Note 262 — Chapter XIV · THE EXPLOITATION OF IMMIGRANTS. RELIGION. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. RECREATION

That the spirit of Know Nothingism dies hard, and is likely to crop out even in modern times, is evidenced by the so-called A. P. A. agitation of the early nineties. The A. P. A., or American Protective Association, was the most prominent of several secret organizations, formed about this time, the purposes and methods of which were strikingly similar to those of the Native American and Know Nothing parties. The object of their antagonism was the Roman Catholic Church, and particularly the body of Irish Catholics. This agitation was carried to such an extent that many people, even of the intelligent and thoughtful, feared that a religious war was impending. For details see Winston, E. M., “The Threatening Conflict with Romanism,” Forum, 17:425 (June, 1894); Coudert, Frederic R., “The American Protective Association,” Forum, 17:513 (July, 1894); Gladden, W., “The Anti-Catholic Crusade,” Century, 25:789 (March, 1894).