New Britain herald., 1925-07-01

struction."
 Major Curran was unequivocal In his approval of the new law. The existing situation was the best he had witnessed in 25 years of close study of immigration, the last two years being in charge of the princi- pal entry port.
 Most of the credit Is due 10 the consular force," he said. "rheir job Of sitting at the source has been re- markedly done considering the com plicated problems 10 be faced"
 The next logical step, he said, would be to add a strict medical eX- animation of applicants by officials of the U. S. health service. before cmbarkation to the preliminaries now enforced. This would further materially reduce the number of necessary deportations which was a very desirably objective from the standpoint both of humanity and national dignity"
 "An officially stamped wise from the American consul is Q pretty big thing to the average immigrant" he explained, "and we can hardly con- .ceive the injustice that is felt when an alien, ofter paying all required charges and answering all the many requirements, is turned back from our very gates, Such a one might be expected 10 become the focus in his locality for bitterness toward everything American"
 Deportations now average less than one per cent but the commits sioner was of the opinion that this should be further reduced.
 "I would never have the final in- spection abroad, however" he said. There should always be a final check at landing. With admittances .of 1000 day, roughly, we are do- ing our share toward the relieving of the jam on the other side and at the same time are giving ourselves at least a possibility of digesting the inflow"
 Experience has convinced the commissioner that the theory of "oc- cupational selection" is a fallacy.
 Suppose we admit q special group of so-called skilled agricuturalists," he said. How can we keep track of them 24 hours after they are cleared through our ports? Who determines in the first instance what is skilled farmer? A man with a lawnmower might qualify, while a good plough hand might fail."
 He pointed out also that "thc con stant fluctuation in our industrial situation" made it difficult, if not impossible, 10 operate an immigra- tion policy in consonance with 1t.
 By the time it was determined that d certain industry was short Of labor and the machinery was set in motion abroad" he explained. "very frequently the situation would have been completely reversed. We must also note the consistent opposition of organized labor to proposals to import groups of artisans for any specific trade"
 The present effect Of occupational selection, he said, was simply to give good liars chance to im- pose nthe consular examiners.
 The suggestion that Ellis Island be abolished. recently put forward by high official of the labor de- partment, brought vociferons oppo- sition from the landlord of Uncle Sans principal guest house.
 Where would we go from herc?" he asked. Will they put us in New York. city where the sudden flows would jam the already crowded city transportation facilities. and where, moreover, these wards of the gov ernment would be brought in direct contact with all the harpies waiting to prey on them ?'
 The comparative isolation of Ellis