5. Ireland to Scalabrini²⁰

         St. Paul, April 25, 1904

Excellency:

            I am taking the liberty of introducing to your kind attention Mr. Amasa Thornton of New York.

            Mr. Thornton will explain to you in detail the purpose of his trip

to Italy. Together with other citizens of New York and with the

Government of Cuba, he has conceived the idea of establishing in Cuba some colonies of Italians with very favorable conditions for the immigrants.

            In my opinion, Cuba is an ideal country for the Italians willing to go into agriculture. The climate is convenient for them. The soil is rich. The country needs industrious inhabitants. American capital moves very easily to Cuba. It builds railroads there and opens sugar and coffee plantations. It is up to those concerned with Italians, such as yourself, Bishop, to see what advantage there may be for them.

            It would be the desire of Mr. Thornton and of his associates to see an Italian priest become their collaborator and direct the spiritual interests

of the newly formed colonies; they are ready to provide for the support of this priest.

            Knowing your ardent and intelligent zeal for the temporal and spiritual good of your immigrants, I have believed that I could do you a favor in putting you in communication with Mr. Thornton. After you have heard him, you yourself will judge the merits, whatever they may be, of his initiative.

Your devoted servant,

John Ireland, Archbishop of St. Paul