New-York tribune., 1907-09-30
SPAIN ATTACKS CANAL.
Government bay Check Emigration
III Treatment ALLEGED.

Madrid, Sept. 29.-The Spanish government
alarmed at the increasing emigration of Span
iSh laporers, has begun vigorous campaign
10 put stop TO the exodus, and is making
special efforts to prevent laborers from gong
10 Panama TO work on the isthnian canal The
government says it has proof that the lahorers
are grossly deceived by the recruiting agents OF
Tie canal and that on their arrival at Panama
hey are compelled to live and work under
atroclous conditions. The complaints, however.
are plainly traceable 20 the Spanish landlords
who find their workmen deserting. owing TO the
prospect OF better wages abroad. IN the last
TWO years thousands of Spaniards have gone to
the 1sthmuS, and, although the number now
being forwarded has been reduced to about
one hundred and fifty week, the applications
far exceed that number This is regarded as
the best refutation of the charges against mis-
representation on the part of the agents
Since the selection Of the Maura Cabinet the
government has been especially active. Senor
Cierva. the Minister of the Interior. has drafted
most rigorous bill 10 restrict emigration. and
will present il for the approval of the Cortes
when it assemblies next month. Although the
bill ostensibly recognizes the right of Spanish
subject to emigrate. it prohibits the departure
Of all Spaniards subject to military duty. and
requires the express permission Of the Depart
ment Of Emigration. which the bill creates, for
those desiring 10 go abroad for the purpose OF
colonization. It also reserves to the government
the right for reasons affecting the public good.
public health or unusual risks which intending
emigrants may incur" TO entirely prohibit TEN
porarily'' all emigration to certain countries or
sections" It also contains another clause aimed
directly at emgrants to Panama. namely, the
annument of ali contracts in which the trans
portation as in the case Of the canal laborers,
is TO be repaid by labor. The conditions and re-
strictions il imposes on the steamship COM
panies are almost prohibitive. The companies
are required to give heavy bond. TO subject
themselves TO Spanish law. to refrain from ad-
vertisement except in such publications as ara
approved by the Department Of Emigration to
send lists of applicants for passage TO the de-
partment, to defray the cost of inspectors. etc.
To guarantee immunity Of emigrants' baggage
from seizure for debt, to repatrate emigrants
on applcation at half the outgoing rate. etc
Pending the vote on this bill the provincial
governors by the direction Of the Minister OF
the Interior, have posted the following warn
ing:
Reports received through official channels CON
firm that which has been so often puolshed ny
the press with regard TO me TllseLauie isIte as
who. seduced without doubt by false promises 50
have gone TO work on the Panama canal Inc
proportion of those who die in the hosplIdIs Oh
account Of the hard work and the deadly cil-
mate is terrible. - =,
The government IS resolved 10 prosecute oE
every means the infamous business or those "!o
q b11se the CreduIity and lack OF refectloh OF Ie
INDECENT laborers intoxicated with the uesLo
~ ta-+aring their fortune. and !. for my part
80 5eci5e5 70 give aid 70 the proposals Of the
department - all T
have considered il advisable 10 puoilsh TINS S,I
c,1,ar which should be posted in all those puohc
places where II is customary in each village 70
1oe+ the orders and regulations Of the municipal
authorities =, , ,s
likewise I urge especially all MAYORS ana
oornroarding officers Of the civil guard, and IN
oerar-l ali the inhabitants Of this province 10
make known TO me without delay the names;
personal standing and usual residence on an
I,sbo shall come to their notice. II being prop.
civ understood that, by so doing they wiil ho'
- -arder an accountable service 10 this gov
e-1-,ent hut will be performing duty OF pa
1rfotisr1 and humanity