ALSATIANS COLONISE ALGERIA

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 17 February 1915, Page 3

ALSATIANS COLONISE ALGERIA

When France was definitely crushed by the German invasion of 1870-1, and the cession of Alsace-LorraiSe was insisted upon by the Teutonic victors, a patriotic Frenchman, Dr. Warnier, -of Algiers, pointed out that by offering grants of land in Algeria to the victims of the war, many Alsatians might avoid becoming German subjects and. bring up their families undor the shelter of the Tricolor, while assisting to develop the agriculture of France's oversea possession.

The idea "caught on," and by decree dated October 16," 1871, committees were formed in French Lorraine (at, Nancy and at Belfort) to register and class the new colonists. So numerous were the applications that the credit of £16,000 proved entirely insufficient. An additional sum was necessary, France had paid off two. and the five "milliards" exacted by Bismarck as a war indem-

mty.

To pay off the other three milliards, and so definitely rid the country of its German garrison, was the burning desire of every patriot. "If the Government cannot find the money," said a committee of Alsatian ladies, "we will endeavour to do so." They opened a subscription list, and had collected .£240.000, when the Government decided to float a loan. What was to be done with the money already collected? A special law was passed by which it was axithorised to be expended on Alsatian emigration to Algeria.