The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-09
UNDESIRABLE IMMIGRATION
Important Question Which Is Likely to
Receive the Attention of Lawmakers.
How the Present Administration Conceals In
formation Concerning Public Affairs
Other Items Of Washington News
RESTRICTING IMMIGRATION.

A Question That Is Likely to Receive Seri-
Attention from Congress.
Special to the INDIANAPOLIS Journal
WASHINGTON, Sept. Sit is generally con-
coded by the leading thinkers OF both sides Of
Congress that one of the most important pieces
of legislation for next winter will be that Of re-
str;cting immigration of all classes into the
United States. The recent investigation by the
special COMMITTEES of the House, held at New
York and Boston. has created profound i'm
preston upon the minds of men in Congress,
and of the people throughout the country.
Hundreds of letters are being received hero
every day, calling attention to the necessity of
very decided legislation to prohibit the immigra-
ton of undesirable Foreigners There isno danger
that the American idea will prevail, except in
limited degree, for the present at least. But
there seems to be unauimity among at least the
native born citizens upon the conclusion that
every character of foreigners not specially de-
sired as part of the American Republic should
be excluded from our shores. There is to be no
specific discrimination for or against any nation
atty The legislation il apply to all countries
alike, aud there are to be requirements imposed
through the consular and diplomatic and other
agents of the government abroad, which Will re-
quire good character and patriotic intentions
npon the part OF al foreigners who embark to
this country with a view TO becoming citizens.
Undoubtedly this question will bring shout
great deal of discussion when Congress recon-
venes in December The subject Is q very i'm
portant one and it is very delicate one. The
politics in more than half OF the congressional
districts controlled by foreign-born citizens.
and it will be the aim of every man in speaking
and voting upon this subject to avoid any insult
to those who have kin friends in their mother
country. 1t is not intended that there shall be
any restriction placed upon those of good chGr-
acter and good intentions who desire to come to
the United States and make this their home.
The sole object Is to keep out paupers, criminals
and the classes who will not assimilate with ma
tive Americans. or if they do essimilate viii In
jure society or the general good of the country.
1t W: require further investigation by this
special committee OF the House and extreme
care to draft bill which will met with final
approval; but that such a measure will finally
be adopted there is no reasonable question.
The Department of State is collecting inf0r-
nation on the subject of immigration from the
various countries of the world, and enough has
been ascertaned already to show that the Uni
ted States is almost the only county, IL not in
deed the only country. in the world which places
little restriction upon immigration. Even
China, Japan, Italy and the countries which
have attracted the attention Of the United States
on account of the large per centage OF people
whom it is intended shall be excluded from ci;i-
ZenSDlp IN the OnlJeQ states, nave laws reetrlcs-
ing the immigration of undesirable persons One
of the first reports received at the Department
OF State on this subject relates TO Switzerland
The Federal Council Of Switzerland requires all
persons who wish to engage 10 professional trans
portation of emgrants or sale of passage tickets,
to procure a license for that purpose issued by
the Federal Council, aud the latter makes regu-
lar reports TO the canton, which makes the laws
of the republic. Agents are required to prove q
good reputation AID their civil and political
rights; that they acquainted with the emf
grafton operations, and enabled to chip emf
grants safely. The license fee is fifty francs,
(SlO.) Emgraut agencies are required TO make
a deposit of 10000 francs $4,000, and sub
agents q further deposit OF 5000 francs each,
and agencies for the sale of emigrant tickets o
security of 20, 900 francs, bonds for the faith
full performance OF the duties required by the ex-
isting laws. The laws prohibiting emigration
agents enticing desirable citizens to leave the
country and the admission of undesirable per-
sons who intend 20 become citizens. very
stringent. The system of inspection il rigor-
Gus. The result is that Switzerland retains her
best people aud excludes from her domain per-
sons from all parts of the world who are re-
garded as unfit to become part Of the republic.