Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1916-01-14
STATE FEDERATION
OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
Members Urged to Interpret the
True Value of Citizenship to New
Immigrants

To the Federated Womens Clubs:
Your newest committee sends cor
dial greetings and asks place for
the consideration of the subject of
Immigration on the club program
for the two ensuing years.
The 1910 census shows that of the
l,151.9 800 people in the state,
only 5S5, 1856, or 51.3 per cent, are
native whites of native parenatage
(native meaning born in the United
States). This leaves $4,000, or
4S.7 per cent of foreign origin, which
includes persons born outside of the
United States or having one or both
parents foreign. These represent al
most every country in the list of
nations and many islands of the sea.
1t is probably this ratio has not
materially changed in the six years
that have elapsed since the census
immigration is distinctly a mod
ern movement, following the voyages
of Columbus. 1t differs in its peace
full homeseeking characteristics from
earlier population movements of
great migrations of peoples, or the
devastating invasions and conquests
which crowd the worlds annals
All have been vital to the evolu-
ton of civilization, as no trivial
cause will suffice to arouse the force
which results in the movement of
peoples.
immigration is distinguished by
characteristics which merit empha-
sis and close study. 1t comes in
higher forms of civilizations and be-
tween countries at peace. 1t is an
individual undertaking expressing
the courage of personal initiative
rarely the courage of the crowd. 1t
brings other national or racial de-
yelopments to the new country. The
immigrant is seeker for improved
conditions; either more democratic
government greater religious, social
or political freedom, better economic
opportunity, lighter military burden
or he seeks to break the bonds of age
old traditions.
All Americans are immigrants and
the ideals wrought into the founda,
tons of American institutions were
evolved from the composite which
the first immigrants brought from
the old world.
1t is vital today to the perpetuity
of these ideals for which America
stands that the proper relation ex
lists between the early Immigrant
who are truly Americans and tn,
newer immigrants who have com,
through the door which has swun,
wide open that whatsoever will Nigh
enter in. They are here. What i
our responsibility to them as tn
nations invited guests to our nation
in the preservation of the ideals o
democracy?
America is the crucible into which
the virtues and faults of all people
are mixed-the melting pot iron
which we must bring forth on
future.
This is a responsibility in whicl
there is definite work for clu
women to do. Therefore all club
are asked to give some time to tn
serious study of immigration as
national problem and know the con
ditions of our own state and eae
town and county of the state.
We must remember and teach on
children to remem Der that it re
quires courage and initiative for on
OF these immigrants to break HON
ties and come stranger to strang
land, these sterling qualities h
brings TO our national life. Let II
know as neighbors and friends tn
people of all lands who have come I
dwell among US, extend the hospitai
ity and appreciation to which IN
guests OF the nation are entitIe,
Teach our children to show ever
consideration to the little foreie
child who seems different from III
other children in school.