Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-12-19
IMMIGRANTS AND IMMIGRANTS

IMMIGRANTS AND IMMIGRANTS
II there were any method by which
the desirable might be sifted from the
undesirable immigrant this country
undoubtedly could probably admit a
number larger than may be done UNI
der the three per cent restriction.
Examination in the country OF de-
parture Is q most sensible method
and would aid very materially in de-
termining those who would become
self disappearing and respectable. IT
would not, however. necessarily bar
those who might be imbued with
dangerous doctrine, with prejudices
and with an outlook SO foreign as to
make them difiicult If. not impossible
to assimilate into our American life
with advantage to all concerned.
The attitude of Turkey toward the
Greeks is outrageous and would not
be tolerated were not European civil
lization struggling to get its feet on
firm ground and drag itself out of the
morass. Nevertheless it is not diff
cult TO see how the Turk has come to
resort to this expedient in his effort
to hold Turkey for the Turks. He
lacks the ability to impress his Ideas
on Greeks and Armenians and con-
cludes that it is impossible to do so
as it apparently is, their acquain-
tance with the fanaticism of the Mos
lem not being of a nature to win
their approval. So he would isolate
himself, something which in this day
it is Impossible even for Turkey to
do. Manifestly country which is
unable to assimilate something from
those who are of other nationality or
religions is really in bad state.
On the other hand country which
is unable to retain it's individuality
to a wholesome extent is likewise in
a bad way, in way to become a
mongrel among peoples, with all the
faults and limitations of the mon
grel. Leaders of thought have no
desire for this country to become
that. Perhaps better than any other
people, Americans have less of racial
prejudice and a broader sympathy.
Such advantage as we derive from
this should be conserved, but wisely.
DR.. Felix Adler in a recent address
before the Boston Ethical Society had
this to say:
"Prejudice is a sort of disease
which spreads through human ma
ture. PNjudice in this coun-
try against negroes and Jews is mild
as compared with the prejudices of
Chinese and Japanese against one
another and of Greeks, Turks and
Eulgarians. Religious diff
ferences and economic rivalries, and
the fear that standards will be sub
merged, help to develop race preju-
dice. The real issue in the colleges
is between Anglo-S Saxon standards
and traditions and those of recent
immigrants. Perhaps comparatively
few students who have been in this
country less than 10 years should be
admitted to any one college. The
Anglo Saxon tradition should be the
stock on which the best that other
races can offer should be grated"
One would perhaps be assuming
overmuch to say that our American
traditions are and will persist in be-
ing the best in the world. But they
are the traditions with which we
have wrought, the traditions to
which we arc accustomed and those
unwilling to come under their inf1u-
ence. unable to comprehend and
respect them. would be exceedingly
dimcult to assimilate. We must be
careful not to make the mistake of
assuming that we may easily do it.
In fairness. however. to all con-
cerned 1t will be we'll to recognize
and encourage those who are con-
formable 70 those traditions because
they bring us virile blood In many
instances and are likely to prove q
cross beneficial to the breed A news
incident telling Of an Immigrant in
Boston. bootblack coming here
without money. but indomitablc in
his purpose to profit from the coun.
try he has chosen, serves to illus
trate this. BY dint of hard work
backing boots he has sent one
daughter TO Radcliffe and has anoth-
or daughter to follow that one and
two sons he expects to educate at
Harvard. Immigrants like him serve
to call the attention Of the American
people to the advantages they pos
sess and inspire them to make the
most OF these. We need have little
apprehension about getting too many
immigrants OF that variety.
"A dime. lady. or a few pennies