The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-08-17
CHAPTER IT.
TOLD my wife I would think it ov

I TOLD my wife I would think II over.
L And IN the two days that followed
our mornings conversation, relative
TO the sending for OF Lizzie (as I now
referred to her exclusively and preced-
ing the actual mailing OF the letter
which was to bring her, did think the
matter over seriously and at length
With the result above set fOrth-that
the letter inviting her TO leave Germany
and become a member Of our family
vas mailed.
I took advice in the matter first, how
ever. with Jack Rogers. a chum Of my
bachelor days, who, strangely enough,
had married the best friend OF my wife
three years before
preached the subject OF sending for
Lizzie.
I'm doing it to please my wife, Of
course" 7 ended the outline OF the plan.
''Of course said Jack
Understand" I continued, I'm not
against the idea on any other grounds
than that I think it's foOl-er-that Is,
unnecessary TO bring the girl all the
way from Europe"
How old Is she?" asked Jack-who
happens. by the way. TO pick Up rather
q decent living IN the law
"Oh, ] should say a or 49, ] care
lessly replied. She was 9, I believe,
when we knew her, That's FIVE years
HUM said he. do YOU chance TO
know anything about the immigration
laW2"
on the Pacific coast? Something about
the Japs, isn't itP' I asked indiferently
Not especially" he replied. 7 see
you're uncomnOnly ignorant Of the sub
lect and I'd better coach you up on a
few points you ought TO know
Fire aWaVf' i inviteG IaZflV. Whats
up"
answered with a hint Of sarcasm in his
careless tone. "Only, If YOU bring this
girl over here from Germany. and she's
under l6 years of age, you'll be respon-
sible for her every minute she's on
United states ground"
'XVeu2" I queried. What else2"
isn't that enough" He stared in
surprise. Are you willing 20 be held
accountable for everything she does in
this cOuntry-nO matter what she does.
how she does It, or why?"
ut isn't as bad as that is it?' /
asked with a trifie more interest.
Isn't it?" Jack asked, dryIy you
bring that girl into this country and
when the immigration officials learn
that she's under age and not coming to
relatives who'll be responsible You'll
have 10 sign sworn statement 70 be
accountable for every action Of hers
from the minute she lands"
How long does that responsibility
last2'' I asked eagerly.
Until she comes of aRe-sixteen. in
the eyes Of the immigration law"
] sat up IN my chair
''Tol me more, ] asked without sue
cessfuny hiding a slight trace Of ex-
citement In my voice, about this immi-
grafton law"
well" Jack answered, what I've
just told you about II IS practically all
that directly concerns your ease
no foreigner is permitted to enter this
country under age, unless some one is
responsible for his or her good be-
havior while here This girl isn't com
ing 20 relatives who viii be responsible
she is coming 20 you. and you conse-
quently have 10 take over the said
burden Of responsibility Get that7"
] nodded. What eise?" I asked
That's all" He smiled "Tf vol
think you can stand that much send
for your girl"
For the remainder 81 the meal I was
silently lost I'm thought
We'll" and ] puffed an after-lunch-
con cigar, Il don't see much 70 worry
about in that. The girls ali right I
won't run any danger in figuratlvely
going on Der bond TO the authoTiGes.p