New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-03-24
WARDS ISLAND IMMIGRANT PROPERTY.
A PROTEST AGAINST DIvERT1NG THE MONEY oD'
TANNED BY ITS SALE FROM THE PUR'
pNSE E0R WuICu 1t WAS RAISED.


fDSb FOt WhlNn IL Was 49,"
Tothc Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Attention IS directed to IA bill now Deiorc tHo
state Legislature which proposes to confiscate to the
use Of the state and divert from the purpose for when
il was raised some half million dollars OF State trust
funds which il is expected will be realized as d
surplus from the sale Of the immigrant property OIL
Wards Island.
From May, 1647, to March. 1876. the Immigrants
landing at the Port OF New York paid in head money
to the state OF New-York as entrance fees for ao-
mission into the country about Sl3,00O,0OO. The
state undertook that this head money! should be
used in establishing and maintaining a system OF
protection and care for the benefit Of the class OF
persons 50 taxed, and to thus safeguard its own ctlZehs
from any charge for the support of aliens.
The state Board Of Emigration out Of this money
purchased land and erected hospitals and other build
ings on Wards Island, which property is now valued
at $2,200,000. In 1876. collection of the state tax
on immigrants was stopped BY n decision OF the Chileu
States supreme Court, declaring the imposition or
such tax TO be a prcrogative Of Congress.
Congress did not take action on this matter until
August, 1-s2: in the meantime the state Legislature
authorized the advance of money to continue the work
If the Board Of Emigration. with the understanding
that the Wards Island property would be looked to
for the reimbursement OF the state. The United states
Government having now assumed direct charge OF
immigration affairs, and the Wards Island buildings
not being longer needed for immigrant purposes, It is
proposed to sell the property and, besides paying
back 70 the state the money advanced between the
years Of 1S7G and 17S2, to cOnfiscatc TO state uses any
surplus remaining over. THIS surplus according TO
the figuring of the senate Finance Committee should
amount 10 ut least 100000. unless the property be
sold below It's value.
Now. when it is remembered that for the thirty
years existence Of the State tax on Immigrants IT re-
iicvcd the taxpayers Of the state from all expense in
caring for any allen during five years after his arrival
in fact paid for his support whether in hospital, county
house or prison during such five years term-it is
hard 10 see what right the state has. after receiving
it. pound Of flesh" in the shape Of repayment of the
loans mentioned. to gobblc up the surplus that does
not belong to it.
Governor Tildcn in a message to the Legislature in
1876 stated that d" the state, holding the title Of the
dmmicranu property on Wards Island. wonld recognize
Il a. a tu-t." The surplus in question therefore,
should be considered as a trust fund 10 be devoted
10 the relief Of immigrants within the borders OF the
state who within a year after landing may fall into
distress and need public aid. For such unf0rtunateS
there l. at present no official bound u provide. and by
devOfing this money 10 their aid the state Will but
redeem the pledges given when it imp0sd the tax.
New-lOrk, Feb. -, 1891. CASTLE GARDEN.