New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-08-17
FROM THE MAIL
TO PRESERVE THE REPUBLIC.
PLEA FOR RESTRICTION OF IMMIGRATION.
CHANGE OF NATURALIZATION LAWS

~ IL LIE CDAAN'
PLEA FOR RESTRICTION OF IMMIGRATION.
CHANGE OF NATURALIZATION LAWS
AND INCREASE OF THE ARMY.
To the Editor OF The Tribune:
Sir: The recent rebellion at Chicago causes APP
prehenson to every true American citizen. our
Constitution and laws framed for the law
respecting. God-fearing Saxon. and not for the
heterogeneous conglomeration Of humanity which
confronts to-day. II needs prophetic eye to
see and no Delphic oracle to tell. that unless our
laws are changed, this Government will be de-
stroyed.
Three things are imperative: Stop immigration;
change the naturalization laws increase the Army.
First-Every shipload of immigrants, ignorant
OF our language and opposed to institutions,
complexities the problem. 1t would be great step
In the right direction to pass law excluding all
who cannot read and write, and also those who
have not enough money to support themselves
for two months. say 800. The following figures
are furnished by Colonel John b. Weber. who
was Commissioner of immigration at the port or
NewYork: The total numebr OF Immigrants
fifteen years old and who landed at New
York from January /, 1892, to November l. 1892,
was $4,000. OF this number 5000 could not read
and write, and out OF 100000 immigrants over
twenty years OF age who entered New-York be-
tween the same dates only 5000 had 800 or over.
We read in a recent publication as follows:
1.-The last census revealed the alarming fact that
there 1900 indoor paupers In this country one
half OF which number. whose nativity Is known.
are foreign born. These foreign born paupers
are from the immigration OF not to exceed hye
years past, or at most population OF 5.WWn In
other words this foreign element OF 100000 fur-
nishes as many paupers as the other 6oWV,v,
These facts speak volumes. Moreover. this unde-
srabe class OF people bring typhus fever and
cholera from the remote portions Of Germany
and Russia directly to the harbor OF New ork,
thus endangering the lives OF every one.
SecOnd-Change the naturalization laws. II Is
manfest.y unfair that man born In this country
must walt twenty-one years to vote while one who
cannot even speak English here and votes in
two years. Let law be passed that no man can
become a citizen unless he has been In this country
ten years at least Gwentyone would be better, can
read and write the English language. and pays
tax however small The last provision would show
that he has something at stake, and Is therefore
Interested in maintaining the stability OK CIVILIZED
Institutions
Third-Increase the Army. There was no pretence
OF enforcing Jaw order during the recent Chicago
riots until the arrva. OF the United states troops
Twenty-Five thousand men are totally inadequate
10 protect citizens and guard our long Inc OF
seacoast What are 1850 men among bO,WDOvO?
Seventy five or one hundred thousand men are few
enough one week would suffice to pass the neces
| sary avs II Congress viking. We have too
many politicians and too few statesmen Let not
| them flde. while Rome burns. This Government
| resembles a train down grade going TO de-
struction with constantly increasing speed Inc
| press is power in the land. Danger threatens.
| let therefore, the press arouse the Nation with
huge cal Let the trumpet give forth no uncertain
| sound and let that sound ring out again and again.
III the people sha. rise in their might and compe.
O0"e''' ~ CIVIs AMERICANUS.
Nav-York Aug TO- 1894.