The Irish standard., 1915-12-18
Europe.

Within the past decade 10000
600 immigrants came to the Unit
ed States. No doubt there will be
a revival of immigration after the
war closes on account of the
financial conditions of the old
world, and the burden of taxa
ton placed upon the shoulders of
the laboring classes. In this
connection the presence of those
who have come to America, re-
main here for some years and
still owe allegiance to some for
eign power, will be given serious
attention. The census for 1910
shows that out OF 5,942, 900 foreign
born males, over Fl years of age,
1921, 600 were still aliens. Cit
ing Great Britain as an example,
10000 born in Great Britain be-
came citizens, while $4,000 were
still British. 1t is probable that
this condition will be aggravated
after the war. Many will be
forced to come to America under
force of circumstances, many who
prefer to remain citizens of their
own country, but who are unable
to do SO on account of the devas-
tation of war.
Another condition that makes
the problem grave is the rise in
Importance of the powers in the
Orient. There is every evidence
that we will have to reckon with
a new Japan and a new China.
These countries are fast learning
the uses of the instrumentalities
of modern industrial methods
and the ideas which prevail in
western civilization. They are
growing more and more con-
scious of their political power and
Importance, and are daily de-
handing increased political rec
ognition, are insistent on added
courtesy and attention being
granted to their national political
problems at the hands of other
world powers. Day by day it is
growing palmer that any indi-
vidual charged with the respon-
sibility of representing his coun-
try and who will narrow his OBJ
servations down to the point of
settling great national question
on bases of religious prejudice is
inviting disaster for himself and
his country. Comprehensive i'm
migration legislation is needed.
Legislation that will cover such
defects in citizenship as is now
exhibited among the many aliens
who are sojourning in the United
States, not interested enough to
become naturalized citizens.
The patriotic interest of men and
women of Irish birth is exhibited
in striking figures in the discus
sion of this subject. Only a small
portion with reasons peculiar to
themselves, fail to take advan-
take of American citizenship
promptly on their arrival from
their native land. The further
interest of Irish-Americans in
American citizenship is exhibited
in the efforts of the Ancient Or
der of Hibernians to induce all
native Irishmen without excep-
ton to become citizens without
delay.
Last week the Irish Standard
published lengthy article dis
cussing the question of citizen
ship in the article and contained
practical aid and suggestions for
acquiring naturalization papers,
The problem of alien allegiance as
we'll as the general problem OF
immigration is an all absorbing
one. Rapid Americanization is
one of the most important meas
ures of preparedness. All immi-
grafton legislature must be based
on equality. The discussion at
tending such legislation must
be free from all bitterness. There
must be an absence of all in
Auences directed against national
ideals and religious beliefs
Twice has congress passed lit
eracy test bill and each time il
has been vetoed. Even if such a
lbill became 4 law. it is not likely