Speech #640211105

Howe. The Secretary of Labor decided to support Mr. Howe in his contention that the Government should take charge of the work of feeding the immigrants. and plans were made to terminate the contract of Hudgins & Dumar. When the gentleman from New York learned of this he offered an amendment to the sundry civil appropriation bill. as follows: Page 168. line 26. after the end of the line. Insert: "Provided further. That no part of the sum hereby appropriated shall be expended for the maintenance at any United States immigrant station of any of the privileges now disposed of after public competition. as provided by the act of February 20. 1907. entitled An act to regulate the immigration of aliens Into the United States. This amendment rendered It impossible for Commissioner Howe and the Department of Labor to proceed with their plans. The incident led to some discussion in New York newspapers. and the gentleman from New York. because of his former connection with the firm of Hudgias & Dumar. was charged in the public prints with "practicing law" on the floor of the House. In respoase to this attack the gentleman from New York introduced a resolution calling on the Department of Labor for certain information in relation to the conduct -of Ellis Island. and In support of that. resolution the gentleman from New York delivered his first attack on Mr. Howe. The resolution introduced by the gentleman from New York was referred to the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. The committee held a hearing. The gentleman from New York was present and had an opportunity to crossextimine the witnesses.