Speech #640183447

This policy of punishing faithful officials was checked somewhat by the investigation which was conducted at Seattle by the Federal Commission on Industrial Relations. with Mr. Frank P. Walsh. as chairman. and certain changes were made in the bureau at Seattle which for the time being relieved the local immigration service in the State of Washington of the obstacles which had been interposed against its efforts to enforce the law. But this relief was only temporary. The crippling of the service was later continued with the results which have already been described. Mr. President it Is this sort of a betrayal of the people by those entrusted with the enforcement and administration of their laws that breeds discontent and creates a greater menace at home than military armaments abroad. One clear order from those responsible for this condition of affairs. giving complete authority to the representative of the Government in the immigration service in the State of Washington to enforce the immigration act upon its borders. with a reasonable number of men and reasonable equipment to make it practically possible for him to execute his authority. would remove the evils complained of and give to the people of our State and the country at large the protection which these statutes were intended to afford.