Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-05-28
THE IMMIGRATION LAW

The desire for some definite effort
to assure this country of an ap-
proximately homogeneous population
10, We believe. quite general. 1t Is
not confined to those whose lineage
goes back to Plymouth or to James,
town. 1t includes the children Of
immigrants II not many Of the i'm
migrants themselves. II there be
selhshness In this It is OF the en-
lightened variety. Not all in sup
port Of 1t was Of that variety. how
ever, but in the main there seems
- have been worked out q fairly
good measure. better than nationally
could have been expected Of this
Congress. and which probably could
not have been obtained had not the
demand back of 1t been so general.
Whether the members of Congress
in all instances were as indignant
AZ, they assumed to be we do not
know, but the letter of the japanese
ambassador was susceptible of
being interpreted as conveying a
yelled threat and undoubtedly there
were those who disliked the idea
OF dealing with Japan by agree
ments or otherwise than under
general terms as with other peoples.
and were glad the opportunity was
presented.
We believe the plans Of the Presi-
dent and secretary of state should
have been needed. The news from
Japan leaves no room for doubt that
the military party in that country
are endeavoring to make the most
Of what they are pleased to term
an affront to Japan. They are
sowing seeds Of trouble which they
could not have done so effectively
had more consideration been
shown. Nevertheless the Presi-
dents decision to approve the meas
ure rather than return II to the I'M
csrtainties OF further consideration
by this Congress. should be received
as the sensible and only practical
thing to do.
Our present law terminates June
80 and any emergency measure
rushed through under existing condi-
tions would have been n hazardous
makeshift. IL there is to be COLI
sion with Japan 1t will be because
she seeks It and this country will
be in better shape to meet It be-
cause OF the law which President
Coolidge signed Monday. 1t will en-
able us to better assimilate the
foreign groups which threatened to
become cysts in the body polite,
living unto themselves and with the
traditions which they brought with
them from their homes in the old
world. We will now have an oppor-
tunity to set better acquainted all
around.
Under this new law II Is not ex-
pscted that the annual arrivals will
much exceed 100000 for three years
auf~ i50. 900 yearly after that. So less
than 100000 are likely to come in
during the next four years. whereas
in the period. 1905 to 1910. 2,2s0.Oo0
Immigrants entered this country.
AID were they permitted to do so
probably greater number would
come in the next four years.
.It should be noted" the Presi-
dent remarks In his comment on the
neasure: that the bill exempts
frpm the exclusion provision Gov
crnment officials, those coming to
this country as tourists. or temper
nrfly for business or pleasure, those
in transit. seamen. those already
resident here and returning from
temporary absences, professors.
ministers Of religion. students. and
those who enter solely to- carry on
trade In pursuance Of existing
treaty provisions.
, s-s@o0~s