New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-09-13
REYNOLDS SEES ISLAND.
Investigates Local Imni gration Com
difiOns for President Roosevelt.

james B. Reynolds. who investigated for Presi-
dent Roosevelt tie condition OF the packing houses
IN Chicago visited Ellis Island yesterday on r
slmila- mission. though. Mr.. Reynolds explained
his investigation OF the local immigration bureau
is being devoted chiefly 20 tire matter OF charging
the capacity OF the buildings. While Mr.. Reynolds.
last two weeks Of his Investigation. has con-
fined himself solely 10 observing the method OF re-
ceivng caring for and disposins OF aliens. he has
Incidentally made what he calls a visit OF per
sonal interest" 10 the meetings % the boards OF
special inquiry, the baggage department. and the
mess rooms.
Mr.. Reynolds win make three more trips 10 the
island this week. devoting the entire day on each
visit 70 getting ideas % how conditions may be
bettered lie said yesterday;
The immigration bureau al Ellis Island is not
ADEQUATE in point Of $40 for the gTest horGes 6 Sa
island works hard and does we'll in disposing Of
such large numbers in the time at their disposal
better The service and facilitate the handling OF
the heavy spring and summer rushes wld be en-
report is fled I am not at liberty 70 go into details
on the work Of my INVESTIGATION VII say. nov" "
the method OF handling immigrants at the island
dreb ana inrm men climb great flights Of stairs
while going through the channels % ifninlgIati'n
tbst he FOREIGNERS might be handled the ground
floor. il would be much easier for the newcomers
Mr. Reynolds spoke well Of the commissary de-
partrnent. He said the immigrants were provided
with good. Wholesome meals. all OF which We're
served in a most cleanlv fashion. He Thought also
that the hospital service the sanitary condition ana
tie general administration % the island were well
Up 10 the mark
II was thought by some officials at Ellis Island
yesterday that Mr.. Reynods's investigation prel-
uded a shake-up.
Ellis Island. as far as 7 am concerned Is an
open book welcome al all times the fullest and
closest scrutiny 81 all its operations by any citi-
zen whatever the object Of his inquiry may be,
said Robert Watchorn. United States Commits
soner q Immigration :or this port yesterday when
his attention was called 20 a story that James B.
REYNOLDS. who one 81 the investigators OF the
Chicag packing houses, was making. by direction
OF the President. a personal inquiry into alleged
investigation related 20 delays and cvercroWding
of immigrants IN detention rooms and 10 the con-
tracts for feeding. transporting and exchanging
the money OF immigrants
I 90 not see anything definite n this story"
said the Commissioner. 1t is true that Mr.. Rey
nolds has been a visitor az Ellis Island for several
DAYS. hut the purpose OF his visit Is entirely IN
known 20 me. As 70 the contracts 10 which ref
erence is made. n Is only necessary 10 point out
whatever do With the letting Of any contracts
They all let by the Secretary Of Commerce and
LabOr. in accordance with conditions Of full and
free competition required by law. All con-
held in strict accountability by the COM
missioner tor their performance. As 70 overcrowd-
ing the detention rooms less crowded than ever
before and in Is immigrant subjected
sponsihility with the administration OF Ellis
Island.