Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-05-15
FROM WASHINGTON.

Washington, IA. The President to-day
sent the following message to the Senate and
House of Representatives:
"In my message to Congress at the begin
ming of the present session, allusion was made
to the hardships and privations inflicted on
poor emigrants on ship board and upon their
arrival on our shores, and a suggestion was
made favoring national legislation for the
purpose of effecting radical cure of the
evil. Promise was made that special mes
sage on the subject would be presented dur
ing the present session, should information be
received which would warrant it. l now
transmit to the two houses of Congress all
that has been officially received since that
time bearing upon the subject, and rec
ommend that such legislation be bad as will
secure first, such room and accommodations
on ship board as is necessary for health and
comfort and such privacy will not compel
emigrants to be unwilling witnesses to so
much vice and misery. Second, legislation
to protect them upon their arrival at our sea-
ports, from the knaves who are ever ready to
despoil them of the little they are able to
bring with them. Such legislation will be in
the interest of humanity, seems to be fully
Justitable. The immigrant is not the citizen
OF any State or territory upon his arrival, but
comes here to become a citizen of great
iSPooiie, Aiec " mango his TtsIueuCe at " III,
to enjoy the blessings of protecting govern
ment. where all are equal before the law, and
add to the national wealth by his industry.
On his arrival he does not know States or cor
porations, but conhdes implicitly in the pro-
tecting arm of the great free country of
which he has heard so much before leaving
his native lard. 1t is source of serious dis
appointment and encouragement to these
no start with means insufficient TO support
them comfortably till they can choose
residence and begin employment for com
Portable support, to find themselves subject to
ill-tre atment and every discomfort on their
passage here, and on their journeys end here
TO be seized upoH by professed friends claim
ing legal right to take charge of them for
their protection, who don't leave them until
all their resources are exhausted, when
they are abandoned in R strange land, sur
rounded by strangers, without employment
and ignorant of the means of securing it
under the present system. This is the fate
of thousands annually. The exposures on
ship board aud treatment on landing bringing
Thousands to lives of vice and shame who
with proper and humane treatment might be-
come useful and respectable members of
society.
do not advise National legislation in
affairs that should be regulated by The States,
but l see no subject more national in its
character than the provision on the Safety
and welfare of the thousands who leave for
eign lands to become citizens OF this rcpub-
lie. When their residence is chosen they
may then look TO the laws of their locality
for protection and guidance. The mass of
immigrants arriving on our shores coming
as they do on vessels under foreign flags,
makes treaties with the nations furnishing
them necessary for their complete protection.
For more than two years efforts have been
made on our part to secure such treaties and
there is now reasonable grounds to hope for
success.
(Signed) L. s. GRANT