Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-14
PERNlClOUS PAORONES
Determined Measures Taken to Stamp Out
an Awful System.
Italy and the United states Join
Forces to Prevent Child Enslave-
mcnt by Italian Masters.

The resolution which passed yesterday re-
garding the padrone system was introduced
by Senator Chandler of New Hampshire
after a consultation with Baron Fava, the
Italian ambassador, who has requested the
assistance of the United States government
in stamping out the system far as posi-
BILE. Mr. Chandler also introduced the reso-
luton because of the movement which orig
irated in Boston some time since in behalf
OF the Italian immigrants in this country.
The resolution proposes quite a searching
inquiry, as the Secretary of the Treasury
is directed to inform the Senate. so far as
the records of the department will show. to
what extent the system now prevails under
which immigrants from Italy or other
countries fall into the hands of agents or
bankers. who entice or force them into con-
tracts customs under which their labor
is farmed out to their employers. commonly
called the padrone system; and also to in
form the Senate whether any special meas
uies are being taken contemplated by
the Treasury Department for breaking up
every SUCH system: whether the depart
nent has sufficient funds at its disposal de-
rived from the head moneys, or whether
additional appropriations are needed for the
suppression and determination of such sys-
TENS. and for the due enforcement of the
laws prohibiting the importation of con-
tract iaborers.
senator ChandIer's Views.
Recently the Italian government has
shown deep interest in the suppression of
the padrone system in this country" said
SenatorChandler today, under which Italian
immigrants fall into the control OF agents
and bankers who keep them in a state Of
half slavery, and exact from Them for no
real service, a large portion of every days
wages which they earn by severe and hon
est toll. The energetic and courteous Italian
ambassador, Baron Fava, has made such
representations to our government that re-
newed efforts are being made by the Presi-
dent, the Secretary of State, and especially
by the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr.. Car
lisle and the efficient superintendent of
immigration Mr.. Stump. for the extermina-
ton of the vicious system
Senator Chandler said that his object in
introducing and urging the passage of the
resolution was to bring public attention to
the cooperation of the two governments
and with a view of securing additional
immigration legislation If necessary.
1T WILL he said. 'be impossible to COM
pleteiy destroy the Objectionable padrone
system until a sentiment hostile to its con-
tinuance is avowed among the better and
Weather class of Italians who have be-
come residents in this country, and who
ought to be willing to render their assist
ance through organized effort Something
is being done in this direction, and more
must be done to protect Italian laborers in
the full and free enjoyment of their liberty
and their hard earnings"
System Pursued by PadrOnes.
Senator Chandler said that Baron Fava
wants special inspectors appointed by the
United States government to see that Ital-
ians coming to this country do not fall in
to the hands of the padrones. Explaining
the matter further. Senator Chandler said:
"Laborers come here from Italy to get
employment, and they are taken in hand
by the padrones, who tell them they can
get employment only through their assist
ance. They are contracted out in gangs of
from % to 800 on railroad and other large
works. The padroEes go along with them
and arrange that when the laborers are
paid they shall get a share. If the wages
are Sl.5o per day the padrone gets - cents;
If 81. the pa1rone gets ~ cents. The Italian
bankers receive and handle this money and
they conspire with the padrones to control
these laborers. The assistance of the
bankers is said to be one reason why the
system cannot be stopped in New York. 1t
may be that the cooperation of the govern
ment will not entirely eradicate it, but il
will tend to greatly discourage it."