I do not think it is the intention of this Iouse to sanction inquisition. and this is exactly what these present hearings before these boards anount to. I do not believe that we should permit the hearing of these cases without giving the public. or at least those who are interested in the case. the right and privilege of being present and seeing what is transpiring. I am of the opinion that the service would be greatly benefited and that the members of these boards of special inquiry would be more humane and would give more consideration to the statenlents made by these unfortunate immigrants if these starchamber proceedings were abolished. Under the present practice an unfortunate immigrant. one who possibly has spent nearly his last dollar to reach our hospitable shores. may be marked by some Inspector as" likely to become a public charge." and he is then sent to a board of special inquiry. At the hearing before this board the immigrant is not permitted to have anyone with him. there is no one to aid him. and frequently he does not fully understand onehalf of the questions put to him. Unless the immigrant can answer all these questions to the entire satisfaction of this czarlike board. then he is ordered deported. Now. I ask you. gentlemen. is this fair. is this just. is it humane?
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deported immigrants immigrant