The farmers' union. (Memphis, Mo.) 1891-1895, 1893-01-12
ABOUT IMMIGRATION.
PUBLIC SENTIMENT EAVORS
RESTRICTIONS
The Cholera Spcricnce 0i Last summer
viii Cause III = >rs> Oh of Congress to
GIVE Unusual Attent: on to the subject.
GHSl;feS l'rt nnSGI.

The subject of restricting lmmlsra-
ton is certain to command unusual at
tcntion from this session of Congress
says the Ecouomi<'. Chiefly because
of the cholera experience OF last sum-
more pronounced public sentiment III
favor Of restriction than there has ever
been before People who had for
merly vague idea that We We're re
ceiving somewhat too carelessly whom
ever might choose to come, Nithout re-
gard either to quan itv or TO quality,
became suddenly convinced that their
suspicious were only to well founded.
No sooner was their attention roncea-
trated upon the quality "f TIL" lmini
grafton which WAS bringing the pe>tl-
lcnce to Our doors. t.!an they began 10
perceive that there was il il also very
doubtful material for gooi citizenship.
[: came about. therefore. hat the de-
mand which WAS made for rt>!r,rting
immigration in t!le interest of t..c pub.
lie health became on" also for res:,i'-
ing it in the interest uf i,ullI;. and 30
lit!cal welfare.
As a consequence of ilii>. to rs. VI ~
hopeful condition of opinion. III" a
preaching session OF Congress /, likely
TO be caliel upon 20 consider many
plans. both for regulating :;ni for r."
stricting immigration, and is likely 70
give them mere serious thoughts t:lan
such measures have commanded iiert'-
toforc. ii for 10 o.hcr reason tnan that
public opinion now demands sem de-
cisive action III the natter. LeglSla-
ton in the past has been 1imid and
partly because of the political conse
qucnces of ANYTHING like the rigorous
restrictions. and partly because OF Il
lack of public o!inion in support Of
such restrictions. The fear "f political
Consequences that Is. cf alternating
the support OF 1oreigh-horn voters by
seeming to bc hostile TO their na.ioEal-
ties may still be an obstacle when the
question Of legislation is reached, but
it will be counteractcl largely by the
public sentiment Which is now discern
Ib!n in nearly all parts of the country.
The restrictive measures are likely
to appear in two forms. one set relat-
ing to quarantine reg;ila ions, AID tie
other to direct checks mon the whole
| mass of immigration.
II has heen proposed. and the plan
May he considered i,v Congress, to have
in connection with Il national lnaran-
tine in the country q Eiui OF branrh
quarantine service III for, lgit ports.
This could be done l.; limiting The
number of ports from which lmEl-
grants would he allowed to sail for
this country to four OF five. and hy es-
| tablishirg III eacl. OF them an ins, ec
ton bureau at which every person de
siring to emicra.e would be required
to register at least five days in advance
| OF sailing. Such person could, IN tl.at
period, he thoroughly examined AS to
his health. character. and capacity for
elf-mailtenance. and ii l." proves lln-
satisfactory. shipment could he refused
to linn Tie American Cnnarls coulsi
assist in this work AMI con!d give Ger
tllicates, countcr>igned at tie pert OF
| sailing. which wnt,l.t serve as pass
| ,orts and be the oniv kind receivable.
| for admission INTO this country.
Another plan. which has no refer
| cnce to- quarantine regula ions, is that
| free immigration he suspended for ten
| years. beginning with 1893, and that
every Immigrant arriving here after
| That date be admitted only on payment
| Of 800.
Tha. restrir ion OF some kind is
needed, all thoughtful persons almi'.