The Washington times., 1922-07-23

attention Of all thoughtful pc
That he has also devoted consid-
cradle time to politics Is apparent.
He Is serving his fourth term In
Congress, attracting national atten-
ton by defeating Morris Hillquit,
Athe noted Socialist. at each elec-
ton.
BY virtue Of his official position.
he has unusual opportunities OF
studying human nature. More. he
has studied It az IL is affected by
soil and climate. and by the pres
sure Of men upon each other. OF
course. II Mr.. siegel thus studies
immigrants 30 closely. It Is. per-
haps. because he has recognized in
them a new mode in the operations
Of intellect.
Mr.. Siegel believes that civfliza-
ton can increase and morality ex-
ist as a controlling force only in
the measure In which liberty ex-
lists.
He is convinced that pursuit and
capture Of this liberty Is one Of the
primary causes Of immigration.
Throughout the interview the
Congressman displayed marked op-
timism as to the operation Of pres
ent and future immigration laws.
EXTREME HARDSHIP.
. "In many cases the present 3
per cent law has resulted in ex-
treme hardship in the division OF
families he said; up to May 8
Of this year 2,7s7 were turned back
solely on account Of excess quotas.
The total number arriving in the
United States from June 30. 1921.
to May 8. 1929. was 23o.537. There
were admitted temporarily, on ac-
count of hardships Of the per
cent law. 2,7S7. For failure to pass
the literacy test and for physical
and mental reasons 11.o6s immi-
grants were debarred during the
eleven months.
Under the 8 per cent immigra-
ton law the basis Of calculation 10
the country of nativity and not Of
residence.
Here 10 q typical case: Last
year a man came to America with
his wife. He was born in Poland.
but he lived in England for many
years. He served in the English
army, and he thought he was an
Englishman. When he reached
Ellis Island the officials regarded
him as a Pole. The Polish quota
was full, SO he had to go back to
England. His wife was born in
England; the officials said she
could come into America OF
course, she did not wish to be sepa-
rated from her husband. so she re-
turned to England with him
Last October I wrote to Presi-
dent Harding on this phase Of the
subject. He admitted the law led
to great hsrdships and offered to
help remedy the situation.
"It seems to me this law will
remain in effect for two years.
Then an attempt will be made to
reduce the 3 per cent to per cent.
Such reduction would be an eco
nomic blunder. IN q conversation
last week with one Of the highest
Government officials he assured
me that within sixty to ninety
days this country will experience
. the greatest business revival II has
aver known--if We except the war
period. He declared frankly that
there would be serious shortage
Of laborers.
LABOR SHORTAGE. !
His prophecy is borne out by
the semi-monthly report just is
sued by the Pennsylvania State
Department Of Labor and Indus
try. which states that for the
first time in two years an acute
shortage Of labor exists. The de-
nand for labor in the building
trades, metals ana mines far
exceeds the supply. Because Of
this demand rates Of pay in
some localities has increased
from rs cents an hour to IS and
20 cents.
"It Is true that immigrants
entering America are, at least tenn
porarily, working under Gnfamil-
lar conditions The work Is new
TO them, and often they are willins
ut the start to work for wages that
are lower than received by Ameri-
can working men. But they rapid
ly adjust themselves to existing
conditions and make useful and
permanent citizens.
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