_Arrival_
Sunday morning the 16th of May, 1903, the very handsome S. S. Germania,
cast anchor in the docks of Brooklyn. Indeed, there is no particular
significance in a steamship arriving in the harbor of Brooklyn and New
York, for they come by hundreds from all parts of the world, every day
in the week and many of them every Sunday of the year. It is for the
diligent observer that there are more lessons to be drawn from a day
passed along the Brooklyn bridge than there are in the most exclusive
circles of the 400. And if I am allowed to make any comparison at all I
should put it in the following short sentences. The former lessons would
be of a heart from which all arteries transport the necessary elements
to keep up undiminished the vitality of this great cosmopolitan body,
while the latter uncontrovertibly is only a part of the body, and
unfortunately it is the stomach that consumes lavishly even to the core
all that the whole body can produce. Yet to an every day passer-by
neither when he travels across the Brooklyn bridge rubbing elbows with
the scores of the masses of humanity that hasten their way unconsiderate
by nobody, nor when in his big red or yellow automobile hurrying up
Fifth Avenue he is planning in his mind a new scheme how to make more
money, or he is the heir of riches untold and many millions are waiting
for him to be scattered in all winds, his social standard to keep up and
his neighbor's honor to bring down and as a rule to accomplish his own
destruction, the time is of no value unless there is some profit in it
for the only scope in his life is self gratification.
[Illustration: REV. M. GOLDEN In His Street Attire as High Priest]
The S. S. Germania in splendor and commodities could proudly be called
the Mauretania or Lucetania of the Fabre Line, a very commendable
company judging from the good officials and desirable attendants we had
on board the Germania. Her arrival at the present voyage had exceptional
significance, and if every S. S. which arrives this side of the ocean
had parallel instances it would be only a matter of time when all the
legislators which are engaged in making the emigration laws would find
themselves out of business, because the Kingdom of God that knows no
divisions and no distinctions of nations and races should soon be
established to make a heaven on earth and there it would be one
Lord--one faith--one baptism for all human races, and all men could then
move in the different parts of the world without any credentials and
they could be welcome everywhere as members of the same family do when
they live within the boundaries of love.
Since the invention of Logos in the art of making history worth
reading, through the ages the historian derives his intelligence from
all sources apt to contribute to his object and unsparingly he treats
zoology, botany and all kingdoms ending in some kind of y, just to serve
his purpose successfully. And the writers of the Scriptures are not
exempted to this rule, inspired as it were, they mentioned almost every
known and unknown animal which our forefather Noah saved in his Ark, and
if the ass plays so an important part in the Book of books, Germania
surely is entitled to some consideration in the history of my
conversion.
It will be impossible for me to even attempt to skiagraph all that took
place on board the Germania from the time we left Naples of sunny Italy
till we arrived in the docks of Brooklyn, eleven and one-half days'
voyage with only a short stop at Gibraltar, that fortified rock for
which Great Britain is ready to play all her power just to maintain that
dry and ungraceful rock, but, the key of two seas, and in Azores Islands
to exchange mail, our journey was a never to be forgotten continual
holiday.
One odd incident that kept our merriment all these days, was the
symptomatical number thirteen. The S. S. Germania was carrying on board
several hundred emigrants, mostly from sunny Italy, they were
representing all conditions and descriptions coming to America to make
their fortune, which but a few exceptions is a sweet hope into every
emigrant's heart and though often proves to them that it was only a
dream, and there are millions of emigrants all over this land who after
many years of hard work they are still struggling for a mere existence,
yet they come and they shall continue to come for it is the rule of the
universe; they simply cannot resist the law that governs and moves the
Sympan. And the S. S. Germania was well occupied in its various
compartments, but there were only ten of us voyagers in the reserved
first cabins, and at meal time with the first Captain at the head of the
table and one Commissioner representing the Government and the first
physician of the boat then we made up the number 13; and though I am not
a superstitious person I was the first one to call the attention to that
fact, and there the fun began. The fellow voyagers insisting that should
any danger of tempestuous and stormy gale threaten their safety they had
to cast lots to know for whose cause the evil came, and as I was the
only representative of the religious sentiment, in all probability I had
to undergo the same experience as Jonah had, yet our fears did not even
approach any realization but instead as it was desirable to all on board
we enjoyed a very pleasant voyage all the way and the Captain himself
unreservedly with his boyish cheerfulness expressed his gratification
for all that came out so perfectly satisfactory. And the Captain being
desirous to commemorate the agreeable event he gave the night before our
arrival at Brooklyn a unique banquet in the big reception hall with
various symbolical decorations in honor to his excellency the number 13.
And to make the event more memorable the Captain himself went around the
boat visiting all the emigrants and selecting 13 of the most musical
Italian boys and girls with their harps, mandolins and tambourines, a
perfect stringed band, and while our merriment was in its zenith he
conducted them on the upper deck where the reception hall was located
into the adjoining room and without warning we began to hear the waves
vibrating through the walls into our hall and soon our ears were filled
with divine melodies. They were playing Tosca, Puccini's most inspired
composition and the translation of these people behind the walls it
really contained that pathos which all artists agree, yet unable to
explain how so many children of sunny Italy became world-wide famous for
the embodiment of that musical and harmonious pathos of which Tosca is
the favorite piece of the greatest living tenor Caruso.
In an unfortunate event that occurred to me some time ago I lost the
names of my fellow voyagers on that memorable trip on the Germania, yet
I can well recollect that there were two American newly-wedded couples
from the western cities, just returning home from their extensive
honeymoon trip abroad, and there was a gentleman, very refined and well
cultured in literature whom we called, the Athenian, as he hailed from
Boston, which in the language of all foreigners is the Athens of the
United States, and there was the Jew merchant from Chicago, and another
gentleman, an Italian professor, who was going to occupy an exalted
position in one of the Roman Catholic Institutions in New Orleans, and
to our delight there was Miss Maria, the only beloved daughter of Dr.
Achilles Rose of New York. Dr. Rose is not only a very prominent
practitioner as a physician in New York, but he is acknowledged as an
eminent authority by the most exclusive Academies of Europe concerning
medical matters, as well as a great linguist in the ancient and modern
languages, and a number of publications contributed to the scientific
research are the monuments of his convincing penmanship. His daughter
had just finished a long course in the best college "Arsakeion"
exclusive institution for girls in Athens, Greece; and she was well
qualified to teach the Ancient and Modern Greek language as well as any
professor in the American colleges and universities. I had to go
carefully myself in order to keep pace with her in the exactness of
pronunciation of the Greek words, and when listening to her telling some
of the joyful experiences she experienced in learning this wonderful
Greek language I felt like a Sunday school scholar impressed by her
rhythmical and melodious harmony in pronouncing every word and sentence
that sound like the old Greek music which even Apollo himself would be
glad to listen to.
With Miss Maria Rose there was Miss Margaret, a tall slender figure with
every characteristic of a genuine Kentucky girl, a very respectable
maiden, she was caressing for Miss Maria Rose with motherly tenderness,
she was the playmate and constant companion of Miss Maria now passing
the bridge of her teens; yet Miss Margaret could not tolerate seeing her
leaning on the rails of the Germania, she appeared presumably afraid
that some terrible whale might swallow her little Maria whom she loved
as much as a mother could love her own child, a pleasure which she
never had, to know and to love a child of her own, and Maria appeared to
appreciate the kindness of her governess.
Now to make up the list of the ten voyagers there was also your obedient
servant, coming over to America to study religious, social and
industrial conditions. An account of his reasons for taking this step
shall be given later on. At this time I must proceed to complete my
acquaintances on board the Germania. From the first day on board I find
myself in very friendly terms with every one of my fellow voyagers, and
before I knew it I was the father of them all. As a High Priest dressed
in my church garbs, they just pasted in front of my name the monkish
title, Father, which I never accustomed myself though my official church
name consists of about a half a dozen titles.
The Captain of the Germania, a typical French gentleman very agreeable
in all his ways, with my little French enabled me to make myself
understood. I had the pleasure of passing many a moment in pleasant
conversation with him, and when I wanted to speak to the Americans, my
heart was longing to learn all I could from them, as they were so kind
to me, and with Miss Maria's assistance I never went lonesome, her
acting as interpreter between me and the Americans, for by that time I
was not able to even pronounce correctly a sentence in the English
language.
With all these acquaintances my time was well occupied and to my
personal delight, by chance, I found my constant companion in the person
of Dr. Lucretius, the first physician of the Germania, an Italian
gentleman. By tokens and signs we found that both of us belong to that
great body of men that knows each other as brothers in every corner of
the inhabited world. It was he, Dr. Lucretius, who came to my cabin on
the morning of the 16th of May, at about 5 a. m., and knocking at the
door, said, Father Golden, we are now entering into the harbor of New
York, and if you want to enjoy a grand view of the surrounding country
you had better come out on the upper bridge. I shall be there waiting
for you to explain some of the most beautiful sceneries that you have
ever looked upon in your life. And he was correct, without any
exaggeration, for when I leaped from my bed and dressed myself as fast
as I could I went to meet my friend and brother, Dr. Lucretius.
Rushing up to the bridge I greeted him "Bonjorno, mio fratello" shaking
his hand at the same time, almost I cried out, this certainly is an
artificial imitation of the entrance to Bosphorus, and if it were not
for that great statue and mausoleum of Liberty, which I could see ahead
of me, I would surely believe that I was dreaming, it is like entering
the harbor of Constantinople, and just at this point, looking into the
face of my esteemed friend, Dr. Lucretius, I said to him; let us hope
that the day is not far distant when we shall salute the God-giving
Liberty in the heart of the great city of Constantinople. That was six
years ago and every word I said it came out of my mouth as a prayer of
my heart in all my sincerity. Today I do thank God for it is a reality.
Turkey is free! But she is like a child; she needs the guidance of a
strong hand to guide her in the path of righteousness and love to God
and bring her to Christ who is the only one to give Liberty and Freedom
"For whom He made free, is free indeed." Turkey has accomplished the
greatest part of her own salvation, yea, she has done more than many of
the so-called Christian empires expected her to do. They are now rubbing
their eyes, and of course it is their purpose in order to save their
commercial interests, they are going to put in her way all the obstacles
they can to overthrow the new Constitution, and if Turkey fails in her
reformation this time, it would not be only her own fault. A great share
of the responsibility rests upon the shoulders of every American man and
woman who solemnly declares to stand by and be a protector of the
principles laid down by Washington, the father not only of his own
country, but most of the civilized world. Unless America arises equal to
the occasion there is every reason to entertain all kinds of fears from
the Middle and Western Europe's diplomats.
How many American active missionaries are there in Constantinople,
Smyrna, Aidin, Saloniki, Adana, Ephesos and every city in Turkey today
working for the regeneration of the people who dared and successfully
broke down from his throne a Sultan? Wake up, my dear reader and gird
yourself with the noble armor of your manhood and your womanhood and do
the best, the very best of your ability to help the millions of mothers
and children over in Turkey, they are starving for spiritual food, they
are crying to you as your own brothers and sisters of the same family of
humanity; will you close your ears and not listen to their cry? or will
you open your heart, your sympathy and your pocket-book and send off all
the missionaries you can to do the work? I pray that you will, and God
will reward you in Heaven and down here He will keep the days of your
life sweet in splendid memory that you have done your part in the
salvation of all mankind.
The opportunity may occur again to discourse this very heart aching
subject. Now, as we approach the colossus of Liberty, Miss Maria Rose
made her morning appearance and before we all could exchange the "Bon
Jour" salutations to her, she gracefully grasped the gentleman from
Boston by the arm and walking up and down the bridge with soldierly
step, began in an apparently joyful voice to sing, audibly "My Country
'tis of thee, sweet land of Liberty" and just as she was getting more
enthusiastic in her song, the gentleman from Boston uttered a loud cry
"Strawberries--fresh strawberries," and as by explosion a heartiest
laughter went out of every mouth on the bridge, and the waves received
on their wings that expression of our gratitude to carry it to the end
of their destination, while the Germania drew us nearer and nearer to
the land of the free and the home of the brave.
A call came to us all at this moment that the custom officers from New
York were already in the reception room waiting for us to make our
declarations in accordance with the customary law, and by the time I had
complied with my duties, to that respect, I heard a stentorian voice
"Cast Anchor" and turning around in a semi-circle, with center on my
right toe I endeavored to unfold the meaning of the exciting motion.
Sailors and officers of the boat rushing in all directions, it seemed as
though they were preparing for a great battle, and determined to win.
The big S. S. Germania was tied in the docks of Brooklyn and every
voyager was ready to bid her farewell. The steward of my cabin,
uncalled, he was on my side, and the thought came to me that it was his
last chance for his gratuities from me anyway. He looked upon my face
like a child expecting his Christmas presents, and said, with a fainting
smile, Father, your trunk is on its way to your destination and here is
your valise and I am awaiting your pleasure to direct you to the Sixth
Avenue Elevated Station, which will take you to the 123rd Street and
Seventh Avenue, Harlem, according to your wishes to reach your dwelling
place. The bell of the Germania was ringing eight o'clock a. m., when I
was bidding farewell to my steward with the instructions how to reach
the Elevated Station, and turning to the first corner from the docks of
Brooklyn, a familiar voice I heard behind me calling "Father," and
instantly a hand took hold of the sleeve of my garment, and looking
backward I saw Miss Maria Rose with her governess, Margaret, and the
gentleman from Boston, who was still holding my garment, and in good
humor said, he, in his broken French, Now Father, we could not tolerate
to see you go all alone in the streets of New York dressed in these
robes, because if you only attract the curiosity of some mischievous
children there is no telling what may happen to you, if they mistake you
as a carnival dressed this way just for sport; but, Miss Maria Rose,
hastened to aid, interrupting the gentleman, Father, you have good luck,
today is Sunday and early in the morning you will be saved from great
things which might happen to you otherwise. Besides we are going as far
as 59th Street and the gentleman from Boston, he is going to take the
train at 125th Street, Harlem, and there you will be within a few blocks
from the house you desire to go to.
They bought the ticket for me and soon the Elevated was crossing the
Brooklyn bridge. The grand panorama on both sides of the bridge brought
the thought into my mind that if the architects of America were able to
accomplish such a wonder as this, they would certainly have easier times
to build the Babel Tower without any confusion of tongues; but my breath
went out of my breast and for a moment I thought that the beating of my
heart stopped, when we reached that curving at 110th Street and 8th
Avenue, New York. The magnificent sight from that tremendous height,
looking to my left at the mammoth advertising boards, the velvety green
fields and at the top of the hill that Episcopal church, which will be
when finished another architectural wonder, and looking to my right at
the Central Park which we just swiftly passed, now I see the flat roofs
of the buildings and on many of them the washing of the family hanging,
forgotten perhaps, from last Saturday, it is indeed a grand sight which
the inhabitants of New York in that section, by being accustomed to it,
very little appreciate.
9.30, my friend from Boston, said, as we were descending the stairways
on the 125th Street and 8th Avenue, as he looked at his time-piece. If
it were not for my train which I must take at 9.58 I would gladly
accompany you to your place, yet, said he, you only have two blocks to
walk southward and one eastward and you will see the number on the left
hand side, and with a cordial hand shake he jumped on the electric car
passing at the moment on 125th Street towards New York-Boston R. R.
station, to board his train, and I started on my way to the place where
I was going to make my temporary home.