The Washington herald., 1920-12-10
Two-Year Alien Ban
Seems Certain to Pass
Lower Body.
TO RESUME DEBATE
ON MEASURE TODAY
Siegel, New York, Raps
Reversal of Policy by
Congress.

son bill to prohibit Immigration Tor
two years became practically GER
tain yesterday. when The sfrst test
vote on a motion to call it up showed
ISL for and only nine against
Half Of the four hours allotted
for general debate had been con-
sumed when the House adjourned
last night. and the remaining tifnn
for discussion will be used early
today. Then the measure win be
read for amendment under tie rule
limiting speeches to ave minutes.
with a prospect Of final passage
tomorrow.
There were reports yesterday.
however. that the bill will not have
such easy sailing in the Senate.
Some Of the leaders in the Upper
Branch, while agreeing to the me-
cessity for immigration exclusion
legislation in some form. are said
TO favor the creation OF a board
with authority 90 regulate the entry
of aliens as coRditios nmay demand
rather than impose a blanket pro-
hibTtion for two years.
Make Fight on Bn1.
Representatives siegel. Repub-
lican, of New York. and SABBATH.
Democrat. Of Illinois. both members
of the Immigrstio1 Committee, are
making a strong hight against the
bill. but IL was noticeable that
much of the sentiment which here
ltofre has prevailed against immi-
grafton exclusion now is lacking
The Republican leaders in the
House are back OF the proposed leg
islation and its opponents were able
to muster but a few recruits 10
their ranks.
Some amendments may be adopt
ed in the House. but they will not
alter the general purpose Of the
bill. IL is believed. The California
members VII strive 10 mste cer-
tain that na loopholes that rnfght
in the measure.
Declares situation Alarming.
Championing the bill. Represents
tive Albert johnson, OF Washington.
chairman Of the Immigration Com
mittee. declared the present situs-
tion and the future welfare Of the
necessary that the influx Of aliens
be stopped for two years. In that
time. he explained. it is the purpose
to enact a comprehensive immigra-
tion law.
There is a genuine cause for
alarm said Chairman Johnson.
when the influx has reached
point. as IL did last week. of 1900
souls entering through one port
alone. The record Of 1907. when
more than 100000 aliens entered
the United States. will be surpassed
il the present rate OF increase is
maintained.
our country now is in neel ct
100000 homes to shelter those al
ready here. and there are l.O0O. 600
workers out of employment.
Rape Quality Of Newcomers
The fact is that the new immi-
0 grafton is not of the kind or quail
lity to meet the real needs Of the
country. We are being made a
dumping ground. We are receiving
dependents, the human wreckage Of
the war, not the strength and vir-
ility that once came to hew our for
lests and till our soil.
And worst OF all. they are COM
!
We are unable to adequately take
care of them"
Representative Siegel character
lied the bill as so drastic a change
in the Historic policy of the United
States as to be startling"
i Replying to the argument there
is widespread unemployment he as
serted there is no evidence Of a
state of unemployment except
sporadically or voluntarily. On the
contrary. he contended. there is suf-
fcient opportunity for employment
for those who desire Il.
Fewer building Restrrintx-
Artificial restraints against bufid-
ing that have largely caused the
shortage OF housing, he continued.
rapidly are disappearing. -and to
some extent will be diminished
through immigration"
Representatives Siegel and Sa-
bath, who Joined in submitting a
minority report assaiHng the legis-
lation, declared:
The allusions TO the Jews con-
tained In the majority report are
offensive. although we cannot be-
lieve that they are Intentionally So"
i. 1T would be a sorry day in Amer
lean history" the minority report
continues. ''if our country. that has
heretofore been an asylum for the
prosecuted, were to slam its doors
in the faces Of those who have been
and continue to be the victims Of
4 oppression, persecution and dis
Termination In the lands In which
they live"
Representative Raker. Democrat.
OF California, said incoming immi-
grants were causing congestion In
cites and that there were not
enough homes for Americans. sie-
gel replied that IL the Attorney
General had prosecuted the build
ing combines which increased the
price OF building materials 500 per
cent, there would not be such shortl
age of housing.
Defends New YORK Situation.
1 Rsker asked why the District
Attorney in New York did nSf-pros-
cute there. This officer. SIegel re-
piied. claims thst~~he could not
prosecute unless ordered to Dc 90
by the Attorney General.
Propossi'>of this iegislstion. &C.
cording 20 Representaftvs Grimm.
Democrat. OF New ? York was an
''exhibition -of--pSn4er and inteler-