Mr. Chairman. press reports from London carry the story that Roland McNeill. undersecretary of foreign affairs. on Wednesday of this week in the House of Commons protested against the treatment of English immigrants at Ellis Island. The statement. In part. reads: " McNeill said conditions there were evidently adapted for persons of a very low standard of living. Mr. McNeills chief objection. as I read from the press reports. was based on the fact that the United States Government fails to furnish English immigrants with " separate rooms and bath." It would be well for Mr. McNeill to study with purpose of improvement their own immigrant hotels. I know that the immigrant station at Ellis Island is ideal in location and general arrangements and sanitation and for its solicitation of the welfare of immigrants. It might also be well for Mr. McNeill and Great Britain. in their solicitude for their subjects. to see whether or not the British steamship companies separate the British subjects from other foreigners ol their way over. whether or not. as is commilonly being reported. steamship companies are selling first and second class tickets to immigrants and bringing them over third class. There seems to be no protest of McNeill against these practices. and yet relatives of immigrants complain of this state of affairs. I can not understand how these particular people can travel from 7 to 14 days In steerage accommodations on the steamships. and do so willingly. and then suddenly develop the most acute culture and sensibilities as soon as the Statue of Liberty comes in view. how they will travel across the ocean with foreigners of all nations and develop the greatest hostility to them on Ellis Island. how they accept the table accommodations and food on the steamship. but object as soon as they enter the wellventilated. sanitary. and clean dining room at Ellis Island. how they obey willingly the orders shouted at and to them by steamship employees and as soon as they step their foot on Ellis Island become exponents of freedom and resent Americas right to make laws for herself and for the protection of American citizens. how. finding the economie conditions so unfavorable in their own country. particularly the million or more unemployed in Great Britain. that they are willing to sell all they possess and come to America and seek to take advantage of our free education. the opportunity to escape class distinction. and immediately. even before permitted to enter this country. begin to abuse it by claiming rights superior to the nationals of other countries. Congess passed laws to permit them at Ellis Island to apply for admission. The right of admission Is determined by showing proper qualifications at Ellis Island. and these qualifications must be determined from an American. not an English. standpoint. Their admissibility should be solved for the benefit of America. not for Europe. or for the foreigners who flock here and whose coming will eventually result in forming. to a great extent. Americas policies. The immigration problem is one of the first problems of America. The effectiveness of the work at Ellis Island Is one of the chief factors in determining our countrys future. The admission of mentally. morally. or physically unfit Into this country. even in small numbers. would.
Identified stereotypes
Generalization that English immigrants suddenly develop acute culture and sensibilities upon arriving at Ellis Island and abuse America by claiming rights superior to nationals of other countries.