> > There are several reasons why a family might have entered Baltimore. > > First, Baltimore was the first port of call on some ships out of Germany, through which most Galicians passed. Thus the fare was cheaper and the ride shorter. > > Second, it was said, though I have no proof, that the medical exam given to immigrants disembarking in Baltimore might have been a little more lax than in New York. (Tuberculosis was a big problem at the turn of the century.) > > Third, many US companies recruited for workers in the Austro- > Hungarian empire, including Galicia and Slovakia. A few of these companies,notably Bethlehen Steel, arranged for passage to Baltimore. > > Fourth, Baltimore was known in Europe as the center of American Catholocism In fact there was a network in Baltimore set up by the church to provide temporary accommodations to new immigrants. Don't automatically consider these people as "Good Samaritans", however -- they were well compensated for their efforts. > > Just a few random thoughts.... > > Joe Here is a random thought for Joe who saw fit to advise us to not honor the "Good Samaritans" who provided shelter for immigrants to Baltimore at the turn of the century. His view is that they were "well compensated" for their effort. So my thought for Joe is....WHO did the compensating?? It surely wasn't the immigrants themselves. If not them, WHO?? -- Jerry, just curious ======================================== Jerry Machalek, publisher CZECH & SLOVAK CONNECTIONS A monthly newsletter for US/Canadian readers with serious interests in the Czech/Slovak Republics. Includes business, travel and trade advertising. Subs. $12. /annum. Free sample issue upon request. see http://www.czech.com or (612) 897-1151 =========================================