Speech #510217058

France. Holland. and the lesser nations of Europe. These immigrants went their several ways. but by far the smaller portion bent their steps in the directions where labor was most in demand. If I have the time I desire later on to refer to this particular problem in connection with our immigration system. The committee have thought it wise to add to the bill a provision for immigration inspection along the Canadian border. It is feared that if the proposed law shall be vigorously enforced emigration may be largely diverted from existing channels and the inhibited classes be sent to us through Canada. A glance at the map will show that the Canadian border extends for a distance of 3.500 or 4. 000 miles. roughly estimated. and it will be seen at once that it would be impossible to patrol so large an extent of territory. The bill as amended provides for not more than one inspector in each customs district along the border. and this inspection is deemed ample to meet all existing or threatened emergencies. The bill reported from the Judiciary Committee contemplates an increase of the tax imposed upon each immigrant. The present tax. or "head money." as it is popularly called. is at the rate of 50 cents for each person. and this rate is retained in the present bill. The judiciary bill proposes to establish it at $5. This tax is collected. not from the immigrant. but from the steamship company by which he is transported. It is nevertheless a tax upon the immigrant and is paid by him. inasmuch as the amount exacted by the Government is a factor which enters into the rate demanded by the vessel owner for his transportation. It is collected for the purpose of accumulating a fund to defray the expenses of inspection and for the possible temporary relief of the immigrant in extreme cases. The gentleman from Alabama in discussing this feature of the bill. states that while under the present system of inspection the existing rate creates a sufficient fund. and in some years leaves a surplus. in other years there is a deficiency. Now. sir. this is a practical and an important matter. and perhaps misapprehension may arise from the general statement made by my friend . who would.