The sun., 1890-01-14
MUST CASTLE GARDEN COZ
The Government Proposes to Take Direct
Charge OF tho Landing OF ImmiErants.

The Government Proposes to Take Direct
Charge OF tho Landing OF Immigrants.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13.-Secretary Window
has written letter to the Collector Of Customs
at New York. enclosing a copy Of the report Of
Mr.. W. P. Hepburn, Solicitor Of the Treasury.
giving the results OF his investigation Of immi-
grafton matters at the port Of New York. and
requesting an expression Of tho Collectors s
views on the subject. Tho Secretary says:
You are especially requested to express
your opinion as to the advisability Of rescind-
ing the contract with the Commissioners OF I'M
migration. with q view to dispensing entirely
with their services, and substituting officers to
be appointed directly by the Secretary.
You are also requested to report whether. in
your opinion the Government can readily COM
mand tho proper facilities for receiving and
examining immigrants. and for taking care Of
such as are sick or for any reason may be In
distress and In need OF public aid. and you will
please specify what arrangements might bo
made to accomplish these Objects"
Mr.. Hepburn's report sets forth that the
matters of difference referred to are such as
grow out Of monthly reports OF expenditures
made by the Board. the demand on the part Of
dcn Sad %ards va sand and repairs the
buildings used by the Board and the failure Of
the Board to account to the Treasury Depart
mOnt for certain sums OF money received by
the Board for certain privileges to do business
within Castle Garden.
Mr.. Hepburn hDds the institutions on Wards
Island in good condition. but in need of per-
manent additions and repairs; The State
favor OF making tho F%Snairs % At gSveTnment ex. <.
fund largely fnures to tho benefit OF
tho State Of New York. and therefore Mr.. Hep
burn regards the demand for rent as piece
OF afIrontOry. He takes the same view OF the
request that the Government pay interest on
O 100000 mortgage on Wards Island held by
the State upon its own property. The Board
OF EmiGration receive live otbS about $iIIl,0Oo
within the garden which would be valueless II
the Government did not permit immigrants to
land there but no account was made OF this
by the Board In the settlement OF differences.
In view. therefore. OF the radically different
views held OF the Board from those which he
possible TO arrive at any settlement OF differ
MIR. Hepburn criticises their methods OF ex-
animation OF immigrants. declaring that 1t Is
not thorough. and that many paupers and in
sane persons are allowed to land, as shown by
the record OF applicants for relief from among
immigrants within year Of their landing.
Mr.. Hepburn recommends that the present
contract OF the Government with the Board OF
Immigration be terminated after sixty days
notice and that all the duties and functions OF
the Board be vested In an agent Of the Treas
ury Department under the Collector OF the
Port. He suggests the abandonment OF Wards
Island and the distribution of persons
needing assistance among city I end county county i1, ?.
not needed as a landing place. In his opinion.
The large room at the Barge Office could be
used or suitable quarters could be prepared on
Governors Island or at the Navy Yard.