Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-12-01
THE ARGUS.
THURSDAY. DEcEMBER l 1899.
THEY SEEK FACTS.
Two Congressional Inquiries
Now in Progress.
IMMIGRATION AFFAIRS UNDER FIRE

A Proposition to Prohibit for One Year
the Landing of Searchers for New Homes
The Probable Cholera Invasion In
vOlved In the Matter-A Committee of
Inquirers Which Has "A Hard Row to
Hoe-Attemptt to Get at the Truth About
the Coal Combine.
NEW YORK, Dec 1.-The session of the
United States senate committee on immi-
grafton, which commenced at room IS,
Fifth Avenue hotel Tuesday, was contin-
ued yesterday morning. 1t is believed that
the committee has practically agreed in
the affirmative on the following PROPOSE
lions: "Al immigration, except from
North and South American countries. shall
be suspended for one year from March 1,
$685. The law to be so framed as not to
hinder the free return of American citi-
Gems or the easy admission of visitors"
Those present at the meeting yesterday
were: Senators Chandler Proctor. Hale,
Faulkner, Gray, Call and Hiscock. The
coismittco was in session from IL o'clock
until nearly g.
Effect OF Immigration on Cholera.
After the meeting a statement was made
to the representatives of the press to the
effect that the time had been mostly con-
sumed in the consideration of the aspect of
the question in relation to the probability
Of the cholera visiting this country next
year. The shutting down of immigration,
1t was argued, would lessen the danger of
such a visit materially. DR.. Edison, of the
health board has been summoned to give
fha hill Of
cholera coming to this country and the
probable effect of cutting off immigration.
He expressed himself strongly in the belief
that cholera would probably come to these
shores in the spring. He has studied the
subject thoroughly and finds strong rea-
sons to think that there is a big fight in
store for the country against the dread dis
ease next spring.
Two Doctors Who are Said to Agree.
The doctor also expressed himself as be
ing Of the opinion that the enactment of
the proposed law which would restrict i'm
migration for one year beginning next
spring, would be most potent factor in
the fight to keep the cholera from the
shores of America. DR.. Jenkins, of the
health board, who is in Chicago, is said to
hold the same opinion in the matter as DIR.
Edison. Colonel Weber, of the immigra-
ton commission, was present to hear the
discussion and to aid the committee by
making suggestions. THE committee
feels that the matter is an important one
and will be deliberate in whatever it does.
The committee is authorized to "send for
and examine persons, books and papers,
and to administer oaths to witnesses"
Industrial Aspect of the Matter.
The present indications are that the com
mittee will adopt the idea Of limiting i'm
migration to this country for one year. and
make it the basis for report to congress.
The subject OF immigration is regarded by
many as a matter p great importance
Those who have looked into the matter say
that If it continues unrestricted much
longer it is sure to work injury to the coun.
try, the most noticeable feature of that in.
jury being a reduction Of wages Another
and perhaps the most serious aspect Of the
matter is that by keeping immigrants out
of the country next spring the chances Of
cholera coming here will be materially
lessened.
Steamship Companies Not Considered.
There are those who say that such 6
course will mean the loss of a great many
dollars to the various steamship com
panies, but they are answered to the effect
that that is of trifiing Importance beside
that of the health and well being of 60,
100000 of people. The immigration com
mittee will continue the discussion of thu
matter, holding meetings in this city an6
listening to the opinions of various author
tiles on the subject, but it is probable thai
the committee will arrive at no decision un
til q return is made to Washington after {
full consideration of the matter here.