New-York tribune., 1922-12-29
British Envoy
Sees Buildings
AT Ellis Island
Detectives Ride OH AutomO-
bile With Geddes From
Hotel TO Safeguard Him
Against Irish Republicans

Sir Auckland Gcddes, British Am
bassador 20 the United States. accom-
panied by Captain Glostcr Armstrong.
British Consul General, and Hugh
Tenant. embassy secretary. and
guarded against Irish rcYolutionarics
by iye detectives, made an unofficial"
visit yesterday 10 Ellis Island. the IA
cilitics OF which have been criticized
IN England.
They were escorted through the
buildings by James j. Davis. Secretary
OF Labor who declared later that he
thought British criticism Of the insti-
tuition was largely for tho purpose OF
divcrting emigration 20 British pos
sessions Robert +. Tod. Commissioner
of immigration. also accompanied the
party. The Eve detectives rode the
running board Of the Ambassadors au-
tomoble from the Hotel Plaza 10 the
Barge Office and back
Sir Auckland. who returned 10 Wash
iugton last night, displayed keen inter
est in o statement By Secretary Davis
that architects would start work within
q few days on plans for alterations
which would provide larger quarters
o
ambassador said his visit was an un-
Official one and he could make no state
ment as 10 any opinions he might have
formed.
Davis Addresses Club
Secretary Davis. who later addressed
n gathering az the Advertising Club Of
Ncw York. a. East Twenty-fifth Street,
said he believed the British visitor had
been pleased. He intimated that COM
plants against the handling Of British
immigrants az the station might be re-
gardcd IN large part as propaganda in
tended 20 influence immigration IN
favor OF British dominions.
The secretary added that he did not
charge Dominion governments with
being responsible for propaganda, but
declared they were doing everything
possible 10 attract British immigrants.
II was only natural under such cir
cumstances. he said, that reports
should be spread Of bad conditions at
Ellis Island
Mr. Davis asserted his belief that a
plan Of sclective immigration, supple
mented By inspection entirely AZ ports
OF cmbarkation. would be the ultimate
solution OF the immigrant problem
here. Ellis Island, he declared, should
serve merely as a welcome station.
Tod Explains Departments
Sir Auckland visited every depart
ment Of the receiving station. Commits
sioner Tod acted as his immediate
guide and explained the working OF
each. The longest pause took place in
the examining department. wnere forty
men. stripped 70 their waists, were be-
ing subjected 10 medical inspection
The formal inspection was concluded
in the social workers hall, where rep
rcsentativcs OF seventeen social organ
izations were installed in as many or
fees. Visits were made 10 playroom
provided Tor children. These contained
assortments Of TOYS and kindergarten
equipment. Christmas trees In the chill
drcn's quarters also attracted attention
OF the visitors.
During a brief call at the rcgistra-
tion division a. organist played Amer
lea Ambassador Gcddes removed his
hat and smiled. Secretary Davis began
singing "My Country 'Tis OF Thee as
though 70 correct an impression that
the British national anthem was being
played. but the visitors gave no evi-
dencc that they heard him. They re-
NAMED uncovered while the air con-
tinued. a group OF German immigrants
seated on n bench in the registration
department, rose and stood AZ salute
while tho music lasted. They explained
that America" is also a German patri-
offe air