The native American., 1838-09-08

our population within that period $50, 600 aliens
of a character, which will be hereafter noticed,
though at all times understood. Assuming the
same numbers for the following two quarters
as that taken for the first two of this year,
an increase of but one-fourth for the subsequent
two years. (Which cannot be considered an unrea-
sonable estimate, and we shall have had within
ten wears, from 1880 to 1910, or the brief period
\ Of one census an addition of one million and ftiy
thousand foreigaers!! But the probability is.
that the increase will be in still greater and pro-
gressve ratio. Though am not disposed to en-
ter into the calculation as to the numbers or cha
racter of such immense additions to our citizens,
yet the consideration is calculated to awaken the
attention Of our fellow countrymen to the probable
results. Calculating the numbers and characters
Of the aliens who arrive in other ports Of the
United States by the same estimates as those ap-
plcabe to this city for 1885, as before shown, and
we find that 95,l42 are to be cassed as those de-
pendent aliens we have mentioned. Increase or
add to the total number of passengers and the same
alarming proportions exist. To one Jealous of
our native rights and ardently attached to our in
stltutlons, these things calculated to excite
more apprehension than heretofore exhibited: nor
have those who are equally advocates Of religious
freedom less reason to apprehend the result of this
condition of things, and the rapid increase of those
devoted to principles and dogmas Numerically
opposed to their opinions of religious liberty, and
the character OF our republican government. In ad-
dtion to this the natural increase of such devotees
will by means diminish the causes Of such fears,
since the same sentiments are uniformly propagat-
ed from parents to their numerous offsprings.-
| What, then, mnst be the reflections, and what the
conclusions every honest and intelligent patriot,
in view of the present; III conneXion with the pros
poets of the future!
i The number Of alien passengers will be seen
to have doubled since 1880; that is, in 1880 there
were 3O,224, while in 1886 there were 6O,54l.
May we not infer from this fact that they will
likewise double during the succeeding ten years,
so that we shall have fwo millions for the follow
ing census! These, united as they ever have
been, and as they probably will be, and
acting in concert with the many millions already
in the country will be sufficiently powerful of
themselves to change the character Of oar national
institutions: but when acting in behalf Of one or
moro foreig potentates, and their legions, what
reasonable hope could we entertain for the per-
manency of our liberties!
! The preceding statements answer, as partlcu-
larly as time permit me to do, the first three of
| your inerrogatores, viz: "Wtat number of emf
grants arrive annually, and have done for the
last ten years! From what countries have they
emigrated!" 'What proportion bring with them
the means of supporting themselves and fam-
lies!'' For general purposes, it will be noticed,
the particulars given for the year 1886 are
deemed to be sufficiently accurate; still they may
be carried out to great advantage.
! TO the questions s'How is the expense of the
transportation hitber of such as are poor, defray
ed, and by whom; and what propo, ton Of foreign
emigrants paupers!' it is not easy to give
precise answers, though the latter question is
partially answered. it will have been seen, by the
data afforded by the results of 1886. Certain
it is that great numbers who may not have been
paupers III their own country become in this.
inasmuch they come here without any pro-
vision for the future, without friends in this coun-
try, and without any prospects beyond the mo-
ment. Laborers leave their employment, and
mechanics their business, and take passage for
this country with barely means to defray their
expenses hther. | am led to think that this
is the case with by far tie larger portion of emf
grants, and particularly with the Irish. They, or
a ma iority of them have been induced to believe
that they will find little or 10 difficulty in obtain
ing employment and high wages on arriving in
this country. Chagrin and disappointment take
the place of sanguine hopes and exalted antci-
patlons; such oficntmes become desperate and
reckless, and resort to theft charitable institu-
uoHs' dliliNI lldNC bCSi llhNHSb, III
a great measure, no doubt, by representations of
friends in this country, and by those who are in
terested in their nsporation: regardless, as
most of them are, both of truth and of Justice
Many of them, after dsposing of their stock in
trade, or their various implements of business,
have barely sulliciency to defray their expenses
to America, and, consequently, no resources for
the subsistence of their families. Paupersm,
therefore, is the almost inevitable result from these
things. For the last two years, while great
numbers of those who have preceded them, and
while, in fact, our own countrvmen have been
mostly unemployed, we could hardly suppose
different result. Wrechedness and crime ensue
and hence our taxes and fears have become also
great. Large numbers, it is true, have spread
abroad into neighboring towns and States; but
there too are great numbers destined 70 wrcrched-
ness and want. A fruitful source of pauperism
results from the practice of fathers of f,inilies
leaving the city, in quest of employment, no
doubt, and thereby compelling the public authori-
ties to support the wife and children Should
such fortunately succeed in finding work, it is
very rare that they contribute much, ifa any thing,
towards the maintenance of their families; and