If it had been tried years ago it might have proved a success. I do not say that it would not prove a success. but I think under the circumstances it is not good policy for us to try it now. I desire to say right here that under existing laws. and the Senator from New Hampshire is entitled to large credit for their enactment. our immigration has fallen off onehalf. Twentythree hundred undesirable immigrants were returned from the port of New York last year at the expense of the steamship companies. A better class of people are coming in now. There was a reduction of over onehalf in the amount of immigration to this country during the past year as compared with the preceding year. As I say. our existing laws are working well. It is desirable that there should be this additional precaution. namely. the nine Treasury agents sent abroad. whose sole business it shall be to make inquiries and to report with every vessel. The theory is that they will look over the manifest and the list. make inquiries as to who the passengers are. get all the facts concerning them. and if an emigrant is undesirable protest against his being sent. They can not preventhis coming. if the master of the steamship desires to take him. but the inspector gives to the master a protest. The master is required to submit the protest at New York. and there it goes as additional evidence before this board.
Keywords matched
immigration emigrant undesirable immigrants