The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-11-01
IMM|GbANI GIRLS
SAVED FROM P[R|LS
Catholic Mission Home in New
York Proves BuIWark
Against Evil Men.
GIRLS GIVEN PROTECTION.
WORK IN BEHALF OF FOREIGN
GIRLS HAS BEEN CONDUCTED
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS SILVER
JUBILEE NOVEMBER g.

New York, Oct 31.-Although the
immigrant is well cared for at the time
Of his arrival on Ellis island, it would
be impossible for the United States
officials to give the protection that
many need even after the government
has exercised it's supervision, which in
cludes the investigation OF the health,
moral standing and financial assets OF
the would be-citizen. The case of the
female immigration who arrives alone
and fails to meet at once the expected
brother, sister or friend. brings up the
question of proper housing and would
present problem to the authorities.
were it not for the homes established
by the different religious denomina-
lions for the purpose OF calling for this
unchaperoned girl until a responsible
guardian arrives.
The immigrant officers gladly shift
the moral burden of safeguarding these
girls to the representatives OF the
Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist Episco-
pal. Jewish and other churches whose
representatives await each boatload at
Ellis Island. The heads of the different
mission houses work together in har-
mony and they uphold the hands of
the officials in every effort that is made
for the betterment Of conditions sur
rounding immigration.
In the days of old Castle Garden the
vicinity OF Battery Park was fraught
with danger to the newcomer. Sailors
boa. ding houses Of more or less i'll re-
pute lined the streets Of the neigh
borhood and into them many d girl was
enticed and there robed of both money
and virtue The state board of immi-
grafton commissioners in charge from
1S47 to 1890, endeavored to correct this
by permitting only licensed hotels and
boarding houses to receive the girls,
but as they were public places super
vision could not be maintained over
the character of the other guests and
the results We're not always the best
When the tide of emigration from
Ireland was at it's height in 1883, Miss
Charlotte O'Brien, Protestant Irish.
woman, noticed the bad conditions that
prevailed and in order to be able to
suggest practical remedy. made the
journey across the Atlantic as a steer
age passenger under an assumed name.
Arriving on this side she spent some
time in the boarding houses whose
runners besieged every incoming ship.
Her experience was appalling and
the outcome Of her labor was an appeal
to the Irish-Americans to establish a
home where protection from imposi-
tion and crime could be assured until
other and proper arrangements were
made.
First Mission Founded.
Strange to say, the immediate re-
suits OF the Protestant's lady's work
was the founding of the Irish Catholic
mission. The others that have follow
ed as the need grew, are also monu-
ments to her.
The old Colonial house at No. II
State street, once the home of the Van
Rensselaer, family was bought for this
purpose by the Rev. J. j. Riordan, the
first director. The premises are also
uioSOtloal IA lll<hl tASy SCI fCo 40 oiuSSo
for commissary department for the
troops encamped in Battery park dur
ing the civil war. Located at the GEN.
ter of the curve made by State street
In front of the park, its out-spreading
roof, jutting balconies and Dutch
stoop with two flights Of steps leading
to the sidewalk at both sides of the
platform, bespeaks welcome that is
ratified by the golden cross that sur
mounts the main entrance. The inter
Tor is comfortable. although Anticipated
Our platform is Cleanliness and Kind
liness,'" says the Rev. NJ. J. Henry.
the present director.
This, the oldest institution of its
sort, has existed twenty-five years. In
that time more than 100000 girls have
received hospitality for night, week
or a month as the case demanded, and
for 10000 Of these positions have been
secured. No distinction Is ever made
because of the race or creed of the ap-
plicant and no charge is ever asked
for the benefits conferred, which is in
accordance with the wishes of Miss