The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-01-21
knelt on the Deck Of Steamer and Gave
Thanks For Their Safe Journey.
AFFECTING SCENE AT THE GANGWAY.
Immigrants Recognized Prince nitoif and Crowded
About Him and Kissed Him Psalm Singing
Striking Feature Of Their Services.

Halifax. Jan. 2f.-Since the Pilgrim
Fathers landed at Plymouth Rock few
more interesting expeditions arrived on
the American continent than that
brought by the steamer Lake Huron TO
this port yesterday.
The Lake Huron brought over 1000
men, women and children OF the Quaker
tribe of the Doukhobortsi from the
shores OF the Black sea. These 2000 are
the advance guard OF the colony of 10. 900
which is TO settle in the Cana dian North
west
Like the Pilgrim Fathers, these poor
Russian Quakers come TO the American
continent TO seek civil and religious lib
erty. They have been prosecuted for
years, because their principles will not
allow them TO comply with certain gov
ernment regulations, and finally they de-
cided TO leave their native land and settle
In the new world
1T was wonderfully impressive sight
when the steamer entered the harbor
yesterday, and the poor immigrants
gladdened by the sight OF what was TO
them promised land, fell on their knees
on the deck, and men, women and chill
dren Joined in hymn of Thanksgiving.
shortly afterwards Russian Prince
Hilkon came on board, and again the i'm
migrants broke into "A hymn OF praise.
When the ship came to- an anchor the
Roukhobers gazed with interest at their
surroundings. They were mainly un-
demonstrative and stolid in appearance.
They seemed comfortable and showed
pleasure at their safe arrival. The inn
migrants wear skin garments and caps.
Mr.. Elkinton OF Philadelphia and other
Quakers who received them wore the
road-brimmed hats peculiar to their
sect. The latter wept with emotion, and
as their boat approached the side of the
big steamer they called TO the people
leaning over the rail, Welcome Douk-
hobors'
At the head of the sangway the scene
was affecting. The immigrants recog-
nized Prince HillSoff and crowded around
him. all eager TO hear him speak and TO
Kiss him. The striking feature was the
psalm chanting and the solemn service.
The former commenced by the passen-
gers themselves as the ship slowly came
to anchor
The singing was strong i'm volume and
remarkably plalntive. II was interrupted
by the princes advent on board and gave
place TO divine service conducted by El-
kinton, who with streaming eyes and
face raised to the blue sky and out
stretched arms seemed deeply moved.
This service consisted of prayer and sup
plication.
Everybody uncovered, Notwithstanding
the chilly atmosphere. The singing OF
The hymn was then resumed The burden
OF the chant as translated from Russian
by Prince Hilkon was. "GodlIs With Us:
He Has Brought Us Through"
The Lake Huron left Batoun on Dec
%, and since leaving Gibraltar the
steamer mot some very rough weather
ON account OF the great crowd on board |
there was considerable suffering. and it
Is doubtless because OF this fact that
no less than 10 infants died on the vow
age. Outside OF this. however the
passengers sre remarkably free from |
contagion. There Is one case Of measles
on board, but IL has been isolated.
The Canadian government has cxpend- !
ed great efforts In making every pro-
vision TO ensure tleir comfort. and in ar
ranging to expeditiously transport them
10 their homes in Manitoba, and the |
Canadian northwest.
The Doukhobortsi will be forwarded
In six train loads to Winnipeg. Bran
don and Portage la Prairie. where un-
settled land has been allotted TO them. |
AT these places the Canadian govern
mont has already laid in large quantities !
of supplies, for. although the govern
ment had nothing TO do with the coming
OF the immigrants to Canada. they are |
anxious TO give them proper reception |
In the country which they have chosen |
TO adopt