New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-13
TO SCATTER IMMIGRANTS
ELLIS ISLAND BUREAU.
Commissioner Sargent Proposes Ma
tio1dL Erhibit to Lqtre Aliens.

Frank p. Sargent, Commissioner General of
Tnnr1igration has formulated a plan which he
believes would. If authorized by Congress. in
duce a far more equitable distribution of aliens
throughout the United States. With especial
reference to New York, Mr.. Sargent is confident
that the adoption of his plan would eventually
relieve this city OF a considerable proportion Of
the immigrants who disembark at Ellis Island,
and as a rule. remain in Manhattan
Bs has in view the establishment of a com
.letely equipped bureau OF information, to be
controlled by and operated under the super
,sslon Of the immigration authorities. which
,rould serve as an object lesson to the immi-
--,nt It would enable him to ascertain through
obsoutely reliable sources the opportunities
,,ssented by the various sections Of the country,
and 10 determine where his services would be
most in demand. While It would be in no sense
an employment agency for aliens permitted
,,nder the law to remain in this country 1t would
indicate TO them In what part Of the United
states they could find work or make their home
N their best advantage.
Mr.. sargents plan contemplates the erection
~ building on Ellis Island and the organiza-
lion Of g force. comparatively small at first, to
re known as the bureau OF information. He
vrould then communicate with the officials of
various States suggesting that they send ex-
would show 20 the immigrants the principal
Industries. the ruling rate of wages. the pros
merits for work, where labor is most in demand
end such other information might be valua-
bla 70 a man woman a family possessed
- few dollars only. perhaps. but anxious TO
become self-supportipg as soon as possible.
The exhibits from the various States could be
81 charge Of a carefully chosen State agent,
who however would be under the supervision
of the immigration authorities. Railroad COM
NAMES would also be invited TO show where
settlement is desired along their lines what
rctIld be raised the facilities for marketing and
The easiest terms on which q small plot of land
oculd be secured. The railroads would also point
out where they need help. and a laboring man
could be informed without leaving Ellis Island,
where he could go to work for a certain road
and what he would receive
The government authorities would insist that
there be no Ioophole which would enable the
promoter. the and swindler. the labor con-
tractor. or any one whose reliability or integri-
" Of purpose has not been shown. TO operate.
The government would also require that through
no possible chance could the proposed bureau
Of information be used TO supply men in case Of
strikes OF lockouts. The reliability Of its in
formation and the absence Of all questionable
transactions would be guaranteed by the gov
eminent
Mr. Sargent explains that the natural ten
dAncy Of an immigrant as he is admitted
at Ellis Island IS to seek his cOuntrynen in this
city, and that in nine cases out of ten he stays
here. In colonization Mr.. Sargent sees danger,
and points out that agents of the department
who have investigated the subject found that
representatives. Of the home government and
church were sent here to keep colonists to-
gether. By so doing they hoped TO prevent an
admiration for American institutions. He be-
ueves that If his plan were adopted large per-
centage Of aliens who, under existing aondi-
tons come TO this CITY would never cross the
ferry TO New-York They would be asked by
the immigration authorities TO examine the OPP
portuuities shown in the bureau of information
for permanent work or small investment. They
could ascertain the rates and buy railroad tick
cts for any point IN the United States without
leaving the island.
In the last fiscal year 263, $50 immigrants. or,
b per cent Of the entire number, remained In
New-York, a showing that is regarded as a grave
menace. With the establishment Of q bureau
Of information and the subsequent erection Of
similar institutions at other ports Of entry, gov
eminent officials believe that much viii have
been accomplished toward solving the problem
OF diyerting immigration from the large cities
This result Il is asserted, would benefit not only
the cities but the aliens as well.