The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-21
OCEAN STEERACE ABUSES.
Encouraging Prospects Of Needtul Legislation-
Mr.J P. Mcdonnell Persevering in the Good
Work-secretary Fish Alive to the Impor-
lance Of Protecting the Immigrant

SlR-ln my letters OF January ~ and February4
declared my intention TO prosecute an inquiry
into the ocean steerage abuses and to leave no
stone unturned to bring about the enactment Of
better emigration laws have so far succeeded In
fulfilling my promise that public attention Is now
directed to the question and hundreds OF persons
throughout the country have written to me ex-
pressing their Willingness TO bear testimony to the
treatment which they received on Atlantic ocean
steamships. may say that In no case has any
person accused me OF exaggerati0n, but many con-
slider that have not painted the picture OF ocean
Storage life in colors dark enough, and all urge
upon me to push the matter forward fearlessly. l
shall do 30. The public must also do 80 and the
press must not remain In the background The
public man who will hold his tongue over this ques-
ton or the paper which Will suppress all reference
to cannot be faithful the interests Of the people,
and the millions Of emigrants who are now free
citizens Of the Republic will not be I'M
mindful Of such gross neglect The gratitude
OF every emigrant and every emigrant's
descendant Is due to the HERALD for the generous
manner In which its columns have been thrown
open for the ventilation OF this aimportant ocean
steerage question. am only an individual, and
without your all-p0werful aid, could have accom-.
plished but httle The people must now, however,
give practical assistance by bringing the question
every city and village throughout the yniqn, they
must not content themselves with mere EXPIRES
slons Of; Of sympathy They can do what win cost
more by agitating the question ana forcing it upon
the attention OF the press ana their Congressional
REPRESENTATIVES. will do my part, but the public
In accordance with my pledge have directed
the following letter to the Chairman Of the Emigra-
ton Commissioners. but the public must clearly
understand that the question cannot be settled by
any committee OF investigation and that 1t cannot
settled by the governments Of this country and
Europe. ! sublofn another letter which this morn
Ing received nom secretary Fish and am pleased
to IND that its tone Is very promising. am just
now collecting material which shall use imme
dlately after the investigation. In the meantime
" ~ ]. p. MCDONNELL.
257 BOwery, New York.
LETTER TO RICHARD O'GORMAN.
missioners, Castle Garden. New York =
and = 5sE s9
Sona s s in s ss Ss III q e
Which serious CHARGES sgsnst
Il s
Jury Ins!isStsd order Iss may e xpsa
fno% sS have have sss ons In Che e
foes 70 combat-money-and that have no
weapon 70 vanQulsh Il but the naked truth but have
confidence enough in the latter 70 enter upon the
concerned OF certain dealt Storage
the Atlantic Ocean. and DESIRE the in
fames OF which have complained only moral griev
for the protection on those Who have YET 70
cross the Atlantic TO rear the cities and consolidate
the greatness Of this mighty Republic. From letters
which have received have every reason to believe
Ocean s bad on other lines as well as National The
public with me, the millions who have crossed the
ocean are with me, every emigrant is with me, every
man Of honor Ia my side In this matter, and there
your earliest and most attentive Respect
fully yours, j. =. MCDONNELL,
2o7 Bowery, New York, Feb "a, 1873
LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE
DEPARTMENT STATE, I
, ,,n. w. ,x, n WAsniNcToN Feb ID. 1873
SIRyour letter Of the 18th inst, addressed to the Pres
dent of the United States the subject Of the treamen
ofSeerage passengers the Atlantic Ocean, has been
referred by him to this Department
ject and the magnitude Of the evils to be remeded
fully appreciated. They have engaged the serious
sideraon of the government IN more than one Of Its
Departments for some length Of time. They have been
and the subject OF negotiaton with one or more
Of the European Powers from whose territories the
largest numtor Of emigrants reach this country
The subject involves questions Of jurisdiction as well as
Of interest, which not without grave difficulties but
it is earnestly hoped that solution Of those difficulties
may be reached, and that the results which humanity
and public interest alike demand may be attained by an
agreement between the several Powers concerned.
No effort Is wanting or is sumberng the part Ofths
government to reach the end which may the
fort and safety q the passengers on the voyage and
their protection from imposition and wrong well
the voyage az at Its inception and termination: am
sir, &c, HAMILTON FISH