Speech #670337876

Ellis Island. so far as I have ascertained. Is the best equipped of any immigration station in the world. Great Britain would do well to use it as a model. Two steamships came. Into port at 12.01 the morning of December 1 in order to have their passengers come within the December quota. I was on the island that day. The immigrants were loaded onto barges and transferred to Ellis Island. Here they receive their physical and mental examination through the officials of the Public Health Service and the immigration department. I might add that these officials are all loyal. serving at too low a compensation. but have the interest of the work and of the American people at heart. Am glad to report that because of the 3 per cent law a more effective and careful examination of these immigrants is now made. Prior to the war their admission to the United States in some years averaged 100.000 a month. The examination was chiefly that of line inspection by the Public Health Service. If the appearance of the immigrant was good. he was given but little further examination. However. the Public Health Service now makes a separate and careful examination of the immigrants seeking admission because the number coming to the island each month is greatly reduced. If the immigrant passed the physical examination. the literacy test. and other requirements. and comes within the quota. he is permitted to land. On the other hand. If the immigrant is held for further examination every facility possible is offered him. For example. there are 17 different organizations represented on Ellis Island. with offices in the buildings there. that look after his needs. Many of the racial groups are represented by Individual societies. such as the Italians.