The sun., 1904-11-15
GROSS IMMIGRATION ABUSES.
REPORT OF AN INSPECTOR WHO
SPENT MONTHS IN Europe.
Coienization Schemes Are supported by
Hungary aud to Some Extent by Italy
Private A mociatiOns Organized to Aid
famisrants Who Desire 60 Come Here.

Private A ss0ct2tiOns Organized 10 Ala
ifAnis grants Who Desire 60 Come Here.
WASHINGTON, Nov. l4.-1nformation win
be submitted TO Congress- at the coming
session which is expected to result IN the
enactment Of more discriminating immi-
grafton laws. This information comes
from Europe, and In the opinion OF the
Federal authorities. makes IL incumbent
upon the United States to provide for q
more rigid examination at the ports OF
embarkation OF all foreigners bound for
this country. Facts have also been placed
before the Government which demonstrate
that more severe penalties must be imposed
upon steamship companies bringing immi-
grants to the United States In violation OF
law.
A report in point has been received at
the immigration Bureau from an inspector
who spent several months abroad. He
travelled all over Europe. and paid special
attention to conditions at the large ports
as far as they related to immigration to
the United States. The inspector visited
all ports disguised as a prospective immi-
grant, and as he speaks several languages
fuently he was able to get the information
he was after
His report is understood to reveal start
ling condition OF affairs. II demonstrates
to the satisfaction OF the immigration
officers that at least two European coun-
tries give aid and encouragement to per-
sons who desire to come here with a view
to gaining a competence and then return
ing to their native lands. Colonization
schemes are supported by Hungary, and
to a certain extent by Italy. Millions OF
dollars are sent to both countries for in
vestment every year by Italians and Hun
garians who intend to return home as soon
as they have amassed what to them is a
fortune.
The methods OF the steamship companies
In collecting and bringing immigrants to
this country are severely condemned by
the inspector. 1t is pointed out that Europe
is placarded with advertisements picturng
the United States as a land Of milk and
honey. An who apply for tickets get them.
The price is the only essential. II the I'M
migrant is afflicted with a dangerous con-
tapious disease the steamship company
will take a chance. In such a case II the
applicant has money he ia required to de-
posit a certain sum, which he forfeits IL
admission is denied to him when the ship
reaches this side OF the water. In that event
the money so deposited is used to cover
the cost Of his return transportation and
such other expenses as may be incurred
on his account by the steamship company
The report of the inspector contains so
much information bearing on immigration
abuses arising on the other side Of the
Atlantic, that the authorities believe it
should be submitted to Congress. 1t will
be cited as evidence in support Of the con-
tention frequently made heretofore that an
inspection as thorough and efficient as
that maintained here should be established
at ports in Europe to which immigrants
flock for passage to this country.
1t is related that in addition to the en-
couragement given by some Governments
to immigrants who come here. private
associations are organized for the same
purpose. One of them has its headquarters
in London. It's object is to secure trans
portation for Hebrews. An entirely new
feature connected with this class OF immi-
grafton is brought out in the report OF the
inspector. He says that many OF the
Hebrews who land on our shores do not
remain here. They stay only long enough
to secure naturalization papers and then
20 to Jerusalem. Their purpose in coming
to the United States is merely to qualify
as citizens, and with that protection they
then make the journey to the Holy Land.
A good deal OF space is devoted by the in
spector to the diseases with which thousands
of immigrants who come here are afflicted.
One of the most common Is trachoma, an
affection Of the eyes which is contagious
and spreads rapidly. The inspector him.
self contracted this malady at some OF one
of the ports OF Europe, although he too
the most extreme precautions to protect
himself
1t is understood that some interesting
side lights are thrown by the inspector on
the manufacture abroad Of fraudulent
naturalization papers. What he learned
on this phase OF the subject will, in all prob
ability, be withheld until the publication
of the report Of the Commissioner General
Of immigration.
Reference is also made to the practice
OF some transportation lines in landing In
Canada immigrants who have been denied
admission at Ellis Isla nd and at other ports
along our Atlantic seaboard. This prac-
tice, IL IL said, should be broken up. and
every effort made to stop 1t as soon as
possible. While the repeated efforts OF
immigrants to get into the United States
from Mexico and Canada is an annoyance,
IL Ia no longer matter OF concern to the
immigration officers, The patrol on the
north and south has become highly eff
cient and is now entirely satisfactory to
the Commissioner-Ge General. 1t is reported
that several hundred immigrants, suffering
from trachoma. who were recently refused
admission at Southern ports, are now
in: Mexico anxiously awaiting e.n oppor-
tunity to dash into the States.
Another interesting phase OF the immlgra-
ton problem will be discussed by the Com
missioner General. Some months ago
agents were sent into every State and Terri
tory to ascertain the number Of aliens con-
fined In the various penal and charitable
institutions. The results are highly in
tereeting. In the State Of New York, for
example, nearly 10 per cent. Of the inmates
Of public institutions are aliens who under
the law are subject to deportation. Con-
dtions in New York. however, are worse
than they are elsewhere, although each
State Is supporting at the expense Of its
citizens persons who have no legal right
in thia country.