New-York tribune., 1902-09-14
DOUKHOBORS IN CANADA.
THE RELIGIOUS FRENZY OF THE I'M
MIGRANTS MAY EXTERMINATE
THE WHOLE RACE-CROPS
NEGI. .ECTFD

NEGLECTED.
Ottawa. Sept 13 (SpeciaD-The news from York
town, Assniboa, that Tolstoys pets, the Doukho-
bors, have at last shown themselves in their true
coiors. is constant of worry TO the govern
mcnt. for problem is presented that be dealt
with only by radical measures What Russia expert
enced with the Doukhobors Canada is now expert
encns, for word from their settlements in
the Far West that the religious mania of the peo
pie is assuming acute phase. and that many are
certain to starve death during the coming winter
unless the administra ton takes prompt steps to
make them realize the necessity for paying some
attention TO the wants of the physical man and
laying up provisions for the winter months.
In their mad zeal they have abandoned their
fields although their have been exceptionally
good and have allowed their horses and cattle to
rus. through them at will. Their mania is of
the widest ina ginabe. They only oblivious
the hard winter ahead. but pay little heed TO the
needs OF the present They absolutely refuse to eat
meat. and in many homes nothing more than a bag
of flour can be found. Clad in the ghtest Of cotton
garments, the Doukhobors sit idly around.
wildly about their religious beliefs. They have dis
carded the OF animals beasts of burden. be-
lleving that their horses much entitled TO
freedom they themselves, and IL is uncommon
sight TO see men in harness drawing heavy wagons
10 the mills for -four. Many who strong
gaunt. hungry wrecks. What makes matters
worse is that the frenzy seems 10 be spreading
from settlement to settlement, and IL is certain
hundreds will perish before the year unless
some means is devised OF forcing them 10 harvest
their crops of giving them substantial assistance
Above all, the religious mania must be checked.
What makes the government officials feel more
keeuy about the matter is that there were
nerous croaking prophets the time the first
Doukhobors landed in this country prophets who
insisted that the day would come when Canada
would hEd that she had only relieved Russia of
white elephant and that there must have been
Good reason for the harsh treatment accorded the
Doukhobors by the government of the Czar. Such
prophets were laughed to scorn for the new inlmi-
grants stoud looking pleasant visaged peo-
pie. VINO betrayed nothing but a laudabe desire
build themselves homes in the new country and
TO earn a right to become citizens of Canada.
Most impressive the welcome extended at
Halifax these exiles from the land of the Bear.
The first shipoad numbering two thousand souls.
greeted by party of the DOukhobOrs' repre-
sentatyes in Canada. notably the Russian Prince,
HilkoH. and Messrs, Elkinton the Philadelphia
Quaker. and Gildey. of Dartmouth. Mass. At the
sight of the Prince the people the crowded decks
started hymn. Mr.. Ekinton ard the other Qua
kers In the party broke into tears. affected were
they by the scene. As the big steamer approached
the dock they called to the people leaning the
rail Welcome. Doukhobors,' When the gang
plank was stretched the situation became
more affecting. The immigrants recognized Prince
Hilkoff and crowded around him. all eager
speak him and kiss him. Such the land
ing of the Doukhobors in America.
BY degrees more ard more were brought over,
until there were between four and five thousand
in the far western regions of Canada The press
ing accounts of the solidty and frugality of the
newcomers. who would doubtless be great credit
10 the country OF their adoption For almost three
years they lived up TO the reputation thus thrust
now ali this is chansed and they have, have reiapsed
INTO that peculiar religious fanaticism that earned
and and that may compel the Canadian authorities,
S raouSn soreIy against their Will TO adopt harsh
measure measures for the preservation of the afflicted
people.
NOS rnosf noted by j. Obed smith the Western Com.
70 70 tIe superintendent of immigration in this city
The Doukhobors are exceedingly hospitabIe CIV
ing thelr best TO strangers. They are intelligent
eral substantial bridges. without thinking of asking
Tor government aid also excellent ferry. and are
other domestic arts survive among them. such
mTaiis etc Ior & w9fh f they make their own looms
a her focks of sheep are increasing and many
be no doubt about their success Those in fact
VINO know them best respect them most, and con-
slider them desirable acquisition the country
the gloomy reports now slowly dItering to the out
n, sue World Doubtless 1t is true still of many
equally no doubt that if the religious mania con-
condition will be affected ultimately S'e''1'
What makes the deplorable news from Yorktown
ton is the splendid showing made by another class
FIRST nvsed Ihe al b r Waen these people
ments and with the uncouth department common
10 their peasantry. bitter howl up regard
ing the undesirability of admitting them TO the
country. 1t said that they little better
than saVages. and would ruin any district in which
they might settle. What really occurred and how
the Galcians developed well put by w NJ
Fisher, of the best known business men OF
Winnipeg. who spent two months in the Edmonton
district of Northern Alberta, where thousands of
Galicians have found homes. Mr.. Fisher saws;
THE Galcians, against whom l was prejudiced
before visit. and of whom there about ten
thousand tributary to Edmonton. l found to be a
most desirable class of settlers being hard working
frugal people, and in their financial dealings honest
a degree After careful personal observation am
glad be able to say that the abuse that has been
poured upon these people is altogether undeserved
saw the material and the finished article IL
NAV these terms, and ii is surprising In what
short time the material becomes assimilated
and the customs dress and manner of the country
dress selected similar to that Of the ordinary Cana
dian farmer. The language of the country is also
adopted and it is remarkable how quickly II is
learned ! have hesitation in pronouncing the
Galician of the Edmonton district asset of great
value the country.
The problem now Is to enable business men like
hobors How the government will effect this re-
ing remains to be seen, but 1t may be taken for
granted that the Laurer administration will act
Suickly botn for the sake of Canada and for the
sake of the Doukhobors themselves