History-Los Angeles: Molokane Problem Believed Solved (1906)
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History-Los Angeles: Molokane Problem Believed Solved (1906)
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Posted: 15 Jun 2008 9:05PM GMT |
Classification: Query
MOLOKANE PROBLEM BELIEVED SOLVED.
Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); Dec 18, 1906; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1985), pg. II1
"Capitalists of Los Angeles will endeavor to find homes for the Molokane emigrants. A wealthy syndicate has purchased 500,000 acres of tillable soil in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico. More than 2000 of the Molokane here are ready to move. They have failed to adapt themselves to city life.
W. J. Hole of the American National Bank has returned from Sinaloa. With him went elders of the local Russian colony. They inspected the large area purchased, and are satisfied. Their word is law among the simple Molokane and it is expected all will decide to leave Los Angeles.
A conference between members of the land syndicate and the leaders of the Russian colony had been arranged for yesterday afternoon. It was impossible for Mr. Hole to be present, and the meeting will be held later in the week. Terms of agreement between the colonists and land owners will be discussed.
The scheme is gigantic. The emigration of every Russian colonist in the city is the smallest part of the plan. The thousands who are flocking to the Pacific Coast will be offered inducements in Sinaloa. It is thought more than 50,000 of the subjects of the White Czar will accept the offer.
Fearing a crisis in the Molokane situation here, many will hail with delight this possible solution. That the Molokane are not desirable citizens is admitted; that it is no fault of theirs is well known.
A pastoral people, they are unused to the demands of civic life. The problem of existence is unsolved for them as far as the city is concerned. Every day paupers are made in the Russian colony. The big, able-bodied, bewhiskered Slavs cannot compete with their American brothers.
That their task is too great will be apparent on a visit to the Eighth Ward where they are huddled. Many came to Los Angeles with money. Many of them are now penniless.
Schemers have preyed upon the credulous people. They have believed glowing tales of fortunes to be made. Often they have invested their small savings and lost all. The Sinaloa project would relieve the situation in-so-far as Los Angeles is concerned. The municipality would be saved the possibly future grave question of caring for these people If they accept the present5 offer.
As far as developed, the scheme is this. Heads of families, to the number of 250, will be taken to Sinaloa. These will be settled on plots of ground, and the experiment of making farmers of the men will be tried. If they make good, scores of others will follow. This will mean the hegira of the local Russian colony.
Already steps have been taken to arrest the march of the Molokane here. About 5000 Russians are at El Paso awaiting the decision of the elders of the local colony. Should the conference this week make a favorable report, these will journey direct to Mexico, instead of coming to this city.
The land purchased is said to be adaptable to the cultivation of sugar cane, beans, corn and cotton. It will be subdivided and sold to the Molokane. Terms within their reach will be offered them. Their dream of a pastoral life, such as they once had in their own land, will be realized, but on a larger scale.
“It is not a secret that the Russians cannot stay in Los Angeles. They do not adapt themselves to city life,” said Mr. Hole, last night. “We have a plan that seems feasible. We expect to take more than 2000 from here. Eventually, we shall have 50,000 Russians on the lands there. They can compete with the peon labor, and will not have to contend with such conditions as they find here. There are 5000 Russians in El Paso who will go. Many thousands, who will leave Russia in May, as soon as the Black Sea can be crossed, will join them. While the American National Bank is not actively concerned in the movement we shall have its backing to insure the success of the plan.
“Leaders of the Russian colony here are pleased with the prospect. They have expressed their intention of persuading their people to immigrate to Mexico. I expect almost all the Russians in Los Angeles will go.”"
Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); Dec 18, 1906; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1985), pg. II1
"Capitalists of Los Angeles will endeavor to find homes for the Molokane emigrants. A wealthy syndicate has purchased 500,000 acres of tillable soil in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico. More than 2000 of the Molokane here are ready to move. They have failed to adapt themselves to city life.
W. J. Hole of the American National Bank has returned from Sinaloa. With him went elders of the local Russian colony. They inspected the large area purchased, and are satisfied. Their word is law among the simple Molokane and it is expected all will decide to leave Los Angeles.
A conference between members of the land syndicate and the leaders of the Russian colony had been arranged for yesterday afternoon. It was impossible for Mr. Hole to be present, and the meeting will be held later in the week. Terms of agreement between the colonists and land owners will be discussed.
The scheme is gigantic. The emigration of every Russian colonist in the city is the smallest part of the plan. The thousands who are flocking to the Pacific Coast will be offered inducements in Sinaloa. It is thought more than 50,000 of the subjects of the White Czar will accept the offer.
Fearing a crisis in the Molokane situation here, many will hail with delight this possible solution. That the Molokane are not desirable citizens is admitted; that it is no fault of theirs is well known.
A pastoral people, they are unused to the demands of civic life. The problem of existence is unsolved for them as far as the city is concerned. Every day paupers are made in the Russian colony. The big, able-bodied, bewhiskered Slavs cannot compete with their American brothers.
That their task is too great will be apparent on a visit to the Eighth Ward where they are huddled. Many came to Los Angeles with money. Many of them are now penniless.
Schemers have preyed upon the credulous people. They have believed glowing tales of fortunes to be made. Often they have invested their small savings and lost all. The Sinaloa project would relieve the situation in-so-far as Los Angeles is concerned. The municipality would be saved the possibly future grave question of caring for these people If they accept the present5 offer.
As far as developed, the scheme is this. Heads of families, to the number of 250, will be taken to Sinaloa. These will be settled on plots of ground, and the experiment of making farmers of the men will be tried. If they make good, scores of others will follow. This will mean the hegira of the local Russian colony.
Already steps have been taken to arrest the march of the Molokane here. About 5000 Russians are at El Paso awaiting the decision of the elders of the local colony. Should the conference this week make a favorable report, these will journey direct to Mexico, instead of coming to this city.
The land purchased is said to be adaptable to the cultivation of sugar cane, beans, corn and cotton. It will be subdivided and sold to the Molokane. Terms within their reach will be offered them. Their dream of a pastoral life, such as they once had in their own land, will be realized, but on a larger scale.
“It is not a secret that the Russians cannot stay in Los Angeles. They do not adapt themselves to city life,” said Mr. Hole, last night. “We have a plan that seems feasible. We expect to take more than 2000 from here. Eventually, we shall have 50,000 Russians on the lands there. They can compete with the peon labor, and will not have to contend with such conditions as they find here. There are 5000 Russians in El Paso who will go. Many thousands, who will leave Russia in May, as soon as the Black Sea can be crossed, will join them. While the American National Bank is not actively concerned in the movement we shall have its backing to insure the success of the plan.
“Leaders of the Russian colony here are pleased with the prospect. They have expressed their intention of persuading their people to immigrate to Mexico. I expect almost all the Russians in Los Angeles will go.”"