The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1919-01-23
Wave of Unrest
Sweeps Over
All of Europe
American Commission Finds Peoples of
Many Nations Hungry for Land and
Seek Solution.
By Lowell Mellett.

United Press Staff Correspondent.
Copyright, 1919, by the United Pressl
Paris, Jan. 22-A tidal wave Of
restless humanity will sweep across
the world like the invasions of
Huns Goths in the middle ages un-
less the peace exercises foresight in
handling the vital problem Of emf
grafton. An economic, industrial
and social calamity can be averted
only by satisfying the peoples
land hunger and elevating their
social status. This was the view
expressed today by the American
commission which has been inves-
tigating conditions in European
countries. "The world is restless, ("
was the way Frederic G. Howe,
commissioner of immigration for
the port of New York, summed up
the situation. For many years he
sat at America s gateway, Ellis
Island, and watched the incoming
human tide. He just returned to
Paris from Southern Germany,
where he accompanied a French
mission. The view of his associates,
who visited other paths of Europe,
comedies with him. "The soldiers
of Great Britain, France, Italy,
Scandinavia, Germany, Austria and
the Balkans, are thinking in terms
of land,'' said Howe. GA way
must be found to satisfy this land
hunger, and, because the peoples
are impoverished, and the necessity
urgent, it must be land capable Of
immediate production-not lana
requiring a generation to develao.
In Southern Germany, where ia-
dustries are at standstill through
lack of materials of one kind and
another, the people face a desper-
ate situation. They are turning
their faces toward the border and
are considering the possibility Of
finding homes elsewhere. Italy's
population actually increased as a
result of the war. Normal emigra-
tion was damned up, while humid
reds of Thousands of men returned
home to fight. The movement of
peoples is not solely westward,
however. Hundreds Of thousands
of Europeans. for one reason or an
other, returned from America to
their homes each year. The war
stopped this ebb, particularly for
citizens Of neutral countries. Null
tiply this annual emigration by
four an you have vast army,
waiting impatiently in America for
an opportunity to 60 back to their
home land. Many Of these are dis
satisfied with their position in
American society, where they are
regarded as menials. They expect
to return home and buy farms and
become important and respected
citizens. Instances Of this attitude
are not isolated but general.
There is also a widespread resent
ment among the immigrants from
neutral country over what they con-
slider America IS rough shod treat
ment of them in war time. This
provides the incentive for many to
return home. There is no doubt
that many European nations are
considering legislation for restric-
ton of emigration, hoping to keep
their people at home. On the other
hand, America and other lands of
promise doubtlessly will instructive
ly put up barriers, especially since
they desire to protect the interests
of their returning soldiers. The
peace congress should take up the
problems presented by this situa-
ton and work out comprehensive
plans from the standpoint Of the
worlds interests"