The pending measure will exclude a large per cent of these very objectionable elements. Not all will be rejected. as they should be. but any reduction in the number will be a gain in the interest of our own countrymen who are subject to their unfair. temporary invasions. The evils of immigration have been augmented by improper methods and influences employed abroad. Many unworthy and totally unfit immigrants have been sent or persuaded to come here who would not have come of their own volition. At the present moment the Italian Government is offering exceptional inducements to its subjects to emigrate to America. On the24th of last October I Messaggero. a daily newspaper published in Rome. contained this announcement: The minister of the interior. having learned that difficulties are encountered in the concession of the discount of 50 per cent upon the railway fares to emigrants. has given instructions that the rules governing the abovementioned concession shall be observed. notifying. however. that the concession relates only to emigrants for America who embark m the ports of Civitavecchia. Genoa. and Naples. The means and methods adopted for increasing Oriental immigration are repugnant to our best interests. The slavery which is practiced among the poor Orientals degrades and debauches the immigration system. A systematic attempt is made to evade the sharp scrutiny of the officers at our ports and render abortive existing laws. Paupers once deported have been assisted by Syrian shopkeepers to return and enter upon lives of abject slavery. They have not desired to become naturalized. their stay is but temporary. After improving their fortunes they return whence they came. In the meantime many of them are cared for as charity cases in our hospitals and almshouses.
Identified stereotypes
Italians are encouraged to emigrate by their government, and Orientals are involved in slavery and evade immigration laws.