Evening star., 1922-02-22
RESIDENTS HONOR
FIRST PRESIDENT
Oldest inhabitants Associa-
ton Also Hears Able Talk
on immigration.

AmericaniZation of our alien popu-
lation is one of the foremost prob
lens facing the United States. Theo-
dore G. Risley. solicitor of the De-
partment of Labor, declared today.
addressing a patriotic meeting of the
Association of Oldest Inhabitants of
the District of Columbia at Union
engine house, 10th and H streets.
After paying tribute to George
Washington. whose birthday the as
sociation was observing, Mr.. Risiey
launched into a discussion of the i'm
migration problems facing the De-
partment of Labor.
Defending the steps that have been
taken by the government to control
Immigration. air. Risley called atten-
tion to the fact that the war left in
Europe thousands of crippled. sickly
and povertystricken people who
would seek relief from their unhappy
homeland conditions by migrating to
America.
Problem Old and Difficult.
1.-THE colonies had immigration
problems of a serious nature. with
which they were compelled to deal, at
times, in a rigorous manner" the
speaker recalled. 1T was customary
in those times to deport muititudes
of criminals from the mother coun-
try. sometimes of the most notorious
characters. and paupers. to the col
onies. In order to protect themselves
against this vicious practice, the sew
eral colonies enacted legislation
against the bringing in of these un-
desirable classes.
Mr. Risley said it is true these laws
often intlict great hardships, yet they
society. the public health and the
preservation of American institutions.
Immigrants, he said, now are requir-
ed to pass through searching
process of examination.
Defends Ellis Island.
The visitor at Ellis Island. the
speaker continued, sees only the
sentimental side of the question and
is quick to Criticise and condemn the
whole procedure as ruthless and in
human. Deportation scenes. he said,
are naturally accompanied with sad
and pathetic incidents. but they are
inseparable from the discharge of a
most trying and exacting service.
Turning to the question of making
true Americans of those who seek a
new life on American shores. Mr..
Risley said:
1T is only in recent years that we
have realized the Importance and ne
cessity of instructing the Immigrant
in the matter of the rights and
duties of citizenship. and of Impress
ing upon him the solemn obligation
of his oath of allegiance to his
adopted country. He must be made
to understand that he owes unquali-
fled loyalty to our flag and that he
should intelligently and consclen-
tiousIy exercise the inestimable right
of suffrage.
TOO long has he been exploited by
politicians and duped by demagogues,
who regarded his vote with mer-
init "a MN
realize that the franchise Is a sacred
right. to be exercised for pure and pa
triotic ends. Thus only can he become
a true and consecrated American,
worthy to enjoy the achievements of the
noblest and most beneficent govern
ment ever established and preserved by
the wisdom. valor and justice Of man
kind"
Brief Business Session.
The association held brief business
at IL o'clock, after which the
patriotic program arranged in honor OF
Washington's birthday was presented.
ssy Wa nesaa Tayoe This
was followed by the recitation Of 'The
Americans Creed" by the members.
The association then sang 'America."
Excerpts from Washington's farewell
Verses of THE Star Spangled Banner
and "Auld Lang Syne" likewise were
sung.
The Association of Oldest Inhab-
itants takes pride in the fact that
it was the first organization in the
city to hold annually a public meet
ing in difference to George Washing
ton.
Taking as his theme the tribute
which Abraham Lincoln once paid to
Gen. Washington, John Claggett
Proctor composed poem to the Father
Of His Country. 1t follows:
Poem Extols Warrington.
washington is the mightiest
name on earth-long since mightiest
in the cause of civil liberty: still
mightieSt in moral reformation. On
that name no eulogy is expected. 1t
cannot be. To add brightness to the
sun or glory to the name of Wash
ington IS alike impossible. Let none
attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce
the name and in it's naked deathless
splendor leave it shining on.'-Lincoln.
What Lincoln said of Washington
Is shared, l know, by every one;
No sentiments. this sacred day.
Mean to US just as much as they.
Few words express themselves so clear
Regarding one SO great and dear,
Who left Mount NernOn's peaceful life
For years of hardship. war and strife.
Renowned and known throughout the world
Where'er flag has been unfurled:
On native soil. in foreign lands,
His name. today, respect commands.
We love to hear his greatness told,
His virtues and his deeds extOlled;
Oh, may our gratefulness increase-
Thou first in and first in peace"
But Lincoln spoke the master mind
Such jeweled thoughts we seldom rfnd;
His tribute all should greatly prize
And in hearts immOrtalize.
Refer in reverence to his fame,
In solemn awe pronounce his name;
Mghtiest man of all was he
For righteous civil liberty.
In moral reformation none
Approach the name of Washington;
His precepts and examples set
Are such mankind can ne'er forget.
No eulogy pronounced on earth
Can add to his distinguished worth,
For, like the brightness Of the sun,
He, too, has NO comparison.
Then speak of him in words profound
Let patriotic love abound,
And leave the name Of Washington
In deathless splendor shining on.