Evening journal., 1894-12-29
RestrIolIon u Immlrratlon


The Immigration Restriction League
of Boston has issued a circular letter
which calls the attention OF all citizens
who are interested in the prosperity Of
the country and Of It's National institu-
tions. to consider the question Of the
necessity OF some further restriction OF
immigration.
The league believes that tho present
laws are inadequate TO accomplish the
purpose for which they were passed, that
they are incapable OF enforcement. ard
that danger comes now, not from the
mere number Of immigrants, but from the
admission Of those whose character and
ardnd render them unfit and un-
desirable for assimilation.
The league points out that in the year
ending June 30th, 1894, under the pres
ent law. IA per csnt Of the immigrants
could not read and 10 per cent could not
write their own language that only
z. 1889 out OF oSS. 020 were debMred from
entrance; that the proportion Of immi-
grafton from undesirable countries in
creases: that even in tae panic year Of
1s93-1s94 there was an average Of 7s9
immigrants per day; that as regards
the distribution OF our foreign born pop
ulation. "A per cent live in the 1874 prin
cipal cities Of the United States; that,
as bearing on their Assimilation, Of the
total foreign born males over 81 yeais
of age, 80 per cent are not naturalized
and that 80 per cent Of the aliens do
not speak English; that ioreign-born
population of the United States which Is
IA n per cent Of the total, furnishes
one-third OF all the insane, aud nearly
ope-half OF all the paupers. The league
believes that the rapid increase Of late
years In the immigration Of the illlterate,
criminal, pauper and undesirable classes
demands action.
The restriction Of immigration Is Of
social RAJ her than economic Importance.
It Is necessary to the preservation intact
OF our National character. Those who
believe In the right OF men to migrate
freely where they please must now con-
aider whether the Uaited States has not
higher right to preserve Its moral
social and political integrity,
The league believes that this question
Is Of especial interest aud Importance t.
every educated American workingman
The competition OF his equals Is desirable
aud healthy and should not be restricted
but the effect upon his wages az,
standards Of living from undesirable anC
degraded competitors may we'll b
seriously considered BY him.
The objects Of the league are 3
advocate and work for the furthc
judicious restriction or stricter regula
tion Of Immigration, to issue documents
and circulars, solicit facts and informa
tiOn on that subject, hold public meet
ings, and to arouse public opinion to th
necessity Of a further exclusion O
elements undesirable for citizenship q
injurious to our National character.
Is not an object Of this league to adv'
cate the exclusion OF laborers or othe
immigrants Of such character an
standards as fit them to hecon
citizens.
The league is strictly non-partisai
non political. and non sectarian, and
not theoretical but working bod
It has already Ia its membership men
all parties from all over the countr
The league has special committees
furnish information through the press,
Investigate special topics prepare pub
cations and to encourage formati,
Of similar leagues.