Speech #470087770

It gives more room in probably three quarters of the vessels than they have now. An act was passed some years ago by the 1louse for the protection of immigrants somewhat like this. and without the action of the Senate upon it a good many of the vessels conformed to what was then provided in a bill similar to this. The passenger act itself which this supplies the place of was intended to give sufficient room as near as could be. That act was passed so amended. but upon being carried to the courts the courts decided that it applied only to sailvessels. and therefore there was no reulation for steamvessels. This is intended to reenact that law with some additional provisions. among which are the separating of the sexes and unmarried immigrants from married immigrants in different compartments. the women in one compartment by themselves and the male passengers in another by themselves. whereas heretofore they have rushed in to the steerage and each one secured a place where besthe could. making a promiscuous intermingling of the sexes of passengers without regard to their protection or safety. IfI had time I could relate to the Senate the result of the exaluinations of both men and women who were sent some years ago by the Treasury Departmteut to come across the ocean in these vessels and report upon the condition of the vessels and the condition of unprotected women on these vessels. This is intended to afford that protection to the virtue and modesty ofsingle wonten coming across the ocean which they have never rcceived.