Speech #630378380

I think that the evidence taken before the Immigration Commission. and which is contained in one of the volumes of their report. very clearly indicates that the steerage conditions on certain lines of steamboats were very bad. indeed. There is what we call the "old steerage" and the "new steerage." On the modern vessels the arrangements are very good and the discipline is good also. but thee were -certain .other lines upon which the agents -of the commission went as Immigrantsthey were not known as being connected with the -commission. but went as immigrants. dressed as immigrants:and their report made -to the commission indicated that the steerage conditions were simply horrible. in very many instances. particularly In relation to sanitation. the treatment of women immigrants by the crews on the vessels. the familiarities that were Indulged in. the lack of protection that was :given. and .things of that character. The recommendation of the commission was that matrons should be provided who would have some knowledge of and Tbe able to report conditions such as I have indicated. with a view to the Government taking action to have them reformed. The original draft of the bill as it was introduced provided for matrons. who should live in the steerage and who should have no power to interfere with the discipline of the vessels In any way. but might report to the commanding officers -of vessels things they did not know in relation to conditions on board..and -especially report when they landed as to any information which they might have received. Then there was another provision that where the Secretary saw fit he might assign medical officers. I think the original draft gave them no power to interfere with the discipline of the vessel. but gave them power to observe and to report. and so forth.