New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-13

-HAT II is a privilege to dwell in the
United States is a thought which
Il rarely occurs TO the citizen. Oh
course, we have the reminders of states
men and Fourth Of July orators and the
infant gleanings of patriotism brought
home from the public schools. But we
discount rhetoric in these latter days OF
science and business, and If any one
should ask us the cash value CT our priv
lege to dwell on these shores we would
either laugh or Indignantly accuse him OF
being disaffected toward our great and
noble Institutions.
A recent unusual reminder of the scope
Of the immigration law was the deten-
ton of Prince Pignateln at Ellis Island
in order to determine his eligibility 10
tarry awhile in this country. The prince
was travelling first class with valet
yet he was "held up" just like a steer
age passenger.
The 'ins" take it as a matter Of course
The outs" are mighty anxious to get IN
and some Of them are willing to pay high
for the privilege II is hard for the IN
slider TO realize the strength of the out
slder's desire 10 land on our shores ana
live here. II is almost impossible to i'm
agine the sorely injured feelings of those
who are not permitted to join us.
Uncle Sam stands at the American door,
where million persons apply every year
for admission The shrewd old gentle
man looks them over with a swift yet
critical eye, sizing up their physiques'
moral character and financial condition.
He extends a hand OF welcome to the
great majority He tells these he is glad
they came and hopes they 'will make
themselves right at home. But every 80
often the hospitable smile fades from
Uncle Sans visage and he stoops down
TO touch some one on the shoulder ard
say:
very sorry. friend, l don't think 1 can
let you in"
25,ooo A YEAR ARE BARRED.
This happens TO about two persons out
OF eighty, or, say, twenty-five thousand
out Of the entire number.
why can't | come IMP Indignantly
asks the debarred person. "Ain't just
as good as the restY'
Uncle Sam sometimes makes an indul-
gent answer, taking account OF special
circumstances or hardships. He may de-
eide to think It over and eventually ad-
nit the protesting individual. AT another
tine he gets his dander up and talks
thusly:
mo, sir, you're not as good as the rest.
You're below par, physically, mentally
and morally. IL you came into this coun-
try II would be doubtful if you could sup
port yourself, at least in any honest way
You have SO cash and no railroad ticket
You have been in Jail couple of times.
You believe in the detestable doctri9e OF
poiygamy. You are also an anarchist
nave no use for a fellow like you. Now
CO. and If you ever come around again
you'll be let in-into a jail"
" is said there was one nervy shutout
Of this class who tried to argue the mat
Ier' saying that a citizen of the United
States could believe In polygamy and an
arehism all he pleased, so why should a
prospective citizen be forbidden the same
noerty? Uncle Sans answer was 10 grab
mat alien by the scruff Of the neck and
shoot him into the hold OF the first out
WARD bound steamship.
There are endless dramas in the story
VI the twenty-five thousand who are shut
W.T. new LES Miserables" could be
"Htten on the subject. Not long ago hap
pehed modern version of King Lear,
Win seven daughters instead OF three
ana not a cordelia among the seven.
mere are sublime tragedies and absurd
.'nedies. Hints OF themes for Michael
angelo and for ]. M. Barrie come out in
we press. A recent case with heart in
crest was that Of an Irish maid, unwed
ss mother. who had left child at
a0me' ana was ordered deported az likely
become public charge. 1t was al
1sea by certain critics that the ground
VI excluding the young woman was a
moral one. When such a case is re-
~lsed, the batteries Of newspaper and
"nucai attack are nnlimbered. and I'm