The herald., 1896-11-30
BOSTON RECEIVES REFUGEES
A Band of Fifty Armenians Beginning
Life Anew Under Her Protection

Boston is indeed 'city of refuge"
1t has become a place of shelter for the
oppressed of every nation.
On the streets of this fair New England
city are met the representative of near
ly every foreign country under the sun.
No matter for what offense their pres
ence in the land of their birth may be
held as undesirable, or without regard
to the circumstances influencing a de-
parture to new and distant surround
ings, the nomads from other lands than
ours find here a harbor of safety and
home. This not only applies to those
who have grown weary of the contract
ed and arbitrary forms of government
under which they have been born and
bred, and seek the free and Independent
privileges offered by America. but to
many who have transgressed the Grim
inal laws. No matter what the motive,
be it the wish to enjoy the blessings open
to every worthy citizen of the United
States, or to escape the punishment of
guilty transgressions, it is here a refuge
is to be found
No better illustration of this is need
ed than shown in the recent coming of
the band of Armenians who sought pro-
lection under the Stars and Stripes from
the persecution of their native rule.
Through the influence of Frances Will
lard and others the way was cleared for
them to reach the United States. A week
ago party of over fifty arrived in Bos-
ton. The Women's Christian Temper
ance union received them. They were
not regarded as immigrants in one
sense by that organization. Although
most of them were destitute, on account
of the circumstances under which they
left Turkey. they were all skilled in va
rious trades. Helping hands We're ex-
tended from all sides. The free use
OF buildings in different directions was
rendered, and the needs of the stran-
gers in other directions were met by
contributions. The newcomers were
all men, and without exception they
were found educated, thrifty and anx-
ious to make outside assistance unnec-
essary. The party was divided. About
fifty were taken to Revere, where a large
house had been offered for their accom-
mediation, and half as many went to
Waltham street, where the unoccupied
floor of commercial building was placed
at their disposal The band of refu-
gees had all come from ConstantinOple
But few had lived there for any length
of time, but had come in from the sur
rounding country to save their lives.
ONE of them sought shelter in Ameri-
can vessels, swimming out to them at
night These had but little clothing,
having had to leave everything but the
scantiest of attire. 1t was not until
arriving in Boston that their wants in
that direction could be supplied, ana
then it was only in a temporary way.
The Armenians have adapted them
selves to the situation with every ex-
preston of gratitude and satisfaction.
To man they have asserted their wish
to become Christians and Americans
Among them the following trades are
represented Diamond cutters and pol
ishers, painters, BARRIERS, butchers, cab
met makers, shoeinakers, rug makers,
tailors, druggists, machinists, stone cut
ters. dentists, silversmiths, millers.
weavers, cooks, engineers, firemen and
bookbinders. One Of the latter has a
medal for superior work from the sui :
tan. There are also several merchants,
farmers and laborers. One Of the mer-