The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-11-22
A PRESSING PROBLEM.
LABOR is ON THE QUI vIvE,
And A Agitating the Demand for Govern
mental Restriction-The Problem VIII
be Considered Doubles, I'm All of Its
Phases mt an Early Date.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22.-One OF the most
pressing problems which the Democrats
viii have to Solve when they shall secure
control OF Congress, II IL shall not be dis
posed OF before, will be the immigration
question. The labor organizations are
preparing to make a very formidable
demonstration upon Congress. A large
labor lobby is to be located in Washington
20 urge the passage of more restricted
legislation. They already point to the
fact that one Of the big European steam
ships which sailed from New York last
week took nearly 1000 Italians, who were
returned to Italy for the winter, as an
illustration of the folly OF the present
immigrant law.
These men come to this country in the
spring, work during the pleasant season,
and return to Italy for the winter. Their
manner of living at home and the high
wages paid in this country enables them
10 do this and still save money. But IL
requires no argument to show that this
class of immigrants are far from desirable
One great object to the Chinese was that
they came here with no intention OF re-
naming and spent all their earnings in
China. ls it any more desirable that
another class OF workers should be per-
mittsd TO operate in a similar manner?
The labor leaders contend that not only
the present law is not administered as il
should be, but that much more restrictive
legislation is desired. They are looking
forward to time, notwithstanding the
Democrats promised to be lenient for
labor, when there will not be work
enough for all, and they desire to keep as
many competitors out OF the country as
possible. In other words, the Democrats
are to be asked to establish the most
stringent and protective system, almost,
in fact, a prohibitive system, in the inter-
ests OF labor.
Those who are agitating the manner OF
sending In petitions say that the six rec
concentrations made by Mr.. Shultheis,
one of the immigration commission sent
TO Europe last year, will be urged as COM
ing nearest the prevailing idea of what
legislation is needed.
These recommendations are embodied in
Mr.. Shultheis report to the secretary of
the treasury, and are as follows:
First, the creation OF three resident COM
missioners, located respectively at London,
Berlin and Naples, the chairman to be q
medical expert, with local agents under
their direction at the principal ports of
embarkation, whose duty IL shall be to
furnish credentials to desirable emigrants
and to report TO the superintendent OF
immigration all cases likely to be in con-
fiict with our laws.
Second, the recognition, on an efficient
basis, of the present system OF our ports
frontiers.
Third, protective per capita tax on all
immigrants at the point Of entry into the
United States.
Fourth, the abolition OF the prepared
ticket system.
Fifth, improving the stecrage for the
protection OF passengers so as to afford
proper space, light, ventilation and sani-
tation.
Sixth, an enabling act authorizing the
nations executive TO interdict immigra-
ton, wholly or in part, and to enforce a
national quarantine in cases of extraordi-
nary emergency, such as war, pestilence OF
diplomatic -exigency.
1t Is believed by the labor representa-
tives that the restriction OF immigration
that follows the Presidents proclamation
of q cholera quarantine can be shown to
have been of great benefit to the country,
and that incident will be used by them To
prove the wisdom OF continuing some sort
OF restriction that will keep the pauper
and vicious elements out of the country
and out OF competition with American
workmen.