The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1915-05-31

llan ever before. II the present war
continues six months longer. it is es-
timated that the debts OF the coun-
tries involved viii make a total of
S42. 500. 0OO.0 These staggering fig
ures and the taxation necessary to IL
quidate their enormous debts will
drive millions Of people to the United
States and 10 the South American
countries. These hordes of foreign
ers coming to our shores will bring
new financial. social and religious
problems, which will puzzle the best
craftsmanship among us. With this
great ingathering we must not forget
our American ideas: The free political
constitution and the ability to govern
ourselves in the ordinary affairs of
life: the social morality of the Puri-
tan settlers OF New England; the
economic well-being Of the mass OF
the community which affords our
working classes a degree OF comfort
distinguishing them sharply from arti-
sans and peasants OF Europe. Certain
social habits are distinctly American,
or are at least found in greater de-
gree among our people than else
where in the world These are love
OF law and order, ready acquiescence
in the will Of the majority. a general
ly humane spirit displaying itself i'm
respect for women and care for chill
dren and helpless persons, a willing
ness to help others, sense OF humor,
good nature and kindly manner, a
national patriotism and confidence in
the future of the community
President Wilson was right in feel
ing that the literacy test would keep
out some who honestly seek admit
lance to our country as a land OF op-
portunity, where they may enjoy priv
ileges denied them in their native
land. But while the recent immigra-
ton bill might have kept out a few de-
sirables. it would have kept out many
undesirable immigrants from south
ern Italy and the Austro-Hungarian
monarchy.
There may not be a limit to the
number which the melting pot can as
simulate and transform into valuable
citizens. but it certainly cannot trans
form dross into gold. Let US. there
fore. meet the situation frankly and
debar all who are not in sympathy
with our institutions and laws: all
whom we cannot help without receiv-
ing injury TO ourselves; all who can
not be easily Americanized.
We point with pride to those men
of national and international fame.
such as Hamilton, Galatin, Agassiz
and Pulitzer, who came to our coun-
try from foreign lands, embraced its
opportunities for education and ad-
vancement, rose to positions o. great
prominence and contributed much to
the upbuilding OF the nation. We are
proud of that large element Of our
population which belongs to. or de-
scended from the intelligent, ireus-
trious and law abiding immigrants
from England, Germany, Scotland.
Sweden, Ireland and ether countries
of Europe We are pleased to call
them fellow countrymen; and others
like them. in whatever numbers they
come, should always find a welcome.
But there is a 1awless. ignorant. Grim
inal class that has been coming 10 US
and continues to come In ever-in-
creasing numbers that should be de-
barred. They are those who chafe
under all governmental restraints and
fee to our country with the mistaken
idea that it is the land of license.
They are the cause OF most OF our Sc
rious labor troubles and riots. They
are the throwers OF bombs and the
senders of Internal machines. 1t was
one of their number that killed one
of our noble presidents. BY all means
let us bar the door and keep them
out.
Wide open and unguarded stands our
gates.
And through them presses wild and
motley throng;
Men from the Volga and Tartar Step
pes,
Featureless figures OF the Hoang-Ho-
Malayan. Scythian, Teuton, Celt and
Slav,
Flying the old worlds poverty and
scorn.
These bringing with them unknown
gods and rites:
Those tiger passions. here TO stretch
their. claws.
In streets and alleys what strange
tongues are these,
Accents OF menace alien to our air.
Voices that once the Tower Of Babel
knew.
o, Liberty, White Goddess, Is IL wei
To leave thy gates unguarded? On thy
breast
Fold sorrows children, soothe the
hurts of fate.
Lift the downtrodden, but with the
hand of steel
STAY those who TO thy sacred portals