The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1892-12-01
DANGERS OF CHOLERA.
The Main Question Before the I'm
migration Committee.
VIGOROUS MEASURES NECESSARY.

The Present Indications Are That
the Committee Will Adopt the
Idea of Restricting European I'M
migration for One Year.
NEW York, Nov. 80.-The session of
the United States senate committee on
immigration was continued yesterday.
The committee was in session from II
o'clock until nearly 8.
After the meeting statement was
made to the representatives of the press
to the effect that the time had been
mostly consumed 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, it was argued,
would lessen the danger Of such visit
materially.
DIR. Edison, of the health board, had
been summoned to give his views re-
garding the probability Of cholera COM
ing to this country and the probable ef-
feet of cutting off immigration. DIR.
Edison expressed himself as strong in the
belief that cholera would probably come
to these shores in the spring. He has
studied the subject thoroughly, and finds
strong reason to think that there is big
fight in store for the country against the
dread disease next spring. The doctor
also expressed himself as being of the
opinion that the enactment of the pro-
posed law, which would restrict immi-
grafton for one year beginning next
spring, would be a most potent factor in
the'ight to keep the cholera from the
shores OF America.
DIR. 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 immigration COM
mission, was present also to hear the
discussion and to aid the committee by
making suggestions. The committee
met again this forenoon to continue the
discussion. They feel that the matter
is an important one and will be deliber-
ate in whatever they do. The commit
tee is authorized ''to send for and exam
inc persons, books and papers and to
administer oaths to witnesses.
Favoring Restricted Immigration.
The present indications are that the
committee will adopt the idea Of limit
ing immigration TO this country for one
year, and make it the basis fot a report
TO congress.
The subject of immigration is regarded
by many as matter of great i'm
portance. Those who have looked into
the matter say that if it continues un-
restricted much longer it is sure to work
injury to the country, the most notice.
able feature of that injury being re-
duction in wages. Another, aud per-
haps the most serious aspect of the mat
ter, is that by keeping immigrants out
of the country next spring the chances
of cholera coming here will be ma
terially lessened.
There are those who say that such a
course will mean the loss of great
many dollars to the various steamship
companies, but they are answered to the
effect that that is of trifiing importance
beside that of the health and well being
of 60,000,000 people.
The immigration committee will con-
tinue the discussion of the matter, hold
ing meetings in this city, and listening
to the opinions of various authorities on
the subject, but it is probable that the
committee will arrive at no decision
until q return is made to Washington
after full consideration Of the matter
here