The evening times., 1899-07-12

The immigration Tor the past TWO
months has been remarkably heavy, aver
aging nearly 100000 a year, and if this
record should be kept up during balance
OF fiscal year the complete figures for 1900
promise to be higher than at any previous
time during the preceding ten years. The
officers of the immigration Bureau have
several reasons to offer for this renewed
rush of foreigners to Americas shores aft
er the tide of immigration had been at a
low ebb for several years. The victorious
and brilliant war against Spain served to
attract favorable notice to the United
States throughout Europe and directed
many persons to this country. The i'm
proved business conditions here have also
been the cause of many seeking homes in
this land, and some seem to think that
the possibility of war abroad served to
drive others here.
The forthcoming report of Commissioner
Powderly will contain some important
recommendations for the consideration of
Congress at the approaching session, some
of which it is thought will deal with the
new colonies so far as the question of i'm
migration of natives to this country is
concerned. Mr.. Powderly, however, thinks
it is too early to talk of this matter and
for the time being is not making any state
ments. There is one point in connection
with Americas immigration laws on which
Mr.. Powderly believes an improvement
can be effected, and that is regarding the
nature OF the examination of newly ar
rived foreigners. He does not believe that
| existing laws are rigid enough, and wants
them amended so that his agents may have
authority to make as careful a scrutiny of
every immigrant as is ordered in the en-
listments of recruits for the army or navy
Commissioner Powderly says that the
general character of immigrants is i'm
proved. In speaking of aliens entering this
country by way Of Canada, the Commits
sioner today said:
I'VE have been noticing for some years
past that certain foreigners who were de-
MED admittance at American ports have
gained admission to this country by way of
Canada. Our officials in Canada are privi-
legged to examine only such immigrants who
are manifested to points within the United
| States, and as a consequence those who
| feel that they cannot pass inspection at an
| American port will take passage to some
| place in Canada close to the border line
and after having resided at that point for
a short time cross the frontier into the
United States. We have had several cases
lately of pauperism brought to us through
| that channel, and are now contemplating
a more rigid examination along the from
Il
tier"
Some months ago quite little furry was
| occasioned in ocean travelling circles by the
| issuance of an order by Commissioner Pow
derly, directing that the immigration laws
should apply to all foreigners coming tc
the United States, whether they Travelled
in the steerage or cabin. BY some curious
| omission in the past passengers in the
cabin had been allowed to come over with
| out answering the usual interrogatorie:
which the law requires shall be submitted
| to all aliens. Commissioner Powderly saw
no reason why favors should be extended
to these wealthy travellers, and directed
his agents to require answers from al
alike. In addition to this, he had specia
reason for examining passengers of III,
cabin. There was quite little consterna
tion among some over the issue of thi,
order, but it now seems to have quietei
1 down.