Speech #640196225

I wish to take a few minutes to read. in support of the contentions which I have made. some views of others with reference to this situation. I read from the Independent. under date of May 8. 1916.. an article by Isaac Don Levine. He says : There has been a great deal of discussion in this country since the war began about the volume of immigration to the United States after the restoration of peace In Europe. There are those who argue that conditions in the Old World will be such after the war is over toat there will hardly be any increase In the present rate of immigration. which is negligible. But che overwhelming number of authorities on immigration. among whom are the. numerous representatives of immigrant aid societies. aq well as most of the United States immigration officials. are ot the opinion that immigration to this country after the war will assume unprecedented proportions. It may be safely said now that this latter view has come to be generally recognized as the right one. Those who believe that for years to come this country will know no Immigration problem disregard economic conditions. They hope for an era of marvelous recuperation and reconstruction In Europe. an attractive hope. but hardly Justified by reason. * * A canvass of tie rank and fle of the immigrant body In this country would speedily reveal the fact that with the conclusion of peace ih Europe a colossal increase in Immigration to America will occur. * * * In face ot the expected vast stream of Immigration. this already important and complicated problem loonis up before us in all its new magnitude and demands our immediate attention. As a problem of the near future. as one that vitally concerns all parts of the country and all parcels of the population. It has no equal In urgency and importance. But it is evident that the country has not yet come to realize its full import. for what preparations is she making to meet the rushing current of immigrants? Has the Government taken any steps In the direction of such preparation ? Has she devised any means and method to cope with" extraordinary conditions?