Speaker. this bill passed the House unanimously two weeks ago and passed the Senate practically three different times. It is now in such form that. with the amendment now proposed by me to the Senate amendment. the differences between the two Houses will be adjusted and the bill finally passed. This bill calls for a station required by the immigration department in Boston and is recommended by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. it is also recommended by the CommissionerGeneral of Immigration and by the commissioner in Boston. We need it there very badly because of the condition of the station as it now exists. It is. beyond question. practically a danger place for every mau. woman. and child who may be confined within it. The fire underwriters in Boston have urged time after time that a new station be afforded to the immigrants that come in there. and I can not urge upon this House any too strongly the absolute necessity. so far as humanity is concerned. of abandoning the present inadequate and unfit station and in giving to us a suitable one. The income from the port of Boston. so far as the immigration fund is concerned. in the last two years has been largely ia excess of the sum asked for In this bill. viz. $250.000. In justice to the immigrants coming to the port of Boston. in justice to the officers and men who are engaged in administering the duties of the Department. suitable and commodious quarters should be given to all parties concerned. The proposed exemption of Castle Island is in accordance with the wishes of the people of South Boston. who have protested against converting that islandnow used as a public parkinto a place for the landing and detention of immigrants. and in this feature of my amendment. which was part of my original bill. but stricken out by the Senate. I am particularly and deeply interested. I reserve the balance of my time.
Keywords matched
immigrants immigration Immigration