Speech #510025840

Mr. President. the Senator from New Jersey is quite right in thinking that I look with nocomplacency upon the movement of the Government to use Bedloes Island as a depot for immigrants. after it has been consecrated to the statue of Liberty and the pedestal there erected upon the action of this Government. There was prepared the foundation for the gift. and its reception by a selection at leisure by this Government of the proper portion of New York Bay that would be appropriate to this great object. Governors Island was regarded. the other islands were regarded. and this island was selected as one that could be given by this Government without any injury to the public service. to this munificent gilt. and the liberality of our citizens at home provided for the structure that was to receive it. It is a great international monument. It is on an island accessible in fair weather for hundreds and thousands of visitors. and if the grounds were put in order. as they ought to have been by this Government long ago. it would have been one of the most attractive resorts for the citizens and visitors of our great capital through the whole summer season and through some portion of the winter. Now suddenly a movement is made. after such consultations as may have been directed to the mere convenience. irrespective of this suggestion. that has fastened upon Bedloes Island as the place that should be adopted as an immigrant depot. I need not say that what remonstrance I could make on the subject I have made. It is a very serious thing to take from the island of Manhattan itself this depot and transfer it 2 miles distant. in the midst of the waters of the bay. Those that are interested tn particular forms of communication and transportation of immigrants maybe able to accommodatethemselves to this new depot. but those that are to be brought up to the city or otherwise are to be distributed in the neighborhood will find that this is a burden and inconvenience. and in storms and disaster it may be more serious than is now in advance imagined. But I do not rise here to debate this question. which does not seem to he before the body. It is quite true that the date of a new contract or the rejection or refusal to continue it may terminate on the 18th of April. unless by consent some extension of that opportunity may be given.