The gentleman from Massachusetts and myself make our acknowledgments. We have heard a great deal of criticism as to the medical examination of immigrants coming into this country. We have heard it said that in better medical examination lies the true remedy. but that the present system is too hasty. Now. I desire to explain to this House just how this examination is made. I confess that I. too. thought it too hasty until I had carefully gone into the question. Each immigrant passes by two doctors. The first one merely lifts the hat. rubs his hand over the head of the immigrant. looks him over. and passes him by. The second doctor only examines the eyes for trachoma. Most people think that is a hasty examination. Let us see what else happens. Every man who goes by either of those surgeons who appears too stout. or too old. or has a little eruption of some kind. or has anything else not quite normal. is chalked on his coat. Wimen he passes the second doctor that man does not go to the inspector of immigration. but he goes around into the waiting room and there is subjected to a thorough physical examination. So far as my observation is concerned. about 30 per cent of the immigrants who go through the lines are chalked for a more complete examination. When the time comes for their second physical examination all the immigrants of whom there is the slightest suspicion are then undressed to such an extent :as may be necessary. doctors are called in consultation. and a thorough diagnosis is made. ExCommissioner Williams two or three years ago was informed that men afflicted with certain diseases readily concealed by clothing were passing unnoticed through Ellis Island. Accordingly he gave instructions that unmarried adult males to a large numberI have heard itstated as high as 10.000should be examined entirely nude.
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