New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-12-25

INTEREST IN IIiE SUBJECT IN SWITZERLAND -
CLAIMS OF SOME or THE CANToNs-A- LAW
URGED BY TIE FEDERAL COUNCIL TO REMEDY
THE EVIL
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSEl
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.-In connection with the
discussion which took place some weeks ago IN re-
gard to the subject of pauper immigration from
Switzerland, there are facts which show that the
matter has gwen considerable concern not only to
Swiss journalists but TO the Swiss Parliament itself
where 1t was last session. very thoroughly discussed
1t was pointed out by fftrent members that certain
cantons and communities have had the habit Of
sending paupers, etc, to America and that it was
bringing Switzerland disrepute and ought to be
stopped. In paragraph nine of the document accom-
panying the Federal Councils message the sub
ject Of Improper immigration, it pointed ont
that in many Instances regular immigration agents
aided and forwarded the nefariOus business referred
to: and communities the contract for for
warding people out of the country was even put up
at auction, regardless to the route manner
1t is, however, worthy of remark that many of the
deputies of the objected TO having the right
taken away from individual cantons to do as they
pleased as to the shipment Of paupers "lf the
United States wishes to stop the business very good
but it is 10 concern Of the General Swiss Govern
ment,0 argued one OF the deputies. Of the
Swiss Government and the better people OF Swtzer-
land are opposed to the whole business, aud viii yet
succeed in stopping it. The simple fact, however,
that the Federal Council finds necessary earnestly
TO urge law preventing these shipments ought in
itself be sufficient proof of the gravity of the case
The Swiss Government itself declares in Volume |
XIV of the Federal Statistics that Canton Argovle
did, in a series of years ending with 1870 expend |
a million and half of francs for the purpose of
shipping paupers. Ii is also If record that the Town
of Zug, only three months ago, passed resolution
advancing $40 each to heads of families who should
emgrate to another quarter of the earth, provided
too, they take their children with them"
Notwithstanding that many of the helpless have
emgrated out of the country. there were according
to SWISS police reports not less than 43 900 vagants
wandering abont Switzerland in 1879, and yet
Switzerland is better off than many European
States. 1t is now proposed that the Swiss Govern
ipent establish a system of certificates vsed by the
consnls be secured before the emgrant starts on
his journey. Ii is very difficult when enigrants ar
rive i'll this country 10 determine whether they are
paupers criminals or not. 1t requires little skill for
communities IN Europe who are 50 disposed to Sc
cretlysp the hands of worthless character
and bid him leave the country and be silent. Ii is
hard for the consul to proofs of the facts and
New York.
With reference to the question Of persons under
guardianship going 10 the United States from |
SwI z.rland il may be stated that it is held by the
authorities of certain canOns there, especially that
of Zurich, that SWISS ctlXenB natural Zed In the
United States. but who have guardians SwitZer-
land, VIII not be recognized as American citizens
This matter was discussed IN the Foreign Relations
for 1870 pages 973970, and Presidents message of
1879. Ihis law OF guardianship Iii Switzerland fre-
quently leads to difficulties the administration Of
ca left there to naturalized American citizens
Every Swiss, to have his naturalization in the !
United States recognized in Switzerland. must fst
nave his remuneration offered and accepted by hIs
native canton see Swiss law OF July g. 1876. pub
ished in Foreign Relations 1876 page 067D. Ii IS
presumed that few OF the SWISS nstnraiIzed III the
United States have made this requirement.