The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1893-11-09

secuted by the Jesuits, and Charles l.,
OF England undertook to intercede for
them, but in vain. In 1855 a new order
was issued against them by Charles
Emmanuel II, Immediately preceded by
the almost total destruction of the
Waldenses in the districts. In the year
1855 Louis XIV. Of France revoked the
Edict OF Nantes, a decree passed by
Henri w. giving religious freedom to all
Protestant people within his domin-
ions, and com handed them to ALLURE
their religious tenets or emigrate from
their lands within Is days. They made
resistance, were defeated by superior
| numbers, and many of them died in
prison, their property being confiscated
and turned over to Roman Catholic
colOnists.
In 1859 the Waldenses who had been
driven from their old habitations began
to gather themselves together at an ap-
pointed time and place, determined to
again regain their lost possessions. But
in the winter of the same year they were
again attacked by an army of 10000
French troops, but happily they suffered
but small loss. This is said to have
been the last persecution waged against
them, yet it was not until the year 1S47
that they were fully established in their
homes and the enjoyment of peace and
religious freedom.
In 1879 there were IA, 900 communi-
cants of the Waldensian church, and "a
missionary stations. They had a college
at Florence, and published several de-
nominational and missionary journals.
The Waldenses are pastoral people.
The valleys of Piedmont were very rich
and fertile, and we'll adapted to the
growth of all the grain crops, maize and
barley being the principal cereals grown.
Fruits Of all kinds grew in greatest
abundance. Consequently, farming and
| fruit culture formed an important branch
OF industry with the people. Numbers
of them were engaged in herding cattle
and swine, the valleys being clothed
with a most verdant growth of grasses
suitable for grazing purposes, and maize,
the chief grain crop, furnishing subsist
ence for the swine. Manufacturing is
followed to a great extent also. The
silk manufactured by these people is
said to be the best made in Italy.
Wooden and cotton goods, hosiery,
leather, cutlery, glass ware and iron
were also among the articles of manu-
facture. Many of them We're also en-
gagged in mining, which industry was
diligently and successfully operated.
The Waldenses are an honest, intelli-
gent, hospitable, active and Industrious
people, and will prove themselves of in
estimable value to the State of North
Carolina in the development of her vast
and varied natural resources.
Being reared among the mountainous
country of Europe, it is but natural that
they should seek the western part of the
State, and that section will no doubt
soon reap the benefits of their indus
trious habits and native energy. This
is the kind OF immigration the South
wants, and our State should extend a
hearty welcome, not only to those who
have already settled within her borders,
but to as many more of their brethren as
may wish to come in the future, and aid
and encourage them in all their under
takings. Any State would be the gamer
by having such people to dwell among
its own, and we here in North Carolina
should give every encouragement that
those who have been induced to locate
with us may succeed, and also to induce
Others to take up their abode with us.
f. l.. TATE.