The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-01-16

It has been alleged that Mr. Hoover did not take
very seriously the report of his wckersham commits
sion with respect to prohibition But certain conflict
ing eyasive conclusions of that report gave Mr.
= Hoover a number of loopholes
Not so with the wickersham report The En-
forcement Of the Deportation Laws of the United
States" There we're weasel words here:
The apprehension and examination of supposed
aliens often are characterized by methods uncon-
stitutonal, tyrannic and oppressive.
There is strong reason to believe that in many
cases persons deported when further development
Of the facts proper construction Of the law would
have shown their right to remain
Many persons are sparated permanently, from
their American families with results which violate the
painest dictates of humanity
Did Mr.. Hoover take note and recommend the
hmeioration of the laws governing deportation and
the humiliation of administrative procedure in this
field? He did not. Rather, he seems to have been
influenced by Mr. Doak and his Cossacks, who COM
petely have defed the findings and recommendations
of the Wickersham committee.
In his message to congress, Mr. Hoover not only
recommended the strengthening Of the already absurd
deportation laws but also what is virtually the 10TH
some proposal to register and stigmatize all Aliens
Il recommend that immigration restrictions now
in force under administrative action be placed upon
more definite basis by law. The deportation laws
should be strengthened Aliens lawfully in the coun-
try should be protected by issuance of certificate
Of residence"
The American Civil Liberties Union vigorously has
assailed Mr.. Hoovers proposal to strengthen Mr..
Doak's tyrannical arm:
Existing immigration and deportation laws al
ready far too strict They are more severe than
In any other indutria country. The Wickersham COM
missions report aliens in the United States
should be sufficient evidence in itself that Stricer
laws in this field are needed.
I'VE fear that the President, in this phase of his
message, has yielded to the propaganda of the Amer
lean Legion and the professional patriots based on the
notion that every alien is a red potential red
Mr.. Hoover's recommendation that aliens should be
protected by the issuance of certificate of residence
suggests egalizng abuses which long have prevailed
under practices of the labor department.
1T is clear that the requirement proposed for pro-
lection simply would become an instrument for en-
barrassinent and persecution of aliens. 1t would
amount to compulsory registration the evils of which
repeatedly have been pointed OUT
Over against the somewhat omnous recommends
ton of Mr.. Hoover is the welcome information that
federal courts have declared unconstitutional the
Michigan statute ordering the registration of aliens
This clearly attempt of a commonwealth
to uSrp federal prerogative. There is little doubt
that appeal carried to the supreme court the
lower federal court will be upheld.
1t seems likely that congressional liberals will be
able to prevent any bill requiring registration of aliens
from passing both houses The federal court rebuke
TO Michigan will do much to discourage further
tempts to set up little czardoms among our forty
eight states
In the meantime, educated and urbane American
indians must be enjoying the spectacle of nation
founded and built up exclusively by Aliens usually
of the most radical sort from Europe, now trying to
act though reactionary Ango-Saxons had been
ruling the American continent since the Ice Age.