The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-09
IMMIGRATION INCREASING.
Prosperous Times the Cause of the
Incoming Tide.
Milwaukee Sentinel.

Milwaukee Sentinel.
During the prosperous years preceding the
panic of 93 there was much comment
among writers and public speakers upon
the ability of the United States 10 receive
and care for the constant stream of immi-
grants from foreign shores. These people
came to work and they found employment
The industries of the country could not only
employ the wage-earners who were already
here, but they were prepared to absorb
those who came from abroad. 1t was dur
ing the campaign of 1883 that Benjamin
Harrison, then the Republican candidate
for the presidency struck twelve by
saying that the doors of Castle Garden
swing inward to admit the workmen OF all
nations but never outward for the Amer
lean workman driven from his native land
Now that the prosperous conditions Of
that time have been restored, the tide of
immigration has once more set this way.
Immigration at the port of New York has
been increasing rapidly. The number OF
arrivals in the fourth quarter OF 1901 was
9o,e2S, as compared with 74lS2 one year ago
ana $500 in the preceding quarter or 1911.
The increase was 20 per cent. over the
fourth quarter of 1900 and u per cent over
the third quarter Of 1901. The people from
southern Italy retained the lead by con-
tributing 20 per cent. of the immigration,
the Hebrews following with IL per cent,
the Germans with 10 per cent. and the
Poles with per cent, whose proportional
Increase since 1900 was larger than that of
any other nationality.
1t should be remembered that in absorb
ing these newcomers to our shores the in
dustries of the United States are accom-
piishing a work that is not required of those
OF any other nation earth. None of the
immigrants is burdened with large sums
of ready money when he arrives All have
enough TO bring them to this country, and
some have sufficient funds TO keep them for
a time after their arrival while they are
looking for employment or an opportunity
TO engage In business. But, in any event,
they come here to make "A living. That
they do not fail of their object is matter
of common knowledge.
The governmental policy that banished
the conditions existing in 1896 and brought
about the industrial and commercial &C
tivlty OF the present is entitled TO a re-
spectful examination. The 100000 laborers
who were looking in vain for work during
Mr.. Clevelands last term in the White
House are all employed now. Then there
was no tide of Immigration worth con-
sidering, for we could not care for our own
people. Now we are in a position to give
work to all at living wages, and those who
come from abroad find an opening in the
New World.
While Germany, England, France and
Italy are forced TO see their subjects emil
CRATE either to the colonies or to the United
States because they cannot feed them at
home, the Republican policy of protection
to American industries has made il posi-
BILE to develop the resources of this country
and give work to all who are willing TO
work, and all who come here to find work.
When free trade was threatened in 1898 we
lost this power. When protection as
Sured in 1897 il was restored. The work
ingman who is asked to listen to the argu-
ments of the tariff reformerS should re-
member these facts and give them their
due weight-they are not difficult to under
stand.