Evening star., 1897-07-27


Political offerses provoked by oppressive
conditions which deny the political privi-
leges enjoyed by the citizen in this coun-
ty. and which are regarded as crimes In
the old world, should not be considered
sufficient cause for the exclusion of any
one.
".3 Should the foreign consular service
and our immigration department be in
trusted with greater powers to enforce the
immigration laws?
LAS these are the agencies by which
the Law must he enforced We believe that
the better results would be obtained II their
power unrestricted.
-. Should the violation of the contract
labor law by employers be punishable ny
Imprisonment?
This question suggests an amendment
to the law which we believe will make It
more effective. AS the law is now consti-
IL ted. it can be violated without fear of
serious consequences If fines are I'M
posed they remain unpaid or are remitted
and but few Instances can be cited where
fines imposed have been collected
There would perhaps be more whole
some regard for the law If the violator
could be imprisoned at hard labor for a
period of not less than six months. We
recommend.
3. Should the steamship companies be
held responsible for a term of years for
the character of their passengersT
Legislation along this line would be i'm
practicable and if constitutional would
cause endless litigation. No one should be
held responsible for the acts of another
over which he has no control. AMI the
vicarious punishment of a steamship COM
pany for the moral lapses of former pas
senger Is SO manifestly unjust as not to
deserve serious attention.
Strfcter Test. Required.
"'6. Should a stricter civil and educa-
tional test be enforced as to qualification
for naturalization?
ITO this question the committee replies
affirmatively, believing that such tests
should not only be required of the alien
but should be made condition for the ex-
ercise of the franchise by every citizen.
unfortunately native ignorance, in many
instances controlled by dishonest manipu-
lators. has defeated the will of the intelli-
gent and honest citizens, and has inflicted
upon the country the evil of vicious legis-
lation. The franchise of those who are Ig
norant of the civil duties of the citizen is
a purchasable commodity.
The alien when admitted to citizenship
should have those civil and educational
qualifications which would advance him
above the herd of purchasabe voters, and
fit him to intellieently exercise the highest
duties of citizenship
-. Should every immigrant be COM
PEELED to declare his intention to become a
citizen of the United States?
To this final question we answer in the
affirmative, and TO period is stated
within which the intention should be de-
clared. We suggest that the limit should
not exceed one year from the date of ar
rival. Within that proba tionary period the
character and qualifications of the immi-
grant could be dscertained by those in au-
thority, and they could then more readily
Geterml c his fitness to enjoy the rights of
citizenship.
With reference to question 4. which re-
lates TO the liability of those who violate
T. Wa
that there should be legislation which
would prohibit immigrant employment
agencies. The evils of these agencies have
been experienced in every department of
labor. 1t not only includes the niquitols
pldrone system, but a brokerage in the
bodies of abe ignorant. helpless imm.-
grant. which is not only repugnant to a
common sense cf right, but is an effective
agency which to great extent defeats the
purpose OF the alien contract law SO long
as these agencies are tolerated how can
the purposes of that law be realized when,
incois:stently, the alien beyond the At
laniic IS not permitted 10 sell his labor
through an agency, but upon his arrival at
our ports he is permitted to have himself
sold to any purchaser who is inclined to
dicker with an agent, and thus secure ali
the labor desired by paying a commission
therefor.
Statutory Prohibition Advised.
We suggest that this evil be prohibited
| minimum penalty of six months imprison-
ment at hard labor be imposed
Aware of the Importance of the question
| of immigration, and the difficulty in ef-
fectively enforcing restrictive laws, and
| the differences of honest opinion relative
| TO the character of the laws that should be
enacted, the committee submits this report
| to the earnest consideration of the central
body. believing that the matter will be dis
posed of without prejudice or false senti-
| ment. Regarding the question from an
| economic standpoint, as it relates to the
! interests of labor, the committee would
| dismiss the matter by suggesting legisla
| ton which would prohibit immigration for
| a period of five years. Under the depressed
| industrial conditions prevailing in this
| country, with millions in enforced idleness
| and millions more living in a condition OF
| seni-starvation. the field is neither inviting
| Tor the Immigrant nor encouraging for the
| wage workers of the country.
| THE period has long passed when i'm.
| migration was necessary to develop the
| great natural resources of this country
| In every department of labor the supply
| largely exceeds the demand. The result OF
| this condition is an intense compctittur
| among the wage workers. which tends
| toward undesirable economic conditions
| With restrictive opportunities the immi
| grant but increases the superabundan
| supply CT labor which is idle and congestct
| at every business center OF the country.
| IF for period there were a suspension
| of the labor supply from otna- lands. anf
the industrial conditions We're improved
| and those now idle were employed at sat
| isfactory wages, then immigration undel
| proper restrictions would benefit the aliei
and impose no injustice upon the residen
| wage Garner.
! The representatives of twenty-one or
ganiZations were present at the meeting
President Milford Spohn was in the chat
and Mr.. ]. j. Crowley offcatetl as secre
tary.
UniOn-Mnde Crackers.
| A communication was read from Mr.
Henry Weissman, secretary of the Jour
neymen Bakers and Confecjioners' Inter
national Union of America, urging that til
members of the Central Labor Union us
their best endeavors to have the sale o
union-made crackers extended In Wash
ington. The letter was fled and a reso
luton adopted requesting The delegates t
bring the matter to the attention OF thei
| several unions.
| A letter was read from Mr.. Henry F
| Woodward, attorney for the Washington