The times., 1901-04-06
STOPPED BY AN INSPECTOR
A Philadelphia Merchant Detained
at New York.
The Immigration officials Feared
That Artificial Left Arm Might
Make Him Public CharEe-The
Passenger's Release Ordered Later

Passengcr's Release Ordered Later
NEW YORK, April 5.-Albert Priest
man. a Philadelphia dry goods man, well
to do, and the head of a family, all Of
whom, except himself, were born on
American soil, was taken into custody by
an inspector Of immigration on his leav
ing the steamship Germanic on Thursday
afternoon.
The inspector decided that although Mr..
Priestman travelled first cabin and exhib-
tied a certified draft for $4,000 as evil
dence of his ability to provide for himself
for little while at least, there was dan
ger of his becoming a public charge be-
cause his left arm had been amputated,
thus handicapping him in the race for
employment. Mr.. Priestman has lived in
Philadelphia for fifteen years, but is still
British subject
The Philadelphia man had a lot Of bag
gage with him when he got in. With all
other passengers he had to undergo
medical examination as the law requires.
The examination is cursory for American
citizens arriving here from foreign shores,
but for foreigner it may mean deporta-
ton. The official OF the Marine Hospital
Service who examined Mr. Priestman was
Dr. Stearns.
and forth over the ocean for twelve years
and is familiar with the legal exactions
which have been gradually piling up at
American ports. During most of that
time he has worn an artificial left arm,
because an explosion shattered his own.
On his arrival on Thursday for the first
time in his voyaging the immigration in
spection authorities evolved the suspicion
that his artificial arm was menace to
his future prosperity. After DR.. Stearns
had completed his examination he turned
his report over to Inspector OConnor,
who is said to have been in the service
three months
When O'Connor told Mr. Priestman that
he must submit to detention and prepare
to go to Ellis Island for examination and
investigation, he said some very forcible
things. After while, he says, he tried
argument on O'Connor. 1t did no good
Mr.. Priestman protested, the purser of
the Germanic protested, and the superin-
tendent of the White Star pier protested,
but O'Connor could not be moved. Finally
it was agreed that Priestman should be
paroled over night in the custody of
Superintendent John Pennell.
The defence of Priestman, as far as the
White Star Line was concerned, was
turned over TO Lawson Sanford Secretary
of the Conference of Transatlantic and
Mediterranean Steamship Companies The
conference is sort of pool for regulating
passenger rates.
Early today Mr.. Priestman and Secre-
tary Sandford went over to Ellis Island
Commissioner Fitchie and Assistant Com
missioner Sweeney had both heard of his
detention, and were really anxious to
set him free as quickly as possible.
The interview began with apologetic
statements by Commissioner Fitchie. He
explained that the Marine Hospital Ser
vice examiner had acted quite properly,
but that the doctor and O'Connor were
new hands. There was a lot of discus
sion, which ended in Mr. Priestman sub
mitting 10 an examination in an office
adjoining that of Commissioner Fltchie.
After the examination Secretary Sand
ford and Mr.. Priestman returned to this
city Mr.. Priestman Immediately started
for his home in Philadelphia. Commits
sioner Fitchie and Assistant Commission
er Sweeney told reporters afterward
that Inspector O'Connor had acted cor
rectly and within the law. but should
have used judgment.
Mr.. McSweeney said there was an i'm
preston that passengers in the first and
second cabins of the steamships were not
subject to the immigration and health
laws. The impression is quite erroneous,
Mr.. McSweeney said.
An immigration official said of Mr.
Priestman: "Wen. it seems to me that
a man who has a family in Philadelphia
ana who has earned a living in this coun-
try for twelve years and refuses to be-
come a citizen ought to be held up