The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1921-04-26
E. c. Vermillion Tells Mt.
Vernon Audience In Amerit
canization Talk
FORCEFUL ADDRESS
AT VINE ST. CHURCH
Attitude Of Americans To-
wards Foreign Born Tends
To Make Bolshevists
OF Them


of a most interesting and forceful ad-
dress given Sunday evening at the
Vine street Church of Christ by the
Hon. E. c. Vermillion, state director
cation was present to hear the ad.
dress and there were but few who
were not profoundly impressed.
In the absence of the pastor, Rev.
J. A. Long, Representative Charles G.
Weaver conducted the service and |
presented the speaker. At the begin
ming of his address, Mr.. vermillion
paid tribute to the Christian spirit
and influence that has been predomi-
nant in influencing the development
of this country. Purposeful and sig
nificant reference was made to the
earnest, prayerful Christian spirit of
those who came over in the Mayfow-
er. In like manner, reference was
made to the spirit of worship and re-
ligion that marked the drafting of our
American constitution.
In his first direct reference to the
problem of "Americanization," the
speaker said: II know there are many
who believe this to be foreign prob
lem, but am coming to believe 1t is
strictly an American problem. Com
ing into this country are great num-
bers of folks who are allowed to come
unnoticed except by those who have
need of their services. 1t is most un-
fortunate that they should be regard
ed only as industrial units"
Speaking of what has been done
and is being done to assimilate the
foreigner, Mr.. vermillion expressed
his complete satisfaction that the sa-
loon is gone and no longer is a
blighting influence. BY. way of Illus
. tration he told of a survey made in a
certain city covering period of 10
years, in which it was found the
greatest number of foreigners seeking
citizenship in that time presented as
i witnesses either saloonkeepers or men
h whom they had met in saloons.
q Seeking solution for the problems
ri of Americanizing the foreigner, Mr.
;. Vermillion said it begins naturally
p with immigration. He expressed the
hope that congress will go farther
q than merely passing law restricting
immigration. 1t should pass law
" protecting America against those who
Il should not come, those who will be
come public charges and those who
20 have criminal records.
IS No concern was expressed over re
5, striction of immigration for period
of IA months, the speaker calling at
h. tention to the fact that immigration
\. had been restricted and practically
1. had ceased from 1914 to 1918 and only
1t since the armistice in 1913 have the
v foreigners begun to come again. Ht
8, said it is far more important that the
government should straighten out the
agencies having to do with immigra
ton, calling attention to the conflict
ing work done by the departments o
i labor, interior and the treasury ant
others. These do not work together
10 more than often are at cross-purposes
!, pulling apart and each seeking to un
= do what the others are doing.
20 Similarly he indicated conditions a
.. Ellis Island, New York, are made
!, quate. With an equipment to take
:, care of $50 day, frequently the!
- have 500 to handle. There is neet
- or drastic steps for readjustment," HI
saiG.
y. Speaking of the immigrants them
. selves, whom Americans classify a;
n "Dagoes" and "Hunkies," the speaker
declared that very many of then
come to this country with high hopes
and aspirations. "Many of them," HI
y said, "have more education to star
: with than have so per cent of thu
Americans with whom they come il
v contact" He told of finding among
d them many college.educated men. HI
d told also of finding professor from
g. college in Hungary who was engaged
le In writing a book on American indus
" trial economics while maintaining
le himself by laboring with his hands.
W The self-sufficient American wa.
m given hard jolt when Mr.. Vermillior
Ig said of Americanizing the foreigner
r. "Americans must learn to think it Il
h their problem. The American attitude
,r toward the foreigner must be changed
n II we are to be of any help. Our atti
tude has been to make Bolshevists O