The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-05-21
OUR PAUPER IMMIGRATION.
Some Appalling Results of 1t Have Been
Disclosed.

One of the most appalling results of
foreign pauper immigration is disclosed
| by the fact that nearly one-half of all
the crimes committed in the United
States are traceable to this obnoxious
element Of our population.
This statement is based upon the official
records furnished by the census of
1890 and is, therefore, the most reliable
information that can be obtained on this
sus was taken the number of criminals
in the various prisons of the United
States was found to be S2,S29.
OF this number 25,019 We're negroes,
leaving $3.50 white criminals. Divid-
ing this number between the native and
foreign elements of the country, it was
found that 10 per cent were native
born, while 1851 per cent were Of foreign
birth. Notwithstanding the fact that
only Oneseventh of the country's popu-
| lation was made up of foreigners, it was
nevertheless discovered that more than
| One-half of all the crimes committed by
white persons in the United States were
committed by this element.
Estimating the number of foreigners in
the United States in 1890 at 1900, 600
the number of crimes which they com
mitted, according to the official census,
was 10000. If this calculation is cor
rect, it appears that one out of every
300 foreigners in the United States is
criminal.
This will doubtless be a revelation to
hundreds who have scarcely given this
subject moments consideration. Such
figures make it evident that while
America is indebted to foreign lands for
some of her best citizens, she is likewise
indebted to them for a majority of her
criminals. This is due to the fact that
most of those who cross over to the
United States are pauper immigrants.
Having been crushed to the earth by the
iron heel of despotism in European lands,
they come over to this country, bringing
with them supreme contempt for those
in authority and a lawless spirit which
delights in sowing the seed of crime and
communism.
A grave problem is suggested by these
figures, and one which should appeal to
the practical and patriotic craftsmanship
of our lawmakers at Washington.
Perhaps it will be of interest 10 consult
these criminal records still further
Referred to the question of sex, there
were 1o,924 male criminals III 1890 and
only 64O5 female criminals. In view of
the fact that the population of the
United States is about equally divided
between the sexes, the ratio of crime has
been found to be one male in every 422
and one female in every 4170 criminals.
Expressed in other words, there is one
female criminal to every eleven male
criminals. These figures are gratifying
to those who take pride in the purity and
virtue of American wOmanhood.
The Philadelphia Public Ledger has
taken the census of 1890 and divided the
criminals of the United States as follows:
In the north Atlantic states, 2S,25S; in
the south Atlantic states. 11,409; in the |
north central states, 1854; in the south |
central states. 1904, and in the western,
6724. With the exception of The western |
states there is less crime committed in |
the south than in any other section of the |
those OF 1880, it appears that CRIME has
made considerable increase in the United
States. The number of criminals i'm
prisoned for the year 1880 was $500
and for 1890, as already given, 81, 329,
showing gain of 23720 criminals in ten
years.
This increase is explained by the con-
slant influx of foreigners. Unless there
s some restriction imposed upon the
stream of pauper immigrants which is
airly overf1owing the country the re-
suits will be disastrous. A more impor-
ant problem can not be commended to
he grave and patriotic consideration of
congress than the one which is contained
II these figures.
But in calling upon congress to take
his matter in hand it must be remem-
'ered that some of our best citizens are
f foreign birth. There is nothing in the
uggestion which reflects upon them, and
america is proud of the treasure which
he has acquired in their citizenship.
livery state in the Union would be glad
more those
atriotic immigrants, but there is no COM
1unity that desires to be corrupted by
he vicious and communicating elements
{ foreign pauperism.-Atlanta Constitu-
ion. il