Bisbee daily review., 1915-12-10
SHUTTING OUT THE cRIPPLes


 The immigration problem continue to puzzle American economists. The experts are not agreed as to whether European laborers will stay a home after the war or deluge us with of immigration. Samuel Gomoers president of the American Federation of La. bor. holds to the latter view
 'rhere is doubt" he says that the war will be fol lowed by tide of immigration of unparalleled propor tions. The countries now engaged will seek some way escape caring derelicts of war; the mental and physical wrecks, and those who have been ruined f nanciay The incompetent will be encouraged and per haps assisted to emigrate. Now the time to make pro vision against that impending disaster"
 It seems likely that events will prove Mir Gompers right And as a matter of fact this labor leader who bc assumed to be somewhat prejudced against i'm migration principle isn't at odds with the dshearl ened economists.
 The ablebodied worSmen of Europe we may assume win remain home after the war There will be an quantity work for them in the rehabilitation of their devastated lands and cities and the rebuilding of their industries The government of beugerent na- tions may prohibit their sound citizens from emi grating those citizens will constitute their best as set
 But Mir Campers points out the disabled and derec- tive. the hordes men, and children whose eco homie value has been essened by wounds or sickness hardshps incidental to-the war will have more in- cenuye to emgrate Their governments can hardly help regarding them liabilities.
 The more of their dependents they can eliminate tn, quicker win be their economic restoration. They wIll hardly be able, in any event, make decent provision for an the human wreckage left by the war.
 When therefore the undesirebles find prospect Of c--lor home they may decide to emigrate in spite their handicaps And their governments may en. courage them in emigrattng
 Added to such incentives will be- of course the renew. ed activity the transatlantic steamship lines which have been the chief factors in dumping aliens on our shcrcs. There will be large numbers of ships freed from the war traffic eager to reap harvest of loa class passenger business.
 Shall the United States theu itself to the selfish purposes of selfish steamship companies and foreign countries seeking to discard their unfit population? A few sentimental phianthropists will say yes. Tho great majority of Americans Of all classes will unhesi tatngly say mo-
 Our country is and should always remain, political asylum and haven for the oppressed there noth Ing in our traditions our present duty compelling us to make it an almshouse and a hospital for Europe
 Not only is our own immediate selfish welfare but our value the world a strong clean fsrwardlook ing nation depends on keeping our national vigor unm paired We are not called on ,o lower average health or intelligence or prosperity by absorbing tn, wreckage of European civilization. We even bene nt Europe more. in the long run, by Keeping yirl fly unimpaired and fulfilling national mission wordIeader.
 It s necessary, then to put mp the bars still highe while there is time. We need not bar the ignorant fol ignorance is defect easily remedied But must no accept any more raw citizens crippled in body minc or morals.
 We are already sricter in law and practice than w' used to be- During the fiscal year of 1914, of l. zlSOoo immigrants We debarred 5000 and deported A. 600 who had already landed But is advisable for th present congress to enact su stringent laws fo immigration officials to enforce them the letter Fo whether the total immigration of the next few year shah be large or small the proportion of defective vii be enormously greater If as many as s1,21SOO Euro peans try to land on our shores in the following yea the war. we may want turn back nota mere 38.OoO bu several hundred thousand
 And the proper place to slft the immigrants is, Q course. al he other end of the voyage The defecdv should not merely be barred from landing; he shoul never be allowed to embark for America. There alon is fruitful ueld for legislation