The Washington herald., 1909-08-01

Charleston, S. c., July 2L-The immi-
grafton question has bobbed up again
very suddenly in this State. A letter re-
oeived few days ago by Gov. Ansel and
referred to Commissioner Watson from
7. V. Powderly. chief Of the Division OF
Information, Bureau Of Immigration and
Naturalization, Department Of Commerce
and Labor. asks for opinions on the
question of immigration data and other
matters touching the same subject.
II is well known that the immigration
feature of the department of agricul-
ture. commerce. and industries has been
done away with by the general assembly.
but even before the change was made
Commissioner Watson refused TO enter
into a discussion Of the very matter which
the letter from the chief OF the division
now contains. Commissioner Watson, as
a result has written Mr.. Powderly. set
ting forth the changes which have come
about and the work which the depart
ment was required to do when the immi-
grafton feature was in the law.
Calls Attention TO the Law.
Mr.. Powderly in his letter calls at
tention 10 section 40 of the immigra-
ton act Of February 90 1907. which pro-
vldes for the establishment of a division
of information. This section provides
that lit shall be the duty Of said division
to promote a beneficial distribution OF
aliens admitted into the United States
among the several States and Territories
desiring immigration
ITO accomplish that result correspond
ence shall be had with the proper Off
cials In the States and Territories and
said division shall gather from ali avail
able sources information regarding the
resources. products and physical char
acteristics Of each State and Territory"
The letter goes on 10 ask for such infor-
ton, the heading. Useful Information.
including ell agricultural and industrial
development. whether the same be or
public or private nature.
Farms Are Wanted.
One paragraph Of the letter reads,
Many inquiries come to the division
calling for information as 70 where
vacant lands may be had. To answer
these questions the division OF infor-
nation would be glad 10 cooperate with
your State, in directing the attention
Of admitted aliens and others TO such
ODUbIA AulllAlEc AOI EtAAhtlS. nave YOU
vacant landssunder control Of the state?
Are you prepared to advise where unoc-
cupied forms may be obtained and. If
so. can you direct US to the person. or
persons. controlling them?
1T IS the aim OF the division Of infOrma-
, Iton to ascertain where every available
acre Of land may be situate in each
State and Territory: whether improved
and, II so, how; what kinds of crops
and number per year; proximity to
transportation line ral or water. and
such other information as may suggest
itself TO you or that you may have at
hand"
In regard 90 the appointment OF agents
under section 40. Mr. Powderly asks:
Has any action been taken by your State
in the direction Of appointment Of agents?
II so, we may say that every facility
will be afforded him or them 20 properly
and successfully carry on their work
In case no such agent has been appoint
ed, it Is urged that consideration be
given 20 the matter"
Would Aid the states.
Mr.. PowdeTly closes his letter with
the following: "The division OF Infor-
nation has had an extended correspond
euce with commerciau and Industrial
bodies throughout the the country on
the subject OF turning the tide OF de-
sirable aliens to localities which are
peculiarly in need of them We are.
therefore, warranted in believing that
unskiIed laborers, particularly farm
laborers. settlers, homeseekers. and
domestics, who are able and willing TO
work may find avenues through which
their activities may be directed TO mu-
tual success.
While these bodies, boards Of trade.
chambers OF commerce. &c. do not rep
resent the State. they do no doubt reflect
the prevailing sentiment and il is be-
lieved that most States and Territories
desire immigration OF a kind that will
make good. peaceful. Industrious citi-
EenE.'
Commissioner WRtsOn's Reply.
The following is the letter written to
Mr.. Powderiy by Commissioner Watson:
Dear Sir: Your letter OF July s. ad-
dressed 70 HIS exceIlency the governor
OF South Carolina, has been referred to
me for attention.
This department OF the State gov
ernment formerly was charged with the
work OF introducing immigration into this
State. but at the last session Of the gen
eral assembly, held this year. an amen
datory act was passed, In which IS q
section reading: The commissioner Of
agriculture. commerce, and industries
Ehall not directly or indirectly attempt
% bring immigrants into the State Tn
der the provisions Of this section It would
consequently be a direct violation OF the
law Of this State. and Of the policy Of the
State. as expressed through the represen-
tatives Of the people in the general as
sembly. FOR this department or any other
official whatsoever to take advantage
Of the provision Of your section 40 re-
lating to the appointment and nAainte-
nance OF agents al any OF the immigration
stations Of the United States. or for us
TO take any action whatsoever that would
even indirectly be considered an attempt
TO bring immigrats into the State.
Duties OF state Official.
Sections 6 and OF the amended act
contain the following provisions:
Sec G. That the commissioner shall
be charged with all work looking TO the
promotion OF agriculture, manufactur-
ing. and other industries, cattle raising.
and all matters tending 10 the indus
trial development of the State. with
the collection and publication Of in
formation IN regard 10 localities. char
acter, accessibility, cost, and modes Of
utilization Of soils. and more specifcal-
u 10 the !uducement OF capital by the
dissemination Of information relative
10 the advantages OF soil and climate.
and to the natural resources and indus
trial opportunities offered in this State.
That he shall also collect from the
farmers and land owners Of the state and
list information as TO lands stating the
number OF acres. location. the terms
upon which they may be bought. leased.