Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1888-09-13
lmmlGRAyIoN mAlTERs,


Propositions for Legislation to Keep
oas the Objectionable Glasses.
Washington special: 1t is generally
conceded by the leading thinkers on
both sides of congress that one of the
most important pieces of legislation for
next winter will be that of restricting
immigration OF ell classes into the
Uplted States. The recent investig stion
by the special committee of the honse
held at New York and Boston has
created profound impression upon the
minds OF men in congress, and OF the
people throughout the country. Hun
dreds of letters are being received here
every day, calling attention TO the
necessity of decided legislation to pro-
hibit the immigration OF undesirable
foreigners. There is no danger that
the American idea will prevail, except
in limited degree, for the present at
least. But there seems to be unanimity
among at least the native born citizens
upon the conclusion that every char
acter OF foreigners not specially desired
as part OF the American republic
should be excluded from our shores.
There is to be no specific discrimination
for or against nationality. The legisla-
tion is to apply to all countries alike, and
there are to be requirements imposed
through the consular and diplomatic
and other agents OF the government
abroad, which will require good char
aoter and patriotic intentions upon the
part of all foreigners who embark to
this country with view to becoming
citizens.
Undoubtedly this question will bring
about great deal of discussion when
congress reconvenes in December. The
subject is very important one and is
very delicate one. The politics in more
than one-half of the congressional dis
trlcts are controlled by foreign-born
citlzsns, and it will be the aim of every
man in speaking and voting upon this
sublsct to avoid insulting those who
may have kin or friends in their mother
country. 1t is not intended that there
shall be any restriction placed upon
| those Of good character and good inten-
tlons who desire to come to the United
States and make this their home. The
sole object is to keep cut paupers, crimi-
| nails and the classes who Will not
assimilate with native Americans, or if
they do assimilaie will inJure society
or the general good of the country. 1t
will require further investigation by this
special committee OF the honse and ex-
| trema care to draft bill which will
meet with final approval; but that sneh
measure will finally be adopted there
is no reasonable question.
The department of state is collecting
information on the subject OF immigra.
tion from the various countries of the
| world, and enough has been ascertained
| alresdy to show that the United States
s almost the only country, il not indeed
the only country, in the world which
places little or no restriction upon i'm
migration. Even China, Japan, Italy
and the countries which have attracted
the attention of the United States on &C.
court OF the large percentage OF people
| whom it is intended shall be excluded
| from citizenship in the Uuited States,
have laws restricting the Immigration OF
undesirable persons. One OF the first
| reports received at the department of
state on this subject relates to Switzes-
land. The federal Council of Switzer-
| land requires all persons who wish to
engage in professional transportation OF
| emigrants or sale OF passage tickets, to
procure license for that purpose issued
| by the federal council, and the latter
make regular reports to the canton,
| which makes the laws Of the republic,
Agents are required to prove a good re-
putation and their civil and political
rights; that they are acquainted with
| the emigration operations, and are en-
| abled to ship emigrants safely. The Ii.
cense fee is 90 francs ($l0). Emlgrant
agencies ore required to make deposit
of 10000 francs ($8,00o). and sub.agents
ful=her deposit of 5000 francs each,
and agencies for the sale of emigrant
tickets a security of 20, ,0e0 francs, as
bonds for the faithful performance OF
the duties required by the existing laws.
| The laws prohibiting emigration sgents
entlcing desirable citizens to leave the
country and the admission OF undesira-
BILE persons who intend to become citi-
zans are very strigent. The system OF
inspection is rigorous. The result is
that Switzerland retains her best people
and excludes from her domain persons
from all parts of the world Who are re-.
garded as unfit to become part of the
| republic