
You may be sure that the Mohamme-
dams will earn their own living in Amer
lea. They will depend principally upon
the products Of the soil. For that reason
estimates are being secured on only rich
and fertile lands. Committees will be
sent from India to inspect the lands here,
anu Ltltu DdrkdlHS Will DC ciOSeu.
..The immigrants will of course pur-
chase all their farming implements, cattle
and other necessities here, and they ought
to make thoroughly good citizens. You
may say that another syndicate of Moham-
medans are negotiating to run line of
steamers between Bombay aud New York.
and in this way the transportation of
Mohammedans to the United States will
be greatly facilitated. Ibelieve that within
five years there will be about 5000 active
able bodied Mussulmans settled in the
first colony,
ssThe Mussulman Is invariably sober and
industrious, and is unusually honest and
truthful. He will make a model citizen if
he is allowed the same privileges as other
American citizens. In coming here these
people do not intend to abandon their edu-
cational ideas They will make liberal ex-
penditures for schools. / might say that
the actual expenditures for lands for the
ta ta,,