The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-06-04


the tifne mas arrived for eugenics on a broader
scdie' imperfect immigration laws and un-
wise administration of those the statute
DOCKS largely because of the inclination of
trresponsihility to sacrifice the countrys future
10 personal ambition has brought it about that
uie status OF the American people is threatened
with degradation Consequently there is de-
velopng an antagonism TO all immigration that
may haiheer farseetng ana wise plans for the
announcement of desirable immigration
MS countrys greatness was won because of
Inc migration to America OF millions of men
ana women whose individual fitness for race
making was proved by their Willingness to ven
lure across the ocean and to take their places
in the ranks of the producers of the world
looking to their own initiative and energy to
oring them comfort and happiness and deter
mlheu TO become citizens of the land,
Influenced by their former surroundings Their
immigration was largely one of peril and pri-
yation for them, which. however, did not daunt
mem, but really strengthened them for fulfilling
Their optimistic faith in their new country anG
for Keeping their ideals before them
Much of the immigration OF today from
foreign lands has exactly the opposite charac-
teristtcs. It includes thousands of ungraded
individuals with no purpose in coming to
America save that of acquiring sufficient money
10 return quickly as possible to vegetate in
their native land thousands of others looking
for direction of their conduct TO alien political
ecclesiastical or racial sources. either imme-
dlafely or through agencies in this country
ana thousands OF others hopelessy degenerate
mentally or physically absolutely criminal
in their instincts None of these can be con-
sldered as desirable additions the American
stock. Their practically unrestricted nmigra-
ton will render futile alt attempts TO better
permanently social conditions In the great cen
tiers of this country which at present not
only detrimental to those sections, but q
ace 10 the physical and ethical integrity of TIN,
whole land one might AS well attempt to purify
the -reserLnlr- of cityx Natcr- supplX- while
sewage is permitted to flow into it. But the
evils may be suppressed without injury TO this
country.
Preliminary and necessary to the practice
Of eugenics among the people OF this country
is the practice of eugenics in immigration by
careful selection among Houl" be Immigrants of
only those who promise to be fit Americans.
II Is a case of self-pfeserNatton for the peo-
Pic of the United States, and it lies with us to
work out the method efficiently
What be done in this direction Is being
atrihinglE and successfully demonstrated by
Hugh MacRae.- of Wilmington. and his
ciates on lands in Eastern North Carolina.
outlined in an interesting article on other pages
OF this Issue. Assured by scientific inyestiga-
ton of the qualities and spabllities of the
selected soil. and equipped with the means Of
Co-operatton Tor mutual heneht with possible
newcomers. the projectors Of the enterprise.
having dehnit" plan and policy fixed, turned
their attention to the selection of participants
in the plan intended broadly to settle 10-acre
contiguous tracts with farmers, with the family
ur!' basic principle. 4 beginning was ma dc
population ri Northern Italy anxious to own
homes on the land for themst Ives and their
children Seven families were secured by
skilled agents and colony was started which
now has forty-seven families Of about 400 per
sons settled IN neat and comfortable homes amid
fields gardens and vineyards in high state
or cultivation Encouraged by this success,
other colonies have been started OF Holanders
alone, Of Hollanders with a sprnklnS of Hun
garians, of Germans 1iungarians and Hot
landers of Poles alone and of Poles and Hoi-
landerS with few Russians and Swedes and
some native Americans scattered among them.
All Of these colonies ares Furnishing. and the
bringing together in the same neighborhood Of
these farmers Of different nationaiites has had
the effect of inducing species OF selection Of
the best methods from among them al-Manu-
factlrers' Record.