The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-05-22
A Present Peril.

If any one has any doubt as to the prOmi-
insanity, pauperism and crime in this cOun.
try, close attention to the findings of the con-
gressiOnal committee investigating the char
acter of our immigration, will remove any
uncertainty upon the subject. The fact is,
among the most important subjects pressing
upon the attention of this nation, is the
proper regulation of foreign immigration.
One of the most startling contributions
to the literature of this matter, is recent
statement of Surgeon General Hamilton, of
the United States marine hospital service,
who has given very close attention to the
physical condition OF immigrants arriving at
New York. He emphatically says that for
some years there has been marked deteri-
Grafton in the quality of these ncOmers.
They are inferior in every respect and large
numbers of the women arriving are about to
become mothers of iIlegitmate offspring,
tainted with hereditary crimnality and dis
ease. Thousands of those landing have in
durable diseases, are feeble minded, and
many of them are insane. Literally these
persons are the OffscOuring of Europe. Says
the surgeon general:
The character, moral and physical, of the i'm
migrant is likely to grow worse rather than better
Our public lands are fast disappearing, it costs
more to reach the Western homestead and the at
fractions in general are less. 1t therefore follows
that only the most ign GRANT yield to the siren
song of the ticket seller and emigrate from their
pleasant homes, the better informed go where there
is still virgin soil in accessible distance from the
landing place. and where there is work for all.
This class build up new country, and they have
sense enough to stay away from one that is nearly
finished. We may easily see what is happening
| by looking at Boston, which may be appropriately
called New Dublin, and the Irish are by no means
| the worst immigrants. Only let us understand
that the best ones are already here. and that 20
years more of practically unrestricted immigra-
ton, will undermine if not destroy our territorial
American customs, sentiments and modes of life.
Our state penal and charitable institutions are
filled to Overlooking and the cry in every legisla-
to reflect that nearly three.fourths of these in
mates are fOreign-bOrn. This question is one that
may well engage the attention of every citizen of
whatever political shade.
Better far, have no immigration than i'm
migration of this character. But there can
be restrictions and limitations imposed and
| enforced. This nation must protect itself
from the inflow OF Europe's corruption.
The subject is of urgent importance. Are
not these facts conclusive as to the sources
| of the increased crime and illiteracy of this
country?
| The subject of restricting foreign immi-
grafton must be considered and properly
| treated This nation is generous. It well
comes the hardy and industrious immigrant
heartily; but it ought not to have any gen.
crosby at all, no aid or comfort for the
reeking uncleanness cast upon our shores
from the slums and prisons and asyums of
Europe. -Minnsapolis Evening journal.