Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1906-12-22
Mission of Our Lady of the
Rosary Provides For Their
Protection.
Founded in 1883 and is Doing
Grand Work Under Faith
err Henry.
ENGLISH And SCOTCH CARED FOR

During the past fiscal year SS0,543
immigrants came to the United
States, breaking all previous records.
The greatest landing place for streer-
age passengers is Ellis Island, New
York harbor. No longer in the lead
in point of numbers, the Irish immi-
grafton is still large, considering the
population at home. According to the
records in the department of Stats
tics at Ellis Island, the Irish immi-
grants for the year preceding June &c.
1906, numbered 2S,772, including g.
$50 who were here before. In the
total were 1857 males and 14,155 fe-
males. OF these, LII were under
the age of fourteen; 1886 were be-
tween the ages of fourteen and for
ty-four; and 1,245 were forty-fve
years or over. The entire money
brought amounted to $773,077. The
distribution of Irish immigrants
among the States was somewhat ir-
regular. New York. Pennsylvania, IL
linois, Massachusetts and Connect
cut receiving the larger numbers and
in the order given. 1t is worth not
ing, however, that some went to every
State in the Union.
The Rev. NJ. j. Henry in an address
recently published describes how
Irish immigrant girls are cared for
at the Mission of Our Lady OF the
Rosary at Ellis Island, which was
founded by the Rev. John Reardon in
1888. The chief aim from the be-
ginning has been to guard the faith
and morals of the Irish immigrant
girl, and if necessary to afford her
temporary shelter and hospitality.
This the mission has accomplished
faithfully and we'll and much other
good besides. From continent to con-
tinent it's influence extends. Steam
ship and railroad companies recog-
nize this, and, as a result, are the
more vigilant in protecting the immi-
grant The mission is now estab-
lished twenty-three years and from
its founding to the present every ship
that brought Irish immigrants to New
York was met at the landing by one
or more of its representatives. The
girls are interviewed briefly, their
names and destination recorded, and
information helpful to their guidance
and safety conveyed. A friendly word
from the priest, whose very presence
inspires confidence, an assurance that
relatives will be notified, that with a
little patience everything will be well,
&c hon 10
world much brighter. All the Irish
girls not discharged before 4:30' in the
afternoon, as well as those going to
points farther than New York but I'M
able to resume their journey, are
taken to the home and kept free of
charge until reputable relatives or
friends call for them or until COM
munication with such is established
For those who have no relatives or
friends, as we'll for those who have,
but who wish to get work without
delay; the mission secures employ
ment in good families. 1t is we'll to
add here that Professionals girls from
Ireland, England and Scotland have
often been willing guests and that
there never has been nor never will
be the least discrimination shown or
interference with their religious be-
lief. Within the last twelve months
the total number of girls received was
1,474, and for 337 of these positions
were obtained. A large number of
those who arrived previous profited
from the influence for good which the
mission exerts through interviews and
correspondence.
And now as to how the mission is
supported. 1t was the intention of
the founder that in every sense Of the
word the mission should be a home,
and not hotel, and that no girl
should ever be charged for any stay,
long or short, beneath its roof. This
rule has been rigidly observed to the
present moment. The cost of main
tenance, which is very considerable,
is met chiefly by generous responses
to our annual address. Through such
hearty cooperation the founder and
his successors have been enabled to
pay off debt of $4,000 on the prop
erty and meet heavy current expenses
as well.
In the early years of the Republic.
and indeed down to comparatively