The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-04-14
TWO YEARS LONGER

He majority OF persons who have thought
i about the matter believe that the present
immigration restriction law can be and should be
vastly improved upon, and hope that the experience
gained under the Law as IL now exists will. point the
way TO more satisfactory legislation along this line,
The following comment issued from Washington
indicates that the present Law will endure for two
years longer without change. This action will be
questioned among those who would like to see the
immigration. problem taken up and properly
disposed OF before the elapse Of two years time. The
situation regarding the law at this time is set forth
fully In this statement.
I Extension OF the present three per cent quota
immigration restriction law for two years from Jdly
!, 1929, has been favorably reported by the Senate
immigration committee and will soon be acted upon
by the Senate. The proposed extension OF this act
is evidence OF the satisfaction which the policy OF
immigration restriction Of this administration has
won. Labor is especially gratiaed at the results OF
restriction. Statistics show that without this law
unemployment during the past year would have
been tremendously increased BY the arrival Of
hundreds OF thousands of immigrants. Representa-.
tive Albert johnson, chairman OF the House
immigration committee, recently declared on the
floor Of the House: In my opinion this percentage
act has kept from the United States 900, OOU or
100000 aliens to date, and will by June 30th next
have kept out 1,750,0 or 1000, 0O0." What such
an immigration would have meant during the acute
days Of the past winter is well realized by the
jobless man. 1t would have been the last straw.
That the immigration peril from which nave
been spared Is not fctional is evidenced by the
testimony OF many American observers who have
recently returned from European ports. Perhaps
the most conspicuous Of these Is Lillian Russell, in
private life Mrs. Alexander P. Moore, of Pittsburgh.
Mrs. Moore was commissioned by President
Harding and Secretary of Labor Davis to visit
Europe and make a personal. Investigation OF the
immigration problem. She returns to report that
the situation is even worse than believed. Incredible
poverty, epidemic disease. pauperized living
standards Joined to what amounts to a mass
impulse" TO escape the conditions in Europe by
migration 10 Amerlea-such was the general
impression which Mrs. Moore caught in her tour of
European countries.
In her report, which was filed with Secretary
Davis, Mrs. Moore that the sitting of
prospective immigrants be carried on abroad
instead OF Ellis Island. She urged that American
consuls be empowered 10 refuse vises TO all unfit
applicants. AS a preliminary all prospective
immigrants from Europe to this country should be
required to file with the U. s. Consular Offices a full
health and industrials statemen which will enable
applicants possibilities as a future citizen. In
another portion OF her report. Mrs. Moore recon-
mended the suspension Of immigration by an
Immigration holiday" OF five years. Her testimony
before the Senate committee did much to induce
the extension OF restriction which has Just been
voted.