The tax of one dollar which was imposed upon immigrants to provide for their care in this country. and imposed by the State of New York especially ou account of the -very large number of them arriving at the port of Now York. By that decision of the courts the authorities of Now York are left charged with the burden of taking care of these immigrants. or else leaving them uncared for when they arrive in their very helpless condition at that port. This bill provides that a tax of fifty cents per capita may be iuposed on immigrants. (onehalf of the amount imposed by the State of New York.) to create a fund to e used for protecting and cariug for them when they arrive in the ports of this country. until they can proceed to other places or obtain occupation for their support. The operation of this bill. however. is not limited to the port of New York. The provision of the bill directs that the tax collected from any one port shall be expended in that port only for purposes of this act. When it is remembered that there are hundreds of thousands of iimigrants arriving annually nt the single port ofNew York. gentlemea wilisee that if no provision is made for their care and protection they will be subject to the schemes of all sorts of people who may seek to deceive. mislead. cheat. or abuse them. The members from the State of New York. and other members familiar with the necessities of the case. have urged with great earnestness for some years past that some action on this subject should be taken by the General Government. The Committee on Commerce believe that some means should be provided for caring for these immigrants. and it has consented to report a bill imposing thetax here proposed. and empowering the Secretary of the Treasury to employ such associations or persons as he may see proper. in the ports concerned. to execute the provisions of the law.
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immigrants