Speech #470009015

I commend the whole subject to the wisdon of Congress. with the suggestion that no question of greater magnitude or fartherreaching importance can engage their attention. In 1875 the Supreme Court of the United States declared unconstitutional the statutes of certain States which hnposed upon shipowners or cohsignees atax of $1.50 for each passenger arriving from a foreign country. or. in lieu thereof. required a bond to indemnify the State and local authorities against expense for the future relief or support of such passenger. Since this decision the expense attending the care and supervision of immigrants has fallen on the States at whose ports they have lauded. As a large majority of such immigrants. iusnediately upon their arrival. proceed to the inland States and the Territories to seek permanent homes. it is manifestly unjust to impose upon the State whose. shores they first reach the burden which it now bears. For this reason. and because of the national importance of the subject. I recolmnend legislation regarding the supervision and transitory care of immigrants at the ports of debarkation. I regret to state that the people of Alaska have reason to complain that they are as yet unprovided with any form of government by which life or property can be protected. While the extent of its population does not justify the application of the costly machinery of Territorial administration. there is immediate necessity for constituting such a form of government as will promote the education of the people and secure the administration of justice.