The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1921-01-26
PREPARING FOR !.
GREAT FLOOD Of
IMMIGRATION

Washington, Jan. 25-Secretary VIII
OF immigrants 10 the United States be
considered at the source so AS TO avoid
the tragedy" of aliens breaking up
their homes and coming to America,
only to be excluded. has met with the
instant approval of European govern
ments, and American diplomatic and
consular officers overseas. Anthony
Caminetti, commissioner general Of i'm
migration, declared today before the
senate immigration committee.
Mr.. CamInetti described his recent
trip through Europe to obtain first hand
Information rs to the immigration prob
lem and told Of the very extensive prep
arations being made by steamship lines,
foreign governments and various organ
izations for handling the expected flood
of immigrants bound for the United
States.
Tells Of Misunderstanding
Incidentally. Mr.. CamInetti said there
was a general impression among the
peoples of Europe that the American
government, through various organiza-
tons operating to assist immigrants on
their way to this country was inviting
aliens to come here. He declared that
this was not the Intention OF the or
ganizers, nor has II at any time been
their purpose. hut the effect is as stated,
and great masses Of people left their
homes last fall and this winter, endur-
ing hardships an3 suffering to reach
ports OF emba ria ton
Mr.. Caminetti pointed out that while
American laws prohibited persons or as
Sociatiuns engaged in transporting al
Sens TO or within the United States from.
in any manner solicited. iviting or en-;
COura ging any alien 10 come to the
United States. there was nothing in IN"
law 10 prohibit persons or associations
uut engaged in transporting aliens from
inviting or encouraging them 10 come 10
America.
What can be done or what should BE-
done. II anything" lie said, rs matter
TO which consideration should be given.
Preparing for Rush
The committee was told by the COM
missioner general that trans-Atlantr'
steamship lines seemed TO be deeply
enga ced" IN making provisions Tor the
h:.r.dIiuy Of immigrants for the resent
rs we'll as for the future. He said the
immigrant barracks or hotels at EN-
barkatinn ports in use before ne war
had either been placed in commission
again, or preparations mad FOR thew
future use and that new barracks were
h"inv built az Antwerp, he said. While
In" White star and Curard lines pan
barracks at Ch"rbourr. which. he salo.
now gave promise VI becoming one OF
tn" largest immigration emharkation
points in Europe Much activity also Is
being shown n southampton. Mr.. cam.
in-,ti added. and former wartime prls.
on barracks NJ DanztE AZ" being utiilze'
10 care for the great How OF immigrants
through trat port.
Mr.. Caminc,tt said he visited eight
countries: Great Britain. France. ltaly'
BclGium, Holland. czccho-SlovakIa, FOL
and and JuGo-Siavia and conferred with
officials whom he found deeply inter
ested in the proposal OF Secretary WA
son and rendy to cooperate with the
American government in :ts eho't 10
STOP inadm!ssihln aliens n their source
Steamship companies, he added. also
exprcsscd = keen desire 10 co-orerate
with the l'n.tnd States in this work