Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Libr.a.ry %7\:i 52d Congress, ) HOUSE OF EEPEESENTATIVES. ( Ex. Doc. 1>35, 1st ^Session, ) ( Part 1. LETTER FKOM THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, TRANSMITTING A REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF IMMIGRATION UPON THE CAUSES WHICH INCITE IMMIGRA- TION TO THE UNITED STATES. VOLUME I. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS. washingto:n^: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1892. .A2. a ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, TRANSMITTING Information to the House of Representatives pursuant to resolutions of January 16, 1892. February 25, 1892. — Riiforred to the Select Committee on Immigration and Nat- uralization and ordered to be printed. / Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, 1). 0., February 22, 1892. Sir: Under authority contained in sundry civil act of March 3, 1891, for the enforcement of alien contract labor laws, I appointed a commis- sion in June last with instructions to investigate in Europe and report to me the facts respecting the importation into the United States of alien contract laborers, and, incidentally, to obtain all accessible in- formation as to the immigration of other classes of aliens whose land- ing in the United States is prohibited by our laws. This commission consisted of Hon. John B. Weber, commissioner of immigraiion at the port of jSTew York, as chairman, and the following-named special immi- grant insijectors: Judson l!^. Cross, of Minnesota; AValter Kempster, M. D., of Wisconsin; Joseph Powderly, of Pennsylvania; and Herman J. Schulteis, of Washington, D. 0. A copy of the written instructions under which these commissioners visited Europe is appended hereto and marked Exhibit A. The members of this commission having performed their duties in the several countries of Euroioe, returned home in October and ^o- vember last and submitted to this Department, through their chair- man, their several reports on or about the 22d ultimo. As these re- ports with the accompanying exhibits are very voluminous and reached the Deparrment without any index of their contents, I directed the preparation of a full index, and Dr. Kempster, one member of the com- mission, has been employed upon this work since the receipt of the documents by the Department. It was my intention to submit these re- ports to Congress as soon as this preparation had been made, as indi- cated in my ajinual report. 2 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. In partial response to the resolution adopted by the House of Rep- resentatives on the 10th instant, I now have the honor to transmit herewith the reports of the special immigration commissioners to Euroi)e, with all accompanying documents. In doing so I venture to invite at- tentiou to the brief expression of my views in regard to existing immi- gration laws as contained in ray annual report to Congress submitted in Siovember last. It is further my opinion, confirmed by the results of the recent investigation in Europe, that any additional legislation by Congress for the regidation of immigration to the United States ought to cover the following features: (1) The cubic air space for each immigrant passenger on board ship ought to be largely increased. (2) I believe the present head tax of 50 cents each upon alien innni- grant should be abolished, and would recommend the substitution of a special license tax upon the several steamships equal to $1 for each alien immigrant brought by them, respectively, from any port of Europe to any port of the United States. The increased immigrant fund thus produced could be advantageously emidoyed in further reguhiting im- migration and pj-exenting the importation of alien contract laborers. (3) The owners or agents of each vessel engaged in bringing alien passengers to the United States should be required to furnish a bond in a sum not less than 850,000, conditioned that they Avill return to the countries from which they came all alien immi.uTants brought by such vessels and found within two years from date of their landing to have been landed contraiy to the laws of the United States. (4) I believe that some system of preliminary inspection of immi- grants before their embarkation at the European jjorts is absolutely essential to the proper regnlation of the immigration business. If such a system of foi eign examiimtion could be placed under the general su- pervision of commissioners and inspectors appointed by tliis Govern- ment, and responsible in a general way to United States consuls in the various countries of Europe, I believe that much assistance would be derived from the voluntary and efficient cooperation of the owners, agents, and subagents of the various transportation companies. Kespectfully yours, Charles Foster, Secretary, The Speaker of the House of ^Representatives. ^ Exhibit A. Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, i>. C, Jime 26^ 1891, Gentlemen: You are hereby designated a commission, with Hon. J. B. Weber as chairman, for the pmpose of investigating in Europe the subject of immigration to the United States, under the provisions of the act prohibiting the immigration of alien contract laborers. Ton are hereby instructed to proceed to London, England, sailingfrom the port of New York without unnecessary delay. On arriving in London you will meet, oi ganize in such a manner as will best piomote effective work and economy of expenditure, and adopt and carry out proper measures for making a thorough inquiry as herein directed. You will ascertain as tar as possible and report to this Department — The])rincipal causes which operate in the several countries of Europe to incite emigration to the United States. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 3 The extent to which the movement is promoted or stimulated by steamship or other carrying companies or their agents for the resulting passenger business. ' The extent to which contract laborers are engaged, openly or covertly, for exportation to the United States, through what agencies, and for what classes of employment. The extent to which criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other de- fectives, paupers or persons likely to become a public charge, and per- sons afflicted with loathsome or dangerous contagious disea-ses are encouraged or aided to migrate to the United States in violation of our laws, and whether the aid or encouragement is furnished systematically or otherwise, and whether by relatives, societies, communities, or gov- ernment authorities. The extent to which and the manner in which, if at all, the steam- ship or other transx)ortation companies, or their agents, inquire into the character or condition of intending emigrants with a view to reject- ing those who come within the classes excluded by the laws of the United States, and generally what checks, if any, are applied in Eu- rope to the migration to this country of members of the prohibited classes. The extent to which such a preliminary inquiry by transportation companies or their agents in Europe can be made effective through the vohmtary cooperation of the comi^anies, and the best method of carry- ing it out. In this connection it is suggested that you confer, so far as convenient, with owners and agents of steamship lines at the i)rincipal ports of Europe. Whether it would be practicable tq adopt and apply an effective system of examinations of intending enjigrants by American consuls in foreign countries, or oflftcers under their direction, together with the X)robable cost of maintaining such a system if adopted. Whether there is any considerable migration from any Eurojiean countries of adult males, unaccompanied by families, with the purpose of returning to Europe after a limited period, and whether there is any consi«]erable return movement of Europeans who have once settled in the United States, with the causes, if such movement exist. You are requested, as far as x>ossible, to localize your facts geographi- cally. You are exi)ected to distribute the work among yourselves in such manner as will bring best results. You are authorized to employ, from time to time, such number of interpreters and stenographers as may be absolutely necessary to effective work, and at reasonable and usual rates of compensation. At the close of your investigations you will assemble at some point for consultation prior to embarkation, and ujjon your arrival home you will submit a report, in writing, through your chairman. Respectfully yours, Charles Foster, Secretary, Hon. J. B. Weber, CommiHsioner of Immigration^ Port of New York, Capt. JuDSON X. Cross, Dr. W^ ALTER Kempster, Mr. Joseph Powderly, Mr. H. J. SOHULTEIS, Immigrant Inspectors, 4 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Office of U. S. Commissioner of Immigration, Port of New York, January 21^ 1892. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith my report as chairman of the ^' Commission appointed for the purpose of investigatiug in Eu- rope the subject of emigration to the United States," under date of July 1, 1891. Upon the points which, under your instructions, there was a possi- bility of reaching the same conclusion, Commissioner Kempster unites with me in the findings. Commissioners Cross and Powderly, while agreeing with us upon these points in some respects, present different views as to the proper method of inspection. As the commissioners divided the territory as directed by you, the observations are neces- sarily presented in separate reports, made by the respective commis- sioners, except as to Commissioners Kempster and Weber, who were together throughout the trip. The reports of Commissioners Cross, Powderly, and Schulteis, with exhibits, are also transmitted, except as to exhibits referred to in Com- missioner Schulteis's report, which have not been received. Commissioner Schulteis states that he reports " in accordance with printed instructions dated June 18, 1891," which instructions I have not seen. It would ai)pear that the subsequent instructions of July 1, 1891, under which all the other commissioners acted, were not sent, or failed to reach him, and this regretable circumstance i)robab]y ac- counts for the fact that he acted independently of the commission in respect of division of territory as well as in other matters. Very resi)ectfully, your^, Jno. B. Weber, Chairman European Immigration Commission, Hon. Charles Foster, Secretary of the Treasury,' Washington^ D. (?• REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS WEBER AND KEMPSTER. ITew York, Noveinher 18, 1891, Sir: Tlie unclersigned, members of the couimissiou appoiuted for the purpose of investigatiug in Europe the subject of iuimigratiou to the United States, beg leave to submit herewith their report, under and in accordance with the following letters of appointment and iustructions: Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, * Washington, 1). C. July 1, ISOl. Gentlemen: You are hereby designated a commission, with Hon. J. B. Weber as chairman, lor the purpose of investigating in Europe the subject of immigration to the United States under the provisions of the act prohibiting the immigrjtiou of alien contract laborers. You are hereby instructed to proceed to London, England, sailing from the port of New York without unnecessary delay. On arriving in London you will meet, organiz,e in such manner as will best prouu)te etiective work and-economy of expenditure and adopt and carry out proper measures for making a thorough inquiry aa herein directed. You will ascertain as far as possible and re- port to this Department — The principal causes which operate in the several countries of Europe to incite emigration to the United States ; The extent to which the movement is promoted or stiuuilated by steamship or other carrying companies, or their agents, for the resulting passenger business; The extent to which contract laborers are engaged, openly or covertly, for expor- tation to the United States, through what agencies, and for what classes of employ- ment ; The extent to which criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other defectives, pau- pers, or persons likely to become a public charge, and persaniesor their agents inquire into the character or condition of intending emigrants, with a view to rejecting those who come within the classes excluded by the laws of the United States, and generally what checks, if any, are ap])lied in Europe to the mi- gration to this country of members of the prohibited classes. The extent to which such a preliminary inquiry by transportation companies or their agents in Europe can be made effec- tive through the voluntary coiiperatiou of the companies and the best method of carrying it out. Whether it would be practicable to adopt and apply an effective system of examinatioiis of intending emigrants by American consuls in foreign countries, or officers under their direction, together with the probable cost of maintaining such a system if adopted. Whctlier there is any considerable mi- gration from European countries of adult males unaccompanied by families with the pnrposc of returning to Europe after a limited period, and whether there is any considerable return movement of Euro- peans who have once settled in the IJnited States, with the causes if such movement exists. Suggestions — Continued Investigate methods of embarkation. Visit boarding houses. Obtain directions printed and circu- lated by steamship companies or their agents. Ascertain what medical inspection is in vogue. Ascertain if rejected emigrants are taken by other lines. Obtain emigration laws, if any, of the several countries through consuls. Obtain laws governing residence of a person not a citizen through consul. Make notes, giving dates, localities, and names of witnesses. In this connection it is suggested that you confer, so far as convenient, with owners and agents of steamship lines at the i)riucipal ports of Europe. Ascertain if steamship agents will meet the Commission, say in Bremen or Berlin, for such conference. Consult with consuls. How much machinery is required? How would permissive certification answer? Who would pay consuls? W^ould it lead to solicitation of busi- ness by consuls for the sake of fees? Obtain number of steerage passengers for the past year by months arriving in Europe who return to the United States again in the steerage. Inquire of steamship agents. Our records at New York will show per- centage of males and females. VISIT TO LIVERPOOL. On the next day, Jnly 21, the commissioners, except Commissioner Sclmltcis, went to Liverpool, arriving there in tlie afternooii. They spent the rest of the day in visiting the several emigrant boarding houses, which are under tlie control of the principal steamship lines, who regulate the charges, receive emigrants at the various railway stations; and conduct them to the boarding houses, where they are inspected by the ships' surgeons during their tem^wrary stay. These houses are dnly licensed by, audare under the control and regulation of, tlie local authorities. The management of all these houses, and the arrangement for the comfort and welfare of the emigrants, seem to be satisfactory. Peterson's being the largest establishment of the kind, we made there a more careful and thorough inspection. It was for- merly oc(!upied as a city hospital, and is well adapted for the purpose for which it is now used. The place was m good order throughout, being clean, thoroughly ventilated from kitchen to garret, and the food furnished good, wholesome, and well prepared. The honse was filled with persons of various nationalities awaiting their sailing date, and, with a view of ascertaining the causes which operated '^ to incite emigration to the United States," we talked freely with them. This plan was followed everywhere we went, and as the reasons assigned (with the exception of one class) indicated generally 10 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. what may be termed a normal emigration, meaning thereby emigration springing from natural causes, such as a desire to improve conditions or to reunite with families and relatives, and not such as is due to a jjropulsive force, compelling emigration, and which is local in its appli- cation and within the power of foreign governments to end, these rea- sons will be summarized later on in this report, under that head which specifically treats of our findings relative to the first clause of the de- partmental instructions. The class mentioned above as furnishing ex- ceptional causes for ''inciting emigration" refers to Eussian refugees. The substance of the statements of two of these, from notes taken at the time, we give herewith. Their reliability may, perhaps, be judged in the light of statements which will be found further on in that part of the report relating particularly to the investigation of the conditions in Russia. Joseph Hirsch, 27 years old, accompanied by wife and two children, claimed to have been expelled from Libau, Russia, where he had been in the business of carting. He owned a horse and wagon, with which he earned from 3 to 4 rubles per day (a ruble is worth now about 50 cents). He was notified by the police to leave at once, and furnished with a permit entitling him to remain only one night in any place. His wife and children were forwarded two days later. His horse, wagon, and property were seized by the police. His destination was Montreal, Canada. The city of Libau, he said, contains from' 5,000 to 6,000 families, from which 800 families were expelled in one month. Some of these families were sent to Canada, but more than one-half went to the Argentine Republic, none of them being sent to the United States. Tliey were furnished with money by a committee who, accord- ing to his behef, were j)rovided with funds by Baron Hirsch, with Baron Rothschild as a cocontributor. He said that he had but a few pennies in his possession, but that, as he is able and willing to work, he believes the " good Lord Avould provide for him." Nearly all the rest of the Hebrews who came with him had gone to their destination, he being detained on account of the temporary illness of his child. The man's appearance indicated sobriety and industry. Another case was that of a Jew, against whom it was alleged that he had violated the excise law, for which he was fined 1,600 marks and six months' imprisonment. He claimed to have carried on his business in his usual and theretofore considered, proper manner, and showed us a certificate, which he explained was signed by the authorities at his place certifying to his good character and industry. He left Russia by stealth, and was forwarded from point to point by the committee referred to, his destination being the Argentine Republic. In the evening we met Mr. ,* a gentleman connected with the press both in England and this country, from whom we learned that a Mrs. Burke, the Rev. Major Lester, and the Rev. Canon Rosten were engaged in sending to Canada large numbers of orphaned and desti- tute children picked up from the streets of Liverpool j also of a Mr. Torbett, who was engaged in advertising for farm and other laborers for Canada. These cases were referred to Commissioners Cross and Powderly, who, with Commissioner Schulteis, had the assignment for Great Britain, for investigation and report. On July 22 the four members of the commission who were at Liver- pool took the 9 a. m. train for Bootle, where, at the Alexandra dock, we boarded the steamship Britannic^ of the White Star line, which was to * We do not deem it advisable to give the gentleman's name. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 11 sail that day for Xew York. A thorough inspection was made of the steerage accommodations, closets, hospitals, and food supplies, and everything was found to be in excellent condition. We reached the steamer before the steerage passengers had been taken on board, in order to witness the methods of insi)ection in vogue. The ship's sur- geon is stationed at the gang plank, and examines each passenger as he presents himself, apparently with reference only to such diseases as are contagious and would endanger the health or interfere with tlie comfort of the other passengers. The tide permitting, the steerage passengers were embarked at the dock, while the saloon passengers were brought aboard later, by means of a tender, after the steamer had pulled out into the stream. The commissioners again went aboard with the inspector and the physician of the board of trade, who made an examination in accordance with prescribed regulations covering the sanitary and safety conditions laid down in the British passenger act. The board of tracle is a bureau of the British Government, and is charged with the enforcement of the passenger act regulating emigra- tion from Great Britain. The essential portions of the act referred to, having application to the subject of emigration, will be found in vol. II. The examination, as we saw it, was thorough and as careful as seems possible to make it in the limited time devoted thereto. The crew were first mustered and inspected, the lifeboats Avere examined, swung over the side, and some lowered to test the tackle. The entire steerage was then examined, closets, hospitals, etc., and in fact the same examination was made that we made earlier in the day while the steamer was at the dock. The board of trade surgeon then examined the steerage passengers as they passed by, much the same as is done at quarantine and at the immigrant station in Xew York, except that at the latter place cripples and other phys- ical defectives are turned aside for further examination. One child was discovered with symi)toms of measles, and a careful examination was made in the ship's hospital. Dr. Kempster, of the commission, participat- ing. There being some doubt as to the character of the case, the child, Avith the rest of the family, consisting of father, mother, and two other children, were returned to the tender for removal to hospital on shore, where they were to be detained until safe to proceed. This is the course always pursued; and the expense of maintaining the family in the hospital is borne entirely by the steamship company. Nearly all the foreign or continental passengers are booked from their homes through to New York under one contract, covering all costs for food, transportation, and expenses incidental to the trip, whether detained by sickness or otherwise. It is claimed that proper agents accompany or direct them from their homes or from the borders to the port of embarkation. The system is seemingly quite perfect, the steerage pas- senger being looked after during the voyage (as he is cared for and dispatched to destination on arrival at New York) better than the first-class traveler, who must look out for himself. Tlie commissioners were of opinion that the system and conditions inspected on this day might be considered as of the better type, and Commissioners Cross and Powderly remained in Liverpool with a view, among other things, of examining further and ascertaining if what had been seen was a fair sample of the examination and conditions which generally prevailed. 12 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. CONFERENCE WITH BRITISH STEAMSHIP AGENTS. On the next day, July 23, the four members of the commission pres- ent at Liverpool atteiiclcd a conference with the steamship agents of Great Britain, as })er departmental instructions, which was held at the office of Hill, Dickinson & Co., attorneys of the steamship association, in accordance with a letter of invitation sent to all of the British lines, of which the following is a copy; Hill, Dickinson, Dickinson & Hill, 10 Water street, Liverpool, 21 July, 1891. Dear Sirs : You are requested to attend at this office, on Thursday next, the 23d instant, at 11 a. m., to meet Col. Weber, of the United States Emigration Depart- ment. Yours, truly. Gray Hill. Messrs. Ismay, Imrie & Co., White Star Line. The following are the lines so invited, with the names of the rei)re- sentatives who appeared and the reasons reported in the cases of those lines not represented: White Star Line, Mr. Graves and Mr. J. H. Ismay; Inman and American Line, Mr. Cochran; Guion Line, Mr. Marsh; National Line, Mr. Langland; Cunard Line, Mr. Boumphrey; Anchor Line, not represented, reported "can not come;" Allan Line, reported ''will not come;" Dominion Line, reported ''will not come." The meeting was opened by a statement made by Chairnmn Weber, giving briefly a history of the legislation regarding immigration into the United States, the determination of our people to protect themselves against undesirable subjects, and the wisdom and necessity on the part of the transportation companies to give hearty cooperation to our offi- cials in making eifective existing laws. It was suggested to tlie steam- ship agents that a better system of inspection on their part seemed possible and was necessary. A medical inspection by their surgeons as careful and thorougli as now prevails at ^ew York was within their power, and that insane, idiots, persons afflicted with dangerous, con- tagious, and loathsome diseases, persons likely to become a charge upon the public by reason of old age, pregnancy, cripples, and other apparent pliysical defects, could be as readily detected at the port of embarkation or the initial starting point as at the port of landing in the United States, and unless such persons were stopped on their side they certainly would be returned at the expense of the steamship com- panies. In reply it was stated that a system of inspection of pregnant women would not be tolerated on their side, and if undertaken would render the steamship companies liable to action for damages. In response it was suggested that tliey might have their laws changed to meet the requirements which have been or may be established for our protection. Their answer to this was that the regard for i)ersonal liberty in Great Britain was so great as to preclude the i)robability of a change of the law in that direction. Their subagents in Europe receive a commission of six shillings, equal to $1.50 American money , per ticket, while their American agents receive about $2. It was stated that more than one-half of their steer- age passengers for the United States were forwarded on tickets prepaid by relatives and friends living in the United States.* It was also stated that since the more rigorous enforcement of our immigration laws they * From lines reporting 107,254 for the year, 5fi,004, or 52 per cent, came on prepaid tickets sent &om the United States. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 13 had observed an increased number of cash passengers (those wlio are not prepaid) sailing for Canadian ports, and they anticipated that persons rejected by them as being classed among the undesirable would secure passage by lines sailing to ports where restrictions are not in force. The subagents of Great Britain are licensed by the steamship com panies, subject to the approval of the board of trade, in accordance with the passenger acts of L855 and 1863. The form of license will be found in vol. ii. The number of such agents representing one or more transatlantic lines reaches a total of 4,084, divided as follows : Engl* nd 1,815; Ireland, 1,528; Scotland, 280; Wales, 265; Liverpool (city), 171, "^ foreign (head agents), 163. By agreement among steamshij) companies the subagents may act for one or more lines, but any breach of theii rules or regulations is punishable by fine or disqualification, such dis qualification preventing them from acting thereafter for any line. Thf regulations governing agents, as agreed upon by the conference com- panies, will be found in vol. ii. They are issued in accordance with the passenger acts which prohibit the selling of a passage ticket to any place out of Europe not being in the Mediterranean Sea, unless the seller is a licensed ])roker. Before he can be licensed he must give a bond to the Crown for £1,000 (section 66, 1855). Apx>lication for such a license must be made to the local petty sessions (section 67). _ The question of inspection by consuls or by their subagents was discusseid, and as they stated these questions involved serious con- sieleration, they agreed to prepare and forward a statement from their association containing their views as to the practicability of both such suggested methods. This statement, with others on the sa^ne subject from the continental lines, will be found on p. 146^ et. seq. When avsked whether a disqualification of their agents for violation of rules would not effectively operate to compel a rigorous inspection at the initial points, if such rules were prescribed to their subagents, they replied that "that view had not presented itself heretofore," and they desired to fully consider it. Their present offhand opinion, how- ever, was, that a disqualitication would be regarded as so serious by the subagent that he would be extremely careful to comply with such rules. It was suggested that the proposed rules, if upon examination they be deemed practicable, should embrace, among other things, a clause providing that the subagent must Icnoiv or ascertain the char- acter as to pauperism, crime, and eligibility for landing in the United States of the intending emigrant before booking him, under ijenalty of being compelled to pay the return passage of the rejected immigrant with the disqualification allueled to, in glaring cases. An instance was cited of the refusal on the part of the Cunard agents to accept a lot of emigrants on the first report, because they were suspecteel of being contract laborers, until their subagents had been instructed to make careful investigation and established the fact that each individual paid for his own ticket. They also stated that in their opinion a consular inspection would check the emigration of the more desirable classes without preventing the undesirable from gaining entrance, but, on the contrary, rather facilitating such entrance so far as consular certificate established eligibility. It was aelmitteel that our recent legislation, supplemented by this conference, with its discussion and full explana- tion of our laws, would certainly conduce to a still greater care on their part, increased vigilance in their medical inspection, and tend toward the improvement desired by our people, and that they now plainly saw that self-interest alone, if nothing else, suggested cooperation to the fullest extent in carrying out the letter and spirit of our laws. II. Ex. 37 37 14 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. In reply to a query about advertisiug, witli the object of stimulating or inciting emigration, they ^stated that not one of the conference com- panies advertised more than sailing dates, and the only advertising now done, known to them, was by the railroad companies of the United States, who scatter their handbills quite freely. It is also stated that the general sources of information received in Europe as to the condi- tions in the United States which influence immigration are the rela- tives and friends already there, and that prepaid tickets, purchased in the United States and sent to relatives, brought to the steamship com- j)anics additional cash passengers who desired to accompany friends so 13 repaid. We were informed that England has no laws restricting either immi- gration or emigration; their statutes relate to the care and welfare of the emigrant en route. Ui)on request the steamshii) companies fur- nished statements showing the number of steerage passengers from the United States to European ports by months for the year ending June 30, 1801, which, with the statements from other companies, will be found in vol. II. After this conference Commissioners Cross and Powderly remained at Liverpool to complete the investigation of matters assigned to them, already referred to, and Commissioners Weber and Kempster returned to London to prepare for their continental trip. SEPARATE REPORT. From this point the report of our investigations is made according to the division of labors akeady luentioued as having been ngrced to, and the record of observations are made over the signatures of the respec- tive members, each speaking for himself, excei^t in the cases of Commis- sioners Weber and Kempster, who were together throughout the trip until they separated at Bremen to return home. It is deemed best to record our travels and investigations in the order in which they took place, localizing our facts in accordance with the instructions of the Department, giving dates as w^e proceed. FRANCE. INTERVIEW WITH BARON HIRSCH. On July 27th w^e (Commissioners Weber and Kempster) met Baron Hirsch in Paris by appointment, witli whom we had an extended in- terview and obtained information with reference to the ctmditions prevailing in Russia, which indicated that reasons might be found inciting in an abnormal degree emigration from that conntrv. The scope of his work Avas outlined, which the unusual conditions prevailing in Russia had i)recipitated, and thrust a mass of the ])e(»i)le, wlio tied from persecutions, upon other countries before organized arrangements for their proper care and disposition could be put into operation. We also learned that Mr. Arnold White liad visited 8t. Petersburg, and had secured an agreement from the Russian authorities to ])ermit Baron Hirsch to designate, subject to the approval of the Imperial Government, a central committee at St. Petersburg, with suborclinate committees in the various localiiies, to take charge of tlie emigration of the Jews; the general plan of these committees beiiig to permit none to cross the frontier except those having the certiticates of such com- mittees, and the certiticates to be given only to worthy and able-bodied laborers. The gelieral object of their work was to regulate the outllow and to prevent the misery and sutfering incidental to the mad rush to escape from the country. Baron Hirsch stated that so far as relates to those whom he could control, by or thiough these committees, or who because of their temporarily distressed conditions, recpiire assist- ance, not one would be s^it to the United States. Continuing, he said : "It should be borne in mmd, however, that the majority of these peo- ple pass through without reference to the local committees already in existence in Germany, have fixed destinations, do not a[)i)ly for assist- ance, and those going to the United States are drawn liiere by the superior conditions which prevail and which are known to them by their friends and relatives who have i)receded them." As a further elucidation of Baron Hirsch's i)lans, we present a letter of recent date, addressed to the German central committee for the Russian Jews in Berlin, the substance of which having been priuted ia 15 16 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. not now regarded as confidential. The Mr. White referred to in tlie letter visited Russia a second time on this mission, Commissioners Weber and Kempster meeting him at St. Petersburg; bnt up to tlie present time, however, the expected arrangement with the itussiau Government seems not to have been carried out. BARON HIRSCH'S LETTERS TO THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE IN BERLIN AND TO HIS CORELIGIONISTS. 2 Rue de l'Elysee, Paris, July 15, 1801, To the German Central Committee for the Russian Jews in Berlin: Gentlemen: Yon have no doubt been made aware of my endeavors to alleviate the condition of onr unhappy Russian coreligionists and of the steps I have taken to assist those who are compelled to emigrate in order that they may do so under the least precarious conditions. * * * You also know, gentlemen, that even before undertaking the step which I am actually taking in Russia, and in the face of the continual jiersecution which the Jews have been subject to, I have endeavored to procure a new home and place of refuge for a certain number of these unfortunate exiles and for that purpose to create set- tlements in the Argentine Republic. The actual state of things in that country renders all transactions necessary to acquire laud very difficult and makes it impossible to bring matters to as speedy conclusion as both I wished for and as the condition of the Jews in Russia dcmiinds. In presence of the unsettled conditions which exist in the Argentine Republic, serious business transactions have to be followed up with the utmost possible care, which care in fact holds in abeyance the conclusion. Nevertheless I am justified in saying tliat my agont in Buenos Ayres, invested with full power, will shortly over- come the aforesaid difficulties and soon realize the first acquisition of land, and that consequently at the end of a certain length of time required by the organization of the colonies the first movement of the immigration into the Argentine Republic will be able to increase itself to a very considerable extent. Whatever may be the benefit which the immigrants will derive from my work, and in the face of the gigantic task that has to be mastered, I can but consider the said ^ork as a part, and by no means as the whole, of that which the future claims from us. Before entering into any further particulars as to this last point, and after having but surmised the actual extent of the emigration, I must revert to the steps already taken in Russia as above referred to. I have noticed that Mr. Arnold White, whoso mission you are sufficiently acquainted with, and who has just returned from St. Petersburg, brought with him results which under the actual circumstances consti- tute the utmost of what could be expected of Russia. The annexed documents will show you that the Russian Government grants as a principle the carrying out of a reg- ular organization of the emigration under its own special supervision. The next consequence of the favor granted by the said Government will most likely bo the end of the severe persecutions imposed up to now, but not before the authorities of the country will have acknowledged that the Israelites abroad have made up their mind seriously and earnestly to start emigration. But if no vigorous step be taken, if no j)owerful influence be resorted to, not only will the result which I have ob.tained be of no use whatever %r the Russian Jews, but moreover the inaction of their brethren abroad will become in the hands of ene- mies of our faith in Russia a mighty weapon against the Russian Jews, and they would not fail to say that the whole business was but a deceitful plot devised in or- der to gain time. Most needful it is to obviate such a contingency, and not lose the advantages of the actual good- will of the Russian Government wliich the oppressed derive a profit from. In letting the propitious hour slip by we would allow those adverse to the granted measure to get the upper hand, and who knows when so propitious an op- portunity would offer itself again. What is to be done in order to carry out the work already begun? I am but one man and I dare not pretend to accomplish alone so overpowering a task. JNIost will- ingly will I devote to this task, with all my heart and intelligence, the best of ray powers and of my means, as I have hitherto done. But the said task calls for so much strength, that all the eagerness and all the devotion of one alone would never suffice. May I then be permitted to lay before you my views as to the best means to be employed, and to trust that they may meet with your approval. According to the information which Mr. White has brought from Russia there is a threefold aim to pursue: ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 17 1. A medium must be procured capable of proving to the Russian Government, by the means of an imposing moral manifestation, that the whole Jewish nation con- sider as their own the work of the emigration, and follow it up with the most anxious interest. 2. A central direction must be created outside of Russia for the effective manage- ment of the emigration. 3. The necessary mediums are to be instituted in Russia itself to carry on the work uuder the supervision of the Russian Government. (1) III order to attain the first aim, I mean to api)ly for the coilperation of the "Alliance Gdnerale Israelite", in Paris, and to constitute with its help a great '•couuiiittee of patronage". The latter will have nothing to do with the elective maua.L;eiiieut of the emigration, but it will be called upon especially to give to the worl<: tlie notoriety it needs to enable it to prove to the Russian Government that the Israelites abroad most decidedly mean to come to the rescue of their co-religion- ists now persecuted and oppressed. To accomplish this we mean to send to each of the great Jewish communities a circular, of which you will find an inclosed draft. I es- pecially wish to point out that said '^committee of patronage" will not be invested with tlie management of the work, as various considerations, and also certain reasons dictated by tlie geographical position, seem to require that the head direction of the emigration be as near as possible to the Russian frontier. (2) For this head direction Berlin seems to be naturally pointed out as the most ap])ropriate center, in the first instance, on account of its geographical position, and, moreover, because its central committee for the Russian Jews provides a ready formed organization. That same committee has already rendered excellent service, and it is, thanks to its activity, that the Jews in distress who had to make for the Irontier have not become altogether the victims of hazard and ruin. Such a readiness of devotion as you have shown can not but encourage me to ask you, gentlemen, to undertake, in a permanent manner, the management of the work of emigration, and at the same time I place at your disyjosal, should you wish it, my energetic cooperation, in a manner such as will have to be settled between us. Your committee would, therefore, have the entire direction of the work. It might, besides, enter into relationship with the society which, as yon are aware, I am about to form in England, in order to purchase ground in the Argentine Republic and to create lewish colonies on its territory. So as to l)ring to a propitious end the important task which awaits you, you will have to add to your numbers by the choice of skillful elements [among whom should be iiilan of the general committee at St. l^etersburg with local com- mittees in Russia to regulate emigration the Berlin committee approve of, but are somewhat skeptical as to the sincerity of the consent of the Russian Government. It can not be immediately put into operation, be- cause the chief officials are mostly away enjoying their vacations, and regulations now issued might be promptly revoked on their return. The Berlin committee are in favor of making assurance doubly sure before entering into the scheme of committees in Russia, as its inaugu- ration and subsequent fiiilure would be a serious setback to the prog- ress of an ijnp(U'tant movement. They are agreed, however, that the committee's plan, when understandingly and sincerely put into opera- tion, would be an effective and desirable method of proi)erly regulating the tide, so that no cause for complaint will develop in the United States or elsewhere. He stated that the committee is fully aware of the ])rejudices existing against their peoi)le, and it is their earnest de- sire to avoid conilict with strong i)ul)]ic sentiment. Their committee was not organized to encourage or stimulate emigration; it felt forced for common lunnanity's sake to use its best endeavors to care for the unfortunate X)eoi)le who feel themselves compelled to leave their homes. The expenses, which are large, are borne independently of contribu- tions made by Baron Hirsch, and the sums required to meet such ex- penses are made up entirely by the voluntary offerings of the German Jews. He said that it might be of interest to note that while the Jews of Berlin numbered about 80,(M)(), or 7}-^ of the total city population, they contributed more than one half of the children's fresh-air fund of Berlin, and cited similar evidence of generosity with reference to the hospital recently founded there in honor of Emperor William I. CHARLOTTENBUEa. In the afternoon we drove to Cliarlottenburg, a station in the suburbs of Berlin, and where emigrants are now detained, being forbidden to enter the city, and from which place they proceed to Hamburg or Bre- men. In a few days it is ex]MH'ted that this work will be carried on at Spandau, still furtluer out, the facilities for handling them being bet- ter there. At GharlotteTdjurg the committee have a staff of employes, who re(;eive, care for, and forward enngrants, as well as a medical at- tendant, who inspects them, not oidy with reference to present disease, but also as to physical ability to cope with the hard work wldcli they are informed will confront them in the New World. The movement here has recently falle:i off, averaging now about 150 per day,- as against 500 a short time ago. Tliere were about ()0 enn'- grants in the waiting apartments who had arrived at G p. m., and were to be forwarded to Bremen and Hamburg at 11 p. m. Of the whole number, three cases, endnacing seven people, were submitted specially to the committee for disposal. One was a single man, intelligent and respectable in appearance, claiming to have been registered in a small 24 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. village within tlie Jewish Pale, and as lie was a tanner and clotli maker he had the right, as an artisan, to live anywhere in Eussia. For five years he had conducted a small cloth factory in Moscow, but in April last he was notified that he must leave that city within a month. He sacrificed his property, paid his debts, and went to War- saw (Polish Kussia, where Jews are ]^ermitted to live). He did not re- turn to his native village, as he could not earn a livelihood there. In Warsaw he associated himself with another in the cloth business, but as it did not appear to prosper the partner robbed him of the money he put into the business and left him practically penniless. He man- aged to gain the border, and by the help of the committee reached Berlin. He clain^ed to have a brother in Chicago. Another case was that of a man and three children, the eldest a girl of 16. They desired to go to the United States; the man said he was a farmer; all were able-bodied and intelligent, so far as appearances went. The committee decided not to send this family to the United States, and either to return them to Eussia or later on send them to the Argentine Eepublic. The third case was that of two girls who desired to go to the United States, where they had friends and relatives. In the first and third cases the committee decided to hold them until further investigation satisfied them that they had relatives in the United States. In each of these two cases there was every ai^pearance of ability for self-support, as they were young, healthy, and above the average in point of intelligence. The remainder of the 60 had tickets or money to purchase tickets to destination. A few were going to Africa ; the most of them ^o the United States. Among them were several l*olanders and a number of others, who were Catholics or Protestants, but all of them received and enjoyed the hospitable care and food fur- nished by the Jewish committee. They received tea, bread, and boiled eggs for supper, all of which looked inviting, and are furnished free of charge. The committee informed us that they made no distinction in their treatment in favor of the Jews; that while it was tiue that oidy Jews contributed to the funds to support their work, all national- ities and religions were gladly welcome to their protection and care, in the name of common humanity. They said that the Jew was hated not for his fiiults but for his good qualities; that the Jews ordered back into the Pale are superior in experience and education to those already tbere, and they only crowd out the inferior, who have lived within the Pale and who in order to live must get out. PROPOSED CONFERENCE WITH CONTINENTAL STEAMSHIP LINES AT BREMEN. On August 12 we notified the other commissioners, in a letter ad- dressed to Capt. Cross, that the commission wouUl hold a conference with the continental steamship comi^anies at Bremen on October 1, and also mailed to Mr. J. G. Lohmann, director of the North German Lloyd Company, at Bremen, a letter asking him to call together the rein^esentatives of these comi^anies. The following is a coi^y of his invitation to the other companies, with the substance of our letter to him : At tbe request of Col. Weber, U. S. Commissioner of Immigration, in bis official capacity as chairman of the coniniission sent by the United States Government to in- vestigate the conditions and matters coueerning immigration to the United States, I Lave the honor to invite you to a conference which will take place at Bremen in the ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 25 museum hall on Thursday, the 1st of Octoher next, at 10 a. m. An extract from his letter will indicate the questions to be discussed at the conference, to which I beg to call attention. Respectfully, LOHMANN, Director North German Lloyd Company, Bremen, August 14, 1891. [Extract of commissioners letter referred to by Direotor Lohmann.] To THE COMPAGNIE GeNERALE TraXSATLAXTIQUE, PaRIS ; THE HAMBURG- AMERICAN Packet Compaxy, Hambi:rg; the Netherlaxds- American Steamship Com- pany, Rotterdam; Red Star Lixe, Axtwerp: That we may be able to make a complete report to our Government upon the very important subject of emigration to the United States, we have thought it advisable to confer directly with all steamship lines engaged in carrying passengers to the United States, to the end that they may be made acquaiuted with the United States laws regulating jiassenger traffic; and further, that this commission may have the benefit of the practical experience which the steamship companies possess rela- tive to this business. For the putting this plan into operation the commission requested the attendance of the managers of the several lines doing business in Liverpool, at a meeting called there, at which nearly every steamship company was represented, and we had a full conference covering the whole subject of emigration and immigratioii, which we have every reason to believe will result in good to all (concerned. We wish, it possible, to do the same at Bremen, and we shall bo under obligation to you if you will cause to be issued a notification to all the continental lines of steamships who are engaged in passenger traffic to meet this commission in Bremen on the 1st day of October, 1891-, at such place and hour as will best suit all con- cerned. We would also request you to state in your letter of invitation to the several steamship lines that tliis commis8i(m would like to hear from the several gentlemen their views at length upon the practicability of — r irst. The advisability, practical workings, and results of a consular inspection of emigrants who intend to go to the Ignited States. Second. Whether an inspection of intending emigrants by the subagents of the 6t(iams]ii]) companies, wlio are broadly scattered throughout Eurt.])e, would be more practicable than consular inspection, and if so, whether the several steamship lines have a sufficient control over their subagents to make this method effective and desirable. The commission would also respectfully request that eav^h steamship company furnish us with a tabular statement setting forth the number of steerage and cabin passengers returning to Europe from the United States in the several steamships belonging to each company, arranged by months and commencing with the 1st day of Jtily, 1890, and ending the 30th of June, 1891. The pur]»ose of this tabxilar statement is to show officially to the people of the United States that there is a large number of passengers who return annually to Europe from the United States in the steerage as well as in the cabin. There is at this time a feeling of uneasiness among a large number of our citizens concerning the emigrants coming to our shores, and it is the wish of this commission to show in a clear and succinct manner the facts bearing upon this subject. DRESDEN. We left Berlin August 13, and on Auoust 14, 1891, called at the United States consulate at Dresden. The consul was absent for the week, but Mr. De Soto, deputy consul, was present. We were shown the copy of the coiisuFs reply to our circular letter, and Mr. De Soto further explained that the emigration frojii Saxony was small and con- fined to a good (;lass of people. He gave it as his opinion that consular inspection would be useful only in the detection of criminals and pau- pers; and there were few, if any, of either of those classes in that dis- trict, for tlie reason that a governmental oversight of such people was strictly maintained. He gave us an account of the operations of the "Invalid Oasse," an institution created and supervised by the govern- ment, which is designed to prevent i)auperism. The chief feature of 26 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. this system is a species of tax imposed upon every domestic, wherever employed, and towards tlie payment of which the employer pays one-luilf, the employe one-half, and the German Government pays fifty marks annually to each policy. The Government issues a book to each do- mestic, in which at stated intervals st mips, issued by the Government, are affixed and canceled. The money derived from the sale of these stamps is used for the support of invalids and for the care in hospitals of those who are disabled by sickness or otherwise, and each person is en- titled to receive its benefit during the period of necessit}^ It was stated that the Government derives a large revenue from this source and that the beneficiaries are well taken care of. Those avIio leave the country for any reason forfeit the sum paid in by them. He stated that the plan worked very well, preventing pauperism, and also enabled the officials to keep a record of individual movement, as the book accompanied the person from place to place, with reasons for leaving previous employers entered therein. This law provides that every person above the age of 16 years who is either a clerk, servant, or laborer, whose salary is less than 2,000 marks (about $476) per annum, must have an insuranj^e policy. The institution belongs to the state, and the police, post office otlicials, and other Government subordinates serve notices, collect dues, etc. The premiums paid are in proportion to the wages received, and range from 3 to '7 cents per week, the benefits in case of need being Irom 114 to 140 marks annually, and under some peculiar circumstances they are greater. From Dresden we returned to Berlin, and on the 15th day of August departed for St. Petersburg, Russia. As we spent the greatest por- tion of our time in Russia, and as the conditions found there are so dift'erent from those in anj^oi^the countries visited by us, we record our observations in a seiiarate chapter. • RUSSIA. We returned from Dresden to Berlin on the 15th day of August, 1891, and started for St. Petersburg at 11 p. m. Prior to our visit to Dres- den we met certain gentlemen at Berlin, the substance of our interviews being here recorded, as they had reference solely to the conditions in Russia. At the first of these interviews we met Dr. H. M. Cohn and another gentleman, whose name as well as a more particular description are omitted for obvious reasons, except to say that he is in possession of the highest educational qualifications and has occupied chairs in universities of more than one European country. From him we ob- tained valuable information which our subsequent experiences and ob- servations in Russia more than corroborated. We noticed that when- ever one of the hotel attendants or a stranger drew near, the voices of these gentlemen were lowered, conversation stopped, or was turned from the conditions in Russia. The fact that this occurred in Berlin, and that one of the persons was a German subject and the other, al- though a Russian Hebrew, but who had as yet the right to live any- where in Russia because of his educational attainments, foreshadowed to us the difficulty of obtaining from Hebrews in Russia statements free from the terror and danger of espionage. The same thing occurred next day in one of the private rooms of the hotel while at luncheon with Mr. E., a prominent citizen of the United States, who had lived four years in Russia, and Mr. D., a correspondent of one of the leading English iournals. The latter gentleman has spent 17 years in Russia and is a British subject. Observing that we had noticed his change of tone ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 27 wlienever the door opened for the waiter, he remarked that we need not he certain of being unwatched even there. In all i^robabihty we wonld be shadowed from the time we crossed the borders nntil we left tlie territory of Knssia. We were afterwards told that it was largely due to his work that attention was iirst called to the condition of the Jews and which jn-onipted the effort on the part of Baron Hiisch to send Mr. Arnold White as his representative to obtain some conces- sions from the Ilussian Government designed to mitigate the prevailing distress by extension of time and the formation of emigration commit- tees in Russia. It is proper to state here, in connection with the idey that we would be under surveillance, that during the whole of our stay in Russia no evidence presented itself that such was the fact. The Russian officials with Avhom we came in contact were kind and courteous and did not interfere with our movements in any iiarticnlar, with the exception occurring at Grodno, and which will be mentioned hereafter. Dr. Cohn, in his interview, furnished us with a vast deal of informa- tion concerning the formation of the committees and a history of the movement of Jews which, at our request, he rediu^ed to writing, and wiiich seems to us to be not only interesting, but a valuable contribu- tion to the record. We are therefoie promx)ted to embody it in our re- port at this ])oint, as it has a decided bearing uj)on the question of what incites emigration from Russia. OF BERLIN. WHY CENTRAL GERMAN COMMITTEE FOR THE RELIEF OF RUSSIAN JEWS WAS FORMED. Inantiimii, 1890, the news came from Russia that special laws against the Jewish poymlatioij were to be passed. The denial of the Rnssian anthorities calmed the excitement cansed by these runiois, but for a vshort time. Inorts like New York. The meeting, which took place in October, 1890, dissolved without coming to a definite plan. It was resolved to check immigration as much as possible, but there was from the begiiming little hope to put the resolution into pra<'tice. Nothing could be effected without an organization, and we were afraid that the existence of committees would excite the Russian Jews and increase emigration. Therefore noth- ing Avas done until about May, 1891. All people leaving Russia till about that time had no support from the J(!ws of other countries. By and by the Berlin railway accommodations forced ns to take some active part in the matter. The emigrant trains stop in Charlottenburg about six hours. Some Jews, having left Russia Avithout sufficient means, took advantage of that chance to walk into the town and to collect-there the money wanted. Thereupon some of our Charlottenburg coreligionists had a committee established which provided the emi- grants, where necessary, with food, medical advice, and passenger tickets. But their means were soon insufficient, so they made a public appeal in nearly all our Berlir' papers. Reporters went to Charlottenburg to look at the emigrants; the public went there as well ; in short, public sympathy and interest was aroused. Under these circnmstances the Berlin Jewish committee could not remain id]o. It arranged a meeting which elected the Central German committee for the relief of Russian Jews. ORGANIZATION AND PLANS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE. The committee immediately arranged an international meeting, which took place the 25th of May, 1891. A few days before, a like meeting was held in Paris, Berlin not being represented. The Paris meeting was still of opinion to do as little as pos- sible in public for fear that emigration wonld be encouraged. But when we assem- bled in Berlin matters had gone too far to stick to that resolution. 28 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. The Berlin meeting in the beginning was not convinced that the nnmber of Jewish Russian emigrants hart increased. Indeed the statistics furnished by the railway ofticials of Charlottenburg scarcely gave an increase. But these statistics did not decide the matter, as the religion of the emigrants was not taken into consideration. It was suggested that the number of Christian emigrants had decreased since the Brazilian Government ceased to carry passengers free of charge. Therefore the same number of emigrants meant a greater number of Jewish emigrants. Indeed the rail- way officials shared the same opinion. ^ When the question was debated what to do with the emigrants, we were unanimous that we had nothing to do with people traveling at their own exijense and not even asking our advice. For the rest, Ave agreed only to help those people who had been driven from their homes. Of course, that principle can not be followed strictly. There are many per- sons not directly concerned who also lost their means of livelihood by the persecu- tion of others. In many towns of the Pale, the newcomers irom Moscow, etc., were so numerous that lodgings made prices doubly as high as they were before, while hard competition cut down the earniugs. But, nevertheless, to proceed on this princi- ple was not unwise, as it gave as a direction, and, becoming known in Russia, may have prevented people from emigrating. The central committee absorbed the Charlottenburg committee, and established for better organization frontier committees, the main connnittces being in Konigs- berg for the Prussian frontier, and in Myslowitz for the Silesian. The frontier com- mittees, as a rule, followed certain principles: (a) Wives and children called by their husbands were helped to their husbands' place of abode. (b) People unfit for work were sent home again. (c) People starting to join near relatives or friends in other countries were helped to do so. For future plans there are different currents of opinions. One part of our commit- tee, in iiccordance wdth Baron Hirsch's ideas, wants to clear Russia of Jews alto- gether; the other, to prevent people as much as possible from emigrating. For the moment, anyhow, we are unanimous that emigration is to be retarded till the accommodations in the Argentine Republic have made sufficient progress. But it must be borne in mind that in August and September the Argentine Repub- lic was closed for pr<^parations, and that we are now to send there, under Baron Hirsch's arrangement, :W0 per week, this number to be increased later on. It is to be borne in mind, as well, that a number of the people gone to America are sent Ijack again. The United Hebrew Charities of New York have sent back every year from 1,000 to 1,200 Russian emigrants, mostly on cattle ships. If we take this ]ioint into consideration, it may not be an exaggeration to say that up to the present time more Russian Jews have been sent from America to Russia than from Russia to America, as far as the help of committees is concerned. With reference to the statement of returned Jews, we quote from the ^'Minutes of evidence taken before select committee on emigration and iminigiation/' appointed by the British Parliament in 1889 and still in session : "SIR JOHN COLOMB. ''193.S. How is it that more poor Jews enter the Jewish shelter from the United States than poor Jews going to the United States? — A. The cause of that, as far as I am able to ascertain, is that the people who come from the United States are those w'ho, as emigrants, have been failures. They have gone to the United States, at- tempted to find work, and, for a variety of reasons, have failed. Many of those people have come here, although they are absolutely en route for their native places. You will find that the column in which we deal with the numbers who return to their 'native place' gives a pretty high number; and we find that quite 95 per cent of those who come from the United States go back to their homes and do not remain in London. Most of them bring their fares with them. '^1934. That is the way you account for those who are 'failures?' — A. Yes; as emigrants they are failures. ''1935. Do you mean that they are rejected by the United States?— A. No; I do not mean that. I mean that they are people who have been to the United States; people who have no friends; find that the climate does not suit them; people who can not get employment; they are failures from such causes as lead to general fail- ure in emigration. Many of the emigrants find that they are not comfortable or that they are not happy, in the United States; they think that they would be no worse off in their native places, and they go back home again. " 1937. That means, then, that the foreigners who have failed in the United States come to England, does it? — A. No; they go back to their native place. "1938. Although 'failures,' you consider that they have made enough money to en- able them to go back to their homes through England! — A. Yes. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 29 ''1939. Why do they come to the Poor Jews' Temporary Shelter, if they have got money? — A. I have asked them that question several times. Some of them say, 'Well, we have just been on the sea for a number of days, and want a rest before we travel again.' "1940. I presume most of these people land at Liverpool, do they not? — A. No; not most of them. Many land at London and Tilbury, as well as at other English ports, and then make their way to Shelter. "1941. By what line of steamers do they come from America? — A. They come by a variety of lines. Some of those who go to the Shelter come because they wish to write home to their friends for more money. We have had cases of that kind. "1942. AVhat ships come Irom the States to the Thames? — A. The 'Monarch' line brings them up to London, and I believe some of the ships of the 'National^ line come to the Thames. I could not tell you all the lines, because I have not inquired into that; but the people who come into the Shelter do not all come to Liverpool; they arrive in London and other places." THE JEW IN THE UNITED STATES. You will, I hope, not consider it arrogant if I add a few remarks about the Jews in your country. The Jews of Russia have great difficulty to find a place of rest, or even a fair judg- ment in public opinion. The qualities they are charged with are thoroughly con- tradictory. Reproached for having absorbed the wealth of Russia, they are refused in America as paupers. Accused that they never work, especially do no manual labor, they are refused in America and Australia because thev work too much, that is for wages below the usual rates. It is not possible that so different opinions give us true pictures of the Russian Jews ; they show more the character of the accusers tliau that of the accused. In the different countries where Jews are living, the inhabitants are different by trade, cus- toms, laws, etc. What is thought good m one land is thought bad in another. Now, there being prejudices against the Jews, inherited and artificially nourished for political or business purposes, it is natural that the Jew is always represented on the unpopular side; that, for instance, in France he always is said to beau agent of Prince Bismarck, while in Germany hf. is reprosenced as a French partisan. We can do little against that. Our niislortune is that we are few in numbers. One says we are influential and mighty, but that is a falsehood. If we really were mighty, those who declaim against us would be the first to Hatter us. It is, on the contrary, our lack of political influence which renders an attack upon us so easy. Five millions of German immigrants are living in the United States, according to Washington re- ports, while only 300,000 Russian people, part of them Christians, are living there. Why does nobody jirotest against the German immigration, but against the Jewish? How does it come that even the German press in America. foments prejudice against the Jewish immigration, when they should remember that they also are strangers in their adopted country. The reason is that the Germans have political iufluence, through their press and their number of voters; the Jews have no influence. Of course nobody will admit that, and some sham reasons are given — that the Jews from Russia are paupers or assisted emigrants. The Jews may be poor, but they are no paupers ; they do not become public burdens. According to the sixteenth report of the United Hebrew Charities of New York (for 1890), out of 1,300 inmates of the city almshouse only one was a Jew, instead of 200, which would be the number if proportionately distributed. So while they pay, as is notorious, very high contril)utions for universal philanthropic works, they support their poor by their own means. The Russian Jew did not emigrate because he was unsuc<;es8ful at home, but because a barbarous law hindered him. And while he had to spend his last money for bribery to be at least allowed to leave the country, it is very natural that he had to be assisted. But is he the only sort of assisted emigrants? Of course not the only, nor the worst neither. The worst sort of assisted emigrants have their berths in the first and second cabin. The son of a rich father, who has never learned to work, who has spent thousands, and has brought sorrow upon liis family, as a last chance is sent to America. If he finishes there in prison, it is at least far from home. And when he goes there, and comes to Castle Garden with a convenient suit and some money in his pocket, he is not considered an assisted emigrant or a pauper. Also the German anarchists, like Most, Rhein«dorff, and his friends, were not "as- sisted emigrants," but they were helped out of our country by the rigorous punish- ments they had to fear. You once asked me if it was true that all the nihilists wer*? Jews. I could show you the contrary by the names of th(- tried nihilists; Ity chance the American anar- chists nearly all are German. Nevertheless, the Germans are not charged with it. H. Ex. 37 38 30 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. You charge the Russian Jew, that he is not fit for agriculture. But Jewish American people know that also the tradesman and the merchants add to the wealth of the country, and, therefore, the reproach is injudicious or unjust. It was the law which prevented Jews from being artisans or farmers. These laws were iu Europe mostly abolished in 1848. Of coarse, as so often the son follows the vocation of his father, as the sons of merchants rarely become artisans or farmers, it will take some time before the Jews take their proportionate part in manual, es- pecially agricultural, labor. Also in Russia ia the Pale — with exception of some colonie's sp^ecially established, they were not allowed to till the soil. These colonies may be styled a success, if you consider that the colonist had not only to feed him- self, but the Russian official, that he got bad and insufacient tracts of land, and that he had to suffer from a great number of poor harvests. Mr. White's report to Baron de Hirsch, anyhow, shows that in the south of Russia there exists a real jural Jewish poj)ulation;* the colonists have remained true to their new vocation, and a colony in New Jersey, where industrial work is done in winter, is going on quite well. About the colouies in Palestine, a special book, ''Wo hinaus," which I send you, will give you information. In Germany some Jews are going on very well as tillers of the soil and squires. Perhaps the most comforting experiment is that made in the Argentine Republic. Two years ago several hundred Russian Jewish emigrants came to Berlin without money. They were helped to the Argentine Republic. Other emigrants failed there under the parochial system, which obliges the tiller of the soil to pay half of his in- come as rent to the landowner. But these Jews, accustomed to live on a crust of bread, had success. That is the more marvelous as they were not agricultural labor- ers before. They received no help but nevertheless got on very well and are at least in an independent position. It was this experiment which directed the attention of Baron de Hirsch to the Argentine Republic. Therefore it may not be considered partial to believe that as a rule the Russian Jewish emigrant will x>rove an advantage to his new country, a country for which he will feel deep gratitude as the first which gave rest to his wornout body and com- fort to his tortured mind. We reached the border, where our passports were first brought in demand, and entered Eussia at 12.30 p. m., next day, via Eydtkuhnen piid Wirballen. We had previously written and telegTaphed to Mr. Wurts, secretary of the United States legation at St. Petersburg, and who, in the absence of Minister Smith, was in charge of affairs, and also to Mr. Crawford, U. S. consul-general, advising them of our pro- posed visit. Undoubtedly, owing to the kind offices of these gentle- men, we were courteously treated by the Eussian officials, receiving special attention and prompt disposition at their hands. We were two nights and nearly two days on the cars, about forty hours altogether, en route to St. Petersburg. For the first day we traveled through the northwestern part of the Jewish Pale of settlement, to which frequent reference Avill be made, and which later on will be more particularly described. The general appearance of the country within the Pale, as seen from the cars, did not differ materially from that part in Eussia outside of the Pale and along the line of railroad to St. Petersburg. It is not very inviting or fertile; its cultivation as compared with that of England or Germany is slipshod and untidy. Crops were being har- vested as we passed through, the grain being reaped by women with sickles, and to us scarcely appeared worth gathering. The houses are low one-story wood, with roofs thatched with straw, and in marked contrast to those on the German side of the line. The churches were always the imposing structures in every village and city visited. ST. PETERSBURG. We arrived at St. Petersburg on the 17th instant in the afternoon, where we met Dr. John Martin Crawford, consul-general, who gave us every attention and kindly offered to furnish us with any information in his power upon the subject of our business. * See p. 171 et seq. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 31 ^\]\ Crawford stated that he ^Yisbed first of all to disabuse our minds :>f the idea that a stranger in Russia was con stautly shadowed or under surveillance; that he could go about there as freely as at home, and, in tiis opinion, there would be no hindrance or obstacle in the way of our aiaking a thorough investigation of the subject we had in hand. There fire few separate houses in" the city of St. Petersburg, nearly all being onstructed on the block or flat system, with the entrances in charge of persons called " schweitzars " and "dvorniks," who, while not officially connected with the police, are held responsible for the report to head- D[u alters of the coming and going of every person. By reason of this =iysteiff it is entirely feasible, Mr. Crawford continued, to obtain a report ^f the doiii gs, standard, ari d ch aracter of intendin g emigrants. He also stated that he had no personal knowledge of Jews having been ordered from the city, but had heard of some being ordered out of Moscow. He laimed tbat he had evidence which would prove that many Jews not from Ivussia claimed to be Russian Jews because of their belief that better treatment and care w ould be extended in consequence of such statement, and that, in his opinion, the movement of the Jews is largely stiinnlated by the Baron Hirsch fund. It was now. his impression, after diligent inquiry, that the nihilistic movements in Russia were of a fanatical character similar to those attending the Lincoln and Garfield iSvSassinations, especially that of Lincoln ; that the love for the Czar was iiniversal among his people; that they had implicit faith in his divine right to rule, and that they would destroy any person who, in the i)ublic streets or elsewhere, should undertake to deride such an idea. On the next day, August 18, we called at the United States TiCgation and found Mr. Wurts, the secretary, in charge, who received us very ordialh^ and tendered his services to facilitate our work. With him we called at the Foreign Office, but found the officials away, owing to its being a holiday. Mr. Wurts informed us that he had anticipated our iesire for an interview with the minister of the interior and had made a written application for such interview two days before our arrival at 3t. Petersburg. It was our intention at this desired audience with the minister of the interior to inform him that the subject of emigration to the United States was one which had awakened a good deal of interest, and had ^iven rise to serious thought on the part of our people, and that among the questions upon which they desired definite knowledge and clearer light w^ere the causes which incited emigration from foreign countries ; bo ours; that the commission consisted of five members, who had ar- ranged to visit nearly all of the European countries, and that this part Df it (Commissioners Weber and Kempster) had already visited portions )f France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and had now reached Russia Ifor the same purpose, and intended to visit Austria and Hungary later; phat we were not sent to investigate particularly the conditions of 'ifiairs in Russia, but in Europe generally, but that our investigations jaere would almost entirely limit our observations to the exodus of the [Tews as, up to the time of our departure from the United States, the emigration from Russia was almost entirely confined to that class of people. It was also our intention to say to him, after frankly stating )jhe object of our visit as here outlined, that we desired the permission of the Russian Government to prosecute such inquiries as Avould reveal 'jO us the reasons for emigration, to ask their cooperation where neces- sary, and if this desire was not entirely agreeable to him or his Govern- naent we would be pleased to be so informed, in which case we would ilepart from Russia and continue our investigations elsewhere. 32 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. By iiivitation of Mr. Wurts, we met Mr. Arnold White, who was in Eusfsia for the purpose of negotiatino' arrangements for Baron Hirsch to properly regulate emigration, and with whom we had an extended interview upon the conditions and status of the Jews in Eussia, Mr. White having previously visited Russia, more particularly the south- western part of the Jewish Pale. On the next day, August 19, with Mr.^urts, we called on Mr. Chich- kine, adjunct to minister of foreign affairs (corresponding to our assist- ant secretary of state), to whom we stated in substance the object of our mission and desires, as we intended to present them to the minister of the interior. Mr. Cliiclikine was formerly connected with the Rus- sian Legation at Washington, speaks our language quite well, and re- ceived and treated us with marked courtesy. He suggested that we arrange a programme, giving the places we destined to visit, and that Mr. Wurts address to him a note requesting documents and letters to enable us to visit such places and investigate, which would be gladly furnished. This itinerary was made out, and, through Mr. Wurts, was forwarded as suggested, but the promised letters were not received. We then called on Baron Osten-Sacken, chief of the commercial de- partment of the ministry of foreign affairs, who stated that he was interested in the matter of emigration, although it was not in his de- l)artment, and that the subject was practically a new one to the Russian Government, as until lately the emigration from Russia has been a move- ment of which the authorities were hardly conscious. Their attention had been recently attracted to a considerable outflowfrom theGubernia of Suvalsky, which is one of the northern Polish provinces, and has furnished a large number of emigrants* to this country. He asked if it was claimed by these people that they emigrated be- cause of religious i:)ersecution. He was assured that no knowledge of such claim had as yet reached us, and we presumed that, whatever the cause, the movement having been once started, the conditions of our country attracted them, such conditions being made known through the pioneers who had preceded. He replied that he imagined the lib- erty of going anywhere in our great country without a passport was the chief incentive for joining us, and this, in his judgment, was one of the great reforms which must soon be inaugurated in Russia. When it was suggested that the attempt to compel the eXews to return within the Pale might be one of the reasons which induced emigration, he re- plied: ''It is impossible to get them back; it can not be done, but jou will hear other opinions on this. This is my personal oi)inion, not an oflicial statement; it is not in my department." After some further conversation concerning this question, Commissioner Kempster, appre- hending that he might possibly have misunderstood our mission, said: " I hope Baron Osten-Sacken does not understand that we are here to incite emigration to our country of the class of people that come from Russia, but are here to learn the causes which induce emigration," to which he replied: "If you desire to avoid these I'eople we stand on the same ground." He assured us of his interest in the matter which brought us to their country, and said that he would be pleased to do anything in his power to aid us in our investigations. . He handed us a circular published by the '^Societe de Geographic Commerciale," of Paris, written by Prince de Oassano, on the ''actual conditions of Eu- ropean emigration." In substance this circular states that emigration is largely stimulated by the operations of agents and subagents of steamship companies whose objects are the commissions involved. As we will hereafter refer to Prince de Cassano, whom we met at Bremen, * Non- Jews. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 33 we simply say here that we have no doubt that his tour ainoug the boarding houses with us, where this feature was exaiuiued in detail, materially modified his views in this resiject. After waiting live days and receiving no reply to Mr. Wurts' note to the minister of the interior, praying for an audience, which he had sent two days before our arrival, and not having received the letters prom- ised by Mr. Ohichkine, it seemed to us unprofitable to delay our depart- ure from St. Petersbui'g any longer. Having asked for an interview for the purpose of stating our mission and obtaining the sanction of the authorities to our investigations, we could not well prosecute inquiries at St. Petersburg until permission was received, and we therefore con- cluded that we would push ahead and continue examinations until we were notified to stop our efforts in that direction. We arranged to have Mr. Ohichkine's promised letters forwarded, but, as already stated, the letters were not received. Under date of August 24, we received at Moscow, fi'om Mr. Wurts, a letter saying, "This momenta note comes from the minister of the in- terior api)ointing a meeting for to-morrow,'* but we did not feel war- ranted in retracing our steps and returning to St. Petersburg for the in- terview aijplied for ten days before. MOSCOW. August 22d we left St. Petersburg for Moscow, arriving there San- day nnnning. In the afternoon we strolled into a market-place, which presented to us an unusual sight and seemed to furnish abundant rea- sons for emigration. The trading here was confined to second hand clothing, boots, shoes, knives, pencils, grindstones, needles, etc., and ap])eared to be the refuse articles of a great city. We found Jews, Cos- sacks, Tartars, Russians, and Turks; men, women, and children; bare- headed, some barefooted, others with "bast" shoes, made of thin strips of basswood interwoven after the manner of baskets, laced in front with cordage. Men with sheepskin overcoats, wool side in, cahco trousers, and bast shoes. Shoemakers, standing in the street, pegging boots, using a long club, standing ui^right and inserted into the boot as a last, and various other kinds of mending and repairing done "while you wait." In the afternoon we drove to the house of Mr. A., in the suburbs, who arranged to have Mr. B.* call at 2 p. m., Monday, August 24, for consul- tation and information. We met Mr. B. at his office and in the evening *We sliall frequently iu this report give iuitials of persons or names of places other than those which properly belong to the subjects, the reason being that these people are still iu Russia au«l we realize the hazard to which they would be sub- jected if they could be identified, as it was frequently stated to us that ideuti- fication meant neither more nor less than linancial ruin and exile to Siberia. Tlieso reasons will appear more obvious as we progress in this work. We apprehend that the greatest difficulty we shall have to contend with is to make clear to those un- familiar with the situation the vast diflerences between conditions in Russia and those prevailing in our own country or any other country we visited. This is not surprising when we recall the fact that in going through the Pale we were guided by men who, although selected because of their supposed thorough knowledge and understanding of the situation, were themselves staggered by the facts as they con- fronted us. These gentlemen placed themselves entirely at our disposal and were recommended to us by a distinguished personage whom we regret to say we are una- ble to give even slight credit for aid rendered by the mention of his name in this re- port, as he is officially connected with the Russian Government and the publication of his name would probably mean serious trouble to him. H. Ex. 235 3 34 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. we weut to Ms house in the suburbs. As we stepped upon the veranda two young lads of about 16 years of age peered around the corner oJ the house and, on being noticed, the proprietor said: ^'It is all right, boys; these gentlemen are not connected with the police." He intro- duced them as nephews who lived some distance away Avith theii parents and who were spending a few days of their school vacatior with him. They were both bright, iiitelligent young men, and clad iu their neat school uniforms presented a most attractive appearance, The fact that they were there simply as temporary visitors at the house of a near relative and must remain in hiding, is illustrative of one oJ the conditions x)revailing in Russia, to w hich, and others more serious, the people affected have adjusted themselves. The gentleman referred to gave us in a hurried manner a statement of the general existing conditions which seemed so incredible that w€ stated in reply that, while we had no desire to question his veracity, they would not be accepted as true by our people unless corroborated by undoubted evidence. We may state here, in this connection, that while some of the instances related to us were not actually corrob orated as to such specific cases, yet similar cases, or analogous to then in all essential features, were found again and again. In order that a |)artial understanding of the singularly complicated conditions in Eussia may be reached, we present a brief history ano status of the Jew in Eussia, also the restrictive laws leveled againsii that class,* together with recent expulsion regulations, secret police orders, and iheir operations; a description of the Jewish Pale of settle ment where Jews are permitted to live, the ukases and circulars in vitiiig them into the interior, and their subsequent modification anc revocation, all of which are pertinent to your iustructions to ascertaii and report "^the causes which incite emigration." j HISTORY AND STATUS OF THE JEWt IN RUSSIA. The period when the Jews first entered any part of what is now Eus sian territory is not known with any degree of certainty. That it wa long before the Christian era there is no doubt, for there are to be see- to-day in the cemetery of Chufut Kaleh the tombs of Jews upon Avhic- dates are cut showing that the sepultured were buried there long ar terior to the advent of Christ. In the earlier days of the Eussian dynasty, the Czars, or Kings a they were then called, were i^agans. Euric, being the earliest of th great rulers, was a pagan, as were many of his successors. Then, as now, it seemed that the ruling passion of the Kings w^as tb extension of territory. Then, as now, the movement w^as toward tli East. This brought the Eussians of the earlier days into conflict wit the Touranians, Avhose territory is now known by the modern names ( Astrakhan, Saratov, and Samara, where the famine of this year fir? assumed such alarming proportions, and also Simbirsk, all Gubernia ( southern and eastern Eussia, and considered the most fruitful agi cultural provinces of the realm. Among the Touranians a large nun ber of people received instruction from the Semites who had migrate thither, and who embraced the Jewish faith. These people, who we: known by the name of Khazars, had a King of their own, and beii a brave, warlike peoi^le, they were often embroiled in attempts * See p. 149 et seq. IThe words ''Jew" and ''Cliristiaii" are the oonmiou desiguatiou of tliese class in Russia^ and are therefore so used in thia report. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 35 prevent Eussian invasion toward tlie East, and were for a time suc- cessful. After some of these successful excursions made by the Khazars, they taught the Russian pagans the tenets of the Jewish faith, and, it is said, that some of the early Eussian Kings became converts to this belief. It is upon the tombs of these people that the inscriptions are found in the cemetery of Chufiit Kaleh. To this day there are found scattered throughout the eastern parts of Astrakhan, Saratov, Samara, and Simbirsk the remnants of this ancient tribe of Khazars, now thoroughly "Eussified" in all respects, except that they still cling to the old rule of worshipping G-od on the seventh day, and are called Subbotnik or Sabbatarians. Yladimir (seventh from Euric) once sent for the teachers and ex- pounders of the several faiths about him, that he might learn something of their religious belief, being desirous of discarding paganism. It is said he was much impressed by the exposition of the Jewish belief, and was upon the point of accepting it as his own, when he asked, ••'Where is your country and your great temple f" Being told that the Eomans had driven them out of their own country and destroyed their temple. he replied, ''Your God could not think much of you or he would have taken better care of your country," and then accepted the Christian faith. Investigations made relative to the precise date when Jews first came into Eussia are unsatisfactory, but it is shown beyond a doubt that they were in the territory afterwards acquired by Eussia, if they had not already penetrated it, in considerable numbers and for many years anterior to the promulgation of the Christian doctrines in that country. They had followed the course and settled along the fertile valleys of the great rivers, but how they came there originally is a matter enveloped in mystery. They were permitted to remain in this territory without molestation, so far as anything is positively known on the subject, until the fifth century, when, for some reason, they were driven out of Kiev, but re- turned again, and it appears that there was no well-directed plan of expulsion organized to drive them out until shortly after the beginning of the eleventh century. In the year 1110, one Cyda, the English wife of the ruling Czar, emulating the example set by her own country peo- ple, induced her husband to issue an edict against them, and they were driven out, many of them finding their way across the country into Lithuania, the territory afterwards known as Poland, and which was later on seized by the Czars. The fact that the Jews were ever after persecuted more or less in the province of Kiev may account for the large numbers of them found in Poland when that country finally be- came incorporated with the territorial domains of Eussia, and their numbers were farther augmented by those who fled from the persecu- tions in Germany, France, and England. The Government of Lithuania, in the fourteenth century, guaranteed to the Jews "safety of life and property, the full freedom of the i^rac- tice of their own religion, unmolested rights of trade and industry, and freedom to go and come as they chose." At that time their princix)al pursuit was that of agriculture, which had been carried on by them in that country since the year 893, when they asked for and obtained an allotment of crown lands for this purpose, and it was not until about 1569 that some restrictions were placed upon them, and these related to the matter of dress. These restrictions afterwards became more severe as the nobility of Lithuania became more warlike in their gen- eral character. 36 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. In sharp contrast witli the leuieut laws of the Lithuanians is that edict promulgated by Alexis Mikhailovitch, the second of the Eomanoff family on the throne, who, by ukase, provided that the punishment of death should follow i^erverting- a Ohristian to the Jewish faith. In 1650 the King of Poland requested the Eussian Government to permit Jews to enter Russia for the purposes of trade. The answer given him then has characterized the feeling of the Russian Govern- ment toward the Jews from that time to this. It was as follows: "It is not seemly tliat Jews should come to Russia, because they pervert the Russians from Christianity." Subsequent reasons given for the restrictions of the Jews were to the same effect, and their civil rights were interfered with because the people mistrusted the followers of Moses and believed tliey would pervert Christians from the true faith. Under the reign of the Empress Elizabeth edicts were issued expelling the Jews because of their rebgious opinions. She caused the expulsion of the court physician, one of tlie most learned men of the day, e'uinent not only in his profession, but in scholarly attainments generally, whom she had previously especially invited to come into Russia in the year 1731. Afterwards, however, learning that lie belonged to the hated race, she caused his expulsion in 1749, saying that while she had much regard for men ot learning, she desired her scholars to be good Chris- tians, and this. Dr. Sanchez was not. In consequence of this universal hatred among the Russians, the Jcavs were repeatedly forcibly expelled, and in 1712 a ukase was issued compelling all Jews of Avhatever rank or condition to leave the territory of Russia, and provided that not one of them should be readmitted unless such an one embraced the ortho- dox Greek taith. Up to this time the Russians had been chiefly concerned with con- quests toward the East, but now a new condition presented itself which very seriously affected the question of how to dispose of the Jews in Russia. In 1792 Russia, then governed by Catbtuine the Second, took from Poland what is called " Wliite Russia" (Vitebsk and Mohilev), in which territory were a large number of Jews. As they had been taken with those provinces, situated in the territory which had formerly guaranteed to the Jews equal rights with the Lithuanians, a new dif- liculty occurred. Here were the Jews. Should they be expelled across the border according to the ukase of 1742? Catherine the second was not a woman to allow^ diff'erences of opinion in religious matters to interfere Avith her general ])olicy for the acciuisi- tion of new territory, and having now within her borders a large num- ber of the Jews taken with the new territory lier ]>olicy for the time was one of toleration for them; for seeing the disaster and ruin which would necessarily follow their expulsion from the newly acquired terri- tory, as the Jews were generally in comfortable circumstances, she dis- regarded the question of their religious belief, and for the time they were permitted to remain unmolested where they had resided for so many years, but measures were soon taken to restrict the Jews within the captured provinces. In the year 1780 she gave to the Jews, by special edict, the right of enrolling themselves in the trade guilds, and proclaiijied that everyone, " iiTespective of creed, shall enjoy under the laws the advantages and privileges of his rank and condition." There was, however, much opposition to this privilege, and subsequently, in 1791, she issued a ukase which provided "That the Jews do not possess the right of enrolling themselv^es as merchants in the towns and sea- ports of the Empire, and that they only enjoy the privileges of the Jews in "White Russia." This ukase was issued only after she had : 'ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 37 taken the provinces of Taurida (the Crimea) andKbersoii from the Turks, wliiih gave to Russia all that territory which inchides the seaport towns of Odessa and Kertsch. Odessa at that time was a mere hamlet, but Catherine foresaw the importance of the place, and immediately took steps to build up the city which has since become of such conse- quence. The same ukase that shut out the Jews from the seaport towns also cut them off* from the great river bottoms of Eussia, the Yolga, Don Dnieper, and Dniester, all of which flowed through the garden of the l^^mpire, and with the exception of the Yolga, emjjty into the Black Sea, the northern shore of which she now controlled. The same ukase was made to apply with special force to the captured provinces of Ekater- inoslav and Taurida, in which were some settlements of Jews hWng in the rich agricultural districts. There was still popular outcry against the leniency of the Emj^ress Catherine, and in 1794, eight years after having guaranteed them " equal privileges," etc., she issued an edict levying a double tax upon all Jews who had availed themselves of the opportunity she liad af- forded them in the edict of 1786, which among other things had in\ated tbem to enroll themselves as merchants, traders, and burghers, and which gave •' equal advantages and privileges to all." The successive conquests made fi'om the territory of Poland brought into Russian domains what is now known as the '' Jewish Pale of Settle- ment,-' consisting of fifteen provinces or gubernia, in which it is claimed that the Jews have a right of permanent residence, although it will be shown that this statement is subject to great limitation. JEWISH PALE OF SETTLEMENT. The '' Pale of Settlement" in which the "Jews have had the right to live," although driven by the May laws of 1882 from the farm lands within tlie Pale, except in a few i)hices, is, in all but the southern and southeastern provinces, a flat sandy country. The soil was never pro- ductive and seems hardly capable of sustaining the population on it. The southern and southeastern provinces, especially the Crimea, are rich agricultural regions, in fact the garden of the Empire. Along the entire western border touching Germany and Austro-Hungary, there is a stretch of country more than four degrees (240 miles) in width, ex- extending from Courland on the north to the Black Sea on the soutli, whi('h has served a double purpose. Not only is it used as a "Pale of Settlement" for Jews, but it forms a bulwark stronger than fortifications to resist the approach of an invading force. No army could subsist on that stretch of land which lies between Poland and the more productive l^arts of Russia, 300 miles distant; indeed, it was upon this very ground that Napoleon I sacrificed the lives of 400,000 men. This "Pale of Settlement" is made u^) of fifteen provinces or guber- nia, all of which have been captured from Poland and Turkey. The first of these, Tschernigov, Poltova, and Ekaterinoslav, known as "Lit- tle Russia," were taken from Poland in 1070; Vitebsk and Mohilev, or "White Russia," were conquered from Poland in 1772; Kovno, Wilna, Grodno, Minsk, Kiev, Podolia, and Volhynia were also taken from Poland in 1705; Taurida (the Crimea), Kherson, and Bessarabia were taken from Turkey. These fifteen provinces contain about 313,000 square miles, but an edict orderihg that no Jew should live within 50 versts (33 miles) of the frontier of the Pale (this border hue being about 1,500 miles long), reduced the size of the Pale to about the dimensions of the 38 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. State of Texas. In 1891 tliis territory contained nearly 25,000,000 in- habitants, of whom about 4,000,000 were Jews. Until the year 1882 the Jew had the right of settlement established by successive ukases to reside anywhere within the Pale. In that year orders were promulgated by Gen. Ignatieff which are now universally known as the May laws, the first section of which is the most important, and is as follows : v As a temporary measure, and until a general revision has been made in a proper manner of the laws concerning the Jews, it is forbidden to the Jews henceforth to settle outside the towns and towulets,* the only exception admitted being in those JewisJi colonies that have existed before, and whose inhabitants are agriculturalists. The effect of this was to create a number of Pales within the Pale, as fchat, coupled with the second section of the law, crowds the Jews from the rural districts and small villages into the towns and townlets of the Pale. The second section suspends temporarily the "Completion of instru meiits of purchase of real property and mortgages in the name of Jews; as also the registration of Jews as lessees of landed estates situated out- side the precincts of towns and townlets." The tendency of this was to still further restrict the i^ossibility of Jews to live in the country dis tricts, for if a Jew might not secure land by purchase, mortgage, or lease, his agricultural life must end. Poland was excepted under these May laws. These May laws are known as " Temporary orders;" they may how- ever, last forever, and have already existed for nine years. The Em peror gave his consent to these temporary laws on the 3d day of May, 1882. This still i^ermitted those Jews who were living in the rural dis- tricts of the Pale, at the time of the issuing of these temi)orary orders, to continue their residences, but it i^re vented additions, and we shall have occasion to cite a number of cases showing how strictly, unfairly, and harshly these laws were and are construed against those who were established before their issuance. For instance, a young man is called into the service as a soldier; upon his discharge he returns to his former place of residence and is refused permission to settle there, as it is out- side a town or townlet, and because he has changed his residence. In one case an old man having lived for years in a little village, and had there sustained himself, was obliged temi)orarily to remove in order that his landlord might repair his dwelling. When he returned he was notified that he had changed his residence and was not i)ermitted to stay. It is true that these May laws shortly after their issuance, because of the protests that were sent from other countries, were relaxed in their severity and in many i)laces were practically a dead letter; for what is law in one Guberuium is not considered so in another, depend- ing entirely upon the view of the officials in charge, and ui)on the abil- ity of the proscribed classes to paj^ the tribute of blackmail levied by the authorities and police. We would not make these statements so strong were it not for the fact that it is so general as to be admitted by the Eussian people and our oft-repeated questions to the Jews as to how they "kept on good terms with the police," was regularly answered in a tone which indicated surprise that intelligent persons should ask for information upon a subject so universally known as to be considered almost the corner stgne of their official edifice. 'The towns and townlets referred to are those within the Pale. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 39 RECENT REGULATIONS AND THEIR OPERATIONS. In 1865 a decree was issued, inviting into the interior, from tlie Pale, certain classes who at that time had not the right of residence outside of the Pale, among them being "hand workers" or artisans. The ground work of this decree, as stated therein, was that there was a sur- plus of artisans in the Pale and a deficiency in the interior, and that it was designed not only to relieve the one, but to foster and develop the industries of the other. In 1880 another circular was issued, which in substance gave the right of residence outside the Pale to all those who were then living outside the Pale. Under these two decrees or circulars many of the Jews settled in the interior, established themselves in business, mar- ried, many of them raised children and grandcliildren who never were within the Pale, but who have since received orders to leave and go to the districts where their parents and grandparents w^re previously in- scribed to take up the burden of life under conditions with which they are not familiar and among people who are strangers. The promulgation of the May laws of 1882 was the first intimation that new restrictions were intended, and the construction of these laws, except during the interval when they were practically disregarded by the authorities because of the protests already referred to, have been growing more and more severe and always against the Jews. The artisans, however, who were invited to live in the interior were not affected until within the last few months. The first evidence in this direction was found in the difficulty of obtaining the annual renewal of their certificates of artisauship from the artisan guilds, which are managed and controlled by boards, in the affairs of which the Jews have no voice, however great may be their membership. Many cases came to our attention, which will be cited hereafter, showing that the common method, before the order expelling them was actually promul- gated, Avas to visit the workshops in which these artisans were em- ployed when they were out delivering work, or perhaps on a holiday, and because they were not found actually engaged in such artisans' work at the time of the visit were reported as being fraudulently en- rolled in the artisan's guild and thereupon expelled to the Pale. JNIen who were enrolled as artisans to pursue the vocation of watchmakers were expelled because they had sold watch keys, one of the conditions being that they should not sell anything except articles of their own manufacture. Tailors were expelled because the buttons which were sold on the clothes were not manufactured by them. These were mere tricks, resorted to in advance of the order which subsequently came expelling all artisans fiom Moscow, and indicates a desire to illustrate the practical workings of laws which had been suggested, were being considered, but had not yet been legally decreed. It may be wise, in order to ascertain the practical effect of a contemplated law, to put it into operation experimentally, but it is, nevertheless, startling to an American. It evidently worked satisfactorily to the Russian authorities, as it was followed up by an edict, issued in July last* expelling artisans ang already signed the '^voluntary agreement" [)resented to him last Saturday for his signature. Has invested a capital of 10,000 rubles; but two months ago ordered machinery for the extension of his business, which cost him 6,800 marks and which is now in the custom- house. Tlie machinery is paid for, but the duties are not. It will cost him between 6,000 and 7,000 rubles more to set it u[), and he can not iiafford, under the circumstances, to take the risk. He asked for an elextension of time for one year additional, so that he might set up his iie machinery and possibly sell out his establishment, but this has been pfldenied. He is registered as an artisan, and all such must now go. He ;^ is paying the tax of a merchant of the second guild, but as artisans are lilnoAv expelled, his payment of the tax for belonging to the second guild -y is of no avail. He has supported six families at his former resilience t/in Kovno. He does not know how these families will live or what he H. Ex. 37 39 46 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. can do. His house furniture cost liim over 4,000 rubles, which he will be obliged to sell for little or nothing. He has a business reputation extending over the whole of Eussia; four-fifths of his business is done in Moscow. He said : My ambition has been to build up a business that my children and children's chi] dreu might continue, and my great desire has been to establish a reputation in niy line it beirg the first of the kind in this country. There will be more serious restrictions upon us, and I look for help from no quarter this side of Heaven. I could remain here and carry on my business if I would agree to be baptized. To do so I would violate my conscience and destroy my manhood. Without conscience or manhood I can not expect to succeed in any- thing. I do not pretend to be a pious man, but have a conscience which I know when 1 violate. I do not believe that the good God compels a specific form of wor- ship. I do not claim that my religion is better than others. I respect all religions and believe that difl^erences are necessary for the advancement of civilization, but there is a moral right belonging to each man to follow his own conviction. I do not ask or want the right of the nobleman, but I do desire the right of one of those di anken peasants who lie about the streets. When I go to a place to make com- plaints they say, '^ You are a Jew." If I violate a laAv punish me, but do not puuisli me for not violating laws. I should not be persecuted on account of religion. I have achieved a fair reputation for honorable dealing, and have had in my factory the property of others amounting to 200,000 rubles. I have a right to be proud of such evidence of confidence in my integrity. It is my stock and capital in business, which must be sacrificed because I am a Jew. I have ruined no man, but have helped many poor, for I can not forget that I came to Moscow a poor man. He showed us the photograph of his little 9-year-old daughter, who he said he desired to educate better than he himself had been educated, but he can not gain for her admission to the schools. He said : I have therefore procured a private governess, who is a Christian, to educate the child at my own home. My son I have brought up in this business, and he is a better man than I, because he is better educated; but now he must go. I want him to establish himself in America. ' Mr. Press is a large, fine-looking, manly person, who spoke with fluency ^ and deep feeling. EFFECT OF THE PERSECUTIONS ON BUSINESS. i A. W., a dry goods merchant of the first guild, and therefore has the . right of residence here. Business sales averaged about 1,500,000 rubles i per annum; will be less than 500,000 this year; would be pleased to have it still less, as his losses would be lighter. He says he does not know to whom to sell, and his business since the March troubles has been paralyzed. Because of this he has already since that time had [ paper protested to the amount of over 100,000 rubles. i O. G., merchant of the first guild, manufacturer of silks, satins, plushes, etc., has two factories, one here in Moscow and the other in the country; employs altogether about 900 workmen, chiefly Eussians; i among them nine Jew clerks and four Jews employed in the factories, who are expelled and expect to go to America. His business is very much depressed and injured, owing to the troubles; claims that he can , not carry oji his business with Russian clerks and assistants. Tlu^ business was founded by his father, and is thoroughly well established. We visited his Moscow factory, which was shut down, owing to its be- ing a Russian holiday. The fact that his employes were largely Rus- sians was evidenced by a number of little shrines in the work rooms. The specimens of his manufacture of silks, satins, plushes, and velvets were found to be excellent in character and quality. He started to re- build his factory about two years ago, which he said he would not think of doing now. Most of his machinery is of foreign make, with a Buckeye engine and boiler from the United States. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 47 The effect' of this pressure upon the Jews and upon business is dis- astrous in general, and it was difficult for us to understand why these persecutions were persisted in, in view of the inevitable distress plainly foreshadowed, already felt, and which must continue to increase, and which increase is corroborated by the reports that have come to us privately and through the }»ress since our return. The reason, so far as we are able to gather from the mass of evidence, some of Avhich was irrelevant, a good deal contradictory, and all strange, was at first sui:)posed to be based largely on religious fanaticism and partly on economic grounds. In view of the fact, however, that the current of others from Eussia (non- Jews), and not members of the ortho- dox Greek Church, such as Germans (cases of which we met after leav- ing Eussia), the sect known as Stundists (a species of Baptist), Men- nonites, etc., is growing, we are inclined to the belief that it is mostly, if not altogether, a case of religious persecution. On August 25 we again met Mr. Bl. at his office, and found there several gentlemen, who made statements as to the existing conditions; and for the purpose of verification we visited the jjrison, hospital, arti- san's school (where we met the Jewish committee of Moscow), and the Smolensky dejjot to see departing emigrants. We had seen published, and had frequently heard made, statements that Jews were sent to the etape prisons and forwarded by etape in chains for no other reason than that they were Jews. This has been denied, and met by state- ments that Jews in such convoys were simply ordinary criminals. It Avould have been a simple matter to single out the Jews in such con- voys, but it was not possible to corroborate their statements, even if permitted to make them, that they were marched by etape for no reason other than that they were Jews, as the guards would not likely know of the circumstances, or disclose them if they did. It was necessary, therefore, to obtain entrance to such prison and there learn the reason for the confinement of the Jew inmates. Without letters from the authorities to open the doors to us it did not seem practicable to secure the desired entrance, and we were informed that it was strictly forbid- den to admit persons without orders. A method was found, however, to open the doors, and on one of the days during our stay in Moscow Commissioner Weber visited the receiving prison, opposite the Smolny monastery. Among the, prisoners was Bela Eeisa, who is registered in Mohilev, a province within the Pale; has been a widow for eight years, by occupation a cook, and as such has been permitted as a matter of right to live in Moscow, her passport requiring, as in all cases, annual renewal. On the 30th day of March, 1801, she handed this passi^ort to the police authorities in Moscow to be transmitted to her place of reg- istry for the usual certification preparatory to renewal, but the same had not been returned to her, and notwithstanding she had in her pos- session a certificate showing that her passport had been handed in for renewal, she was arrested for not having a passport and confined in this prison and ordered to be sent by etape to her birth i^lace. The fol- lowing is a translation of the certificate, showing that her passport was properly in the hands of the authorities for renewal : [Ministry of the Interior. From the Elder of the Mohilev Community. 'No. 825.] March 30, 1891. The passport of the native of Mohilev, Bela Reisa, daughter of Morducha Terman- owa, was sent to the police captain of the Ist precinct of Akmovsky, district of the city of Moscow. She stated that the only food received was '^ bitter bread,'' 48 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Another case was that of Samuel Joseph Levin, a boy of 15. This boy was born in Moscow ; his father Uved in , near Moscow. He was inscribed in his father's passport and had the right to live outside the Pale. The father was absent at his place of registry in order to ob- tain a certificate for the renewal of his passport. While the father was absent the boy was arrested, sent to this prison, and also ordered to be sent by etape. Both of these person sH^laimed that they had committed no offense, but were confined simply because they were Jews. This statement was corroborated to Commissioner Weber by the official in charge, who spoke German fairly well. He said that these people, mean- ing the woman and boy, are not criminals; on the contrary good people, and that they had been ordered to be sent by 6tape because they were Jews. With reference to the charge that Jews not guilty of crimes (except that of having been born Jews), are sent by etape in chains, and which has been so vigorously denied, it is fully established b}^ official docu- ments, duly signed and sealed with the official seal, which we saw. TJiese documents were in the shape of blanks, filled out, giving, among other things, in their i^roper columns, the ^'names'' (which, for pruden- tialreasons, are omitted), that he ^^must leave the place because" — (we give the Eussian words as well as the translation), ''Za neimeniem. prava proschivat V," which translated reads: ''For not having thei right to reside in." In another column headed, ''How shall the sub- jects be sent," were these words: "V narouchniach," the translation of which is, "In handcuffs." This was the translation as furnished to us, and in order to make sure that there was no mistake, a certain prominent olficial was visited to whom the paper was handed, so folded that nothing should appear but the indicated language. He promi^tly translated the same, as we had already been informed. When he read "in handcuffs" he seemed then for the first time to comprehend its meaning, and immediately said,, "You must not mix me up in this matter." JEWISH COMMITTEE OF MOSCOW. The Jewish committee of Moscow is a body forced into existence by the distressful conditions which were precipitated upon their people, and is composed of professional and business men who have yet the right of residence there. The chief aim of the committee is to assist those who have been ordered out, and in consequence, are compelled to sacrifice their j)roperty and to aid them in reaching the Pale by the, ordinary methods of conveyance instead of being sent by etape. They I do not aid them to go beyond the Pale. At this committee room we| met a number of Jews who had been ordered out, the statements of J some of whom we present hereafter. The books of this committee: were examined by us showing the receipts by contributions from chari- table persons with the expenditures, the beneficiaries, the town in Russia to which they were ticketed, the number of tickets issued, and the sums given for food en route. The account begins April 9, 1891, and was posted up to August 15, 1891, showing an expenditure oi '(i5,90() rubles. Two thousand one hundred and ninety-five tickets Ibi adults were purchased and a large number of quarter tickets for chil dren. Although the collections have been 27,000 rubles up to date, we were informed that no more could be made owing to the gencrall demoralization among the Jews who have heretofore contributed. AV credit among them is destroyed and no one knows where the blow ma}, next faU. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 49 CASES. SEEN AND STATEMENTS TAKEN AT THE COMMITTEE ROOMS. A widow by the name of Xakliema, lived here tweuty-oue years; her husband was a merchant. After his death she worked at shirt-making and during the live years of her widowhood has earned about 60 rubles per month, aided by her daughter, who has more than an average edu- cation. The committee furnished them tickets to Warsau, Poland. An old man by the name of Levy, lived here nineteen years; had a shirt-making establishment; annual profits from 4,000 to 5,000 rubles. Since the raid in April, nearly five months, he has taken in only about 400 rubles because of the loss of customers and general trade disturb- ance. His son '^ has the right to remain here also," but both are ordered to leave in nine months. He is more favorably situated than others as he has parents within the Pale who can assist him. Simon Toohatsinsky, aged 40 years, six years in Moscow: a baker, and therefore had the right of residence. He is married and has five chil- dren, daughters. Ordered to leave within two months by the police who took his passport away and told him that it woukl be returned to him "day after to-morrow." This was two weeks ago and the passport has not yet been received and of course will not be. He came from Koviio where he learned his trade. He had been earning 00 rubles per month; now he can not get 20. His daughter, a tailoress, 19 years old, has also been ordered away. He was one of the victims of the " oblava," the midnight raid of last April. This man, although having the right to reside in Moscow by reason of his artisan's certificate, was arrested and confined in a dark room until 8 in the morning, and then taken to the police station where he was detained for twenty-eight hours longer without anytliing to eat. Provisions were brought for him but tliey were not allowed to be delivered. Those who had the right of residence as he had, weie finally discharged; the others were sent byetape, hand- cutt'ed with criminals, among them several murderers. He said that he knew them to be murderers as they wore a yellow diamond on the back, thieves being decorated with black ones. Nearly 500 were arrested that night and 200 sent to prison. A family of five children were taken from the fatiier because the mother was absent. The children were all small and had nothing to eat for thirty six hours. Mr. Le])in, cook, aged 44, lived here nearly twenty-seven years; came from Mohilev; married, seven (children, from 10 to 23 years old; ordered aAvay August 24, but got six months grace. A policeman came to his house and asked him to sign the usual voluntary agreement to go out in six months. He saw the midnight raid already described, but for- tunately for hini, was outside of the circle. He has at various times sheltered relatives for the night who came to Moscow on a visit, and for which he was fined 40 rubles for each offense and the last time was imprisoned for one month. Since then he has not dared to shelter his relatives when they came on a simple visit. This man wants to go to the Argentine Republic. Mrs. Ita Zalkin, a widOw 40 years old; one son 12 years, two daugh- ters 15 and 18, and one daughter married. Is a cook and therefore had the right of residence. A month ago she, as well as the sons and daugliters, received notice to leave within three months. She wants to go to where some of her people are, in America. Her employers speak of her as a very excellent woman. Kapliael Efross, married, wife, five daughters and one son, has been here twenty-four years and has the right of residence in Moscow as assistant to his brother, a tradesman of the first guild. About a month H. Ex. 235 4 50 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ago, July 25, liis passport was called in with a request for his state ment whether he came here to work for his brother or whether he i^ simi)ly a resident of the city. His son has been ordered out, to leave within six months. The father was daily expecting an order of expul sion. (Since we saw him the order of expulsion has been served, auc he is now on his way to America.) He lived near the etape prison, tlii; being the one already referred to. \He has been in the habit of di tributing food and assisting the peoi)le who have been expelled and arc in transit; said the men are chained and handcufied to each other but not the women and children. Xo distinction is made between Jews and criminals going by etape and they are mixed indiscriminately witl criminals of all kinds, although the convicts are kept separate in tin IDrison. Mrs. Efross, wife of Raphael, whom we saw at her home, tolc us of a woman named ISTerschovitz, from Nijui-Kovgorod, accomi)anie( by her husband and five children, who had been ordered out and were going to Warsaw. On the way to Moscow, and in prison, she was de liver ed of a child which was seven days old when they reached here They remained here three weeks and Mrs. Efross frequently took nour ishment and clothing for the child to the prison. They were forwardec by etape with about 50 other prisoners on the 27-28 Jul}', the husban( being in chains. He had formerly been a shopkeeper, and his crim« was that he is a Jew. Mrs. Efross said that she had often tried to lui nish food to the children and the women, but was usually driven awa^ by the soldiers. She frequently went with the column from the foi warding prison to the station for the purpose of furnishing those people who saiital then of COO rubles, annual sales until recently have been 180,000 rubles. The fac- tojy, stock, and business was worth prior to the disturbances 45,000 rubles; must now sacrifice at least 25,000 rubles. Received notice in Ai)iil to leave within twelve months. A son (over 21), three as- sistants, a bookkeeper, a clerk and cashier, received three months' grace, another assistant who [)aid the |)olice, five and a half months'. Another with five children twelve months. Asked if he paid anything for his privilege (he being in the category granting a six-months limit) shrugged his shoulders and replied "ISo one receives grace without paying the police." He called his creditors together, told them his credit was gone and his business ruined. He exhibited to us the state- ment which he placed before his creditors showing assets 100,800 rubles, acceptance outstanding 41,500 rubles, commercial pai}er discounted and outstanding 5G,884 rubles, of which about 10,000 rubles had akeadj^ gone to protest. Their customers (;an not or will not pay ; those refusing because no new goods will be sold to them. The factor}^ and arrange- t ments cost over 10,000 rubles. They advertised it for sale three times but have had no bids. They would gladly take 2,000 rubles. For his oiiice furniture for which he paid 800 rubles he has received a bid of 50 .rubles; would sell for 100. Would sell wagons, sleighs, etc., for 10x)er ;cent of cost. Sold one horse costing 150 rubles for 48. When asked wln^re he intended to go he said he did not know. Twenty-five years ago some of his relatives went to Chicago ; about the same time he went ;to Moscow. A correspondence has been kept up, the Chicago relatives • writing that they had prosi^ered and were rich. They replied that they too had i>rospered. ^'Our Chicago relatives are American citizens. We are driven into a stiange world with twenty-one children and are almost ashamed to go to our Cliicago friends. We are aimless and hopeless." Teais streamed from this man's eyes as he told his tale. 54 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. He is an intelligent, well preserved man forty-seven years of age. "]\I,^ children have been thoroughly educated as fast as they grew up, edu cation having thus far carried with it certain privileges but these an now taken away." Mr. E., vouched for as a young man of respectability, a former resi dent of the Yolga region, said of the people there: "They are mostly o German, Swiss, and Bavarian extraction. They had concessions fioii Catherine the Second, freeing them from military service for one huii dred years, to which afterwards was added fifty years. This term ex pired twelve or thirteen years ago. M any of them are Mennonites, son h of whom first emigrated to Mexico and afterwards to the United States The movement was checked by bad reports from the emigrants, bu owing to impoverished land, hard times in Russia, and official pressure it is again beginning, and emigration to the United States may be ex pected in the near future." (As already stated, this is beginning t( manifest itself.) The pioneers to the United States were of the bette class who desired to escape military duty and settle in a free country They did not own their lands along the Volga, but held them unde three- year leases. We next visited the school for the Jewish artisans in Moscow, wber boys are educated and taught some trade. This institution has beei supported entirely by the Jewish community, but the recent older will effectively destroy it. Some of its teachers and women cook about the place have already been ordered to leave, and wives of th members of the committee have been temporarily pressed into servic to rex3lace such cooks. There are now 25 orphan boys lodged here am 40 others obtain their meals at this place. Twelve little fellows wer eating their dinners at the time we visited, all children of parents wli have been expelled from the city and who have no other place to gel bread. As we entered another department of this institution one c the emi)loyes, a baker, believing tliat we were x)o]ice si)ies, fled precij itately, fearing we were going to arrest him. Adjoining this school w saw a very fine building, designed for a synagogue, upon which tiier have already been expended about 200,000 rubles. The head of th Greek Church, M. Pobiedonostzev, ordered the cupolas taken down o the ground that the orthodox peasants might mistake it for one of tbei own churches. The plan of this synagogue was originally a])prove by the municipal and other authorities, as required. One of the con mittee stated that it will never be finished, as there is crying need fo the money they have for other and more urgent purposes. At a hospital subsequently visited we also created terror to the phj sicians in charge, who begged us not to mention their names in connec tion with the subject-matter of our inquiries. They were so evident! desirous of leaving the hospital, and so panic stricken, that we fej compelled to leave before finishing what seemed to us pertinent bn harmless inquiries. We also called on the United States consul, Mr. Wertheim, who ha not received our circular letter. We left with him a coi)y and dii cussed the propositions therein laid down. His reply was subsequentl sent and will be found among other consular letters. He stated tlu some of the emigrants took money from there, as he frequently issue drafts on I^ew York for them, he being a banker. Marcus Feingold, butcher- aged 50; married; eight children, and lu lived in Moscow twenty years ; doing a fair business, profits averagin 100 rubles per month; attended to his business as usual, until last Fi day, August 20, when the j^olice called on him, compelled him to sig ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 55 the ^'voluntary agreement" to leave within six months, the document being dated back so that one month of the time allowed had already passed before notification. This man was present at the '^ oblava" of last spring, was arrested and put into the dark room already described, men and women together, his own niece among the number. He paid 25 rubles to the police, and with his family was permitted to return home. The first raid was made at midnight, and for some time after people would leave their homes about that hour and walk the streets for the rest of the night, returning in the morning. Eaids were made after- ward, but usually about 5 in the morning, in order to secure those who were absent during the night. On the night in question men, women, and children fled from their homes and wandered about the streets scantily clad, shivering in the cold April weather, not knowing where -to go. ^'My wife is a farmer's daughter and understands that business, and if we could get land somewhere we would farm it and earn our bread, anywhere where we can live unmolested." He closed by saying: ^'I am not afraid of work, but here it is no use; I do not know where to go — I am a wanderer." Mr. Goldberg, a leather merchant for twenty years: married, and lived in Moscow twenty-three years; has nine children, the eldest a son 19 years old; has eighty liussian employes in his factory; yearly business amounts to 150,000 rubles. His leather is much sought after in Ham- burg and other parts of Germany, having a large trade there. He was going on with his business as u.sual when, on August 20, he was ordered to sign the ''voluntary agreement" and leave the city within one year. Is a merchant of the second guild; pays a tax of 300 rubles, which he paid tiie first of the year. His factory cost him 15,000 rubles, and as it can not be readily transferrd it will be practically a total sacrifice, be- sides the loss of business and annual income. The banks refuse credit, and former associates will no longer have business relations with him, "because I am an outcast." "My credit has been excellent until now, but it is gone, as no one knows what orders from the police may come. My record and character are good, as my testimonials from business as- sociates show, but these are of no use as against an order from the po- lice." A firm named # * * ^ three brothers, manufacturers of buttons, thimbles, and steel implements, came here with parents twenty- two years ago. The manufactory which they now run. has been doing busi- ness regularly for fifty-four years, they following their father, who pur- chased it from a predecessor. They employ about one hundred work- men, all Russians; ann^jal business amounts to 80,000 rubles. Their business relations have always been of the best, and their patrons have been chiefly Russians, who now give them letters of recommendation and exx)ressions of regret that they must leave the business. Cost of the manufactory was 25,000 rubles, and as yet they have found no one who will take the establishment ofl* their hands, as they are the inven- tors of some of the specialties they manufacture, and can not so readily transfer the business to others. They are merchants of the second gnild, and besides the regular tax, as such, they pay an "irregular tax" of 250 rubles more. They are ordered to leave in July, 1892. They intend to ])etition the Government for permission to remain, as they are the only manufacturers of this kind here, but they have faint hope that I the Government will leave them unmolested. Their record is a good one, and some of their friends have advised them to change their ' religion and remain. The officials told them if they entered the ortho- I dox church they might stay, and they would be pleased to help them in 56 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. aTiy way tliey can. Tlieir credit, wWcli lias been unquestioned hereto tore, is ruined. Asked whether they had ever spoken against the orthc dox church or conversed with the Eussian workmen upon religion matters, they answered, on the contrary they are quite indilil'erent abou such things. They have always observed the numerous holidays of th orthodox church, permitting their enjployes to go to their churches an« perform their religious duties. They frequently contributed mone> when asked, for the orthodox church. They do not know where to g if they are forced to leave. They were born in Libau and have a prac tical education, are fine-looking, intelligent gentlemen, and appeared t us as if they would be desirable additions to any country. MyerAbrahamson, watchmaker ; aged 40; Avife and two daughters; ha resided in Moscow twelve years; has been exi^elled, to leave within si mouths; lived in Moscow under the right of an artisan up to the tim of the July edict, where he maintained himself comfortably; desired t go to America, where ''I can earn a living in peace." He has closed hi shoi-) and is without means to purchase tickets for himself a^id family He said it was imi30ssible for him to maiutain his family within th Pale, as there are already too many of his trade there. He has ser\ e« his time in the army and his pass^^ort entitled him to remain here, lii children are now learning English, in order that they may be able t understand and speak the language of their new home. His wife wa pregnant and very near her confinement, and because of that he mad an application for delay, which he secured until the birth of his child but the next day after the child was born he was ordered away, to go a once. He expects to go to the Argentine. Berke Kurtschik, baker; aged 27 ; married ; three children ; served fiv years in the army, from which he was discharged three years ago. H was at work in a bakery for Schuerkegrad, who has also been ordered to leaA e before November. He has lived in Moscow eighteen yeais says he is not afraid of work, and does not care what he does so Ion as it enables hinj honestly to earn his bread. He owes his landlord with wliom he had lived as tenant for twelve years, two months' rent Being unable to pay it, his hmdloid obtained a writ and ejected hii from the house, i)nttii)g his furniture into the street last Friday. Sine then he has had no home. His wife is far advanced in pregnancy The committee gave him two tickets to Orcha, the first railroad statio within the Pale. Simon Ellenson, hatmaker; aged 45; wife and two children; twentj five years in Moscow; is going to the Argentine Republic with his famij to cultivate the soil. His passport exjured S^'pteinber 19, 1891, and h has made an application to have it renewed, but knows that it will no be, and therefore is trying to make arrangements to get away. Chain Kinderman, tailor, has been ordered away, and his busines is utterly destroyed; he is destitute, and has not been able to earu penny for months. He has seven members in the family, and applie. for tickets for the Argentine Republic. The committee informed Lii he must wait a few days until they can ascertaiii what their finance will permit them to do. Jankel Kleinerman, tailor; married; one daughter; thirteen years i Moscow; always earned a comfortable living until his business was ca stroyed. Applied to coumiittee for assistance, and they gave him tw tickets for Orcha. Nochin Haiser, 50 years of age, has had a factory for making cigai ette holders, which business has been ruined. Has six months to stay he does not want money, simply advice, as he does not know what t ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 57 do, but desires to go to the Argentine Eepublic. He has a daughter in America, and has two other children, boys, one 18 the other 12, with whom he wants to go to same place where they can earn an honest living. Dara Jonathaiison, midwife; three children; husband in ^STew York City, on Fift}^- eighth street. She has a legal right to live here because of her profession, but her practice has been destroyed by the driving out of her clients. Dr. B., 31 years old, lived in Moscow twelve years; employed to visit sick Jews confined at home. His statistics show a decrease of the num- ber of sick Jews, which he explained by saying that it is owing to the fact that se many have been expelled. He has frequently been applied to to furnish certificates that persons were too ill to be safely removed, but his certificate carries with it little weight at headquarters, because he is a Jew. The following figures indicate the extent of the exodus and refer to cheap dinners, from 6 to 18 kopecks (3 to 9 cents), furnished by the Jewish Aid Society: 1891. Janiiarv 3, 461 February 3,203 March 2.960 April* 8,400 May 1,472 June 1,. 655 A. B., manufactuier and dealer in gentlemen's and ladies' clothing, born in Courland, 40 years old, twenty-five years in Moscow, emi)]oys 60 workmen directly in his establishments and about 250 who take work home. Nearly all of his emj)loyes are Kussians. He has lived here under the right of an artisan and under the right conferred by circular 30 of 1880. He has been notified to leave and is granted 12 months to close up his affairs. This long time is given because of his [large business relations involving extended transactions with Russians. Annual sales about 300,000 rubles; has invested between 60,000 and 70,000 rubles. The building in which he .transacts business and man- ufactures goods belongs to the Russian church, for which he pays 7,000 rubles annual rent. He has 19 agents selling his goods. He has ! offered his business for sale and received an offer of 30 per cent for his goods and 800 rubles for furniture of ofi&ce, machinery, etc., which cost 8,000 rubles. He was sent for by chief of police, Gen. Yourkoffsky, to whom he said that he would agree to discontinue his business if i>er- mitted to live here simply as a private citizen. This was denied, with ■ the information that if he discontinued business, notice would be sent to the board of artisans to strike his name from the rolls as per the following order: Ministry of the Interior, Office of the Chief of Police, Passport Section , , 1801. To the Chief Officer of the 3d Police Division of the Tirverskoy Section : I hereby order your nobility to declare to the Jew, A. B., who lives in your division . and is born in the town of * * * (a town in the Volga Province), that his peti- tion to permit him to reside longer in Moscow can not be granted because it lacks a legal foundation according to circular 30 of 1880 of the ministry of the interior. That the petitioner is permitted to reside in Moscow as an artisan until expelled ac- cording to the order of the 28th March this year. After A. B. closes his establish- * I'igures for April are swelled by the large number of Jewish soldiers who availed themselves of the society's work during the Passover. 58 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ment, then the board of artisans must advertise the fact and exclude him liom the artisan guild. After receiving notice of exclusion this Jew will be expelled from Moscow within the period of one month and his departure shall be reported to me. YOURKOFFSKY, Chief Police Office?- of Moscow. After this the circular of July 14 was issued, and this took away from him the last hope of being permitted to stay. He has a wife and four children all born in Moscow, expects to go the United States and engage in business. It has cost him about 500 rubles annually to remain "on good terms with the police." Policemen go into his place, order clothing and promise to pay, which they never do, and he dare not Usk payment. We visited his store and found a very large and elegant establishment, well stocked, although many of his goods are now at the Nishni-Novgorod fair, which is annually held for a period of two months. Many more cases could be cited of people who clamored for help at the himds of the committee. Their appeals and importunities for tickets, advice, anything to aid them in getting away from the dreadful police espionage and the dreaded 6tape which stares them in the face if they can not in some way raise the money to leave when ordered. Nearly all of them are artisans or have been business men of some kind, and in general their appearance indicates industry and character. All told the same story : the tailor, whose customers have left ; the butcher, whose business has been ruined because of the exodus; old men, women, and childreii^ importuning the committee to give heed to their cries and help them to get away from their surroundings, any place being better than here, where they are living in constant terror of persecution. Homes are destroyed, business ruined, families separated, all claiming that they are not criminals except that they are charged with being Jews 5 all expressing a Avillingness and anxiety to work, begging for the ox)portunity to begin life somewhere, where they do not know nor do they care. The overpowering desire on the part of all of them is to get away from here, whether it is to America, Brazil, Africa, or the Ar- gentine Eepublic. "marina roschcha" (Mary's wood). Shortly after the raid upon the Jewish quarter, already related, a simi- lar descent was made on the Jews living outside of the city line of Mos- cow, at a place known as "Marina Koschcha." This place a few years ago was a forest or grove, which was cleared, streets laid out, and houses built by Russians for poor Jews, and for those who felt the pressure of tlie exactions of the Moscow police as a greater financial burden than they could carry. These houses were all inhabited, but at present the most of them are empty, a few having been occupied since the raid by the poorer classes of Russians and some Jews. We visited this quarter and found a little village which presented evidence of former thrift and neatness, but now was in a sadly dilapidated condition. We called at the house of one Lebidoff, a Russian, who owns a two-story wood building, the upper part consisting of one room divided by thin partitions into four small rooms occupied by Jews. Among them we found one Samuel Grozoftsky, 30 years old, wife and two small children, born in Minsk, has been seventeen years in Moscow, the last four of which he lived at ^' Marina Roschcha." He is a manufacturer of buttons; employed 20 or 30 hands, all Russians but one. His patrons were Rus- sian shopkeepers ; annual sales 10,000 to 12,000 rubles. He was ex- pelled from Moscow four years ago, charged with having secretly hax'bored a Jew assistant, Samuel Itin. The assistant had a right to ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 59 eside in Moscow, but failed to have his certificate from rhe board of rtisans renewed, which had expiied three days before. The cost of re- lewal was 3 rubles, but unless accompanied by bribe money even in hose days these certificates were usually refused upon the ground that he applicant was not a competent artisan. The employer was obliged pay for his own reneAval 75 rubles. The assistant was confined in he ''Outchastok" three days and ordered to be sent per etape to Mo- dlev. At the end of three days he was sent to the prison already re- erred to, where he would have been detained a long time waiting the aaking up of a convoy. The employer bribed the official with 20 rubles ,nd succeeded in sending him away within the week, for which he was med 5 rubles for rendering aid to an assistant and expelled fi^om the ity. The machinery in his establishment, Avhich cost him 7,000 rubles, le sold for 200 as scrap iron, and then took emi^loyment as a clerk with , Jewish merchant named Ginsberg and was permitted to live in •Marina Eoschcha'' by maintaining ^' good terms with the police.^^ The It. Lebidoff referred to has six houses at this place, contain lag four- een separate lodging compartments, which, before March 1891, were 11 occupied by Jews. Ten of these are now vacant. A 11 the Jews ivhig in these houses must leave before November. ; Aaron Gowrowitsch, of Broggin, Minsk Gubernium, G4 years old, lived a Moscow eleven years, wife and five chilren and four orX)han children »elonging to his brother; made his living by selling goods on com- aission, his family remaining in the pale, to whom he senc from 100 to 50 rubles monthly for support. He has lived in this suburb three "tuonths (for two months before he came here he Avas frequently compelled ;jo sleep in the streets, sometimes receiving shelter from i'riends who 'Jvould take the risk). He was arrested, fined, and ordered to be sent \hy etape. He had with him 100 rubles and 40 ko])ecks; he divided the 00 rubles between the pristav (head official) and his three assistants, 'lor which they sent him under guard to the railroad station, where lome friends paid his passage to a town called Viasma, on the Smolen- ky Railroad, where he borrowed means from friends and returned to jloscow to close up his business afi'airs. He has succeeded in collecting Ibout 3,000 rubles, and intends to go to the United States with his ikmily in a short time. He is an intelligent, respectable appearing man, •Ivell preser\ed for his age. Two of his boys are students at the gym- s lasium in the pale. Two of the nights when he was homeless he was per- > flitted to sleep -upon some damp clothes in a laundry, for which the I'.ind -hearted Kussian proprietor appropriated his shirts, eight in uum- 1 >er. V Mrs. Denia Ohaskin related to us a story of the case of Mrs. Epstein, 1 rho was living at "Mariana Koschcha" at tlie time of the police raid Mpon this quarter. In the darkness Mrs. Epstein was separated from rtier husband and child and fied to a neighboring Christian cemetery, eVhere she was I'ound in the morning by her mother, unconscious, and \b child to which she had given birth during the night lying by her side iilold in death. The woman is now in Mohilev and the husband in e'Vilna, an-anging to go to the United States. The name of the father i.|'f the woman is Solomon Ohainwein, now in Warsaw. i{ Much of the furniture that was tumbled in the streets at the time .;rf the raid was left, because it could not be sold. Chairs costing 3 or 4 V ubles were offered at 5 or 10 kopecks (from 3 to 5 cents). Mr. Gowro- ^.ii'itsch is Tiow burning his furniture instead of wood. V Pozia, daugliter of Benjamin Farber, born in Mohilev, 53 years of ge, eight children, two married. Has lived in Moscow nine yeais; has bO ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS.- an establisliment for manufacturing sMrts. Last February two Jews, acquaintances, came to the city and remained at lier house over night. One of them came to visit his son, a student of pharmacy, and the other, an old man who was sick, came to consult a physician. About 2 o'clock j in the morning two detectives came into the house to search for somei person, who was not found; but they arrested the two people mentioned, took them to the police station, Avher^ they remained one day and then were ordered to leave town in twenty-four hours, which they did. She was arrested afterwards and imprisoned for seven days, confined with drunkards and vagabonds and not permitted to see her children who came to visit her and had permission to do so from the authorities, which the underlings refused. She has been ordered out and has lour months to wind up her business in. She dare not return to her native place, as her relatives write her that there is no work for her and people are star\ing. She desires to go to America, where she hopes to find em- l)loyment, her children all being able and willing to work. E. F., 48 years old, born in Courland, lived twenty-two years in Mos- cow; is an assistant to a merchant of the first guild and a tradesman dealing in trimmings; annual sales 400,000 rubles; employs four clerks and is doing a good business. He was requested to sign the usual "voluntary agreement,'' to which he objected, saying he had not re- quested to be expelled and break up his business and sacrifice his' position; that he did not want to sign an agreement purporting to be; voluntary when in fact it was a matter of force. To which the officerj replied that signing the agreement would secure for him six months grace instead of forty-eight hours. Seeing the force of this argument' he signed the "voluntary agreement." His household eftects cost him over 7,000 rubles, for which he expects about 700. H e hopes to arrange with some Christian friend to assume charge of his business, and intends to move to Dresden, awaiting developments, returning here once a year secretly. He has a son 23 years of age. Two years ago he was re- quested to report for military service, but was found deficient in chest measurement and Avas temporarily rejected, to report a year after foi' measurement and to ascertain Avhether he had improved sufficiently to come uf) to the required standard. The next year he was remeasured and again found to be deficient, and, as he is a Jew, he was sent to the station house in charge of the police to be returned per etai^e to the Courland (rubernium. Upon receiving information of the son's detention, his father arranged to put himself on good terms with the i)olice and i)rocured the son's release. These "good terms" secured for him at the time of the April raid a previous notice that his son must not be there that night, and he was therefore hidden and not found. He must again report for examination in November. He desires to send the boy to America. Asked Avhethei he intended to send him there before examination, he replied " 'No, thati would be improper; but, if again rejected, I will send him there." The young man is a bookkeeper, and has been also a salesman of iron pip ing and fittings, speaks French, German, Eussian, and is now studying English. Cohn, merchant of the first guild, living at Yoronegh, in the interior of Russia. He has in his possession a certificate given by the guild, dated 28th day of December, 1890. He was twice at Moscow' during 1891, viz, on January 9 and March 16, but, as he came the third time, July 13, 1891, he was ordered to leave within twenty-four hours, which he was compelled to do without finishing the business that' ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 61 brouglit him. Ou his certificate is printed the following extract from the laAV : According to article 4 of the regulations of tlie state council, sanctioned by the Emperor January 1, 18G3, the present certificate is completely like a passport, and the x>erson furnished with such certificate is not obliged to have any other docu- ment, and has the right to reside in all the Empire. PEK ETAPE. G. D., single, aged 26, born in Moscow, formerlylived in Wilna, where he is registered, that being his parents' legal residence. His father lived here as the representative of a merchant of the first gnild nntil his death three years ago. His mother will be sent out in September with four young children, notwithatandmg that she has lived in Moscow nearly twenty-seven years and that all of her children were born here. He is a broker ; has not yet received a notice to leave, but expects it daily. Last March he went to St. Petersburg to visit a friend on busi- ness-, and at the hotel he was informed that his passport was not sufli- cieiit, but that he could stay two or three days. The second day after arrival tlie clerk of the hotel informed him that he could not remain in the hotel that night, as they expected a night police inspection. He, therefore, left the hotel and was immediately ^1 accosted by two detectives in citizens' clothes, Avho said to him, '^ You A are already here a coux)]e of days from Moscow." He said, ^' I came ,^i yesterday and have my passport." They said, '^We know you came ,([ yesterday, but you did not report yourself yesterday." They then gji arrested hi in, took away his pass|)ort, marched him to the police station, i and from there to the district station, where they took from him his \l money (about 100 rubles), his watch, and scarf \)m. He sle])t on the (j! floor with drunkards, vagabonds, and criminals, numbering fifteen, all men. His rations were bread and cold cabbage. He was taken to police headquarters next day, a rigorous examination held to see if he was cliarged with any violation of the law, and nothing being found he was j, discharged; nevertheless he was conducted to another department, I the official in charge greeting him with " Here is another dog-faced j!»lew." He was taken to a room and locked in, where he stayed j half an hour. The policeman then took him to the place where he Ij,; originally came from, where he was again confined five days, then jj, taken to tlie prison in Demidoff street, Avhere they took away his ^ clothing, exchanged it for prison garb, and confined him with about J forty men in a large room, among them two Jews. Six or seven of ,', them were criminals, convicted of arson, theft, and murder, destined 'p for Siberia. Those destined for Siberia had half the hair shaved off ^j.the head. They greeted him with the remark, '^Henj we have another j|l companion." There he remained two weeks, during which time pris- ijt oners were received and removed. They were finally taken by rail (a ^ party of 310) in three coaches to Wilna, where his clothes were restored „i to him. His money, watch, and j)in w^ere received about three months '! after. They were marched through the streets to the station under J. strong guard and all handcuffed except himself, as he had promised the j^, guard to pay handsomely for the privilege of going unchained. The ,^ two Jews referred to were handcuffed. An allowance of 10 kopecks (5 I cents) per day is made to those who are marched by etape, for food, J "one-half of which it is wise to give to the guard." From St. Peters- ^[burg they were taken to Dunerberg, where they were confined for two ' days; then from place to place and finally to Dizua, where they found H. JEx. 37 40 G2 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. fclie river closed with ice, and delayed because the convoy wliich was expected to meet them there could not reach them. They then took them to Eodozk, in the province of Vitebsk, Avhere lie was conlined in prison for two Aveeks. Here he received 3 rnbles from a friend, tAvo of which '' I fonnd it would be quite proper to give to the guard." From this place he Avas taken by soldiers,, per etape, with 50 others, and returned to Dizna, and here Avas notified that the charge against him Avas that of not presenting his passx)ort in St. Petersburg at the i)roper time. He was then discharged and returned to Moscow, where he has been since. He is an intelligent gentleman, well educated, and maidy in appearance. At Minsk we met another case of etape by name of Max LcAin, whose statement is as folloAvs: Dyer and cleaner of clothing, aged 43; married; no children; born in Courland*; lived in Moscow seven and a half years under an artisan's certificate. He is a very pleasant, briglit- appearing man, and said he has never performed heavy manual labor. In Moscow he made 200 rubles per month and employed two men as assistants. He was '^on good terms with the police;" that is he made their clothes and cleaned them without compensation. They never paid and he dared not ask. He received orders to leave in twenty-four hours. He could not arrange his matters to leave on such short notice, and be- lieving that a few days would make no difference in his case, did not go and was arrested at his house. Tliej^ took him to the station, where he was kept one day; then to the police station of the district, Avhere he remained three days ; then to the prison in Moscoav, where he re- mained one month, and finally to Kovna by etape, where he was released. There were about 200 expelled Jews who Avere sent by etape, all con- fined in one room in the prison. They were marched to the station under guard, some of them handcuffed to criminals; were put in cars with criminals and sent, first to Bobrusk, where they were confined in prison for about ten days awaiting another convoy. Sixty or seventy were taken to Minsk, all handcuffed. He was handcuffed to some per- son who was being sent for trial on a criminal charge. From Minsk to Kovno he was permitted to travel without handcuffs, having cultiA^ated ^^ good terms" with the guards by paying them money. Some of these peoi)le had families with them, the children and Avomen taken together with their handcuffed fathers in the same party. There Avere a number in that etape party for various small places in the gubernium of Kovno. When he reached Kovno, 5:30 p. m., he was taken to the station house, kept there until morning, when his Avife met him, and after the formali- ties of release were gone through he was told to get out. After this he returned to Moscow, taking the risk, in order to dispose of his effects. He stayed there two and a half days, eluding the police, sleeping one night Avith a friend and the next in the park. Such articles as he could handle he brought away Avith him, the rest he abandoned. He owed nothing when he left Moscow to anybody there, but various per sons owed him which he was not able to collect. When arrested lie had about 150 rubles, Avith which he bought provisions on the way, leaving his alloAvance of 10 kopecks per day Avhen traveling by etape Avith the guard. He expects to be compelled to do laborer's Avork in Minsk and thought the opportunities would be better than in KoAmo but his chief reason for coming Avas, that he is not known here and ii compelled to do laborer's work preferred to do it AA^here his changed condition in life was unknown. He has been here six weeks and lives in one room, for Avhich he pays 5 rubles per month. Has had altogether ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 63 about one week's work at 50 koj^ecks (25 cents) per day, laboring with a shovel, repairing and leveling streets. Tlie day's work begins at 5 and ends at 7. His wife expects to be confined in three months. Has pawned several articles and sold his wife's gold watch, bracelets, and rings for board. PaAvn tickets were exhibited corroborating the statement, bearing upon them the interest rate, which is 1^ per cent per month. This pawn shop is a city institution established under governmental rides, the exact title being "Minsk City Lombard (Eussian pawn shop)," tlie profits of which go to the city. The tickets are signed by "Diiector Krifosheim." TREATMENT OF OLD SOLDIERS. Norduch Zaretski, school teacher; aged 53; married; two sons (arti- sans) and two danghters; has lived here seventeen j^ears. His pass- port entitles him to reside at Moscow until June, 1892, but last Sunday he was sent for to come to i)ohce headquarters to sign the usual ''vol- untary agreement" to leave the city witliin two months. This man was among tliose who were arrested in the "oblava" last April. He was not permitted to fully clothe himself or even get Ids passport from Ids coat, but was taken from his home and imt into a dark room witli niju^ty- four others. The ''room was very small and tlie air terrible, and in this room we were kept without food or water for thirty-six hours." After the expiration of that time he was permitted to go out, change his cloth- ing and get his passport, when he was released, remaining unmolested until last Siinday. His son is a soldier and finished his five years' serv- ice in the army in 188G, but must now serve annually three weeks in camp. This last servicte he performed not long iigo, and after com- pleting it was immediately arrested "because he is a Jew" and "ordered to leave this idace forthwith." He asked for a few days res])ite to sell his household eft'ects, but was refused. His passport w^as taken away and he is now a wanderer in hiding and in a sense a beggar. He said he had never been arrested for any crime, never received imblic aid, i and had always earned his living. The father is nmintaining the family of the soJdier, consisting of a wife and three cldldren. Ohazkel Friedman, born in Riazan in the interior (not in the Pale) ; son of a soldier of Nicholas I ; 20 years of age. This man has, or had, a three- fold right of residence outside of the Pale: 1st, he is the son of a Nich- olas soldier (these have been excepted); 2d, born of a citizen outside the Pale; 3d, an artisan, excex)ted by edict. He was brought here when 3 years old and has lived here seventeen years. Is a mechanic, and '•t has a certificate to that effect. On the 2d clay of August his i)assp<)rt '^1 was indorsed by the police officer of his district that he must leave the '*j| city within twenty-four hours. [The passport, also that of his brother, ^ will be'found on i^p. 167, 1C8.] The brother of this young man, named 'h Yankel, aged 18, had a passport Avhich reads that he "is allowed to ■^ reside in the different gubernia, etc., time expiring Sei)tember 20, % 1891. Then it was afterwards indorsed, " This passport is in force !*;' where Jews are permitted to live," and on August 15, 1801, again in- '"udorsed, "The Jew Friedman is ordered to leave Moscow within twenty- ''|four hours," the indorsements being within the time originally granted. 1^ The father appealed to the police authorities to grant his son a few days to make preparations, which was refused, with the answer that if he wivs found in his house or in his care, he, the son, would be sent by etape. lie has hidden in various places since and is hiding until he can be sent away by means collected from the committee or other benevolent peo- 64 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. pie. A respectable gentleman who has known this joung man six years vouched for his character to us and further says he is an excel- lent mechanic and draftsman and has a good common-school education. A gentleman of the highest respectability and a man of wealth as- sured us that he has a i^ersonal knowledge of a great many such cases, but notwithstanding they are born out of the Pale and therefore have the right to live anywhere, and that they are sons of Nicholas soldiers who also have such legal rights of residence, are summarily expelled. A Mr. R., of Wilna, told us of the case of a soldier whom he knew, wounded at Plevna in 1887, his arm having been badly shattered and who was also severely wounded in the head. From these wounds he was in the hospital nine months and then discharged. He was a black- smith before entering the army and upon discharge returned to Mitau, where for a long time he had been garrisoned. He was unable by reason of his wounds to pursue his former occupation, so he managed to gain a precarious living by picking ux) rags. He was ordered away by the police as he was registered in Kovno gubernium. A collection was taken up by the rabbi to send the old soldier by railroad in order to avoid the dreaded etape in the company of criminals. Another Avas the case of a soldier, Eosenfeld, who lost his leg in the battle of Achal-Teke, in Skobeleff's army, who, after treatment in the hospital, Avas discliarged and ordered away by the police to his place of registration. He was obliged to beg money from house to house in order to go by rail and avoid the etape. Rifka Schumacher, 23 years old, presented herself before the com- mittee, bearing in her arms an infant 2 months of age. Her husband was in the military service, his time expiring in four days. He has been ordered into the pale upon expiration of his term. She is the daugh- ter of a Nicholas soldier, but her right of residence in the interior fol- lows the husband, and therefore must go from Moscow when he leaves. The husband will be furnished with transportation to his home by the Government, but she nuist provide her own or go by etape. Her husband is a shoemaker and has earned a little money at that trade Avhen off duty, with which he assisted in suj^porting his wife, his pay as a Rus- sian soldier being jnactically nothing over and above his rations and clothing — about 35 kopecks (17 cents) per month. The wife's father, as a Nicholas soldier, was registered at St. Petersburg, but being in Moscow at work he was ordered to his ])]ace of registration, to leave within three days. The committee gave her a railroad ticket so that she can go with her husband to Brest. This poor woman in her ap- pearance presented a most touching and i^itiable spectacle. Abus Gentler, 68 years of age, entered the military service November 14, 181G, and was discharged November 20, 18G4; is a Nicholas soldier, and has a bronze medal for services in the Crimean war and a chevron for fifteen years' faithful service. After his disc^harge he went to Odessa, where he lived until last year, then to Astrakhan. He is a barber by trade and about six Aveeks ago went to Nishni-NoA^gorod, Avhere the annual fair is in x)i ogress, for the purpose of obtaining work at his trade, but finding none he came to Moscow yesterday. He stopped at a lodging house, surrendered his discharge from the army (which is his passport) to the police, Avho indorsed it as folio avs: Stamp. 442-91. 1891, August 14-26. City Police Plouse No. 7-9 . [Name of f p house owner] , [Name of street] —. Received and entered. Signed by Pristav, police officer. Alongside the above indorsement, which is equivalent to a permit toj ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 65 stay licie indefinitely, tliere appears under the date of the day fol- lowing: The Jew Gentler is obliged to leave Moscow within twenty-four hours, for the reason that he has no document giving him the right to live in Moscow. August 15-27, 1891. (Signed:) Prist av.* Notwithstanding this man had the right to live as a Nicholas soldier, which was properly and promptly recognized when his documents were first sent in, tlie i)ermit was annulled and, instead, he received per- emptory orders to leave Avithin twenty-four hoiu-s. A certificate of dis- charge as a Nicholas soUlier constitutes a passport for that class, and the document bears the proper certificate of the chief of police of Odesssa. David Samsonoff, a Nicholas soldier, served twenty years in the army, 70 years of age, claims that he was baptized into the Greek cliurch against his will, and afterwards marrying a Jewish woman, Avas arrested, but acquitted on account of his statement that he was so baptized. Notwithstanding his right of residence as a Ni(;holas soldier he has been ordered out. He desires to go to the Argentine Kepublic. One old man wrinkled and bent with age came forward with the doc- uments to prove that he was a Nicholas soldier and had served liis country twenty-live years, has lived in Moscow with his cnildren in comfort for a long time, but has been ordered out to leave within twenty- four hours. Where to go, how to get away, wiiat to do when he gets away are questions he said "I can not answer." The tears streamed down the old man's cheeks as he begged for some means to get aw^ay and advice wliere to go. lie re])eatedly expressed tlie wisli tliat he might die now and be reh'eved from the misery that confronted him. The old veteran said that he was turned away from his home, his country, and his children at the very end of Jife; that he had never cominitted a crime, never been a pauper, and has done nothing to be exi)atriated for, to be a wanderer on the lace of the earth, except tliat he is a Jew^, and notwithstanding that he had defended his country, and the ])ow crs that now cast him out as a vagabond and tram}), lie presented a j)icture not readily forgotten as it show^ed a startling con- trast in the treatment of this old soldier and that accorded to the sol- diers of our country. The foregoing are by no means all the cases of which Ave took notes; they could be multiplied by the score, if time permitted or necessity suggested. They are not selected because they are extreme — but are related here in nearly the same order as we obtained them, and fol- loAv closely the notes taken at the time, the only variation being in ,i their arrangement. We present these cases in detail to illustrate the ; fact that the pressure is general and forces out the rich as Avell as the [; poor — those Avho liaA^e or had the right of residence legally and by I invitation, asAvellas those wiio presumed upon the toleration of former ^1 years, those Avho because they are Jcavs are first deprived of their pass- "■ ports, arrested for not having them, confined in prison to be sent in t'liains per etape — as well as soldiers who have been decorated for faith- ful service to their country, and who in their old age, instead of receiv- ing pensions are separated from their children, and ordered into the i'ale, Avhere only the strongest and most vigorous can hope for exist- ence. In their general characteristics the cases cited are similar, reveal- i * Name not decipherable. H. Ex. 235 5 G6 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ing a state of terror and uncertaiiiity, paralyzing' business and furnisli- ing abundant cause for inciting emigration wliicli, as has already been stated, could be largely stopped by relieving the pressure. MINSK, WITHIN THE PALI? OF THE JEWISH SETTLEMENT. On the 29th day of August we left Moscow reaching Minsk on Sun- day morning, August 30. Minsk is a city of 68,000 inhabitants in the Gubernium of Minsk, and is within the pale where Jews are permitted to live under certain restrictions, which will be referred to later on. We followed the same general plan of interviewing individuals and ob- taining statements, notes of which taken at the time, and in as con- densed form as x)ossible are herewith x)resented. F. G., merchant of the second guild, contractor for building and re- pairing Government buildings. The terms of his contracts forbid him to employ any but Kussian workmen. As a merchant of the second guild he has a right to visit the interior and stay there not longer than two months each year. Notwithstanding this, and the fact that he Avas em- ployed by the Government, to do its work, some time ago he went to St. Petersburg on business and was ordered to leave within three days. Also, while in Kiev he was notified to leave a certain street from which the Jews are expelled. About a year ago he entered into a contract with the Government to repair and rebuild a prison within the pale, the contract amounting to the sum of 80,000 rubles, and which w^as ap- proved by the ministry of the interior. This contract also required him to employ only workmen from the interior (outside of the Pale). The same conditions were required in a smaller contract involving 3,000 rubles for rex)airing a gymnasium and academy. The terms excluding local workmen are however, because of necessity, permitted to be avoided by and through the x^ersonal instructions from the local com- missioners in charge, because Eussian workmen are not qualified to do tlie work in some of the branches, and in others are so inferior that it is unwise to make use of them. The gymnasium referred to was built by this gentleman about eleveii years ago for 60,000 rubles. There were then no such conditions attached to his contract. Although it was Sun- day, tlie Jewish artisans who observe Saturday as their day of rest were at work on the gymnasium referred to. We saw a sample of Eus- sian bricklayers work in the wall of an English basement ; the courses w^ere irregular and the Avail was about two inches out of line. The workmanship was extremely crude and would not be tolerated by the workmen of any other country visited. [We were satisfied that this Avas the Avork of Eussian bricklayers as they were not at work on Sun- day.] We then Aasited a quarter of the city Avhere the Jews congregate for the purpose of obtaining employment, a sort of market square. There were hundreds of men, Avomen, and children of all ages and in every condition of poverty and wretcliedness; young, stalwart fellows, and people bent Avith age, all anxious and many grouped and in earnest and anxious couA^ersation. Some were in rooms with doors open, and as the houses are built close to the very narroAv Avalks, the whole in- terior could be i)laiiily seen. It was toAvard the close of the day, and Ave could see the evening meal spread upon the tables, consisting gen- erally of black rye bread and Avater. Most of these were people Avho had formerly lived in the interior and had been driven into the Pale. Tlic important question witli them is how to obtain even this bitter, black bread, which constitutes their main sustenance. Many of them ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 67 were bronglit liere by etape, and therefore had no clothing except that which they carried on their backs, and most of them Avithout money to buy ck)tlnng. Most of the children had but a single garment, and all of them were in a condition of depression and ai>parent hopelessness. There was an entire absence of intoxication, and we may say here that the Jew is singularly free from this vice; not a single case of intoxica- tion among Jews was noticed an;y^^here in Russia. Conversation with some of them disclosed the fact that the principal questions discussed are, " What shall we do, and where shall we go to get bread?" for antici- pation of the terrors of approaching winter and the certainty of starva- tion, which they see no means of averting, aggravate the present misery. Willing and able to work, they are unable to obtain it; forbidden to work outside the city, forbidden to trade in the country, unable to leave the precincts where they now are, excluded from governmental work, it is no wonder they wish to fly somewhere where they can breathe and have an equal chance in the struggle for existence. The only thing which prevents them from going en masse to other countries is their poverty. August 31. — Gabrielowich Farmacent, an apothecary, has been here twenty-two years. He said: Many of those who have been expelled from the interior come here and over- crowd the labor market, compelJiug nnmbcrs already here to leave for Africa, Aus- tralia, Palestine, Argentine, and America — most of them to America. Many of the latter receive money from their friends who have pre- ceded tliem to our country. He said that it was simply a question of emigration or starvation. The Jews have no right to garden outside the city; they may walk or ride outside the limits, but can not trade nor transact business there. Distress has grown beyond description since last March, and the committees organized to reheve it can only aid the extreme cases, such aid consisting, when in money, of from 15 kopecks (7 J cents) to 2 J rubles (about $1.25) per week, and embrac- ing those who are temi)orarily in distress to tlie extreme cases, and those who are helpless from blindness or other serious physical defects. Some are furnished from 5 to 10 pounds of bread per week. Carpenters receive according to the season from 4 to 8 rubles ($2 to ' $4) per week when emjdoyed, which in the long winter, ranging from ^ six to eight montlis, is rare. Stonemasons receive from 6 to 1) rubles 'i per week in summer, no work in winter. Brickmasons receive 5 to 7 ^[rubles per week for about four months in the year, no work in winter. ;;i Printers receive 5 to 8 rubles per week. Laborers, 50 to GO kopecks (25 ^' to 30 cents) per day, no work in Avinter. At a building visited where ; wood carvers were at work we found one receiving 5 and one 7 rubles I per week. Their workmanship was first-class. Each one had a brother ^,'iu America, one a carpenter in New York earning $15 per week and 'ii the other in San Francisco earning $12 jier week. ,' At a farm or large garden plat adjacent to the gymnasium we saw a ; Jew and his family who were living in a sort of kennel crudely built of ';. boards leaning against a fence. Part of the interior was floored with boards and used for sleeping purposes. A person could not stand up- ,; right in it and there seemed to be room only for three persons to lie r down, although they lived there with fivecUildren, the youngest a babe Y'in arms which was scantily clad Avith a single garment, a rough chemise ' I made of coarse material. At another garden two Jewish women lived, selling fruit for a living, and except that the quarters were a little larger the conditions were the same. We next visited the Elementary Peoi)le's School and Handworker 68 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Classes for Jewisb cliildreii. The attendance at this school numbered 120 boys, mostly orphans, who at present are supported by friends at their homes. It was expected that arrangements would be made to feed and house them on the premises. They are instructed in black- smithing, machinist and carpenter work, and specimens exhibited were most creditable. The curriculum of the school proper is pre- scribed by the Kussian authorities. After finishing their schooling, most of the graduates have heretofore gone into the interior to work as artisans, but this they can no longer do. Nearly all are learning the ]i:nglish language privately, that language not being among those pre- scribed. Some of them have gone to America, and all of them look upon our country as the haven of rest and refuge from persecution;] hence their desire to learn our language. Russian school teachers are exempt irom military duty, but not Jewish instructors. This school re- ceived honorable mention at the exposition in St. Petersburg in 1890 for the excellence of its work. It is supported entirely by the Jewish community at a cost of between 7,000 and 8,000 rubles per year. The scholars are small, and as we found them at wjrk at the shops when we visited appeared to be fond of their tasks, industrious, and anxious to improve. The pressure upon the committee for admission from people who liave been expelled from the interior has largely increased since the expulsion edicts. Schmerks, son of Itzko Lessnik, 33 years of age, watchmaker, borr in Minsk, lived in Moscow nine years. Went there in accordance with the invitation of the Government circular inviting artisans to the inte rior. He had a X)roper certificate from the b')ard of artisans here, and after examination in Moscow received the certificate of the Moscow board to the effect that he was a competent artisan. This certificate entitled him to live in Moscow one year and required annual renewal His trade was ruined because his friends and patrons were being ex pelled, and he returned to his birthplace, Minsk, where, owing to tin severe comx)etition, he found it impossible to make a living. Work thai is worth a ruble he is glad to get 30 koi)ecks for. Has wife and foui children, and Avould be glad to till the soil if he had the opportunity He claims to be a competent jeweler, having learned the trade from hi father. During his three months' residence in Minsk he has not beei able to pay his rent, which for his store and dwelling amounts to 30( rubles per annum. Watchmakers' wages are about 10 rubles per month The man was well dressed, cleanly, and had every appearance of bein| sober and industrious, and is intelligent. Gertz Bruk, 47 years of age, married, eleven children, born in a littL town in the gubernium of Minsk, is a picture-frame maker and gilder In 1866 he went to Moscow in accordance with the invitation of 1865 and enrolled there as an artisan under the law. He was married there and all of his children were born in Moscow, where he made a comforta ble living, having ten to twelve workmen in his employ, his incom) ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 rubles per year. All of his children recei ve( a ''peoples' school" education except one daughter who is a graduati of the gymnasium, from which institution she received a diploma enti tling her to remain in Moscow as a teacher. His rent for store at Mos cow was 2,500 rubles x)er annum. He left Moscow May 15, 1891. H was given till the 4th of October to close uj) his business and leave. H< contracted his business, put his wife in charge, and came to Minsk t< seek work. His furniture, machinery, etc., cost 9,000 rubles, for whicl he was offered before leaving 2,000 rubles. He can not now get thi price and has written his wife to sell for what she can get. He brougL ,| ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 69 i igome of liis pictures and opened a store, paying 100 rubles for three I imonths' rent, and put up the sign "Brought from Moscow." He then :«imade appUcation to the governor of the province for permission to sell V pictures, which business requires the approval of the censor, and as the i board of censors are at Moscow it would take nearly a year to comply fr with the formalities andobtainthenecessary certificate and permission. ; He therefore made application and opened his business, but after run- mning one week was stopped by the police and closed up because he had ^1 not yet received permission to go on. His daughter, who sold statiou- - ery in connection with the business, is permitted to continue this work i at present, but this is of little value. He was thirteen years in one j; place in Moscow, doing well, but here he can not make a living, and his 1 intention is to save what he can from the wreck and go to America. e Khe can sell before October 4 he will take his family Avith him; if not, I he and his eldest son will go alone and send for the family later. «i Wolf Paleisch, 55 years of age, teacher, lived in Moscow thirteen years ; unborn in ^linsk. Taught »Jewish cliildren in artisan school at Moscow. -[^Before this he was employed at Minsk as teacher in the high school. li Was ordered out on two Aveeks' notice. Has been unable to find any- iii thing to do, and has been living upon his savings. I I Sarah- Debora Fodiman, 38 years of age, mariied; nine children. i Husband has been in America one year; has sent her 30 rubles and 1 1 two tickets for his 10 and 18 year old daughters to come to him. They i I sailed about two Aveeks ago. Husband is a baker, and had his own ^i bakery here, but found it impossible to get a living. After the Jews Iff were driven into the Pale he could not earn more than 8 rubles per .1 J week, com])etition being so great, and tliis compelled him to leave. ;^ Before her marriage she made artificial flowers for bonnets, at which il she earned 1^ rubles per week, but no^Y she can not get any work at I that. A friend in America who is engaged m that business wrote her IP that she was earning 810 per Aveek, and asked her to come, AAiiich she ir would do if she had the money. She has received some assistance from n charitable people, and has been able to barely support herself and r family. She has the appearance of being truthful, but her condition j J shoAved poA^erty. 4: In the afternoon we left Minsk and droA^e to SamokA^alovich, a small ijtj toAvnlet 18 Axn-sts (12 miles) distant. This place contains from 50 to 60 Ij. Jew families and 10 Christian families, and is a place where Jews may i^j yet live. They are still permitted to liA^e in toAvns and toAvidets AAithin ( the Pale, but not in villages. The term " village" does not necessarily l/i have reference to the number of population, the designation being ar- .h bitrarily made by the authorifies; hence viUages from Avhich the Jcavs ■,),\ are excluded may be larger in i)()pulation than toAvns or toAvnlets. We II drove to this place by post carriage to Avhich was hitched four horses fi abreast. At first this extra locomotive poAver seemed to us to be a use- ^i less extravagance, but shortly after crossing the city line Ave appreci- 4] ated the wisdom Avhich suggested four horses to carry our party of four. |j( Although it AA'as in the month of August, and the roads perfectly dry, J . they Avere so rutted and in such terrible condition that the necessity jij for this additional force became plainly apparent, and our chanfes of gji reaching destination and a reasonably prompt return seemed to depend g/i upon the durability of the harness and endurance of the driA^er inply- t^i ing his Avhip. ,. I . About 8 A^ersts from Minsk we reached a village from which Jews ,j(i are excluded under the May laws, but Avhich permits those to remain I who had settled there i)rior to 1882. We found two Jewish families of 70 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. tliis class who liacl not yet been ordered out by the anthorities, witl ^ wbom they were '^on good terms." One of them has kept since Jun«|flit an apology for an inn, consisting of a low one-story bnilding, with ban and sheds attached, the only se])aratiou being a door. A brick flu' abont six feet Avide, bnilt halfway around the main room, on top o which beds are made for sleeping purposes, was the principal featur« of the institution. As we entered tlie place the crowing of coc^ks nnde: one table and loud conversation on the part of four Eussians w-ho wer< seated at another ])laying cards and drinking, and who showed th( effects of the fluid, greeted us. For the building in question and 1( dissiatinas of land (about 20 acres) the proprietor is obliged to pay ai annual rental of 1,000 rubles. For license to sell spirits and sinal drinks he pays 150 rubles annually. The license is in the name of it) neighboring nobleman, who figures as the nominal landlord, Jews noi being permitted to sell liquor. As the nobleman can not be expectec to take charge of the establishment in person, a ^'Christian assistant 'jyni supplies the defect. This functionary is the autocrat of the establish! m ment, who does nothing, but is necessarily supported by tlie actual pro- prietor. He can not be trusted to go to the cellar for liquor, ever should he be so disposed, because of his propensity to drink it. Cladi in his red shirt, which is worn as an outer garment, extending to the tops of long Kussian boots, he stands about from morning till night, and is the real beneficiary of the institution, the proprietor being iii constant dread of him. For his services he receives 100 rubles per an-i num and board. The amount x)aid as annual rent for the proijcrty isi about equal to the total value of the land and buildings. We walked down into a fiekl a little distance, where we found 15 Eus-i sian women and girls cutting oats with small sickles after the manner ol a thousand years ago. For this work they receive 50 kopecks (25 cents) per day, boarding themselves. They were masculine in appearance, scantily dressed, nearly all barefooted, and not very prepossessing in appearance. They work from 6 a. m. to 6 p. m., with a short interval for dinner, wliich usually consists of a piece of black bread. The Jewish proprietor was in the field watching operations and keeping the womeiii steadily at work. Armed with an old umbrella, he seemed to be fairly comfortable, and evidently had no reason for emigrating. We next visited a Eussian peasant's house, w^hich was pointed out as one of the best in the village. A little cot bed stood in the corner and on a table stood the samovar for making tea. The universid shrine was not lacking; it faced us on entering the room and indicated mem- bership in the Greek orthodox church. A few flowers in the windows completed the evidence of prosperity and somewhat surprised us, be- ing in marked contrast to the summer bedroom adjoining, which fur- nished comfortable quarters for the poultry, and the drove of hogs that were hungrily eating swill from pails standing at the foot of the little stoop. We next visited a Eussian priest living in a house near by, whose hand, upon meeting, our Jewish guide kissed, receiving a return greet- ing in the sliape of a kiss upon the forehead. As he could not speak English or German, we carried on our conversation through the guide and by pantomime. He seemed very pleased to meet Americans and astonished that we should be sufficiently interested to visit that out-of- the-way place. He was a tall man with long, flowing hair and beard, bareheaded, and clad in a long white robe girdled at the waist. The customary proifer of tea was made, but our limited time did not permit us to a'^^jept his Uospitality. The cigarettes which were insisted on were not evaded. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 71 We til en continued our journey to a townlet about 10 versts distant, here Jews were permitted to live. On the road we met a stout, well- reserved, pleasant-looking Jew leading liis little daughter by the and, and, stoi>ping our carriage, we engaged him in conversation, 'rom him ^Ye learned that he was born there forty years ago; that he urmed 40 dissiatinas (80 acres) of land, which lay about us, and for ^hicli he paid a yearly rental of 150 rubles. This farm was by all odds le best cultivated we had seen within the pale, and the appearance f his crops was in marked contrast to others which had come under ur observation. As tliere were no schools in the vicinity we inquired ow his children were educated. He replied, '' I keep a private teacher I the house to whom I pay 90 rubles per year and board." Asked iOW it was that he was permitted to remain outside the townlet, he t^plied, "My landlord is a good man, and thus far I have been permit- id to remain; and as the i^resent regulations forbid renewals I have ow no contract or lease. 1 realize that I am liable to be driven out t any time." We reached the townlet of Samokvalo^ich about 8 p. m. The con- ition of affairs as related to us were serious to these people and would ave been much more so had there not been an emigration to America. )uring the last seven years thirty families have gone out from tliis town- dt to Amtuica, two families leaving for our country a month ago. It IS difficult to see how these people liv^e, as they are not iiermittvd to ill the soil outside the limits of the little town, tliere being only a small •atch of ground connected with each dwelling. The houses are low, ne-story bnildings, but much more neat in appearance than those ccupied by the llussian families passed by us in our journey out. We risited one house, which was considered the best in the town, consist- Qg of three rooms, small but clean, tlie fmnily and some friends who died during our visit, poorly but neatly dressed, the children briglit ,nd intelligent in appearance. They looked u])oii us with undisguised mnder, and it was stated tliat we were the first foreigners who had ver visited the place. We examined some of the books on the shelves, ind found a copy of the Bible, an atlas, with maps of the globe, a •"rench reader, and others printed in the Russian and Hebrew languages, .'here Avere some colored photograi)hs upon the walls, curtains at the vindows, and on the table a neat handmade openwork spread upon v^hich we were served with excellent garden frnit and the customary ^lass of hot tea. Althongh everything indicated extremely limited neans, yet the best use was made of the humble furniture, and the nterior of the dwelling was quite homelike in appearance. Here, as very where else in the Pale visited by us, the superior intelligence and cultivation of the Jew over the Russian was plain and unmistakable. We also found that America was by no means an unknown country them, and that many of the families have relatives and friends in he United States. Aside from a small i)roportion of Jews who look ongingly and hopefully toward Palestine next to their religion and cheir persistent eagerness for education, America is the present hope md goal of their ambition, toward which their gaze is directed as arnestly as that of their ancestors toward the ])romised land. One old man who had lived in a village 5 miles distant, before the May iws of 1882 and for years before, and, therefore had the right torenuiin mtil he "(changed his residence," vacated his house temporarily and no\-ed across the street at the request of his landlord avIio desired to epair and rebuihl a portion of it. Upon the completion of the repairs le attempted to reoccupy his home, but was refused and expelled from 1,1. d 72 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. the village, it being adjudged that lie liad forfeited liis right to returr having "changed his residence," and was therefore without home o sleeping place, and in his old age was temporarily sheltered in the hous* where we called, as a cliarity guest. I J How all these poor people exist here was not made clear, and seeme'i to be as much of a puzzle to the inhabitants as to us. This townlet, witl^ out manufacturing or other labor-hmploying industries, presents i; itself no adequate means of support for one-half of the X)ermanent poj ulation, to say nothing of the increase that has already come, and i yet to come, in consequeiice of the expulsion decrees. Tli^ inhabitant are not permitted to do any business outside of the circumscribe! hmits of the townlet, and if found selling simply fruit or milk on th roads outside, their stock is seized and confiscated, and yet in tin townlet, 18 versts from Minsk, are tailors, stonemasons, bricklayers, ant other artisans diiven from their former homes under tlie decrees. Th proprietor of the house, whom we have already cited as one of th most prosperous of the residents, stated that he had agreed upon lease for some land adjacent and outside of the town, and liad paid on' year's rent in advance, but under the new regulations the lease wa not consummated, and although he hoped to receive his money back ii had not yet been returned. We started on our return to Minsk about 10 :30 p. m., and as th night air was chilly onr kind-hearted hostess provided beilquilts am other coverings to protect us. Tallow dips were brcmght out to se that we were properly started, and with many i)rayers for God's bles."i ing on our work, by the family and assembled friends, our crazy vehici was finally put in motion for the return trip, reaching our hotel lon| after midnight. iSeptember 1^ 1891. — It having been frequently charged that »Tews dh not take kindly to agriculture we drove to the suburbs of Minsk, bui within the city limits, to see the garden and farm of a Jew nanie< Eein, who leases 55dissiatinas (110 acres) paying an annual rent of TO' rubles. They were engaged in digging potatoes, the soil being s< mellow that potato forks or hoes were dispensed with, and the tuber grubbed out with the hands ot* the women and girls so emi^loyed, fo which they received 30 koi)ecks per day. A little 13-year old girl wai called up, and after a few questions she was asked to write her name i] a memorandum book, which she i)iDm])tly did in Hebrew, and ni^oi further request wrote it very nicely in liussian. One of the workmen! who received 3 rubles per month and board, said he had two daugliter in America, one having gone first, then the other; the two are nov sending money to carry over the third and the father. Upon turnin/ to go we gave the father of the little girl a silver coin which he de clined, saying '^jSTo, she does not need it; give it to the poor." On our way back we stoj^ped at a manufactory of tin and Japanne( ware, which our guide was very anxious to have us inspect becauS' of the excellence of the work turned out. Although he was well knowj to the person in charge, we were denied admittance, the door closed locked, andbolted againstus, and informed thatwe could not enter excep by force. The explanation of this conduct was that we were suspectec of being spies or members of the secret police. This feeling of fear wa frequently met with while in Eussia, and only when explanations o our mission was furnished and credited did we receive frank and ful statements. We next visited a brewery, where we found 30 Jews anc 6 Christians at work, at wages ranging from 7 to 10 rubles per month with lodging but without board. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 73 We also called at a sewing school for teacliiiig Hebrew girls of the ioorer class the art of dressiiiakiug and ladies' sewing generally. We nmd seventy-five yonng girls in attendance, and two Singer sewing lachinesin operation, all in charge of a competent lady snperintendent. hey receive 4 rubles for making a "street gown," and about 8 rubles )r an evening dress. The cost of running the institution over and bove receipts averages about 2,400 rubles per annum. The contribu- ons received last year from the resident Jewish people amounted to ,050 rubles, the deficiency being made up by public entertainments. .t present only seven children Avere boarding there, the others being ipported elsewhere by relatives and friends. Until recently there were forty boarders, and in answer to our query rhy the number had fallen off, we received the usual stereotyped reply lat the times are so much worse than formerly that there was less ork, while sharp competition had lowered prices and contributions ad fallen oft". The institution has been established three years. The hildren stay here two and one-half years. Several of the girls have one to America, from whom they fiequently hear, and all express lemselves as happy and contented, receiving from $3 to $4 per week n arrival in New York, instead of 5 or G rubles per month as here. AVe visited a tobacco factory employing 100 ojDeratives, all Jews, who rork by the piece, day, or week; all were active and industrious; among lem were 25 girls, who work from 8 a. m. to 8 p. m., earning 30 kopecks er day. Cigar-makers [men] earn from 18 to 25 kopecks per hundred, veraging 300 cigars per day. They complain that work is scarce and Tegular; that competition is much greater than formerly, owing to the ews coming from the interior; that sales are less, and profits snialler. Later on we saw a contract between the IMoscow and Brest Kailroad lompany and a certain restaurant keeper (name omitted for reasons Iready stated), dated within the last year. This gives the right to tablish bufiets at railroad stations. Condition No. 23 reads: ''1, , obligate myself that under no circumstances in the lent of bullets will I einph>y Jews or Jewesses as assistants or serv- uts.*' The (contract is an authoritative governmental document, printed, uly signed, stamped, and sealed. The gentleman who showed it to us peaks a little Engliwsh, beginning the study of our language alter Min- ster Ignatiett* promulgated the May laws, his object being, he said, "to jarn the language of a nation where men are regarded as human be- igs." When we told him that we were obliged for his information, he re- lied: "Why, it is for us, the Jews, to thank the millions of American eople and acknowledge their humanity for interesting themselves siiifi- iently to inquire into the condition of our unfortunate and downtrodden eople." Among a number of those whom we saw and talked with, and whose tatements were all of the same general character, the case of one ^hicli difi'ers from the ordinary is cited; it speaks for itself and needs comment: Miss Berlin, a graduate of the gymnasium here, received a medal for roficiency in 1888. Her mother is a midwife, and as such was entitled 3 live outside the Pale, and has resided in Moscow for the last two or bree years. She was divorced from her husband and has resumed her laiden name. The daughter was not permitted to be inscribed on the lother's i)assport because she retained her father's name, having no ight to assume her mother's maiden name, and therefore had not the ight to live at Moscow with her mother j but she earnestly desired to 74 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. complete lier education at the pedagogical institute at Moscow, wheii s'J slie liad been for some time, and fit herself for teaching. She was thert fore compelled to live at the houses of friends and relatives, occasionall in such manner with her mother, but not longer than two days at a timi ^^ in any one place; often she had no place to go to, and wandered abori sii the streets all night, on one occasion stopping at the Marina Eoschl i^' (Mary's Wood already described.) 0\ie of the nights when she was on thi «' streets was in midwinter and another in the spring while the weathc "' was still cold. The director of the institute endeavored to obtain fc her a permit to stay legally, but without avail, and the bribe mone paid by the mother to the police was insufficient to secure the child- longer stay and she was expelled. Miss Berlin stated that there weiP several such cases in the school which she knew of, but the girls werf 1" reticent, fearing espionage and expulsion. She said that she wante to go to America, but has not the money to take her there. She is particularly bright, cultivated young lady, and her case sharply illui trates the merciless administration of the regulations. I WILNA. Ifi We lett Minsk on the afternoon of Sej)tember 1, reaching Wilna tha night. This city is situated in the gubernium of Wilna and number about 115,000 inhabitants, of whom 50,000 to 55,000 are Jews. Th same conditions noticed elsewhere were visible here, all avocations b( ing overcrowded. The best carpenters receive at most 1 ruble per da in summer and are without work in the winter. Girls from 17 t 20 years of age employed in factories receive from 80 kopecks to ruble per week, the days ranging from 6 a. m. to 6 p. m. Street pa^ ing is done by gangs, mostly Kussians and Poles, Avith some Jews. Th money earned is divided, so that occasionally they make from 1 to rubles per day. Their work, however, is irregular, and sometimes the are employed but two days in a week, even in the summer; in the wir ter they can not work. Bricklayers receive from 1)0 kopecks to 1 rubles per day of thirteen hours, two of which are devoted to res Very few Jews are employed at this trade, because they are exclude from governmental work. Some of the more dangerous work, howevei as on high buildings, church spiies, etc., they permit the Jews to d( " because they are more competent to do the work." Laborers receiv from 40 to 50 kopecks per day. Among others we met was Mr. , an extensive merchant of thi place. He stated to us that two or three years ago his nephew wa drawn for military service and duly reported for examination as directec As there was little probability of his being reached that day (his nun ber was far down on the list) he asked the sentry if he might absen himself to get something to eat, obtained permission and left for an ac joining restaurant. During his absence his number Avas reached, an failing to respond, a constable went after him, with whom he returne and explained his absence. He was accepted and served his time bu was nevertheless published and fined for failing to report, the fine an publication costing 3G0 rubles. Bis friends raised and paid the mone. as they are liable for such payment. Every article of furniture or proj. erty belonging to the relatives of a defaulting conscript, with the ei cei)tion of the clothes on their backs, is liable to seizure and sale an this oi)eration is repeated from time to time until the Avhole amount i collected. Formerly penalties were exacted from remote relatives nephews, cousins, etc, ; now only parents and brothers are held respor ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 75 ible, althougb in tlie case of a deserter the entire Jewish comrannlty here lie is found is liable for the penalty. During ojie year in the everal provinces these fines amounted to nearly 2,000,000 rubles of hich there was collected from Jews about 200,000, and of this latter um 14,000 rubles were reported by the police, the rest of it failing to each the treasury. This system of levying fines is a source of consid- rable revenue to the police officials, as they collect it in 5 or 10 uble installments as fast as a Jew can earn it, then report fi'om time time that "nothing can be found." We here learned that the Eabbi Counlor, of Libau, had just passed hrough Wilna on his way to St. Petersburg in obedience to a resolu- ion of the church community of Libau for the purpose of appealing to he minister of the interior for an extension of time to Jews who had een ordered out. He said that about 1,000 had already been expelled, ut there are in addition 500 families, nunibering from 2,500 to 3,000 ;|ouls, who had been ordered to leave before September 1. The Gov- rnor-General told the deputation that he regretted very much the con- itions which existed, but he was powerless to avert them, and added lat he thought the apijlication to the authorities at St. Petersburg was imply a waste of efibrt and time. Jews who settled in Courland before the year 1835 have the right of esidence there as Avell as their descendants born there. These have ot yet been ordered away, the expulsion referring only to those who ettled there since that date. Libau is in this province, just outside he Pale. We have, therefore, the si^ectacle of Courland Jews who re permitted to remain because they were settled there before 1835, hile those who settled in Moscow under the same conditions are ex- elled, both these places being outside the Pale. The reason why this (istinction is made is not knoAvn; their deduction is that Courland, eing on the border, the pressure is not so great because the conditions revailing are more directly exhibited to their neighbors and the dif- 3rence brought into plainer contrast. Others, when asked about this, all simply answer, " It is wSo ordered." This, in Kussia, ends discussion. The order or edict of the ruling czar supersedes all laws pronuil gated y his predecessors, may annul contracts and destroy vested rights, hey are often contradictory and inconsistent, and in (construction it ometimes happens that what is held to be law in one province is un- iwful in another. We visited the tobacco factory of Mr. , employing 230 Jews. !]j tt a room about 18 by 34 and 10 feet high we counted 08 employes, all iris, ranging from 10 to 21 years of age, making cigarettes and picking rt Dbacco. In another room about 20 by 40, GG emx)loyes were counted, "he Avages of those girls picking tobacco range from 80 koi^ecks to 2 ,Jb.bles per week; the hours from G a. m. to 7 p. m. Cigarette-makers, y the piece, earn from IJ to 2 rubles per Aveek. Cutters, men, by piece- ork make from 4 to 5 rubles per Aveek. The work, however, is irregu- ir and the average rate of Avages is 3 to 3 J rubles per week. In the rying department 3 to 5 rubles per Aveek. " Strip])ers and sorters, all ,, iris, 6 to 12 rubles per month. Cutters, girls, 1 ruble 75 kopecks per ,i eek. Cigar-makers, 3 to 5 rubles per Aveek. The rooms were dark nd in the daytime required artificial light. We afterAvards went to a small establishment where "uppers" for idies' shoes are made. There Avere 12 apprentices, all Jews, from 15 to years of age, who received 100 rubles Avithout board or lodging for a irm of three years' apprenticeship, or 33^ rubles per year. One 3'oung J lan, the son of a teacher noAv dead, Avas among them. He intends to to America as soon as he can save money enough to pay his fare. 76 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Adjoining tliis place tliere is a small establisliment for making letter and note paper by hand macbinery. Tlie feeder of tlie machine receives 2 rubles per week, while his assistant, a young lad who furnishes the motive power, is paid 1 ruble per week. This boy sends to his parenls, who live about 10 miles distant in a little town, one-half ruble pei week. He pays 50 kopecks per month for lodging, leaving him aboul 6 kopecks or 3 cents per day for fooVl, which consists chiefly of bhact bread, of which he eats at 10 in the morning and 10 at night. The daj before, he had visited his sister, who was engnged in domestic service in the city, from whom he received some white bread, the recollection of Avhich feast lit up his countenance with evident pleasure. He wi^ote his name and that of his father for us in Hebrew and Eussian promptly and in a neat style. We then went to the bookbindery and stereotyping establishment o^ Wittwe & Eonum Brothers, established in 1789, claimed to be ihi oldest existing Jewish bookbindery in the world and the most extensive in Eussia. They usually employ from 100 to 150 men and have had a^ many as 200 at work at one time, all Jews. They have now about 5( hands and their trade is practically ruined, owing to the repressive laws While nearly every Jew can read and write, and while in thehumblesi of JcAvish homes there will be found some reading material, it is not no^ a question of books but one of food which confronts them. Ten print ing i)resses were then idle, which in previous years, we were told, were sometimes running day and night. The wages are low and fair type setters noAv receive from 3 to 4 rubles per week. Another shoe establishment for the making of uppers was visitec where 25 persons are eniployed, earning from 6 to 12 rubles per month The usual complaint of hard times was made, all ascribed to the in creased competition due to the expulsion from the interior. The '^ Judengasse" and '^Fleischgasse" are two streets or lanes, aboui 15 feet wide, between the buildings. We found there little shops, or more properly speaking, closets, some not more than 2 feet in depth barely large enough for shelving, and filled with all kinds of chca| wares for sale, which are i)rotected with shutters at night. The iiro' prietois of these small i)laces stand on the sidewalk, just outside of theii establishments, and we were informed that they are thus exposed in the winter sometimes with the thermometer at 20^ F. below zero. Stovef are out of the question for lack of room if for no other reason, as a fair sized stove Avould take up all the space. Some of these dens are deeper ^ making it i)ossible for the proprietors to remain inside. These estab' lishments have little girls on the walk soliciting trade, who for thei: services receive 15 kopecks per week. The sales girls inside receive 30 to 40 kopecks per week without board. Lining these streets ii great numbers were women and girls selling api)les, pears, and plumi such as formers in the United States feed to their pigs. For this privi lege they are charged an annual tax of 16 rubles, which if not paid re suits in confiscation of the entire stock and an order to discontinu* business. Besides this, the usual method is observed of keeping oi ^'good terms" with the police. The stock in trade of tliese people will not average 1 ruble each, yet ii this city, we were told, there are between 3,000 and 4,000 human being; whose existence depends on this traffic. Later, potatoes replace the frui stock and so through the year according to season. W"e heard one wo man offering 10 i)ears for 1 kopeck (one-half cent). All of these peopL devote a portion of their means to the education of their children, as edu cation thus far has meant privileges mitigating the restrictive and op ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 77 I i pressive measures directed against tlieir people. Tliis boon has now ] jbeen taken away and but few can obtain entrance to the higher edn- j cational institutions throngh which ran the highway to nnimi:)eded i Residence in Russia. The girls of the families, despite the miseries of 1 their condition, remain singularly pure, and a physician, who is also a ,: ^'overn mental ofiicial, told ns tliat when the children are taken ill the I parents will sell or pawn anything and everything they have to ]}to- ,) ivide medicines and food. ,i i The more intelligent and prosperous Jews are uneasy and apprehen- B Sive of fearfid consequences due to the very serious condition of afl'airs, J w^hile some of them are practically panic-stricken and fear increased distress and starvation during the winter, resulting in rioting and J l)loodshed. ] In the office of a prominent business man, at a little gathering, com- II arising two lawyers, a doctor, several business men, and a rabbi, the I Jon of one of the most renowned rabbis in Europe, where the existing .] jonditions in Eussia were being discussed, we asked what about the Tj -uture. iSTone seemed able to offer other rei)ly save that which we had pj )ften heard, that "God alone could help them," excex)t the rabbi, who „i iaid: "Trust in God is well enough, but the Lord usually works ,1 through human agencies, and I say to yc*u that our only hope lies in .1 fhe humanity of the American and English people." lie feared that yi( appeals and i)rotests by other nations in the name of humanity would but embitter the Kussian Government and increase the severitj^ of the •H persecutions which crush the spirit of their peo]de, and from which. I :hey flee. Thousands of tlieir race have left and are preparing and ii jioping to leave for America, Australia, and Africa. One of these emi- grants a few days ago said to him, "I am going to America, because in „, phat direction lies hope. Here I have only fears to confront me. The , lope may prove delusive, but here the fears are a certainty. ^ly great :] tmbition is to breathe at least once the free air with which God has ,j )lessed the American people." I'he rabbi stated that these were the ,,1 >xact words, as he remembered them, uttered by an uncultured Jew emi- . ^rant whom he met at Kovno, and these sentiments are in the heart of jj ivery Jew in Russia. !, Dr. , one of the gentlemen present, related the following: Some j lime ago, while he was living in St. Petersburg, Mrs. G., a lady about JO years old, called upon him and presented letters of introduction. ihe stated that she might possibly desire his assistance to secure i^)V her son admission to the uiuversity at that place. She was the wife f a merchant of the second guild who did business within the Pale, nd as such she as well as her husband had the right to visit and re- gain in St. Petersburg two months of each year. For some reason the wo months limit was reduced to two weeks by the police, and during hat time she remained at a hotel. The two weeks expired and her lusiness not being finished she removed to another hotel which bore he reputation of being on " good terms " with the police. Here she emained unmolested two days. About midnight of the third day the jjbroprietor, fearing, or claiming to believe, that a ijolice visitation was xpected, notified her that she must leave at once. She went to Dr. apartments, consisting of a bedroom and office and stated her ^ ase to him, imploring his assistance. He informed her that all he ould do was to surrender to her his own bedroom, the door of which le could lock and he would pass the night in the office. Shortly after liis arrangement had been made, the landlady came in and said that he understood he had a woman at his lodging which the character of H. Ex. 37 41 78 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. hej^ house would not permit. He toldlier that it was a lady old eDoug to be his mother, who for certain reasons which he was not at liber t to discuss, was compelled to remain there for the night. The landlady however, was not appeased and called the "dvornik," who wanted t know who it was he was harboring. He finally bribed the "dvornik to silence, but could not obtain permission for the lady to rem;jin. I was now 2 o'clock in the morning, and from that time until 6 the walked about the streets, then went to a restaurant for breakfast, an during the day she left the city for her home. We also saw Mrs. Dimenstein, with her two- weeks-old babe in he arms, and who made the following statement: Her husband is an ai tisan (a furrier), and AYith him and their two children lived in St. P( tersburg. The police visited their house twice ; the first time her hu^ band was dressed ready to go out to receive or deliver work, the secon time he was out on such a mission, and the charge was at once mad that he was not an artisan, as he was not at work as such. He wa notified to leave within one month, notwithstanding that he establislie his claim to artisanship by a number of Christians for whom he ha done work. It was Avithout avail, however, and he then tried to obtai an extension of time on account of the advanced pregnancy of his wif This also was refused. His time having nearly expired, lie lelt for Lei] sic, where he intended to establish himself, hoping aud beheving thj his wife, who was daily expecting confinement, would be allowed 1 stay until after the birth of her child. This, however, was not permi ted, and she was compelled to go at the designated time. Being so ne the time of her confinement, she employed a midwife to accompany he and about 4 a. m. of the following day Avhile en route was taken with lab( pains. She was permitted to exchange her ticket at the next static and remain there until after her child was born, which occurred t\A hours later. The privilege was granted of remaining until 4 p. m. that day, when she was put aboard the train for Wilna, and from tl station to her lodging house was carried by friends. Mrs. D. is a pleasant, well-informed lady of taste and refinemen and a photograph of her husband, which she exhibited with prid showed him to be seemingly an intelligent, as he was a well-dresse handsome man. Her lodgings were poor, but neat and clean, and si had certainly made the best possible use of the little means her x)overti stricken condition admitted of, and into which she was forced withoi warning. She was at first somewhat reticent, having the fear, whic these people frequently exhibited, that we might be members of tl secret police. We often found it difiScult to persuade them to tal but once their confidence gained and assured that we were not Eussis officials, it was not easy to get them to stop. Among other things, si stated that the conductor of her train said that her case was by ] means uncommon, that he quite recently had another where the chi of the expelled Jewess was born on the train. This latter case we heai of, but did not meet the woman. Sepeynher 2. — We visited David , locksmith. He has tl best place of the kind in Wilna and has hitherto carried on a lar^ business. At present work is scarce and prices low and he is makii up a stock of goods, hojnng for better times. All of the employes a Jews, among them a young fellow who had learned the trade and w: engaged at a vise. His work showed that he Avas a competent artisa for wliich he was now receiving 25 rubles per year and board; former he received 1 ruble per day, but competition had reduced his earning >Ve then went to a cabinetmaker's establishment, where 20 men, t ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 79 ;| Jews, were employed. Some of them were inlaying a cabinet of ma- ^ hogany with brass, an elaborate and superior piece of furniture. The best workmen receive from 5 to 7 rubles per week, about one-half of the towages ■|)revailing before the troubles began. Near by is a large steam sawmill owned by Mr. Massovinin, who em- ploys 50 men on the river Vilia. The building is of brick and substan- tial, but the machinery is very primitive, the only saws in use being a qJ gajig moving slowly up and down. The men who work upon the rafts and lumdle logs receive 50 kopecks per day of thirteen hours, board- J ing themselves. None but Jews do this work, as it is hard and severe, ^i especially in che autumn Avhen the water is cold. The sawyers receive p( 5 rubles i)er Aveek. The same proprietor owns a grivStmill adjoining. li Here the emi^loyes, also Jews, receive from 80 to 40 kopecks i)er day of twenty hours, boarding themselves, sleeping in the mill on sacks when olf duty. There is no lack of help, as hundreds are waiting for a ;, chance to work even under such conditions and at those prices. Five or six stalwart looking fellows were loading upon wagons sacks of rye 1 flour each containing 37 poods (1,480 pounds). As in the sawmill, none ,[i of the machinery is of modern or improved kind. til A blacksmith shop across the street, belonging to a Jew named Itzik, was next insj^ected. He was standing dejectedly in his shop, idle. I From him we learned that he had formerly done a fair business and employed an assistant, making a daily x)i'otit of IJ rubles, but to-day "I have earned only 30 kopecks. I do not know what this is coming to." About a year ago he had instructions from the police to tear down his former wooden shop and rebuild with brick, which he did altliougli he knew of no reason for such orders, as there were wooden ,1 shops all about his. He said he had been idle more than half the time since A])iil and sees no prosi)ect of imi^rovement. " Competition is so great that all are grabbing for work, whieh, when they get, they do r| almost for nothing." Another blacksmith, Mr. Hirsch, has in his emi)loy three boys, being obliged to discharge liis men because he could no longer aftbrd to pay them the rubles y)er week, which they formerly earned. The boys receive from 20 to 30 kopecks per day and board themselves; has not much work to do, owing to competition, and said ruin stared him in the M face because so many artisans came from the interior to Wilmi. We next visited a Mr. Walberg, wood carver and cabinetmaker, who was at first unwilling to talk, fearing that we Avere newcomers Avho J might be competitors in his business. He formerly employed 35 men, J noAv there were men and boys in the place. His wood carvers earn from 4 to 5 rubles per Aveek, and one of superior skill receives 7 rubles. 1 The boys are paid 10 to 15 kopecks per day, one of Avliom, Avho seemed to be about 14 years of age (he Avas afraid to talk), Avas carving a table leg of handsome design. We were told that the sales were practically nothing now. In the storeroom there Avas a carved and ofiiamented sideboard, ottered for H sale at 80 ruble^^, an article of turniture, Avhich here would cost at least $300. Ehiborately hand-carved hall chairs were marked at from 10 to 15 rubles. We here heard the same story of paralysis of trade, exces- sive competition, fcAv sales, and beggarly prices. The last place visited Avas a stocking-knitting factory where 30 Jewish girls Avere employed. Upon our ai)proach, fearing we were police agents, a«2 but three ran aAvay, returning as their alarm subsided. They work fourteen hours per day for 40 kopecks. These girls Avere at Avork in one room and their appearance Avas most pitiable. Their sunken eyes, de- 80 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. jected visage, aud gaunt bodies told the awful story of pinching hunge and ove^^York more i)lainly than eonld tlieir tongaes, and no one conic see them as we did without feeling deeply moved at the desperate coe dition in whicli they found themselves. IMany of them have fine face and would be called handsome but for the distress deeply stampe( thereon which spoke pathetically of the excessive toiJ, poor nourisli ment, and impure air which was theh' daily lot and fiom which there i no release but by death. Gaining their confidence they talked with soni degree of freedom and a number of them said they would like to go t« America, about Avldch place they had heard such good account;? ScA'eral have friends whom they would like to join but they can not g< nor save the little money necessary to take them, while the coiulition here are growing daily Avorse. AVlien asked what they lived on one o the girls" replied: ''Two meals a day, of black bread, watered witl tears." Sometimes they have cabbage soup twice a week but very rarel; any meat. There are three grades of rye bread on the market. For a pood (4i pounds) of the poorest, the kind used by the working people, the pric is 1 ruble; the next best, 1 ruble 40 kopecks, while the best, inferior t< that sold in America, costs 1 luble and GO kopecks. A\ here we inves tigated the bread prices we met an old man ai)parently past 70 on hi way home from work. He seemed to be anxiously considering an invest meiit of the 2 kopecks he held in his hand, and finally laid down on^ or them for which he received apiece of cheese about as large as a but ternut, and in answer to our iuv-iuiry said: "This, with a slice of blacl bread, is all I shall have for my dinner." We left Wilna with impressions indelibly impressed upon our mem ories of want and misery such as we had never seen, and which w hope never to see again. Jj^either pencil nor pen can adequately describ the conditions, even if it were in order in an otficial report to elaboiat them. Of the th(msands of cases that Ave encountered without seekin; we could make notes of but a tithe, a few of which are presented a taken at the time. Here we separated, Commissioner Kempster going to some farmin; communities near Dekshni, while Commissioner Weber went on t Bjalostok. The former reports as follows: In the Gubernia of Minsk, Wilna, Grodno, Kovno, and Yolhynia, t- which the Jews fled during the persecutions of the middle ages, the; purchased large estates, some of which have been carried on success fully by them ever since.' In the year 1819 the Eussian Governmen prohibited Jews from purchasing more land, but in 1835 they set apar 5,500 acres in the province of Minsk, on which Jewish agriculturist might settle, and in 1857 there were, according to ofiicial statistics, 3,97. persons on this land. This number afterwards increased, and in 188 there Avere over 5,000 persons upon this and adjoining leased property The May laws of 1882 forbade ucav contracts Avith Jews as lessees c landed estates situated outside the precincts of towns and townlets, o even the issue of powers of attorney, to enable Jews to manage sue estates. As a result many persons were forced back froin these land into the towns and townlets of the Pale, the only places they could noA reside in, and Avhere there was no land to cultivate. In Kovno th Jewish communities held, by Government permission, more than 85,00 acres, and in Grodno about 0,000 acres, with an agricultural populatio of 4,000 people. In A^olhynia, a proAdnce containing, comparative!, extensive agricultural tracts, and which also gave refuge to tlie Jew.' bread Avas furnished for a great many tillers of the soil. Untn the yea ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 81 I|l882 tliey cultivated more tlian G00,000 acres, nearly G per cent of tlie '^arable lands in tlie province. In all of these places, wliich are within Hlie l^"ile of settlement, the enforcement of the 3Iay regnlations has com- l)elled the leaseholders to abandon the i^roperties they were on and i' forced tliese eommnuities to go back into the townlets, where the laws .'obliged them to live. ^' We found that in many instances the Eussian landed proprietors J\ised every endeavor to i)ermit the Jews to remain, because their ex- '{pulsion meant a discontinuance of the rent which came to them, gener- "♦ally a good one. In some instances the order for expulsion came while Hhe crops were yet standing in the fields, thereby preventing their '|harv'esting. oSTear the city of Wilua there are a number of agricultural 1 colonies which were established under somewhat peculiar circumstances, and these communities were specially examined. I left Wilna, in company with a guide, at G a. m. Sei)tember 4, and at the station of Olkeneiki took a post conveyance and traveled across country to Dekshni, one of the Jewisli colonies. The drive was over a sandy plain, interspersed liere and there with small groves of scrub i:)ines. Tlie crops had nearly all been gathered, except buckwheat, which was Jbeing cut by women with sickles. The soil is i)oor, the cultivation not equal to that found on the most ordinary American farms, because of the inferiority of agricultural implements. The buckwheat was less than G inches in height and so thin that it would not have been con- sidered worth cutting in America. Here, however, every scrap is care- fully harvested. On the road we passed a gristmill Avhich stands on Government land, the tenant a Jew, who pays special taxes to the au- thorities for the use of the water in the stream, a mere rill, which is dammed so etfectively that the proprietor obtains a head of 5 feet. He said he could not run the mill regularly, owing to the lack of water, but he is compelled to pay his taxes annually nevertheless. The prin- cipal grists are rye and buckwheat. For grinding he receives 5 kopecks for the pood of 40 pounds. His laborer receives about 50 ko^iecks a day in summer and in winter 25 kopec^ks, without board, and this is the general price for laborers round about here. Women receive the same wages as men. Besides Dekshni, there are other colonies in this vicinity, Leypoon and Ponashysterz. Each community is subdivided according to size. The drive through the country to these places was through farm lands, ^ and we found the grain still in the shock, some of it already sprouted and worthless. As the starvation had begun in some parts of Eussia this waste seemed wicked, and ui>on inquiry of some Moujiks for the rea- son, they said that it had ])cen customary for them to sow the grain and harvest it, then they sold it to dealers who took it from the ground, marketed it, and paid them its value, but that this year the dealers had not come for the grain, and it had not, therefore, been thrashed. Further inquiry develox)ed the fact that the majority of these dealers were Jews, who this year were driven away by the enforcement of the May laws, leaving no one to market the meager crop, and it was there- fore lost. We found the same condition of affairs in every place, dou'bt- less-due to the same reasons. The colony of Dekshni is subdivided into IG parts, which contain about 43 dissiatinas (8G acres) each. In Leypoon there are 8 divisions, ill Ponashysterz 0. In 1848 the Czar Nicholas invited Jews to estid3- llsh themselves in this and other communities iiear here, and gave to each head of a family who accepted the invitation 200 rubles with which TO build a house, and exemi^ted them fi'om all military service for I H. Ex. 235 6 82 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. twenty-five years and from all taxation for ten years. When these colonies were established it was required that each division iimst hav( at least six workmen upon it, three old and three young, and if for anj reason there were less, a suri)lus family must be drawn from a divisioi containing more than six. As the colonies giew the numbers of eacl division increased, so that now there^are from twenty to tliirty on ever^ division, and existence for so manj^ is almost impossible. Under the provisions of the original grant the land will belong to tlu Jews who remain in 1913, but they say it is rumored that they are tc be removed. ''We are forbidden to lease land outside our community and those of our number who were there have been sent away and wc are not permitted to hold the leased land.'' We saw the original grant, approved by the Ozar Nicholas, fron which the data concerning these colonies were taken. In 1858 the Gov ernment imposed a tax ranging from 59 to 00 rubles per annum upoi the head of each family. It was soon found utterly imi>ossible to paj this, as they could not accumulate this sum from the net sale of crops About four years ago the tax was reduced to 30 rubles per annum, anc this is the sum now paid. The land is so poor and steadily growing worse that it can not raise good crops even in ordinary years. The} grow rye, oats, buckwheat, and some small garden vegetables. In good year they raise 12 poods of rye to the dissiatina (240 pounds tc the acre). Last year (1890) the rye failed altogether, and they had nc bread made from their own grain. This year (1891) it is estimated that they will have 8 poods to the dissiatiiia, the market price here beinol now (August, 1891) 75 to 80 koi^ecks per pood. Buckwheat, poor thij year, is worth from 50 to GO koi^ecks per i)ood and yield about 1( poods i)er dissiatina. It is largely used for food; from it they make f soap into wliich they put potatoes, these being the principal articles ol diet. This year the potatoes have all rotted in the ground. Oats dc not grow abundantly; this season they raised only 50 poods in the en tire community — not enough for seed. Their houses are grouped to gether so as to form a town, being nearly all the same size, one story ir height, in a row and generally containing two families, one in each end In this village there is no saloon or any place where beer or liquoi can be obtained. I went into the house of a man who acts in the ca pacity of teacher. I found in the room 20 small children attending school and who were being instructed in the art of reading, writing and arithmetic, the reading lesson being chosen from the Bible anc Tahnud. One little fellow, aged 10, came forward at my invitation anc read from the Bible. Copy books were placed before them in whicl they wrote a firm round hand, and being questioned as to their reading lessons all replied x)romptly and evinced an interest in their instruction The teacher receives for his services 8 rubles for six months. In thk' colonj^ there are over 100 adults, besides the children, and not out among them unable to read and write Hebrew and Eussian, their edu cation being equivalent to that of our common schools. The little ones both girls and boys, work a certain portion of each day in the field.' with their parents. At my request the children were called from wher( I found them at work and asked to read and write, which they did ii every instance writing their names in a note book both in Hebrew anc Russian. The school exercises would put to the blush some of the school children in my own country. One little girl, 6 years old, stooc by my side and read clearly and plainly from the Bible without liesita tion or even spelling out the words. They ay ere all clean but poorlj dressed, well-behaved, and resi)ectful. A short time since some of tlu ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 83 ttofarmers of tli.is community asked permission to purchase some lands .iadjoining' their colony which the landowners were willing; to sell pro- ,|3vided they could get permission from the officials. The request was ^denied on the ground that the Government would sell no land to Jews. .yThe overflow from here goes mainly to America. During the past five Jyears 20 men have gone from this one community. Sometimes they go lout to neighboring cities as coachmen. rij There were 20 men who came into the room where my investigations Jwere xirosecuted, all seeming to know something about American life. •^iThey said they would like to go there if they had the money. ''Here Jour land is so poor that we are unable to get sufficient means to sustain ourselves." I asked them if, in case they went to another country, J, they would settle in tlie cities. 'The rejily was "No, we can not live ^without fields, any more than a fish can without water. We Avere ,„born here larmers, and farmers we want to be to the end of our days." ,^1 then asked why they wished to go to America. A housewife pushed : her way through the men and said to me, " 02ir lives are lost, hut we j^want to alleviate the condition of our cJiildren.'^^ They asked about the „soil and its products, about food, liow the land was watered, prices for llabor and for farm products, and evinced a great interest in the subject, jJas well as a thorough knowledge in everything pertauiing to agricultural j.|pursuits. There are in this community thirty horses and sixtj' cows. The ,ij,room iuAvhich I took statements of these people is not more than 12 feet |j square and feet high, with furniture plain but clean, and in the Aviu- „ dows were some simple fiowers in pots. On a shelf, besides the Bible I and prayer books, I found fifty volumes printed in Hebrew and in [,l,Kussian, also some old magazines and newspapers. During my inves- tigations the teacher arose and asked to be excused, saying, "It is now ,|fOurliour for prayer; we desire to go to our liouse of worship. We will [Jreturn soon and remain witli you, and be at your service." They ,j quietly arose and Avithdrew, leaving me alone in this little home. , Before going they ])laeed on the table a samovar Avith glasses for the j.|tea and a i)itcher of milk. I The buildings though old are Avell preserved and as clean outside as within. There is an entire absence of trees, as fruit trees a\411 not grow in the soil Avhile small fruits are difficult to raise. As no one knew but ij, myself that I was to visit this community it Avas impossible that they ; could haA^e prepared a i)lace for a reception. The day Avas Friday and the community Av^as getting ready for their Sabbath. I Avent into each of the houses in the communit3\ There Avas no material ditt'erence in any of them, the same cleaidiness being obserA^able in each place. Round about the house the green grass Avas kept clean and smooth- shaven as ahiAvn. There were no "back yards" Avhere all sorts of litter is permitted to accumulate. Tlie ba.rns AA^ere as neatly kei)t as tlie homes, the contents being stacked aAvay or mowed Avith careful i)recl- sion, consisting of peas, lentils, and beans used for making soup. On every hand the husbandry was of the most orderly character. On our way to Dek.shni w^e passed through a Russian village about 2 versts distant which place Ave inspected. The buildings A\xre terribly dilapi- dated and dirty, and although only 40 srmls are living there it contains a saloon, located in one of the largest houses. There is neither school or teacher iu the community, nor Avere there any evidences of carc^ful husbandry. On the piincipal street there Avas a pool extending all the way across, immediately in front of the houses, nearly 50 feet wide and up to the carriage hubs in mud, Avhich Avas covered with a green slime in Avhich the swine AvercAvalloAA'ing and from Avhich emanated a horrible il 84 ENFOECEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. stench. There were men in abundance and it needed only a littl energy and a few cart loads of dirt, easily obtainable, to abate a nu sance which has x)robably existed since the foundation of the village. Le^^oon and Ponashysterz do not differ materially from the con munity of Dekshni, excepting that they are somewhat larger. Th community is founded upon the same principles, the houses are built i the same manner, and the general conditions are like those found a Dekshni. Those villages in existence since 1848 are a standing refute tion of the charge that the Jews are not farmers. All with whom conversed stated that they desired to remain where they were, and i'^ it had not been for the severity of the laws which compelled them t^ relinquish lands they had hitherto held they would not now leave, bu that the increased numbers accumulating there year after year lun made it impossible for them to obtain a livelihood upon the grant origi nally given, and as the laws hitherto made had been revoked by tli May laws, they could see no other way before them to obtain subsist ence but by emigration. The conclusion forced itself upon me that i these people can obtain a livelihood upoii this soil, under such uufavor able circumstances and surroundings, bringing up their children h usefulness, giving them a fair education, they would do vastly bette; if they were located where they had an equal chance with others iij the same walk of life. bjalystoe:. Septemher 5, 1891. — Commissioner Weber reached this place at 11 p. m., having left Commissioner Kempster at Wilna, as already stated and reports as follows: This city is near the border line between Eussi^ and Poland, has a i)opulation roughlv estimated at 60,000, of whon 35,000 are Jews, 10,000 Polanders, 10,000 Germans, and about 5,00( Eussians, besides soldiers and of&cials, all of whom are Eussians. 11 is a manufacturing center, and about 150 clotli manufactories of greatei or less importance are located in and around the city. There are alsc a number of tobacco factories. At every i)lace visited the usual replj was given to questions about the condition of trade. ''Trade is para- lyzed, jDrofits small, competition fierce, sales contracted because of the uncertain tj^ of what the morrow may bring forth, and the increased risk in giving credit. Parents hesitate about educating their children in the higher institutions here to the extent to which they are still per mitted, while those artisans and laborers who have work are making but i)art time and at reduced wages." Most of the factories use hand machinery. Where steam is used Christians are employed, as the Jews observe Saturday as their Sab- bath, and the police regulations forbid the oi)eration of steam estab- lishments on Sunday; hence the machinery would stand idle two days in the week if Jews were employed. The feeling between Christians and Jews is reported here to be most kindly, ''brotherly," as was ex- pressed by a large manufacturer. Formerly weavers received from 7 to 10 rubles per week; now they receive 3J to (3, and work usually from 5 a. m. to 7 p. m., with two and one-half hours intermission for meals. The bulk of the goods manu- factured here is sold to Jews, who report that the consumption has fallen off from one-half to two-thirds owing to the disturbances. The obtaining of a passport for emigration is beset with serious diffi- culties. Five or six certilicates are required, which, with stamps, cost 80 kopecks each. A visit to Grodno is also necessary. The journey and ENFOECEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 85 ^^l^peuses, witli-the sums necessary to move the police wheels, runs the ^st up to from 20 to 25 rubles, heuce miuiy go to the border without jassports, pay 5 rubles to the police as a bribe, and easily -pass beyoud Tie jurisdiction of the Eussian autliorities, thereby saving money 'ifiough to pay their way to Hamburg. For this reason a correct esti- mate of the outflow is imi)ossible, as much of it is of this clandestine ^laracter; but everywhere I heard of the movement to Afiica, Aus- 4'alia, Palestine, South America, England, but the most of it to the I'nited States. Many of them have relatives already settled in this xuntry, and all give glowing accounts of our conditions, while some iceive money from such relatives for sustenance and passage to merica. There seemed to be less fear on the i)art of prominent Jews ) be seen with us, as was the case in the interior. In many respects vilization has reached a higher standard here, probably because of roximity to the border. The pioneers in manufacturing enter] )rises, ^! le leaders in what Americans would term ])rogress, are Jews. Is'early eryone reads and writes Hebrew^ many Eussian and German, some olish and French in addition. I saw ]\Ir. Yollvowsky, son of a merchant of the first guild, who was ^Orn in this neighborhood and is prominent in various business enter- rises which have brought him ample means. Tlie son visits Charkoff', the southern X)art of Eussia, as the business representative of his bther, several times annually, and is as well known to the officials and rominent business men there as here. I^Totwithstanding he has a right go anywhere in Eussia, and that on January 25, 1891, his cer- i ficate was properly and prom])tly vised by the police authorities, yet the 22d of July following the same instrument wa*^ indorsed by ';amp and writing that he had not the document entitling him to visit harkoff, and was ordered out within twenty -four hours. Api)lication ) the governor finally obtained an extension of his time privilege to le 2d day of August. 1 saw the certificate with numerous indorse- ents stamped thereon, which were translated by our interi)reter id found to be as above stated. Later in the day we called ui)on his ther, who was at that time confined to his bed by illness. He is a ost intelligent gentleman, formerly a manufacturer of gloves, and one the first in the business at this place. He seemed to be quite dis- kiraged as to the future, and believes that increasing disaster is inevi- ible. The city is full of unemx)lo3'ed labor, which is manifest at every and, and groups of fifty or sixty are common in the streets. The olish language is not so generally spoken here as formerly, it being rohibited in official circles, at the railroad stations, and schools. The 3sign is to Eussify Poland and the formerdependenciesof old Poland, :' which this section was one. The younger generation speaks very :tle Polish. I visited the cloth factory of L. Handler, who employs 50 men when full operation; at present he employs 20. Eighteen handlooms are . operation and fourteen idle, owing to the hard times. Last year they ere all in operation. He makes first-class goods, and must therefore ly the highest rate of wages. Weavers receive 8 rubles per week, )y8 1 J rubles, girls from IJ to 2 rubles per week. One of these weavers Id me that he pays 40 to 50 rubles per year for the education of his lildren, and in addition 8 rubles annually for charitable purposes, nother, Hirsch J. Jvatz, said he was going to America, and upon being ^ked why, replied: '^I can not supi:)ort my family here; the income is ''^►o small for the expenditures." He formerly earned 10 rubles per '^eek and now averages about 6 rubles; has a wife and four cliildren, 86 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONl'RACT LABOR LAWS. besides liis fatlier-in-law, to support. He lias a brother in tlie Unitec States who earns from $8 to $10 per week as a clothes p (^sser; ha: been there three years, and reports himself as highly pleased with hi; condition. This man will go first and afterward send for his family His father and mother formerly leased land, but they died some tiim ago and the son was not i)ermitted to renew the lease, so he had to come to th is city. He leaves for New York tiext week. He says he thoroughly understands farming and gardening, and is willing to work at that oi anything else in order to earn a living for his family. t next visited a Jewish tobacco factory, and after some parleying ob tained the sanction of the revenue officer stationed there to enter, bul the proprietor, evidently fearing that the officer had been surprised ink acquiescence, i)ro tested vehemently against our entrance. He seemed panic-stricken and was not sure whether Ave were sight- seers, as repre sented, or secret police. We relieved his anxiety by promptly with drawing. I called at the tannery of Mr. Zalkin, who employs altogether Of workmen, 10 Christians and the rest Jews. The main tannery build ings are about 7 miles from the city. The proprietor spoke as discour agingly of the future as all the others had, and offered the same rea sons for the depressed condition of affairs. Believing that there wae no prosi)ect for improvement, he recently went to Jerusalem for the pur pose of looking into the conditions with a view to removing his busi iiess, but he reported that matters were in a deplorable state there: that the people were poor, went barefooted, and had more need o: bread than shoes. I then visited the establishment of Mr. ISTorvick, who has been fiftj years in the business and reported to be the pioneer cloth manutac turer in this section of country. He has both steam and hand factories and employs about 70 men. In the steam iactory he employs Chris tians for reasons already stated. He also reports business terribly de pressed, and stated that a short time ago the maiuifacturers called y meeting with a view of taking concerted action to reduce AA^ages of em ])loyes. He refused to join this inoA- ement, saying that they now were barely above starvation point, and if compelled to go below that ht Avould slop entirely. All of his hand machines are in operation on short time in order that eacli of his workmen may have some employ- ment. I stopped at a blacksmith shop near by, the owner of which, Mr, Korvick informed us, could be heard hammering at 3 o'clock in the morning. An iron i)low, chiefly of wrought iron, the only wood about it being the ends of the handles, an implement such as is used in this part of the country, he makes and sells for 5 rubles each. His laborer Ava? a soldier Avho had served liA^e years in the Caucasus. He was sent to the Pale after completing his service, returning to the village where he lived before drafted, but it was held that he had '^changed his resi- dence," and Avas therefore not permitted to reside there. We also met at the house of this blacksmith a Avoman, temi)orarily liAang there as a charity subject, who said she had a husband and eight children, who lived t\A'enty-four years in one i)lace, in a village, cultivating the laud and running a dairy under a lease. Another person bid higher for the lease and compelled them to vacate. They desired to change to another place in the same a illage, but it was held that would change residence, and therefore they AA^ere forced to lea\^e. The family has been here six weeks, unable to obtain employment, and did not know what to do. This house Avas small, the furniture rude and scant, consisting of a table and ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 87 ' few chairs, but I noticed books on tlie shelves and some clieap pic- jires on the walls. The blacksmith\s son, a weaver, went to Amei^ca ont six weeks ago, but no ncAvs has yet been received from him. In the neighborhood was a carpenter shop where formerly ten men ere emploj-ed, and now there is but one, and he works twelve hours er day. I also met here a woman who said her son had been some ^ars in America. He started a little dairy with two cows, bought on 'edit, and now has twenty cows of his own, and she considers him on je high road to fortune. i I then visited a tinsmith shop and learned that the proprietor had een in America, where he lived eighteen months and earned $12 per "eek. He returned to Russia, he said, on account of his aged parents, id reported that he Avas doing well here at present, because he has a )ecialty in the manufacture of cylindrical forms used in the cloth man- [facturing establisliments here. Hh has practically a monoj)ly of this ork, but tliinks this will not last more than another year at the out- de, as others will become as skillful as he in this direction, and their )mpetition will force prices to the low standard prevailing here. He )oke kindlj^ of America, and when in the course of time nature releases im from the obligaticm which brought him back, he expects to return > our country. It was evident that his brief exi^erience in America ad not proved detrimental to him. One of his workmen arrived here cm St. Petersburg about six weeks ago. He had not yet been or- jefed out, but realized that his permission to stay there was but a latter of short time, and finding an opportunity for work here, although t a lower price, concluded to take advantage of it. At St. Petersburg e earned from 10 to 15 rubles per week, here only 4J rubles. He irved his time in the ixrmy and received, besides rations and clothing, J ko])ecks (about 12^ cents) per month. The foUowing prices paid for labor at the various places visited were stained from the men and corroborated by the employers: Hod carriers, when employed, 30 kopecks per day of lOJ hours. No ork in winter. Carpenters, in summer, 5 to rubles per week; 3 rubles in winter hen at work. ' Bricklayers, 4 to 8 rubles per week. No work in winter. Laborers, 40 kopecks })er day in summer; little or no work in winter. One of the foremen whom we met in a tannery receives 10 rubles per eek. He formerly lived in New York and NcAvark, N. J., earning 2.50 to $3 per day, but as his wife would not join him in America he iturned. Tannery workmen receive from 2 J to G rubles per week. A street paver stated he made 4 rubles per week in summer and 2 in inter when he had work. This man has six children, and for school- ig pays 10 rubles per year. A little boy about 10 years of age was iiployed in assisting the paver. He receives 15 kopecks per day. .nother boy, about 15 years old, receives 25 kopecks per day, but in 16 winter they are unemployed ; the money they earn goes to their arents. Cloth weavers receive 5 to 8 rubles per week when steadily em- loyed; boys, IJ rubles; girls and women, IJ to 2J rubles. Treers in boot and shoe factories earn 3.J rubles" per week; boys in lis department IJ rubles per week. One boy who earns 1 ruble and ) kopecks per week reported that he had a father, brother and ster in New York who left about a year ago. He did not know what ley earned but they are sending money to the mother, who graduated 88 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. at the gymnasium here and who remains with four children andl grandmother. The family exx^ects to join those in New York befo long and the little fellow is envied by his shopmates because of I superior prospects. Another young man earns 3 rubles per weej of which he gives his parents a portion and is saving the balancj after paying living expenses, to go to America with. A story was to us of another boy in this shop who received 1 ruble and 50 kopec' l^er week, lived on 50 kopecks (25 cents) per week, saved the balanc and left for America in July last. Hand-made horse shoes, put on, cost from 15 to 20 kopecks eacl the best new shoes, however, costl ruble per set of four, put on. On returning to the hotel we were agreeably suri)rised to find a ca] from Messrs. Levy & Sons, upon which was written in English, ^'"VS are Americans and would be pleased to have you designate some hoi and place convenient to you to ha^-^ us call." In accordance with the request we met these gentlemen in the eve ing. It was learned from them that the father was born in the viciuiv of Bjalystok, married here, and went to America some twenty yea' ago, where he first worked as a laborer on a railroad. He visited vai ous parts of our country, and finally settled in Hamilton, Can ad where he amassed a comfortable competency. His Avife being vei much attached to the old home, besought him to return to Eussi which he did, taking \^ith him $20,000 in money, the result of his labor' He settled in Bjalystok and started a shoddy manufactory. Fro' others we learned that he has accumulated a handsome fortune in h business; his natural shrewdness, aided by his American experienc made him an easy winner in the competition for wealth. He told V. that he now employed about 250 men, his principal factory being aboi 7 English miles from the city. He pays his employes the going rate whicii are from 1 to 2 rubles per week for women and boys, and 2 to! rubles per week for men. He has an intense longing for America, ad confidently expects to end his days here. His son is an intelligei' young gentleman, born in Minnesota, and speaks the English langua^ perfectly, as well as German, llussian, and Tolish. That he has in bibed strong American patriotism was made evident in his con vers; tion, and upon breaking up a protracted but pleasant visit, he desire us to salute for him the "Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World Mr. Levy is one of the rare specimens we have met in this countr who, foreseeing the approachiiig storm directed against the non-ortb dox, wisely obtained through influential i)ersons a permit to remain i Russia, from the minister of the interior, approved by two other cab net officers. He pays the usual tax of a merchant of the first guile 1,000 rubles per year. When we asked Mr. Levy how he knew aa were in the city, he said : "The entire town is aware of it; the l^e^^ has spread like wildfire that Americans are here, and are agents < Baron Hirsch sent to arrange and form emigrant committees." Tlii was corroborated by the visits of several individuals and by a commi tee claiming to represent 40 persons Avho desired information on tl subject. The crowds that accunmlated wherever we went suggeste the wisdom of expediting our movements here in order that we migl complete our business and leave the city before being interfered wit by the police. September 5, 1891. — Commissioner Kempster having arrived we visite the Jewish home for old peoi)le. The institution is supported by tli meat tax specially levied upon Jews, and at present contains 20 me and 20 women. The building was being generally renovated, as i ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 89 1 sual every summer, but everything indicated neatness and comfort for iieai^'ed inmates. As onFriday, tliecrowd gathered on the outside to see : he foreigners and ahnost bhjcked the street. The inmates of the home t -ay nothing for board or clothing and are made quite comfortable in riieir declining years, even receiving jwcket money for small exi)enses. . We next examined an institution possessing decidedly novel and fyiteresting features named the ^'Charitable Loan Association." There rre two of these in the cit^ based upon the same benevolent principles, 'he one visited, now eight years established, has a capital of 0,500, rhe other, 8,000 rubles. The business is that of pawnbroker, loaning to lie poor without interest, save a nominal charge of 1 kopeck per ruble to pay the expense of clerk hire. This is in pleasing contrast ?rith the pawn shops under the direct management of the Kussian city 1 authorities in Minsk, where the interest charged is at the rate of 18 er cent per annum. So far as details are concerned the association is ?jOnducted on the general i)rinciples of the pawn shop, except that there 15 no charge beyond the small fee referred to, and that the money bor- f owed may be returned in instalments in any amount desired by the fdiower, and that tliey must repay at least one-third of the loan within ix months, although extensions of time are usually obtained Avhen . applied for. s; Within the past two years the managers have been unable to supply >|lie demand for money, and all of the cax)ital of both institutions is »jOw outstanding. They have thus far been comi^elled to sell very few hrticles pledged as security, and the greatest leniency is observed, as lie business is conducted purely for the benefit of the poor. IS'ot more i;:iii 200 rubles per year have been realized from such sales, although iicy have a number of overdue loans which have been permitted to run •.V three years. The articles pledged consist of jewelry, candlesticks, ,amovars, clothing, clocks, and a variety of household utensils. These ' hings speak eloquently of the distress which prevails; some of the wclry and more expensive articles here seen indicating clearly that iiicliing want is not confined to the so-called lower stratum of liii- preciated when the fact is stated that of the 450,000 inhabitants but about 12,0d are Russians and 270,000 Poles, the rest being Germans and Jews. This does not its elude about 20,000 Russian soldiers stationed in this city; the total number of su«^ soldiers in Poland is estimated at about 200,000. While the condition of the Jew as compared to his brother witliin the Pale is iniic' better, yet it is not entirely free from the discriminating eflects of Russian rcgnh- tions and law. For instance, there is in this city a Jewish rommissioner, actin under the sanction and supervision of the Government, who levies a tax on the ii come of Jews above the artisan class, ranging from 3 to 225 rubles per annum. Froi this they are permitted to i)ay, subject to governmental apjiroval, the salaries t their rabbis, the expense of maintaining a few labor and artisan schools, and a Je"^^ ish hospital. This tax specially levied on the Jews in no way influences any othr tax for which they are equally liable with other subjects. Up to this time there ha been a feeling, not particularly cordial, but at least respectful, between the I'ok and Jews, but the anti-Semitic prejudice has seemingly been fostered by the RuJ' siaiis in order that Jews and Poles might be made to turn against each otlier, to tli advantage of the Russitication policy, which appears to be the dominant idea. Tli Poles being stronger and more influential are as yet second in this three-cornere' struggle, but they do not expect to escape the fate of being ^'Rnssifled'^ in th course of time, their nationality having already been blotted from the map of th Avorld, The movement is also being directed against the (jcrmans in Russin, fo whom they have little regard. A project is now before the Russian Goveunincnt with prospect of realization, compelling the German colonists in South Russia t dispose of their lands within a certain fixed period. I am convinced that the fort going is the true theory underlying the policy of Russia, which in substance mean the Russification of her subjects and their enforced adherence to the Greek Church While it is charged that the feeling against the Jews is based upon the claim tha they are usurers, and while I admit that in respect to some this charge is true, hu it should be remembered that necessity, growing out of restrictions and special legis lation, has developed qualities which are undoubtedly evil and reprehensible, 'i hi affects but a sniali class, conqjaratively speaking, and under a goverjiment so ahso lutely under the control and power of a single individual, can be at once certaiul; and effectively reached by Imperial decree. Let the Emperor issue his edict tha, ih after a certain date no promissory note, bond, or other obligation given by a Chris ; tian to a Jew, unless in ordinary transactions, shall be v " I ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 95 bligation given by a Chris- alid, and this business will stop at once. A prominent Polish j^fentlenien, a member of the orthodox Greek j! Church, whose family suffered in the uprising of 1863, and who was j himself for some years a political exile in Siberia, said in conversation about the Kussification policy: I Warsaw was once the proud capital of a kingdom ; now it is but a provincial town. ! At the present time the pressure used against the Jews here has not been severely felt. Those forced from inner Russia by edict, as well as those compelled to leave • the pale from necessity, do not wish to remain in Russian dominions, for they con- sider that in any event their stay would be limited, and therefore prefer to go to rsome country where there is at least no immediate prospect of being told to move on. It is, however, thebelief of av ell informed persons that it is but a question of a short time when the same pressure will be brought to bear on the Jewish population in Poland that now crushes them elsewhere. In consequence of this unsettled feeling commercial transactions are all made with reference to the crisis believed to be ap- .proachiug. Jews Avill not purchase property even at one quarter of its value, and Ibis illustrates the financial uneasiness now felt. September 8, 1891. — We called on the American consul, INFr. Joseph Rawicz, who received us with marked kindness and j)roffered his serv- ices in any manner desired to facilitate our inquiries, aJthougli he had given very little attention to emigration matters. His reply to our consular letter will be found in the Appendix. j The following are the ruling prices paid for labor and food at War- saw: Carx)enters, locksmiths, blacksmiths, painters, tinsmiths, and glaziers, 5 to 8 rubles per week in summer; no work in winter. Labor- jers, 50 to 80 kopecks per day; shoemakers and tailors, 4 to 5 rubles [per week; tailoresses, 2 to 3 rubles per week; factory oi)eratives about i25 per cent higher tlian at Grodno. Carters,.and drivers of droschkies, 5 rubles i^er week. The cost of food is no higher than in Grodno, but ^he working men live better. Beef costs from 15 to 18 kopecks per Russian pound, equal to five-si.xths of an American pound. Butter about 40 kopecks per pound. Salt herrings are the chief article of diet of the working men, and sell for from 3 to 4 kopecks each. Men's boots long legged) cost 5 rubles; women's shoes 3. It is estimated that it costs annually 12 rubl; s [\,\: a man and 8 for a woman for boots and shoes lalone. A suit of best clothes, coat, trousers, and waistcoat, such as are (^orn there by mechanics, costs about 25 rubles; a suit of working blothes, about 15. Cap costs 3 rubles, and overcoat 20. For under- I j^lothing and hose, about 8 rubles per annum is considered a fair allow- \ ^nce. The clothing for a mechanic for a year is estimated to cost about ^0 rubles, and a suit of clothes must be made to last from two to three J^ears. A laboring man is expected to expend about one-half the sum ppent by a mechanic. As a rule the working man can afford to rent put one room for the family, the average cost of which is 100 rubles })er year, prices ranging from 7 to 12 rubles per month, with 20 rubles i)er mnum for heating the apartment. These figures, which are among the nore favorable furnished in Russia, are suliiciently explanatory of the •auses '^ inciting emigration" without taking into account the other onditions recited, and in reply to our comments upon the situation our nformant added with apparent sincerity as to its relevancy, "Funeral xpenses are cheap." Sefptemher 9, 1891, — It having been stated to us that for some time »ast emigration was stimulated by persons representing themselves as I ^ents who traded upon the weakness of the Polish people, we called II 96 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. uj)on the Rev. Father Sigmund Ohehiierki, who is farailiar with the subject, and from him obtained the following statement: I have lately returned from Brazil, bringing back about 300 Catholic Poles whc had been induced to emigrate to that country. They are of the poorer class whose* ignorance was played upon by unscrupulous agents employed by ]iersons holding land concessions made by the Government of Brazil, Among the inducements held out were, that the soil Avas productive and Easily cultivated, the climate mild and the natural conditions in every respect far superior to those here. Also that the Pope had purchased a large tract of land in Brazil and was parceling it out to the Polish members of his faith, and thatlf they remained in Poland they would be forced to join the orthodox Greek Church. These agents visited the smaller villages, painted glowing pictures of the beauties of that country, and in many instances attei leaving forwarded passage tickets to Brazil, which in the mind of the simple peas- ant was conclusive proof that the anxiety of the Pope for his temporal welfare was genuine. By such methods they worked up an emigration craze which caused a large outflow to that country. The Government officials have lately been active iu their attempts to stop this swindling, and although not carried on openly or to any great extent, it still exists. It is my opinion that emigration to Brazil is a failure; the climate is unsuitable, causing sickness, the soil is poor and the language of the country strange. That Government at one time made strong etforts to induce emigration, offering among other thiugs a per capita premium, and the influx grew to large proportions. Those emigrating there were composed of two classes, one living near the borders of Ger- many and Austria and whose chief occupation Avas smuggling. The efforts of the interested governments having largely checked or permanently stopx>ed such opera- tions, these people were easily induced by such representations to improve what seemed to them a golden opportunity. Another class was made up from the manu- facturing districts. Manufacturing, especially of cloth, is very much depressed and many mills are standing idle, unable to meet the competition of those more fortu- nately situated in the interior of Russia. The chief feature of this competition is due to the discriminating railroad tariff rates, which by direct or indirect manipula- tion on the part of the Russian governmental authorities is imposed upon Poland. It costs four times as much to send goods from Poland to Russia as it does to ship tlu same class of freight from Russia to Poland. The emigration from Poland to tin? United States is by no means so large and may be regarded as normal in volume. Emigrants are chiefly attracted there by the reports from friends and relatives who preceded them, and which are very diflerent from those received from Brazil, all be- ing of the most favorable k ind and expressive of satisfaction with the change. These people are of the better class of our industrial force, having sufficient means to pay their own fares, and while many of them niay have but little to begin life with on arrival in the United States, they are hardy and industrious. In an interview with Mr. , he said : The Russian Government gave to a number of its noblemen Polish estates, confis- cated after the uprising of 1863, These estates are subject to entail, and therefore can not be sold. It is also forbidden to lease such lands to Poles or Jews. This law is evaded, however, by hiring tliese interdicted persons as managers, under agve< ment that the estate shall yield a certain sum per annum to the owner. As many, of the higher officials are concerned in this practice, there is a certain protection to such methods, and the evasion of conditions imposed on the class of estates formerly the property of the Poles is feasible. Up to this time no serious encroachment upon the civil rights of the Jews has resulted, but occasional drops indicate that the shower ■will soon come. For instance, there are ten or twelve officials who may be termed ** trade justices", authorized to take cognizance of contentions between tradesmen, and who are elected annually by the merchants composing the trade guilds. These justices are separated into divisions, the chief of eacli being appointed by the Impe- rial Government. Those Avho are elected must be approved by the minister of jus- tice at St. Petersburg, and while as yet there has been issued no decree or regnlation forbidding the election of Jews, three or four who were elected as usual this year failed to receive such approval and another election has been ordered. One such, elected with the others, Avas born a Jew, but as he has been couA'crted and baptized into the Greek Church, his election was promptly approved by the minister of jns- tice. Again, Jews, who up to this time were classified as ''small farmers", were per- mitted to buy parcels of land from others of tlip same class, there being no differciice made in this respect among Poles, Jews, and Russians, but the last publication oi the senate (decisi ^vearing of which is a common custom among them) are not allowed to go into the public parks. We visited the cigar factory of Polakiewicz Brothers (Jews), the largest 3stablisliment of the kind in Poland. A number of four-story buildings fire occupied by this firm, all well ventilated, light, and am])le for the ac- ' }3ommodation of the 1,100 employes, all of whom are Jews except 20. The working girls and women, however, were plainly of a diiferent type from tliose we had seen in similar estabhshments within the Pale. The [atter were more intelhgent in appearance, and with some show of re- luement, indicating a forced necessity for this kind of employment, ^hich had not always been their lot. Many of them were bright and laudsome, while here the faces were far from prepossessing, and without indication of having previously held a better station in life. Upon in- ' Quiry we found that most of the women came from southern liussia. jDhe ages of these female employes do not run down into childhood years .. p in the Pale, additional evidence that the pressure felt within the Pale tiad not yet extended to Russian-Poland. The compensation of opera- ives here Tyas estiuiatcd to be 25 per cent to 30 per cent higher than II Crodno, as follows: Tobacco sorters (women), 50 to GO kopecks (25 to 30 cents) x)er day. Pa(;kii]g smoking tobacco is done by gangs of five who woik by the H. Ex. 235 7 98 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. piece; the chiefs of tlie gang (men) earn from 28 to 30 rubles ($14 to $15) per month, the others (women) about 35 kopecks per day. Hand cutters (men) receive from 8 to 10 rubles per week. Machine cutters (women) 50 to 60 kopecks per day. Oigar-makers working by the piece, earn from 5 to G rubles per week. Their helpers from 2 J to 3 rubles. The principal output of cigars is oi the cheap kind, selling at the rate of 1 kopeck or one-half cent each, put up in packages of five, ten, and upwards. The cigarette makers are all women, and earn from 4J to 5 rubles per week. Each has a heli^er earning from 2 to 2J rubles per week. About 50 of the men re- ceive from 20 to 24 rubles per month. Business was reported as dull, and competition growing more severe, although it was evident that ii it becomes a case of the survival of the fittest, which seems quite proba- ble, this establishment will be long in the race, as its management appears to be of the progressive kind, and is equipped with the best machinery, making their own gas, of which they use a large quantity, not only for illumination but in the preparation of packages, etc. We visited a school for the education of the children of poor Jews, having a daily attendance of 204, and being the largest of several ol these institutions in the city, which combined have ()50 pupils. The school hours extend over the day and the usual method of teaching is employed here as in others visited. They are supported by the Jewish community out of the taxes levied on incomes already rel^erred to. We were informed by the cemetery authorities whom we visited that the rate of mortality among the Jewish community in this city aver- aged 4,200 out of a population of about 150,000, and that the death rate of the balance of the population was still higher. We called at the Jewish Association rooms, where we found a large corps of clerks and other employes necessary to the levying of the in- come tax before mentioned, and the collection and disbursement of the fiind, and had explained to us the system of operation. The committee levies according to income, the tax ranging from 3 to 225 rubles per annum, which lor the year 1890 resulted in the collection of 01,000 rubles. Other sources of revenue swelled this amount to nearly 130,000 rubles. The estimates of expenditure must be submitted for approval of the Russian Governmental officials. These expenditures are for the salaries of rabbis, clerk hire, for support of schools, hospitals, and other charitable purposes. Upstairs in this building there is a department where complete statistical information is being prepared concerning all matters relating to the social and economic comlitions oi the Jews in Poland. This work is being carefully performed, but prom- ises to be incomplete, for when the committee had secured returns from about three-quarters of the entire Jewish population the Govern- ment oifioials interfered and forbade its completion. Another feature of the association work is the pawn sliop con- ducted substantially on the same ju'inciples as that at Bjalystok. Ko charge, however, is made either for fee or interest, and of 2,400 loans made during the past year, some as low as 1 ruble, only 114 pledges were sold for non-payment. Asked whether the loans indicated in- creasing poverty, a number of instances were cited showing that former contributors, taxed for income, now sought loans on ])ledges. The in- crease in value of the pledges offered also indicated that the formerlj- more fortunate classes were now driven to the necessity of asking to be assisted at this institution. We also called on Mr. Block, counsellor of state (a non-Jew), a ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 99 ^•ealtlly and liigiily educated gentleman, the author of a valuable ;tati«tical work, and who has collected material and will soon be pre- )ared to publish another showing the condition and status of the Jews iompared with non-Jews. He commenced this work originally, in the )elief that these statistics would present the Jews in an untavorable ight, and might, to a certain extent, justify some of the measures pre- ;cribed and enforced by the authorities. His investigations caused a omplete change of opinion, and he is now filled with hope that when lis data has been prepared and presented to the emperor, the restric- ive measures expected by the Jews of Poland will not be decreed. lis theory is that the figures prove so conclusively tlie dependence of he business interests of the Emx^ire upon Jewish enterprise that the estrictions in inner Eussia and the Pale will result disastrously to . iiussians unless common sense shall finally prevail. He has also a ,. gtroijg faith in the kind-heartedness of the Emperor, and because of his - pelief that he gives careful scrutiny to every paper, petition or docu- : nent that reaches him he exx)e(,'ts that his work, finding its way into ^he Emperor's hands, will bring about a better understanding and cou- sequeiit improvement of the conditions which prevail. He also cx- )iessed his firm conviction (as others had done) "that the re])()rt of our commission will throw a flood of light upon the real conditions A hich exist, and made to a Government, unbiased by local interests md free from anti-Semitic prejudices, it can not fail to exert a powerl'nl uHuence in the direction of better regulations for the harrassed and )ersecuted Jew." Continuing, he said: While the officials iu the aihiiiiiistration of restrictive measures against the Jews . .try in the mauner aiul degree of pressure exerted, this ditt'ereiice is due ratlicr to lie several iuterpretatioiis of the wishes of the higliev authorities, or the Euiperor, ind tlierefore just as soon as it is authoritatively intimated that the ruling power «lc- iires to have the pressure relaxed there will be immcdiale and effective relief. He admitted that others, who feared the blow would fall in Pobmd IS in the Pale, had reason for such fears, as the report subnn'tted for )])inions but not yet formally otfered by the minority of the commis- sion recently appointed by the Kussian Government, received the aj)- 'proval of the Governor- General (Gourko) of Poland, accompanied by his statement that he would advise the striking out of that clause \ which permitted those who are given the right to remain on the land I knd in the villages where they now reside to shelter and provide f^r their aged and infirm i)arents, or immediate relatives who are physi- ' pally or mentally incapacitated to care for themselves, on the ground ; that such leniency would be abused, and pretended parents or incapa- j bles would be fraudulently jnovided with right of residence within the i privileged lines. I j The work of Mr. Block will present comparative statistics ui)on edu- I cation, occupation, criminality, military service, the trade currents, etc. i pe also analyzes the official statistics obtained by the authorities, ' 'pointing out those that are correct, and demonstrating the errors of the others. In the matter of criminality, tlte official statistics present I ;the Jew in an unfavorable light as compai-ed with the Christian, Avhich ■ he thus accounts for: For minor offenses committed by Jews, they are 'ited to appear before tribunals having juries, and as their con\ictions aie i-ecorded they are reported iu the statistics. 1 n the case of Eussians, the a(;cused is tried before a lesser court, a sort of justice of the peace, where the punishment is of a milder type, and being unrecoided, finds no ijlace in the figures. 100 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTEACT LABOR LAWS. Mr. Block stated also that one great reason why Jews were so fre| quently registered as tradesmen instead of agriculturists was due h the fact that when they reach a new place, America for instance, the^ are unable to get land and stock farms with the few rubies thej^ hav< at command, therefore there are many who although really agricaltur ists, but without the means to engage in that calling, peddle anc trade and call themselves merchants and tradesmen, both terms beiu^ misnomers. Our observations in Eussia terminated at Warsaw, as from thii point we proceeded southerly out of the country. To complete th( record, we present in the Appendix documents and statistical informa tion, in addition to those referred to in the foregoing report, all oi which are believed to bear directly or indirectly upon the causes whicl incite emigration. These additional papers consist of abstracts from Russian laws concerning Jews, certificates of artisanship, receipt foi* hospital tax, certificate required to obtain permission to go abroad.! l)assports of persons having the legal right to live anywhere in Russia! indorsed with peremptory orders to leave within twenty-four hours, and various other passports with expulsion orders, population statistics oi the cities, towns, and townlets of the Pale; extracts from a publication approved by the censor, describing the Jewish agricultural colonies at Ekaterinoslav; all illustrative of the conditions prevailing and furnish- ing abundant reasons for emigrating. Tlie numerous cases cited i)resent salient features, representing typical specimens of the various grades of persecutions, which undoubt*J edly aggravate the existing famine horrors, and are based upon personal interviews and investigations. Nearly all are corroborated, the more ini])ortant ones by undeniable proof, some of it documentary in char- acter. In i)resenting them, we aimed to reproduce, as far as possible, the simple language in which they were described; to avoid embellish- ment of facts, as they speak eloquently for themselves, and in their des(!ription to repress the feelings which often gained the mastery, as we stood face to face with the actual scenes of the misery and want sur- rounding these hunted human beings, and which we can never drive from memory. The chapter is by no means complete; what there is of it is regarded by us as authentic, and believed to be a convincing his- tory of the terrible conditions which heretofore have been but partially described and largely disbelieved because of their incredible character. We close the Russian chapter with the following brief statement: In view of the fact that the restrictive measures leveled against the Jews in Russia ati'ect the conditions of fiom five to seven millions of peoi)le, that these persons are in consequence forced to emigrate, and that owing to various reasons, the chief of which being superior ad- vantages, personal and religious liberty, their trend is towards our shores, we gave more time to the investigation of, and more space to, Jewish immigration than to any other, as in every country visited, ex- cept Russia, the movement is due almost entirely to normal causes.* In Russia, however, emmigration is incited by causes within the con- trol of the authorities. There is a propulsive force behind it which can be stopped by an imperial edict, or by an intimation to cease the per- secutions, just as was done alter the May laws of 1882 started the exo- dus which swelled the figures of emmigration to our country and prom- * Since we left Russia evidences of pressure against Catholics, Lutherans, and Baptists (Germans) have developed. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 101 '^Sned to grow into liuge proportions, but whicli was stopped by the pro- tests that came from all directions.* While the principle of non-intervention in the regulation and man- agement of the domestic aifairs of foreign countries is recognized and ^generally observed by all nations, especially by the United States, it ^*tean not in respect of the Russian Government be regarded as a friendly ^bct to strip these persons of their substance and force them to our land . impoverished in means and crushed in spirit. Neither should it be re- ^ ^garded as a violation of this principle to protest against a continuance t)f such measures in view of their effect upon our affairs, even if the question of humanity be eliminated from consideration. To push these people upon us in a condition which makes our duty of self-protection war against the si)irit of our institutions and the ordinary instincts of humanity calls for a protest so emphatic that it will be both heard and lieeded. AUSTRO-HUNGARY. GALICIA. Septemher 11, 1891. — Early in the morning we reached Gracow, cross- ing fhe border at Granicia and leaving Russian territory at 5 a. m. On offering our passports, which we had become so accustomed to, we were promptly informed that such a procedure was not necessary in Austria, although the soldier's uniform was still ever present. Cracow is a city of about 70,000 inhabitants, in the northern part of the Province of Gahcia, which belongs to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and is known as Austria-Poland. From this province came the Slovaks, and as one travels south he passes through that portion of the country Avhicli sends to us what are commonly termed in tlie United States, Hungarians. Very few Jews emigrate from here to the United States, as they enjoy the same legal rights as the non- Jews. Foreigners are not permitted to become a public burden, but are returned to the country to which they owe allegiance, or put across the border. Hence the Jews who have been crowded out of Russia are forwarded to Hamburg and Bremen for foreign lands. We find here a committee of prominent Jews who, in conjunc- tion with the "Alliance Generale Israelite," assist their people on their travels to other lands. Their work since the exodus has been very heavy, having forwarded about 2,000 within the past two months. J ust at present their labor has come to a standstill, as they were notified I about a week ago by the committee at Berlin to suspend operations, i I The committee does not understand the reason, but thinks it is due to flack of funds, the bulk of which came from their Berlin and Paris co- •i laborers. Many of those who have been passed through had means ijsuihcient to carry them to their destination; some had but partial > i means, and some were penniless. All corroborate the conditions as we • I saw them in inner Russia and the Pale, and explain their impoverished * ^ state as due to the short notice to leave the places where they were re- H siding. Those within the "Pale," and those from without, banished t • to the Pale, left because longer stay only meant eating up the little which would carry them across the Russian border. In forwarding them the committee always consulted the desire of the individuals, as * Number of alien steerage passengers from Eussia landed at the port of New York 1880 7,693 I 1882 15,900 1881 10,518 1883 ., 7.577 102 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. many of tlieiu have relatives or friends who have gone before, and in such cases they send them in the same direction. Those who have means receive only advice and the protection of the society en ront€' against swindlers, who would otherwise take advantage of their help- lessness. Mr. T. Przeworski stated that in several instances he had dissuaded people ffom emigrating te America on the ground tbat it was not so easy a matter to obtain a living there as they imagined. He also stated there are no legal restrictions which hamper the Jews here, but there is a social distinction which prevents them from reach- ing some of the higher military or civic positions, although there are some Jews who are members of the Eeichstag, their highest legisla- tive body. There are a number of Jewish farmers in Galicia who con- duct agricultural pursuits on an extensive scale, and a considerable number who are engaged in farm labor. We visited the Jewish quarter and found it to be very much better in appearance than any we saw in Eussia. Although it was said there were man 5^ poor Jews in Cracow, yet in every resj)ect their condition is far sux)erior to that of their brethren in Eussia. We visited the arti- sans' school for Jewish boys and found it to be the best equipped and arranged of any we had seen. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that the funds are furnished from the outside, by the Alliance, and now su})- ported by Baron de Hirsch, except that the building, which is commo- dious and admirably adapted to the purpose, was donated by a wealthy Jew of Cracow. In the Pale the schools are supx)orted by the Jews who are themselves under the i^ressure especially leveled at their race, and in judging the results obtained under such adverse circumstances and iiistituting comparisons with the stiliools just described, that i)res- sure should fairly be taken into consideration. About 35 boys now attend who are instructed, boarded, lodged, and clothed at this institu- tion. These are orphans and the children of poor people who, unless thus provided for, would develoi) into dregs of society. They looked clean, hearty, and healthy, and, clad in a neat uniform, compare favor- ably with pupils of the best of educational institutions. The inoduct of their workmanship is of a superior quality, and their drawings and designs especially excellent. The same thirst for knowledge is apparent here as elsewhere among the Jews, and this predominant characteristic is so creditable, so beneficent in its results, that it is due to these people that it should be recorded. A partial list of wages paid in this country and l)rices of the chief articles of food will be Ibund in vol. 11. On the 12th of September, 1891, we left Cracow early in the morning for Buda-Pesth, Hungary, stopping on the way at Oderberg, a railroad junction, where most of the emigrants fnmi Galicia and Hungary pass. We met here a Mr. Lustig, an intelligent gentleman,who speaks English tluently and is the proprietor of the railway restaurant at that place. He informed us that emigrants are required to leave the train lor ex- amination at this i)oint and that they must exhibit passports or per- mits to leave the country, and show that they i)ossess money amount- ing to 200 florins* for each adult and 100 for each child. He stated that these legulations were made because of reports from the Austro- Hungarian consul at ISTew York 5 that sometimes poor inmugrants were returned because they had not sufficient means to establish themselves, and occasionally^ ai)plied to him for relief. At first this requirement for money exhibition was assisted by steamship subageuts who tem- * A florin is equal to about 41 cents of United States money. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 103 ^orarily loaned tlie money for tlie purpose of passing the inimigrant, i)ut this was stopped about a year ago. Recently there had not been ;o great a volume of emigration at this point. He thought this was due argely to the fact that this exhibition of money was demanded. HUNGARY. We arrived at Buda-Pesth late Saturday night, September 12. Buda- ['estli is a city of about 480,000 inhabitants, and it is estimated that )ver 100,000 are Jews. The people of Hungary present a great eon- rast to those of Knssia, and they and tlieir country were to us a reve- atiou. It soon became evident to us that the Hungarians who emi- grate to the United States are generally Slovaks, or the people from lie northern ])art of Hungary, living near the border, between Hungary iiid Galicia, and who are engaged junncipall}^ in mining and the coarser kinds of farming. A few of the Hungarians prox)er, or Magyars, well educated professional or business men, or skilled workmen, emigrate to the United States, and are moved to do so because of the higher wages md greater opportunities for advancement which prevail here. Hun- '^ary itself is a fertile and iiatnrally attractive country. Its fields are idmirably cultivated and the yields are large. Sugar-beet raising is one of their chief industries, the sugar being exported in large quanti- ties besides supplying her own i)opulation. The i)eople have every appearance of being peaceable, orderly, contented, and happy, and no European state visited by the commissioners presented a population so similar in such respects to the Americans. While there are some poor people there, Buda-Pesth exhibits less abject poverty than any other Euroi:)ean city we have seen or any American city a])proximating it in size. The flouring business is among its chief industries, and a number of very extensive milling estab- lishments are to be seen; also a grain elevator of brick, on tiie banks of the Danube, which for size and elegance of construction is not sur- passed by any in the United States. Shipbuilding is extensively car- ried on here a short distance uj) the river, and furnishes occupation for a large number of emi^loyes. The streets are handsomely paved and well cleaned, and regularly sprinkled, even in the very poorest quarters of the city. We visited the Jewish quarter and found the same neat- ness and order x>i'evailing there; even the old scrap iron was piled up in a tasty, orderly manner. In the ]>laces where the poor Jews transact their business the trade is carried on in booths, but there is a marked superiority over similar establishments in Kussia, the stock being much better and more valuable. Numerous new buildings are being erected, and there is every indication of a steady and subslantial growth. We also visited the poorest quarter of the city and tound there what are called "houses of necessity," buildings temporarily erected by the au- thorities for those who are too poor to pay rent, and for the poorest of the laboring (;hisses. Even here the surroundings were neat and clean. Many of the houses had little flower beds in front, and flowers were seen at nearly every window. The neat, white curtains on every hand presented evidence of taste. We visited this quarter at the time that the children were returning iVom school. While many of them were poorly dressed, their garments were clean and not ragged. The little ones were healthy in appear- ance, ru(hly, and their bright faces were in striking contrast to the ]>inch(Ml, hiiggaid appearance lU'esented by children of a similar grade in Kussia. Upon inquiry, we learned that the children are required to 104 ENFORCEl^fENT OF ALIEN COXTRACT LABOR LAWS. attend tlie public schools at least four hours daily. Hungarian anc Germau are prescribed as necessary, while English is among the optiona studies. We saw hundreds of these little ones trudging home with thei: books and vslates under their arms, and it was suggested by one of ou: party that they revealed the secre^ of the noticeable intelligence S(i universal in that couutiy. The people enjoy religious and politico liberty in a high degree and their patriotic regard for their native lane was everywhere made manifest. We found no surface indications what ever of reasons for emigrating, and inquiry elicited the fact ahead} stated, that only a small proportion of this class of Hungarians emi grate to America and these are generally skilled laborers. The bulk o: those classified as Hungarians in our immigration statistics are Slovaks, of whom some return bringing with them money earned abroad, witt which they purchase small places of their own, and every such instance stimulates others to follow their example. These Slovaks live in the Carpathian Mountain regions where, as miners, they earn from 40 to 65 cents x)er day. The emigration move- ment among those people was started, so we were informed, some years ago by agents from the United States who visited that region for the purpose of engaging mine laborers. The start thus made served as an advertisement of the conditions which prevailed in the United States. Many such instances were cited and one will illustrate this feature: Some years ago a man called at the American consulate to make in- quiries with a view to emigrating to America. He was advised by the vice-consul, Mr. Gerster, not to go unless he was prepared for hard work and self-denial. Last spring a man came to the consulate and presented his naturalization papers, given by a New York court, for record at the' consulate. After some conversation this man stated that he was the, same person who asked several years ago about emigrating to America, i and detailed the substance of the above conversation. The man was well dressed, wore a "diamond ring and other jewelry'' and said that he had money enough to purchase a small place near his old home, where he intended to settle. Mr. Gerster remarked: Wbeu that individual reaches his old home, purchases his little property, tells hia story to his friends, corroborated as it is by his appearance and his purcliase, you ran not prevent those people from following his example unless you restrain them by force. We were informed that the stimulation of emigration by agents has almost entirely ceased, although it is believed that what there is of it is conducted on a small scale and in a clandestine manner, as the Gov- ernment is sternly opposed to emigration from the country and places obstacles in the way of intending emigrants. Notwithstanding these obstacles, however, many elude the officials and steal across the border. The object of the Government in obstructing emigration is to hold the young men for service in the army. Many of them become naturalized citizens of the United States, some of whom return to their old homes and register at the consulate as American citizens. The consul said that he has had considerable correspondence relative to this particular class who were now residents of Hungary. He said the inciting causes of emigration fiom Hungary are the reports of those who have pio- neered the way and are doing well in our country, and of those who return and give glowing accounts of the conditions which prevail here. There are, however, signs of increasing need ibr economy in Hungary, ' which also acts as an inciting cause lor emigration, and this is un- doubtedly due to the excessive taxation required to support the large standing- army. ;^| ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 105 He instanced the fact that a tax of 33^ per cent is levied ujjon the let income and 50 per cent on the rental value of property, and but for )urdensome taxes he claimed that Hungary would be one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. Our observation led us to the conclu- don that this opinion is well founded. At one i)lace we saw a squad of vomen, shovel in hand, balhisting the railroad track j others were seen •arrying mortar in a sort of handbarrow; others were unloading cars. V gentleman of the legal profession, with whom we were in conversa- ion,in commenting upon this apparent contradiction of abundant pros verity with the necessity for female labor, said: WLile it is true that nature has been lavish in her gifts to Hungary, yet the jiopu- iitiou is dense (about 17,000,000 to 124,560 square miles) and the incubus under whicli )nr people rest is the great burden of taxation, made necessary by the continuous ;tate of preparation for war and our enormous standing army. The repeated chang<'S )f armaments and the drain which so vast an army of nonproducers creates bear leavily upon us. We in Hungary have a country to defend which is worth preserv- ng. The conditions are superior as compared with Russia, for Russia's border terri- ory and indeed until you reach deeply into the interior, or in south Russia, is a jarreu country, and an invading army would be compelled to carry its own subsist- 'nee, while in Hungary every part of the country would supply an invading army. Our taxes on rent incomes'reach nearly 60 per cent, and the method emi»loyed hy lie Government to ascertain the proper amount is novel. A rent roll is furnished n which the landlord states the amount of rent charged the tenant or tenants, who ire required to certify on the same roll that the rental is correct. The amounts iu- . olved are sometimes so great that attempts are made on the part of the landlord, vith the connivance of tlie tenant, to lessen the tax. The returns of the rent rolls ire Dot infrequently disregarded by the Government officials and the amount of tax certified to is increased, being fixed by the official in such sum as he thinks it ought be. If it were not for these enormous drains Avhich are continually made ui)on IS. Hungary would be one of the wealthiest, if not the wealthiest, nation in Europe. I'iie United States is to be envied in her freedom from such burdens. If it were not or the sea which separates us, I think we should all be over there. It is apparent hat those people who are not pressed down by the burdens of sharp poverty do not "migrate. Those whose labor is insufficient to supply the ordinary wants of exist- nice of self or family are the ones who seek a home in the new country, where they ire exempt from the burdens which oppress them here and which eat up the small earnings of a poor peoi)le. From southern Hungary, the finest agricultural x^ortiou )i' the country, there is little or no emigration, and if peace could only be assured, md the enormous standing army disbanded, and taxation lowered, there would be 10 necessity for anyone to emigrate from here to your country. In order to expedite our movements and reach Bremen in time for he steamship conference called for October 1st, it was deemed ad vis- ible to send Major Semsey, the Secretary of the Commission, into the 'ountry of the Slovaks, he being familiar with their language and rhoroughly understanding the customs and metliods of these people. We then proceeded to Vienna, arriving there the afternoon of Sex)t. 18. Major Semsey's report is given herewith: Col. John B. Weber, Chairman United States Commission, etc.: Sir: Having been detailed by your order, at Buda-Pesth, dated September 18, 1^91, to visit the interior and especially the northern part of Hungary, I have the lonor to report the following : I remained at Buda-Pesth for two days and ascertained that very few people emi- :;rate to the United States from that jiortion of the country, as the Austrian Govern- uent refuses passports to many who apply for them. Young men from 18 to 30 years )f age liable to military duty are not permitted under any circumstances to leave the •ouutry. I found that very few mechanics were out of em])loymeut in Buila-Pesth It present. To my surprise, however, I saw women working as hod-carriers and )erforming work which is usually only performed by men in America. (Here follows 1 table of wages and food prices which will be found in vol. ii.) I left Buda-Pesth September 21, for Eperjes, • a city in the northern part of \4 * See list of wages and food prices in vol. ii. 106 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Hnncrarv about 15 miles from Galicin, Austrian Polanrl, having from 10,000 to 12 00! Shnhkaiits The laiimiao-e used in that city and vicinity is Slovac, a kind ( l^lavSialect I^^^^^ few factories in the place and little ^n«/ness th, nrincM pursuit beinc^ a-riculture. The population of that city and of the a.Vloir Tv lloXL de^^^^^^^ year to year, as the emigration to America from the 1 al been'^ery large for" the past five Vea^s, amounting to 40,000 or more, most! fpn X women remaining at home. Most of the women here perlorm har /^ho'r in thrSls as well as in the cities. The school system m that city is we. re^ulaLrThe^iave public schools in every ward and education lecompul^orj The vouu-er generation of the working class of people can read and write; ol thos over d^se^ars^f a-e I found but few who could write, but some were able to rea nrint Most o7 the Slovacs from here going to the United States are bound for th ^^^ti •J Italy was the most important country on their list, not to leave it '' '1 ' unfinished in any event, and to make there a thorough investigation. 108 EjStorcement of aliex contract labor laws. BAVARIA. MUNICH. TVe left Vienna September 22, rejvhing Munich on the evening of that day. The country between these two places is mountainous, but the valleys appear productive and are well cultivated. Munich is a city of about o8(),()00 and, apparently, in a fairly prosx)erous condition. It was stated, however, that the button industry has suffered severely from the effects of our tariff' legislation. [Next clay we called on Consul Catliu, who furnished us with wsonie labor and food statistics which will be found in vol. ii. Emigration from this section is small in numbers and normal in character. NUREMBURO. ^ We left Munich September 24, reaching ^uremburg late at night. The next day we called on Consul Black, who has been at this consu- late about six years, and who told us he had not received our circular letter, but would write to Consul-General Xew for a copy and send a reply as soon as possible, * * ♦ also a list of labor and food prices.* He said that a certificate of character could be obtained from the local authorities in the cases of intending emigrants and believed that the authorities would be glad to have us require certificates, as that w^ould enable them the better to control their young men liable to mil- itary duty, whom they are very anxious to retain. He thought that if a tax of about $50 per head was placed on each emigrant as he arrived in the United States we could keep out paupers. He did not think that steamship agents drummed up business now, as the Government authorities are sternly opposed to anything which conduces to emigra- tion. PRUSSIA. BERLIN. We left Nuremburg on the morning of the 27th for Berlin and ar- rived there on the evening of that day. On the 2Sth we called on Mr. Frederick Mattfeldt, the agent at that place of the Xorth German Lloyd Steamship Company, and the substance of whose statement is as fol- lows: In his opinion emigration is at present largely stimulated by the belief that the gateway will be ch)sed by further restrictive measures on the part of the United States, aided by the prospect of war, which everywhere we found to be a general topic of discussion. Also that the' splendid harvests reported as having been secured in the United States and the scanty crops in Europe furnish further reasons for emigration. Kailroad wars in the United States, with the consequent cutting of rates, also affected the current, increasing its volume. The present laws regulating emigration from Germany aie provincial and differ ac- cording to locality, but stringent measures, uniform throughout the Empire, are expected to be inaugurated bj^ the German Government this winter, the object being to restrict the outflow of those liable to military service. The laws of Prussia of 1853 have from time to time been changed, *Not received. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 109 Iways with a tendency toward greater restriction. Some of the more ini)ortant rej^ulations relating- to this subject will be found in vol. ii. t is now forbidden to forward to intending eniigrauts auy advertising irculars or letters giving even simple iuformation as to sailiug dates iid prices, uuless a direct application has been previously made by the iitending emigrant. (See circulars and notice sent to intending emi- . rants by ]S^orth German Lloyd Steamship Companj^, p. 141 et seq.) he sale of every ticket must be promptly reported in writing to the K;al authorities within 24 hours. He also had instructions that in the vent that time became an essential element such notices must be tele- raplied. In 1885, in consequence of the severe comiietition among steam - hip lines, the passage rate to the United States was reduced to 45 larks (about -$11), to which the German Government objected because liad a tendency to abnormally increase the volume of emigration, 'he Hamburg Packet Company w^as therefore notified that their steer- ge-passage rates must not fall below 90 marks. BREMEN. On the 30tli day of September we left Berlin,' arriving at Bremen in he afternoon and on the next day at 10 o'clock we met at the Museum lall in confeience with the representatives of the continental steamship ompanies. The companies reijresented w^ere the Korth German Lloyd, y I)ire(;tor Lohmann and Mr. H. Peters; the Botterdam Line, by Mr. )tto Keuchlin and Mr. John Wilmink; the Hamburg-American Line, y Director Meyer and Mr. A. Storer; the Bed Star Line, by Mr. E. trasser; the Compagnie Genorak^ Transatlantique, by Mr. E. Yenezin, hile commissioners Weber and Kempster reijresented the commission, here w^ere also present United States Consul Starkloft' and Prince de "assano, who is interested in the care and comfort of the emigrant and 'ho was present by invitation of the commissioners. The Italian nes and the Thingvalla line were not represented. The meeting, in :s discussions and considerations was a repetition of that already de- 3ribed as having been held with the British agents at Liverpool, and hile there was a free expression on the part of the steamship agents »iey desired that their views upon the imi)ortant point of inspection, H liether consular or subagents, be submitted in writing. TIds has been ".^1 one, and they will be found on p. 140 et seq. As at Liverpool, the hrase in our immigration law^ "likely to become a luiblic charge" 'as referred to b}^ Mr. Peters, who claimed that it w^as scmiewhat m- efinite and desired to have a more specific exj^lanation of its meaning. his was fiu^nished to the conference and every feature of the law was loroughly analyzed and made as clear as the constructions already lade by the courts and the Department admitted. In closing the meeting Director Lehnuinn expressed, for himself and is colleagues, gratification and thanks for the opportunity given the ^ents to rea(!h a clearer understanding of our law^s affecting emigra- on. He expressed the belief that the results of the conference w^ould ove beneficial, and that there would be lessmisunderstanding and less fficulty in complying with the law than has hitherto been the case. We visited several boarding houses at Bremen, accompanied on our ur by Prince de Cassano, who had hibored under the impression that e iiiciting cause of emigration ti'om Euroi>e was the competition ong steamship and other transportation companies. At the various rdin,!:^ houses visited we questioned the emigrants whose destination H. Ex. 37 43 L 110 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. was the United States as to tlie reasons which impelled them to rn grate. Some 40 or 50 were questioned during our tour, and in e\ eople to remain at home and keep down the cost of bor. Continuing, he said : We now educate the cliildieii, care for them while they are unable to provide for icMuselves, and when they cease to be a burden and become producers, thus adding ) the nation's wealtli, they emii>rate to the United States. It is a mistaken idea jiat the element wliicli goes out is an undesirable one; on the contrary, you are raiuiuo oil' the better portion of oui' agricultural communities. On the next day, October G, Commissioner Weber sailed for New H. Ex. 235 8 114 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. York ou tlic steamer Spree. At Bremer-liaveii soldiers were noticed wlio boarded the steamer to detect and prevent young men capable of mili- tary service from leaving the country. The additional medical insp( ( tioD at the gang-plank was made here as at Liverpool, and, althou-li the departmental instructions did not so direct, the steerage was ex amlned as on the outward trip. As the return trip was exceeding ly rough and tempestuous, a second inspection of the steerage was made before reaching New York, and the conditions found to be as favoran'c as possible and as could reasonably be exj)ected. The separation ol the sexes was carefully provided for, with proper female attendants t(»i the female compartment, and the mingling of men and women forbiddtii except in the daytime, when the same privileges were allowed between decks as in the cabin. In stormy weather no place on board ship is desirable, and the veii tilation in the steerage, as in the cabin, is unwholesome and unpleas ant. Whether this can be improved by increasing the space allotted to each steerage passenger is a question which can be better answered by the officers of another department wlio have such matters officially in charge, and if so, provided for through Congressional legislation. Commissioner Kempster reports as follows: Monday, October 5, visited the boaiding honses which are main tained by the Jewish committee from funds contributed by the resi dents of Hamburg exclusively, accom])anied by jMr. David Brasch, ;iij assistant to President 11 inrichson, who aided me in nuiking the ex- amination and securing information. He stated that the committee i selected only the strong young people to go to Argentina or the United States, and that tliey furnislied to each emigrant a document issued !)> the committee, setting forth the facts concerning Baron Hirsch's col- onization scheme in Argentina. The emigrants go from the several boarding houses to a central din- ing hall where they are furnished with meat soup, one vegetable, brown bread, and tea tor dinner. I visited this dining hall during the dinner hour and saw UOO people seated at the table. 1 conversed with many ol them; nearly all were going to the Argentine Kepublh;, a few were en route to America. Here I met .Mr. Woltf, an agent of Baron Hirsch, who is to accompany the party to the Argentine Republic; from him I learned that they are now prepared to receive and care for 300 i)eo]de per week. They divert to Argentina all they can i)ersuade to go, al- though they may have desired to go elsewhere. The committee assist many who have not sufficient means of their own, as Baron Hirsch has furnished as yet no funds for transportation purposes. IVFany of those I saw had a little money of their own, but the jnajority had been assisted to some extent; in other instances they were furnished with half tickets for their children or a sum sufficient to make out their own passage money. All those going to Argentina were young i)eople, very few past mid die life and none old. There were many children. Xearly all were farmers or gardeners and came from the Gubernia Kherson, in south Itussia, near Odessa. They all stated that the pressure against the Jews had become much greater quite recently and that the same methods were now being used for their ex])ulsion which were in force in Moscow, and that the burdens were growing contiuiu)usly greater. There were several who had received only twenty-foui hours notice to go. Some were taken without any notice and marched away by the police, comi^elled to leave ever} thing they were possessed EITl^ORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 115 'fbcliiiul them, their wliolo present possessions bciiij;- what they had 11 their pockets and on tlieir backs. I took notes of some cases. Hirsch Meged, from the Gubernia Podolsk (gave passport), a farmer, lad lived there twenty-three years and rented 12 dissiatinas (abont 24 ores) of land which he had worked eontiunously, raising garden, vege- ables, etc. One day he was notified verbally by the police that he aust go away because he had no right to live there longer. He said liat he considered the so-called order a joke and did not leave. A few [ays thereafter the i)olice came to his house and arrested him, taking lim away from the field where he was at work and conducted him to ome ofticial who informed him that he must " get out" at once. He was lot allowed time to pack up his household belongings, but sold some of hem to a friend for about one-tenth their value and abandoned the )alance. He is going to the Argentine Kepublic because he has rela- ives already there. He paid nearly all the passage money, receiving a ittle from the committee to help him after landing. Is not going on to 3aron Hirsch's land. He said a number of exiles who came througli nth him are going to Argentina to take up land and make homes. Scholem Abramowitz, from Kiev, where he had lived for twenty-four ears, is a butcher, and said he supported himself and^ family nicely, le received notice to leave within twenty-four hours, which he was obliged to do and had not time to pack up anything except a few clothes lud some bedding which he put into bed ticks. He was forced to leave lis shop tools and other property behind. He was compelled to sign he usual " voluntary agreement " to leave within twenty-four hours, aking his wife and 4 children with him. He exhibited the order dated September 4, 1801.' He is going to Memphis, Tenn,, where he has elatives. Menechen Knepler, from Gubernia of Podolsk, where he had lived ^even years. Was an innkeeper and had all the necessary licenses to permit him to carry on the business which he had done hitherto unin- terruptedly. One day the police visited his place and asked to see his juiiicense, which was taken away by them. He was then ordered to get ' out at once. They pushed him into the street and his wife with him, iot giving them time to eat their dinner, then prepared and on the able. "They threw my farnitiire out on to the street, which was car- •ied away by the Christians. I have made my way here as best I •ould and am now going to Argentina." His tickets were given by the coDimittee. Moses Friedman, from Berhnitz, Podolsk, a tobacco i^lanter. Had tented 5 dissiatinas of land for eight years and worked continuously it this business. He was notified to leave inside of two weeks, because lie was a Jew. He tried to sell his possessions, but could get nothing tor them, and w^as comi)elled to abandon all things he could not carry in his box, including his household i)ossessions. He is going to Ar- L' en tin a, because his father-in-law is there. He had not quite money enongh to take himself and wife there and received some aid from the local committee. Leib fSternmann, from Podolsk, where he was born, aged 25 years, tanner, ordered to leave in twenty-four hours "because I am a Jew." Has always been a farmer, and he said, "I do not know how to do any- thing else." He is going to the Argentine Eepublic, but not on Baron Hirsch's land. He is unmarried and a stalwart looking fellow. Modche Blitzniann, from Podolsk, had lived there five years and had followed gardening as an occuj^ation, having rented 3 dissiatinas (abont (J acres). One day the police came to him and ordered him to go at once J he had no other notice, and was obliged to go without being 116 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. I able to sell either Ids produce, tools, or liouseliold effects. He Lad but ii few articles with him, and these were snatched up in the haste of departure from his home. He is going to Argentena, where his father- in-law has been working for seven years, but not on Baron Hirsch's land. The committee had furnished him some aid. Michael Weiner, from Podolsk, where he had lived eight years, work- ing as a gardener in the summer months and as a bookbinder in the winter. He received from the police a verbal order to leave, but not regarding it as a serious matter, did not go. He was then arrested, lined 3(10 rubles, and put out of the country without having time given him to close out his business. This man is aged 30, strong and healthy, has a wife and one child. Is going to 'New York, where he has an uncle. Melech Muller, Dudno, Gubernia of Keiv, cigar maker, 21 years of age, wife and two small children, lived in Kiev since childhood. Ee- ceived an order to get out of Dudno as he had no right to live there because he was a Jew. He, therefore, picked up what few things he could in the haste of leaving, not having time to settle his business or pack up his household effects, all of whicJx were left behind, including even some of the clothing belonging to his children. He is going to Chicago, where he has an uncle. The cases here given were not se- lected. The notes were taken at the time and the answers taken down as given, and as the men presented themselves they exhibited in each case passports, tickets, letters, etc. These experiences could be du- plicated by the hundred, but a sufficient number has been given to es- tablish the truth of the wholesale manner in which the people are be- ing driven out. EMIGRATION OF GERMAN RUSSIANS. It was here that I met with the stream of Germans, not members of the Eusso-Greek faith, who are leaving Eussia because of the '* pres- sure" brought to bear on them. There was a group of about 50 persons in one boarding house, and as the several statements were practically the same, I have repeated the one made by a man who was the leader of the party which was made up of Christians or non-Jews. Michael Hoffmann, from near Odessa, aged 45, with wife and four children. Has lived for twenty years on a farm, which he has carried on himself with some extra laborers employed in the harvest time. Has made a good living and laid up a little money, and expected to remain on his farm as long as he lived, but there had been such a change in the way the Germans had been treated lately that he in common with many others decided to leave while they could do so without serious financial loss. Questioned as to what the conditions were, he said that for many years the German settlers had -been permitted to elect one of their number who acted as a presiding officer at their village delibera- tions and who was the means of communication between the Eussian authorities and themselves. This official acted without compensation and his office was entirely an honorary one. A German was elected, as heretofore, this year, but he was informed by the police that before he could act in the usual capacity he must conform to certain new pre- scribed regulations and also "kiss the Eussian Christ." Asked wliat he meant by this, he said it was the picture of some saint and not the image of our Savior, and he did not think it right to seal his oatli upon the i)icture of some saint he knew nothing about, consequently he was not permitted to act, and the little community had no representative. He also said that heretofore the Gernums had been permitted to build their own schools and chui^ches at their own expense and without being n ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 117 interfered witli. At tlie time the order was issued preventing the Elected president to act, another order was made by the police to the fettect that before any church or school could be built thereafter the plans of a new building or the alteration or improvement of an old one must first be submitted to the Holy Synod for approval or to the per- son representing the Holy Synod at that place. This meant that all plans must be submitted to the priest in charge of the Russo-Greek church in that village. He would take the i)lans and alter them so that a building suitable for their wants and which could be built for GOO or 700 rubles was so changed that it would cost as many thousands to Ibuild it or alter it, so that the contemi^lated imi)rovement was pre- vented. He said that the Germans had always had their chiUlren taught the Eussian language and Russian studies in their schools, but that they had also been taught to speak and write the German language. At ithis time an order was issued that liereafter the children must not be 'taught to speak or write the German language ; also that the taxes, Iwhich were heavy enough before, had recently been very considerably increased, which made it much more difficult to secure a living. It was jopenly talked before them that if the Germans would join the Eusso- jGreek Church many restrictions would be removed and living be made ieasier for them. Then, said Mr. Hoffman, the Germans held some se- cret meetings and talked all these things over. We realized that the measures complained of by the Germans were much the same as those which were first put in force against the Jews two years ago, and that the Russian Government intended to do b}' us as it had done by them. So we secretly resolved to sell oif our stuif while we could get a fair price and move out before more severe orders came and we should be compelled to leave our possessions behind, as the Jews do now. In conseijuence of this resolve, they were moving out quietly, leaving the communities where they had formerly lived, a few at a tiuie, and meet- ing at Hamburg 6t Bremen, and from here we go together to our new home (in this case the Argentine Republic). Mr. Hoffman was the center of a group of about fifty, all from the ^ame neighborhood, who stood around him giving close attention as he ■made the foregoing statement, and when asked if he had stated facts they replied collectively, ''Yes; he has told much, but not all." Mr. Hoffman stated farther that the movement of the Germans had commenced in earnest, and that there was very little hope that there would be a suspension of the i)olice regulations under which it was now so burdensome for them to live. He was asked if the "regulations" compUiined of were known to the Czar. The reply was that he had no jkuowledge of an edict ordering them to go, but that it was plain to him that sooner or later every one who is not a member of the Russian Ichurch must "get out." Other members of this party corroborated iMr. Hoffman's statements, and each narrative contained accounts of personal grievances and losses resulting from the enforcement of tlie mew regulations, whicli they characterized as harsh in the extreme and 'under wliicli men could not live. The,7 estimated the number of Ger- mans, non-Jews, who would go out under these regulations at 200,000. This party was going, with their families, including many small chil- dren, to the Argentine Republic, where they expected to buy farms and follow their regular business. They were nearly all men in iniddle life or younger, and were fine looking, well-dressed, intelligent men and 'women, and appeared as though they would make good citizens in any country. Several other boarding houses were visited and inspected where I conversed witii the inmates who were preparing for the trip to the Ar- gentine Republic for which placte they were to sail the next day. No 118 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR x.aWS. new points were learned, the statements made above were repeated: they were all driven from the old, and were seeking the new home. COLOGNE. From Hamburg I returned to Bri3men. Having to pass through Cologne ou my way to Loudon, I stopped there October 7 to as(;ertaiu if possible whether any of the other commissioners had visited that, part of Germany. Mr. Wamer, the consul, was absent owing to illness. He h'ad answered our circular letter. The consulate was in charge of Mr. Maxvvell who informed me that Commissioner Schulteis had been at Bonn, near Cologne, about four wrecks and that he had once visited the consulate. He knew nothing of the whereabouts of the other mem- bers of the commission. Workmen are very poor here, so poor that they can not lay up enough money to get away. All artisans are required to keep a book in which their occupation is stated and they can not got a situation in any place without showing why they lelt tlieir former employer. This method is strictly adhered to and is under police regu- lation so that none of them try to obtain work without producing their books. lu the farming and wine-growing districts wages are better and men can therefore get away more readily but there is not much emigration from this part of Germany for the reason that men here are too poor to go and in the vine -growing region wages are better and they do not want to go. List of wages and prices of food will be Bent to Col. Weber, New York. (See vol. ii.) Mr. Maxwell, who gave the information, said that they are troubled somewhat with cases of young men who go to America and are given citizenship, then return home and attemxit to evade military duty be- cause they are American citizens. He said there are two instances known to him, where in spite of American naturalization papers the young men were arrested and are now serving in the German army. He said one of the great grievances Germany has against the United States is the fact th;it men go to America to evade military duty, tlien return home and claim exemption under the American naturalization papers; there are very few applications at the consulate for informa- tion concern.ing emigration to America, and it is his belief that very ' few go. There are plenty of workmen liere; the labor market is well stocked, and the condition of life among the laboring men is very i)Oor. Alien paupers, or people who become burdens upon the community, are taken to the nearest border and put across the line. An English pauper would not be sent to England, but would be i>ut over the line into the country adjoining this and forbidden to return ; they would not go to the trouble or expense of sending him to England or any other country. From Cologne I went to London for the purpose of getting coi)ies of "emigration laws" and other statistical information used in the report. U After securing the information desired, passage was taken on the * steamship Majestic, sailing from Liverpool, October 21. I witnessed the examination and embarkation of the steerage passengers at Liver pool and Queenstown, in all 925, and, as on the outward trip, visited and inspected the steerage and conversed with the passengers. Tiie voyage toward home was very rough, making transatlantic travel dis- agreeable in aTl parts of the vessel. There was no complaint amonu the steerage passengers as to food, accommodation, or anything tlsc. During the da^^ when not too stormy, they came on deck, and at sun down all the women were re([uired to go to their quarters, which was ;i separate apartment in anotiiei- part of the ship, far removed from the men's, with which there was no communication. RESUMPTION OF JOINT REPORT. Having detailed our daily itinerary from the time of landing in Europe until departure therefrom, and recorded our observations as we found them in the order of our visit to the several countries, Ave now present our conclusions and report upon the several propositions embodied in our letter of instructions from the Department and in the order therein laid down. We repeat here, in order that it may be .borne in mind, that these conclusions and the foregoing report refer only to Commissioners Weber and Kempster, except as specifically stated, and relate alone to the countries and cities which tliey visited, viz, Liverpool, Paris, and the northern part of France, Belgium, Hol- land, parts of Germany, Russia, Poland, Galicia, Hungary, and Aus- tria, the other commissioners making separate reports covering obser- vations of countries visited by them. It lias already been shown tliat a series of questions were propounded by aud through a circular letter to the consuls stationed in Europe, to whi(;h replies Avere received from 67. The substance of the replies is tabulated, and, with the letters in full, published in the second A^olume. Here it may be recorded that from every consul personally visited Ave received courteous attention and assuran(;es of hearty coo})eration ill our labors. In estimating the value of these consular replies, Ave desire to call attention to the fiict that with many of the consuls the subject of emigration, being outside the scope of their regular duties, was practically a new one, and that in many of the districts emigration is insignificant, as stated by them. Upon this point we desire to quote . jthe substance of a statement made by one of the most experienced and intelligent consular officials AA^ho has for many years been connected with the service as representative abroad, having served in various countries of Europe whi(!h haA^e furnished and do furnish us a large number of emigrants. He said that a consul is, in a. sense, a represent- ative of tlie government to which he is accredited, and therefore his reply to our circular letter of inquiry might be, and probably would be, affected by his dual character. In the event that such answer im- plied neglect or indifferenc©- on the part of a foreign governmental official his exequater would be immediately revoked, meaning by this, as he explained, that a statement made by a consul that (criminals or paupers are sent to the United States by the authorities in Europe Avould, in some countries, imply a neglect of duty involving a violation of law on the part of such officials. PRINCIPAL CAUSES INCITING EMIGRATION. The inquiry first laid down in your letter of instructions is: The principal causes whicli operate in the several countries of Europe to incite emigration to the United States. II Except in Kussia, where emigration is abnormal, as we have already reported in detail in the chapter devoted to the conditions in Russia, 119 120 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. we submit in answer to tliis inquiry tlie following: Primarily these causes are the superior conditious of living in the United States, higher wages, fewer hours of labor, better living, and the exemption from the exactions imposed by foreign governments upon their citizens, sucli as military duty, burdensome taxes, and regulations involving free- dom of movement and personal liberty, and the general belief that the United States presents better opportunities for rising to a higluM level than are furnished at home. The information as to such condi tion is not, at the present time at least, furnished by the imblic press of Europe, but on the contrary, as we were informed by the consul ac- credited to one of the larger countries, they publish statements wbich speak slightingly or even in a derogatory manner of the condition of affairs in this country. The knowledge springs chiefly from the rela- tives or friends who have preceded and are established in the United States and avIio, through letters and newspapers sent from this coun-, try, furnish such information. No one can tell of the relative di If er-j ence of conditions between this country and the old as well as those who have tried them both. No one can make clearer to those remain- ; ing in Europe the superiority of our conditions, and no authority is by them regarded so reliable as that of the member of the family already here. Glowing accounts or flaming advertisements setting forth our advantages, even if resorted to or permitted, on the one hand, or doleful statements of business depression on the other, have little eftect or influence on the mind of the European who is in communication Avith a member of his family whose judgment he understands and the reliability of Avhose statements he can, because of his knowledge of the individual making them, correctly estimate at their true value. These agencies are the most active in ijrocming recruits for the New World. We estimate that nearly 60 per cent of the emigrants who land in our country come upon prepaid tickets or money sent by friends al ready here, these in turn influencing a considerable i3ercentage of emi gration whi(ih comes on tickets i)urchased directly in the Old World. This ])repaid business is largely afl'ected and increased by even tempo- rary imx)rovement in our conditions here. Tlius, a good crop year and the attendant growth of business ])rosperity swells the volume of this feature of emigration. So ftir as tliis percentage is concerned, it argnc^s against the belief which exists in the minds of many of our i3eople that the quality 'of emigration, as to •character, is inferior to that of former years, as it necessarily follows that the class who are prepaid, belongiuu to the same families of those who prepay, must be of the same general character. This information as to our conditions 'is also supplcm.ented by the large number of persons who return to their native lands temporarily and whose improved appearance, enhanced prosperity, and statements to their old friends disseminate the knowledge ot the better conditions in this country. A reference to the table ot steerage passengers return- ing to all parts of Europe during the past year, as shown in vol. it, demonstrates the volume of this business. Low passage rates, sea and inland, affect the currents both coming and going. The combi nation of the principal continental lines recently entered into, having for its principal objec^t the raising of rates, will be regarded as interest- ing and more or less important. Generally wherever the manufacturing industries are active emigration is sluggish. Wherever the wages are , fairly good, as compared with their standard of wants and manner of, livijig, emigration is small. Thus we iind in France, Holland, and Belgium a reasonably contented and xjrosxjerous people, and the statistics show that the emigration from ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 121 tliese countries to our own lias been and is small. France, with its 37,500,000 of inliabitauts, sent to Kew Yoi'k last j'-ear but 4,388 immi- grants out of a total of 405,664, while Belgium, with its 5,600,000 i>oim- hition, furnished 2,458, and Holland, with its 4,114,000 population, sent 4,141 for the year ending June 30, 1891. In Hungary, which impressed us as containing the most contented and happy people of all, we found that while the emigration to the United States is heavy, reaching 26,433 for last year, a large proi)ortion comes from the Carpathian Mountain or Slovac region, where the people are the most ignorant and the soil the most unproductive in the coun- try. They are a class of people, differing so radically from the Hunga- rian proper, that they may be said to be a separate race or nationaUty. In addition to the superior conditions prevailing here, the conditions in Europe greatly affect the outflow. Short crops, industrial depression, racial persecutions, rumors and anticipations of war swell the tide. At the present time there is a general feeling that war is imminent, and un- til that has been allayed it will act as an additional inciting cause to stimulate departure from Europe. On the other hand, this apprehension of war promi)ts increased efforts on the part of the government officials to prevent emigration, but their restrictions apply only to that element which, by reason of age and capability, is considered a productive and desirable one and suitable for military service. Briefly stated, the inciting causes of emigration from Europe, aside from Russia, are the superior conditions here comi)ared to the condi- tions on the other side and until such conditions are relatively more nearly equalized there will be a natural flow, retarded by depression on 11 this side and increased by our pros^ierity or by dei)ression on the other ^side and the presence or anticipation of war. In concluding this branch of our inquiries, we present here a clipping from the London Times of June 19, 1891, containing a dispatch from the British ambassador at Berlin and a letter from Mr. Bleichroeder, who we understand is the British consul-general at that place. It may not be considered so pertinent to the question of ^'inciting immigration," but it is plainly in the direction of diverting it from England to America. It is of course merely advisory, as England has at present no laws restricting immigration or emigration. JEWISH IMMiaRATION. The following dispatch has been received at the foreign office of Her Majesty's ambassador at Berlin : Berlin, June IS. My Loud: On receiving your lorrlsbip's telegram of yesterdaj' desiring me to in- ■ quire into thie truth of a telegram whicli appeared in the Times of the 16th instant, and to warn destitute Jews that the labor markets in the United Kingdom are I already overstocked, I addressed myself at once to Herr von Bleichroeder, Her j Majesty's consul-general, who is a leading member of the Jewish community at Berlin, and I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a letter from him stating the measures which he has taken in consequence. I also placed myself in communication with Herr Landau, president of the Jewish relief committee, and I learn from him that the statement in the Times to which you refer is 6ul)stantially correct. Jews are arriving from Russia at the rate of 700 per day, and the committee has the greatest difficulty in coi)ing with the influx. A subscription has been raised which amounts to about 260,000 marks (£13,000) for their relief. Herr Landau says that none of the refugees have been forwarded to England, and that it has been, and will continue to be, the object of the committeo to prevent any from going there, as it is well aware that the labor market in that country is already overstocked. I have, etc., E. B. Malkt. The Marquis of Salisbury, K. G. 122 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Berlin, June 12, Your Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yonr excf lency's dispatch of this day's date, and beg to inform your excellency that some tin ago 1 inade every effort to prevent destitute Russian Jews from emigrating to EnglaU' aiid suggested that they should be sent to America or Palestine. I In compliance with your excellency's and Lord Salisbury's desire, I have giv€- instructious at once to the central committee for the expatriated Russian .lews : Chiirlottenburg to issue at once an efficient warning to the Jews, for the purpose i })revejit them from emigrating to England by stating that the labor markets i England are .ilieady overstocked. I further advised the committee to do their utmost in order to restrain those Jew from going to England who had chosen England as their place of destination pri( to the warning. I shall always be at your excellency's disposal whenever your excellency shoul suggest that another course must be adopted. 1 have, etc., G. V. Bleichroedek His Excellency Sir Edward Malet, G. C. B. EXTENT OF STIMULATION OF EMIGRATION BY STEAMSHIP OR OTHEl CARRYING COMPANIES. The extent to which the movement is promoted or stimulated by steamship o other carrying companies, or their agents, for the resulting passenger business. Upon this inquiry, of the sixty-seven replies received from the con suls sixty-three reported that the movement is not promoted or stimu lated by steamship or other carrying companies or their agents. Ii: the case of the four who did not report '^ no " plainly, we quote fron their replies on this point as follows: From Palermo we are informed : No inducements are shown to be extended by agents of steamship companies ei cept the argument indulged in by every agent of higher wages, more employment better living, etc., in the United States. From Stockholm we learn : For the most part by the different steamship line agents and by relatives. Onlji comparatively few go out from their own desire to change and try the United States*) From Berne, Switzerland, the consul reports that: The Compagnie G6n6rale Transatlantique runs special emigrant trains from Baslej to Havre by way of the Jura-Simplon Railroad in Switzerlaud and the Chemin de" fer de I'Est in France. These emigrants are forwarded by the emigrant agency **Zwilclienbart" of Basle and are provided with through tickets to New York or to, their destination in the United States. They are collected from all parts of the country where the agency ''Zwilchenbart" has agents. From Ohristiania, Norway, we are informed : | The British steamship lines forwarding emigrants from this port to the United States have promoted emigration and are probably still doin^ so by agents travel- ing in the rural districts and recommending their respective lines. I am unable to state to what extent the emigration has been promoted by such agents, but am iu- formed by the official statistics of emigration, published here every year, that more than one-half of the passage money for the Norwegian emigrants leaving for the United States is prepaid in America. Besides tickets, much money is also sent to friends and relatives who may be willing to emigrate. In some of the countries steamship agents are forbidden by laws, im- ' posing harsh i)enalties, not only froin promoting or stimulating emi- gration, but from furnishing information of any kind to au intending emigrant beyond sailing dates, prices of tickets, etc., and in Prussia they are not permitted to furnish this unless application for such in- formation is made first by the intending emigrant. Steamship agents there are required to notify the local authorities at the home of the ap- ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 123 )licant within t^Yenty-four hours of the sale of a ticket either by mail )r telegraph. Among the most pertinent answers from consuls upon this point ue the following: From Consul General Julius Goldschmidt, Vienna: / The agents of steamsliip companies, who must be Hceused by the Government, may >roi)a^a'te their business only in the way of advertisement in the public })apers. All luitatiou and persuasion in favor of emigration have been strictly prohibited by the iovemmeut. Business concessions are only granted on the condition that no pro- )aganda must be made to encourage emigration. Printed pamphlets designed for ho promoting of emigration arc prohibited by the law. The police authorities exer- ise strict control over all matters connected therewith. From Consul-General W. H. Edwards, Berlin : As far as I can ascertain the emigrant agents at present at work in Germany are iiostly engaged in turning the current of emigration in favor of the respective steam- hip or railroad lines which they represent. From Consul John S. Twells, ^N'aples: I am advised that while emigration is still free and voluntary it is not desired by he Italian Government, as of late two whole districts have been nearly depopulated if men. thus dex)riving the army and navy of most useful material, nor is it en- •ouraged to the same extent by the steamship agents for the reason that although he passenger business is very profitable to the three lines of steamers sailing between Naples and New York, yet owing to the penalty imposed by the authorities on ves- els transp(U"ting paupers, diseased or otherwise undesirable people to the United states, they do not solicit passengers indiscriminately as they formerly did through lihe ert'orts of hired agents. Two years ago a large number of these agents, for the ?onunission which they received on the sale of tickets, used every exertion to promote ind encourage emigration to the United States regardless of the class or condition of lie persons shipped, but since the Italian Government has enacted a law reqniring each ) gent to file a bond of 10,000 lire for the proper and lawful performance of his duties t became necessary for those who could not procure the required security to retire t roni the business, leaving at this time only two men on the list of passenger agents )r drnnuners at this port. A.RE CONTRACT LABORERS ENGAGED FOR EXPORTATION TO THE UNITED STATES? The extent to which contract laborers are engaged, openly or covertly, for expor- tation to the United States, through what agencies, and for what classes of employ- ment. There is no doubt of contract labor engagements in times past, but the CoiigressionaWegislation, which has really become practically effect- ive only since the transfer of the immigration service to the Federal iuithorities, has almost entirely stopped such operations. No laws can be enacted or system devised which will with absolute certainty entirely prevent isolated cases from coming here under previous con- tract, but the evil which formerly prevailed, and which Congress had in mind when legislating upon the subject, has been practically remedied. A law is exceedingly difficult of enforcement which depends largely, if not almost entirely, upon the confession of the party implicated; but the fact that it is prescribed as being a violation of our law, with se- vere penalties upon the emploj^ers in this country who enter into such contracts, is a deterrent which has certainly minimized the evil. The law could be improved if such additional legislation was enacted as would enable prompt prosecution of the contracting parties in this country, as at present the i)unishment for violation of the law falls u.suMJly upon the contract laborer, against whom the only penalty en- loiceable is a return to the port from whence he came. These men generally enter into these contracts ignorant that they are violating 124 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIX^i CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. our law, and their prompt return upon detection removes the only c pable witnesses for the successful prosecution of the offending employi on this side. In the countries visited by us we nmde diligent inquirj' and cou) learn of no violation of our laws in respect of contract laborers, and i this we are confirmed by the reports from the consuls, who are, wil few exceptiojis, unanimous in their statements that no such conditioi now i)revail. We quote from such consular letters the exception; cases iu order that it may be judged upon what basis their opinions a] founded. From Consul Starkloff, Bremen : I can not tell to what extent contract laborers are covertly engaged for exportati( to the United States, but I have good reason to suspect that a great many peopl especially Polanders, Bohemians, and Hungarians, are engaged under contract 1 mining companies, mostly of Pennsylvania. Since I have taken charge of th consulate I have noticed that these people are shipped for the United States iu tl spring and return in the autumn. I have recognized the same faces, especial! those of the men under whose supervision they seem to travel. These people do nc exhibit any money, nor do they answer any questions to strangers, no matter i; what language tiiey are addressed. They seem to follow their leader blindl; There is about one woman to each crew of twelve or eighteen men, who, as I ai j informed, works and cooks for them at their place of destination in the Unite States. It also happens that farmers or manufacturers who have bought a tract i land in the United States for the purpose of settling there have taken over wit them a whole crew of workmen who have been in their employ previous to the emigration to the United States. From United States Vice-Oonsul Odonand, Cognac: Emigrants are often compelled to sign engagements which, in assuring to thciii fuiuiuium yearly salary, obligates them to stay five, ten, or fifteen years, as the car may be; then, being satisfied with their new life, they establish themselves on the; own accord. From Consul F. B. Loomis, St. Etienne: The engaging of laborers by contract is probably limited to the demand froi Patcrson, N. J., of a score of men each year who are skilled workmen in the sii industry. The skilled workmen wiio emigrate from this part of France are an exce] lent class of men, and will add to the wealth of the nation. From Consul George Gifford, Basle, Switzerland: Contract laborers are not openly engaged for exportation to the United State since the passage of the law prohibiting such emigration. Formerly silk weaver, and watchmakers from this district were forwarded to America, but any contract made now are made so secretly, if at all, that the facts in the ^se never transpire. From S. H. M. Byers, consul at St. Galle, Switzerland: Of late years occurs but rarely. Vice-Consul William Gibson, Glasgow : Only ons case has ever come under the notice of the consul. Laborers are cei tainly not engaged openly for exportation to the United States, and 1 do not tiling covertly either, unless perhaps to a very small exteut. The case referred to hap 2>eucd about two years ago when four men were engaged for the Sucad & Co. Iroi Works of LouisviUe, Ky., through an agmt who was then employed in the fouudr'i of .John Lane & Sous, Glasj^ow. The men eugagetl wore oruauieutal moldors b; trade. The United States attorney at Louisville is now prosecuting the case. From Horace C. Pugh, Palermo, Italy: Contract labor is not engaged openly, and if covertly in such manner as has uo been detected. From William D. Wamer, Cologne: I believe that the contract-labor law is frequently broken, but to what extent I an not prepared to say. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 125 RE CRIMINALS, INSANE PERSONS, PAUPERS, ETC., AIDED TO EMI- GRATE TO THE UNITED STATES? The extent to which criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other defectives and iiipers, or persons likely to become a public charge, and persons afflicted with atlisonie or d:inu,erons contagious diseases are encouraged or aided to emigrate to 10 United States in violation of our laws, and whether the aid or encouragement furnished systematically or otherwise, and whether by relatives, societies, com- ittecs, or Government authorities. In the countries visited by Commissioners Weber and Kempster we re satisfied, after a carefal investigation, tliat while the classes cited oove were undoubtedly encouraged and aided to emigrate to the nited States in years gone by, none of them are now sent to our )nntry eitlier system iitically or otherwise by societies, committees, or )verumental authorities. That isolated cases who come on their own cord or who are aidtd by friends or relatives arrive here is, perhaps, obable, but that the movement assumes any sort of i)roportions is )t warranted by our investigations, nor is it believed. In this view e are also confirmed by the replies of the consuls, who, Avith a few :ceptions, are unanimous and emphatic on this point. These excep- onal replies are not specific nor definite in their information, and they e, tlierefore, ((u<)ted as well as one or two others whose replies indi- ite some doubt and have a bearing on the subject. Consul H. M. Starkloft:', Bremen, says: Criminals and paupers have been shipped to the United States to my knowledge tl)e benevoUmt societies, whose leader in one case has been a Government officer. ) wliat extent this is done I am unable to tell. Consul H. C. Pugh, Palmero, says: The class of persons mentioned in this interrogatory are never aided financially ■ the Government nor are they encouraged to emigrate except that they may be cilitated in obtaining passports by the authorities. Consul D. J. Partelli, Dusseldorf, reports: Done in a quiet way, and unless the matter was thoroughly examined into the cts can not be given. Objectionable persons are gotten rid of by giving them a fiall amount of money (equal to steerage passage) and told to quit the place, -iturally they go direct to the seacoast, and in that way the United States received i^reater number of paupers and criminals. Consid Louis Gottschalk, Stuttgart, says: Nor are criminals or paupers shipped openly to the United States. There may be, i d probably are, covert violations of this, but this consulate has no means of dis- (vering it, as such investigations, if success is expected, require detective service, ; d this consulate knows of no appropriation to pay for same. Consul Alex. Brandt, vice-consul at Marseilles, says: Insane persons, idiots, cripples, paupers, and sick persons are not encouraged to nig-rate to tlie LJnitod States. On the contrary, I have it directly proven that such irsons experience great difficulty in obtaining passnge even as ordinary passengers. - to criminals it is difficult to get decided information, as these not unfrequently I srepresent themselves, but knowingly the companies^ agents would not take them. Consul F. W. Catlin, Munich, says: [ do not think that insane persons, idiots, poor persons, or persons afflicted with lithsorae or dangerous diseases are encouraged to emigrate to the United States Urn liere by anybody. Sick and incapable persons in Bavaria must be supported, Jcor.ling to the Bavarian law, by the parishes in which they have their homes, iobably some of the parishes frequently shirk this duty. While I have heard of istances of their furnishing incapable persons with hand organs or music boxes and f iding them out to beg, I have never heard of their furnishing them with a sufficient Mu of money for an American journey. According to the best information at my ciumand, this is never done. Tlie case of criminals is not quite the same. There it 126 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. a private society in Munlcli orgauized for the care of discharged criminals; the o8t<< sible object is to give the younger men who have served a term in prison, and wh(| good heliavior is certilied to by the prison authorities, an opportunity for anotlj start in life. This may occasionally involve sending them to some foreign count:! but it rarely happens that they are sent far away, however, owing to lack of fun At present, I am told, the funds of the society are very low and little or nothing being done. Moreover the criminal class ia not large here. The only instance witi my knowledge of an attempt by this society to send criminals to the United Sta^ liappeiied in 1887. There were four criminals, and some one of them or a friend g» the whole matter^away to the consul here, and the result was that on arrival in N< York they Avere stopped and sent back. Charles H. Shepard, consul at GotheDburg: There is no doubt that many criminals and paupers have in years past been ; sisted to emigrate, sometimes by their friends, sometimes by societies, committ( of citizens, and even by Government authorities. They claim that it is done vt little now. Emigration from Europe is almost wholly confined to the RgnvA tural clastses, and with few exceptions represent the most valual producing qualities of tlieir respective countries. While they do d bring witli them the polish unconsciously accpiired by and incident to city life, they are more free from the vices which germinate ai develop in the large centers. The same tendency to flock to the citi from the rural districts' as has become so noticeable in this count manifests itself m Euroi^e, Avhich has there recently suggested leg lation involving proof of ability to maintain a city dwelling, and t gaining of a liAing by labor or otherwise, under penalty of return to ft mer residence. AVhatever the causes may be the facts exist and a plainly apparent. It is a mistaken belief, however, that the "sluui! emigrate. i In investigating your proposition with reference to pauperism, tl| question was raised as to the definition of the word '^pauper" within til meaning of existing law. We did not regard a person as a pauper w]' presented every a])pearance of industry, willingness, and physical cap l)ility to labor, even if his means on landing were limited, nor yet if 1 was assisted by friends, relatives, or x)hilanthropic i^ersons, unless su(l assistance implied a leaning upon others for su])p()rt. The greater nnmber of those arriving within the last year, wiio because of speci' conditiims surrounding their cases received assistance en route, we Jews; yet they very rarely become a charge upon the public. Indee no race or nationality present so clean a record in such respect as the] A person who by reason of unexy)ected misfortunes or persecutioij is deprived of his accumulations, wlio has been subjected to pillage ai' plunder while fleeing from the burdens which have become unbearablj if capable of supporting himself and family, if he has one, with a reaso] able certainty after obtaining a foothold, and that foothold is guarantee by friends or relatives upoii landing, or strong probable surroundii' circumstances, is not, according to our definition, a pauper. The histoj ■ of this couiitry is full of instances of men from all countries who ha^l reached great prominence in our commercial, financial, professional and legislative bodies, both in State and nation, who would have betj- returned as paupers if the standard of pauperism was based upci money possessions when landing. ^ Again, a large class &f persons who land here with little or no meai are girls and young women who only partially fill the increasing d inand for domestic work, and who would be considered as paupers the lack of means upon arrival was established as the rule to determir pauperism. The decision of the eligibility for landing of such persoi ENFOECEMENT OF ALIEN CONTEACT LABOE LAWS. 127 iiust, to some extent, "be left discretionary witL the immigrant officials t our seaports, who it would he unreasonable to expect could in every istaiice detect the weakness of the subject or predict his future status; >ut it is believed that defects in the present system can be largely (vercome by legislation which will be suggested in connection with the abject of '^Inspection by consuls or otherwise" further on in the body .f this report. lEANS IN EXISTENCE, AND POSSIBLE, FOR INSPECTION IN EUROPE BY STEAMSHIP AGENTS OR BY CONSULS. The next tliree propositions laid down in your letter of instructions re so closely interwoven that it is deemed best to group them together n their treatment in this report in order to avoid unnecessary repeti- ion. These propositions are as follows : . The extent to which, and the manner in which, if at all, the steamship or other ransportation ronipnnics or their agcnt^ inquire into the character or condition of Mtemlinj;' ejiiiii^rants, with a view to rejectinjT those ^vho come within the classes xcluded by the laws of the United. States, and generally what checks, if any, are pplicd ill Europe to the emigration to this country of members of the prohibited i:i8KCS, The extent to which such preliminary inquiry by transportation com7)anies or lieir ai^ents in Europe can be made etfective throus^h the voluntary cociperation of he coinpanics and the best method of carrying it out. In this connection it is sug- csted that you confer, so far as convenient, with the owners and agents of steam- hip lines at the principal ports of Europe. Whether it would be practicable to adopt and apply an effective system of exami- ation of intending emigrants by American consuls in foreign countries, or officers nder their direction, together with the probable cost of maintaining such a system f adopted. CONSULAR INSPECTION. In regard to consular inspection, we are aware that this, to many of »ur people, seems a desirable method of preventing an influx of objec- ionable persons. This opinion is based largely upon the belief that his country is the "diuuping ground for the refuse population of varope." Whatever may have been the fact in the past it is not so 'ow, as our investigations demonstrated, and these findings are cor- oborated by the practically unanimous^^pinions of our consular repre- entatives of Europe. When we consider the large number of emi- :i"arits who are coming to this country the number of those who can be •ODsidered as of even doubtful eligibility to land is very small indeed. Che class of people who are coming to us from Europe are almost 'ntirely from the agricultural districts and the laboring element. As •onsular inspection, however, seems to many to be the panacea for \ hat our investigations show to be largely imaginary evils, we have ;iven that subject very careful attention, and the conclusions we reach ne that it would not "be practicable to adopt and apply an effective -ystem of examination of intending emigrants by American consuls in oreign countries or officers under their direction," or under separate urisdiction. In investigating the question as to the practicability of consular in- •pection we assumed that the object of your instructions was to ascer- ain if such examination would better protect ourselves against unde- urable immigration, and what the effect of such machinery on immi- gration would be with reference to quahty. W"e took it for grante4 128 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. til at if the purpose was to restrict immigration without reference quality our people would face that proposition squarely, and not complicated machinery do indirectly that which is within their po"?! to do directly. We have no hesitation in saying that consular iuspf tion will restrict immigration. It will at once effectually exclude t strong and able-bodied men within 1)he military ages, which in the cot tries visited varies and ranges from 17 to 45 years, as under no circui stances would this class obtain permission to leave their country or a cure the certificates from the local authorities upon which the conj would have to rely as to character. This would leave only those w are under age or advanced in years, or physically infirm, to whom o tificates from local authorities would be easily available. The numbi would undoubtedly diminish, but the proportion of bad to good woi be vastly increased. Consular inspection must be made either in ' consular districts, where the intending emigrants live, or at the ports where they embark. To make this inspection in the disti would require a special staff of otficials in many such districts (hai knowledge of the languages and dialects, also medical representatii varying according to the volume of business. The certificate of the local authorities must necessarily be the bj of consular investigation and certification, and as these local authoP tics can not be compelled to certify, and as foreign governments ai desirous of keeping at home the better element, it can not be expe(tte that the certification of the bad will be hindered or that of the goo facilitated. The unreliability of such certification by local authoriti( is demonstated in the fact that Italians, in order to leave their countr must have passports, which, under their laws, are not granted 1' criminals; yet there have been sent back from New York to Ital more criminals (of greater or less degree) than we returned to all othi countries put together, the statistics showing that from April 1 1 November 30, 181)1, there have been returned of this class from tl port of New York 31 Italians, 3 Germans, and 1 Frenchman. All ( these returned criminals from Italy were provided with the usual pas ports from the Italian authorities. We quote from Consul Fletcher, ( Genoa, who believes that consular inspection is practicable and will I: effective : All natives of Italy are supposed to have passports when they leave the Kingdoi To obtain sncli the applicant must procure from the municipality of his native (it or town a certiiicate of birth, giviujj age, name, names of petitioners' parents. < this certiiicate is also added the applicant's liability for, or exemption from, milii n duty. Further, the court records are examined and if any misdemeanors are cha ru^ again.st the man, a statement to this effect is forwarded to police headquarti i 'J'he petitioner must present his certificate of birth to the local chief of police an this otficer, on examination of the papers in the case, either issues or refuses the pas port. At the very moment of writing this report the chairman of this Con mission, as commissioner of immigration at New York, signed anorde' prohibiting the landing of Antonio Spiz/.uoco, an Italian who arrive December 7, 1891, on the ground that he is a person " convicted ot felony" and who served out a sentence of ten years' imprisonment inth^ prison at Ancona for robbery. The evidence upon which he was prci hibited from landing was the affidavit of a person, whose rehability upo the point in question was corroborated and established, by the confes sion of Spizzuoco reduced to writing and on file in the office of commit sioner of immigration at New York. His passport is regular in ever, respect, duly signed, sealed and stamped, and on the back of which i printed in the Italian language that extract from our laws which pro ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 129 libits tlie landing of criminals, insane, etc. If tliese passports are not eliable liow can we expect that the certificates, involving the same ]^uarantee as to character, will be more so. Criminals and constitutional paupers are the only classes of defectives ,Tho furnish in their cases better opportunity for investigation in Europe lian here. These classes are insignificant in number and in a large pro- )ortion of cases can be detected here by reason of the experience gained )y the officials charged with the duty of watching for and returning hem. The statistics show that of all classes (but nearly all paui)ers) here have been returned from the port of Xew York alone from April , 1891, when the new law went into effect, to December 1, nearly 1,100. Hie small numbei- now escaping detection here can be guarded against iiul provided for as will be suggested later on. Aside from criminals lud paupers those of the now excluded classes can not be as easily de- eded in Europe, either in the consular districts or at the seaports, as bey can be at the United States ports. Beside criminals and paupers he excluded classes are insane, idiots, contract laborers, dangerous 'o/if^igious and loathsome diseases, persons likely to become a public harge and polygamists. These can be better detected here, because ve have a staff of officials who, by reason of large and contiaually in- •leasing experience, become expert in detections. It can not be claimed liat medicals officers on the other side are more callable of detecting iisaoe, idiots, or diseased persons, nor is there any way by which the letection of contract laborers can be made easier in Europe than here. While it is true that the detection at the seaports in Europe will ivoid the additional hardship of returning them across the sea, it is Iso true that when the emigrants reach the seaports they have already leparted from their homes; they have sold their belongings and it imply resolves itself into a trip across the ocean and back, while the xpense of the ocean return passage is borne by the steamship com- )anies who in many cases, in consequence of local regulations at the areign seaports, are required to transport them back to their homes. The passing of an emigrant at a foreign port by an official of the Tnited States would be presumptive evidence of his eligibility to land lere and it may be assumed that subagents would seek opportunity to eciire certification of eligibility of emigrants at the hands of a United states official on the ground, when he would not risk sending them to he United States, if he knew the expense for the return of such j^erson rould fall upon him, and it is probable that more doubtful cases would •e presented to that official than to the inspection officers on our side f the deterrent involved in the expense of a sea voyage was removed a cases rejected at United States ports, and which expense the steam- hip comx)anies, from motives of self-protection, would place ui)on the ubagent responsible for the booking of them. Many of the consular districts in Euroj^e are large in territorial ex- mt. The district of Warsaw, for instance, which embraces all Poland, ist year furnished us at New York alone, 24,256 emigrants; Hungary, •ith but one consulate at Buda-Pesth, ftirnished last year at New York, 0,433; Norway and Sweden, with four consulates, ftirnished last year t New York, 40,347; and it will readily be seen that applications for istrict consular certificates before starting would involve a considera- le expense upon the emigrant, and a large additional staff* of officials )r these consulates. The exjjense, even if it fell on tlie emigrant, at hat is believed to be a minimum calculation, would not likely be less ban $5 per capita, taking into consideration the medical and consular ertificates and the expense of making jouineys to consular offices, H. Ex. 235 9 130 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ' witliout including lost time, and this would mean that the 600,000 wl will have come here this year, if subjected to a consular inspectioi , would be $3,000,000 poorer on arrival here. j We now come to the consideration of the proposition to make tl ' consular inspection at the seaports. ^ From July 1, 1890, to July 1, 189: 1 there were shijiped from Hamburg, 93,013 emigrants; at Brenieij 61,996; at Liverpool, 106,909; at Havre, 25,638; at Glasgow, L>l,L>7i.j at Palermo, Naples, and Marseilles combined, 56,302. Those comim! from the Italian ports are composed almost entirely of one nationalitli (the Italian), but this does not apply to other important ports. A]: these other important ports the emigrant passengers comprise varioiji nationalities, speaking not only different languages, but varying i their dialects. These conditions would make necessary the emplo; ment of nearly as large a force of interpreters, especially at the moi^ imi3ortant seaports, as are now employed at the New Ycu^k Immigrs^ tion Bureau, where the combined force of inter]jreters cover about a the languages spoken in those countries which furnish us with emi grants. We call attention to the fact that this volume of emigration is n(^ evenly divided among the seaports, nor in their arrival regularly as 1 dates, but tlie most of it comes a day or two before the sailing dat-; T^Jiich in some cases is weekly and in others oftener, and upon arrive the emigrants are not concentrated at one boarding house or institif tion, but distribute themselves among a number of such places. . medical examination as they go aboard sliip would necessarily Ij hurried and made in the bustle and confusion always attendant upo the departure of an ocean steamer, and so far as such examinatio would relate to the insane, idiots, or diseased persons, it certain! could not be more rigid, and in all probability would be less effecti^ there than at the United States ports. So far as the other classes « excluded emigrants are concerned, the sea])ort consul must rely upq information and certification of local authorities, about whom he knoK nothing except as disclosed by the papers which the subject present These papers can not certainly establish identity. Nearly every da at New York there are passengers landed under tickets originally issue to other parties who, having changed their minds or who were unabj to go at the time, transferred their tickets to others in order to av< " loss. We quote as follows (the italics are ours) from the reply of Conj Pugh, of Palermo who, although favoring consular inspection, exhil its chief weakness: Each intending emigrant must obtain from the irilHnale pcnale (criminal coi of the province in which he lives a certificate that there is no criminal ch:irge agj ' him, which must then be presented to the questore (chitf of police) svho issut him a passport, and no one is permitted to embark on board ship for (luigratio^ the absence of this passport. The effect of the local requiremenis as to _2>«6S/)or/s destroyed hy persons presentiug themselves for cerlifeaies under assumed vamcs, the reol examined for that name, no charge of course found and the certificate granted, and hy means criminals of the deepest dye obtain certificates as well as those persons whose d ucters are really good. It is also believed that in order to free the community of noi ously bad characters the authorities issue such certificates under the assumed namesj if the person applying is well known. Consul Johnson of Hamburg, who does not regard consular ins] tion as practicable, among other things refers to the ease of obtaini certificates by objectionable parties. He is quoted as follows: I do not think that an examination of intending emigrants by United States 8uls would be practicable. In case of emigrants who have to procure certifier ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 131 from the cousiils in whose districts their former homes were located, it Avoiild malep her. I suppose in all cases they ask them whether they have any means of subsistence? — ■s: they ask tliat in all cases. Y'ou have had evidence, I think, given you to that feet. jEvcryl)ody who lands in America has to go through certain forms, I believe? — Yes. i'Aud if they have no visible means of subsistence the steamer has to take them ckf— Yes, certainly. So far as 1 can understand there is a great amount of elas- •ity in tlH> American system. They do not bind their officers to any particular lea, saying tliat if i)ersons have not got so much money they are not to come in on ay consideration. If the officer sees that they are able-bodied and have just got jough money to enalde them to go on, he wiiradmit them. He is left to liis own discretion f — As I understand it, a great deal is left to his dis- etion, and it is unavoidable that it should be so. Tlie committee are aware, I Uieve, that that really only refers to the seaboard. The immigration to America |rough Canada is quite difierent. 140 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. That is unlimited, is it not? — Yes, practically tliat is unrestricted; it is not int( fered with at all. Therefore, if the precaution is insisted upon the immigrants have only got to round by Canada; have they any restrictions in Canada? — No, they are proposi restrictions. The question was raised in the Dominion Parliament, but it was mer( raised as a question. Uj) to the present time they have no restrictions? — No, they have no restrictic at present. ^ III concluding tliis brancli of inspection by consuls or otherwise, ^ submit the views of representatives of the steamship companies in E rope, whicli will be found in Appendix p. 146, et seq. IS THERE CONSIDERABLE RETURN MOVEMENT OF EUROPEANS! Your final proposition is : Whether there is any considerable emigration from European countries of adi males, unaccompiinied by families, with the purpose of returning to Europe aftei limited period, and whether there is any considerable return movement of Europea who have once settled in the United States, with the cause if such movement exis That there is such a movement is undoubted, but that it is consider, ble in proportions the statistics in vol. ii disprove. Those figures, giv( by months, show that the movement is spread pretty regularly over tl entire year and with little variation corresponds to the movement in tl cabins. In calculating the permanent acquisition to our population the nui' ber who return to Europe should be deducted from the grand total arriving emigrants. These figures disprove the theory which prevai that large numbers come to this country in the spring for the purpoi of obtaining employment in the summer, and return to their Europe? homes in the autumn with the money earned duringthe season. Whi there is no doubt that this is carried on to some extent, the figur< show that the movement is not so extensive as has been generally b lieved. It varies also as to lines; for instance, the ±^orth German Lloj Company, which for son;e years has brought the largest number steerage passengers to this country, shows the outgoing steerage pa sengers as greater in the months of May, June, and July, while the E( Star and Anchor lines show the maximum figures for is^ovember ai] December. The Liverpool lines show the greatest numbers of passe;' gers of this kind in July, followed by December, June, August, ac Slay.* Eelative to those who return to Europe in the steerage, it is four that among them are many who are able to go in the cabins, but tl difference in fare is sufficiently great to warrant the temporary incoi venience found in the steerage as compared with cabin accommodation and tlie remark is made by such thrifty passengers that they know < no speedier Avay to make money than to save it by such a course. Tliat part of the statement relating to the Liverpool lines is in teres ing also in showing that the fast steamers secure the largest number and it may be suggested that these figures indicate that the movemei of tourists to and from Europe is not confined alone to cabin passenger Kespectfully submitted. Jno. B. Weber, i Chairman^ etc. Walter e:empster, Ifemher of European Commission^ etc, j Hon. Charles Foster, j Secretary of the Treasury^ Washington^ D. C, * Returns from all of above lines will be found in vol. u r ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 141 APPENDIX. CIRCULARS OF THE NORTH GERMAN LLOYD COMPANY. [Sent to all persons applying for rates of passage, etc.] Passengers forwarded via Bremen to America. Asia. Australia with steamships of the North German lAovd Bremen. Exchange of German money in Amer- I ican, and drafts on all ports of America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. F. Mattfeld, 93 Invaliden strasse, Berlin.] Id response to yours of the — instant, I beg to inform you that our German steamers, owing to the prevailing strong desire to emigrate, are always engaged nd their berths assigned a long time previous to their sailing. It is therefore 0. the interests of the pa:5sengers to secure tlieir passage beforehand by sending •le a postal-money order of lifteen marks for adults, half of this for children •(^m 1 to V2 years of age. in order to insure their gocd faith, otherwise they run ho risk of finding tliemselves unable to sail at th-- appointed time. xVt th .^ same Ime ycu are lequ* sted to till out the inclosed paper so as to enable me to cause bur namej to be printed on the steamship list of passengers and to send you a trtifcate of acceptance on the chosen steamer with receipt for your money, Iso instructions for traveling. The hand money serves only to secure the places, nd is always deducted from the passage money. The same will never be lost jith me in ca^c you can not sail on the steamer selected by you, but will be taken ito account when sailing witli another one. You must only notify me four days ^•evious t) the sailing of said steamer of your inability to take passage on the •ime so as to enable me to till your places. J Each passenger is allowed as space for his baggage one-half cubic meter (t ■•.eler long 1 wide, one-half high) irrespective ot weight. Larger pieces of iggage which would cost too much "overfreight " had better be sent beforehand b the North German Lloyd at Bremen. On your arrival at the depot in Berlin (3u will be met by one of my employes who will direct you to me and after set- i g with me will take you back to the depot for departure. After these general and preliminary remarks which you must not lose sight if you want a speedy and early embarkation I can not refrain from writing the blowing well-meant words: In the first place you arc v/arned to be careful not J undertake a hasty departure and not to give any credence to the frequent ru- 'iprs about free passage at the cost of steamship companies for working aboard lip or after payment in America. These rumors are spread by swindlers for je purpose of deceiving ignorant and credulous people and to get money out ' t their pockets. 1 further consider it my duty to warn you and your friends to keep away from ^y English. IloUandish, and other non-German steamship companies who may . ^ve you many alluring promises never to be realized, as a great many com- ¥i'nts wc! e made b fore the Commission oi Immigration in N -w York about |e treatment and f edingor German passengers aboard ship. The great exccl- iice of the German mail steamers of the North German Lloyd at Bremen as to I jjeir seawoi-thincss, exemplary conduct of their experienced officrs and effect- IB crews, their celerity, combined with safety and good food for the steerage issengers. are all well known and generally acknowledged. .rhe passage rates for express and mail steamships of the North-German Lloyd 1 Bremen ar.- as follows: bn Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays an express steamship sailing for ■ lew York marks. On Thursdays, by mail steamship sailing for Baltimore, marks for every lirson over iJ. years of age; children under 12 years, half rate. Babies under i^ear, iO marks. 'Prom these rates the amount prv viously sent in as hand money is deducted. t'or th^ passage money the passengers get a cot with mattress and woolen cov- - ^et, also crockery and eating plate, and wholesome food in plenty during the Si voyage. Morninfju—CoSee, with milk and sugar, and wheat bread. A'oo;).s'— Soup, with fresh beef and potatoes, or pea soup with bacon, or bean soup ^'h (piekledj salt jneat. or sauerkraut and pork, or plain soup with bacon, etc. H. Ex, »y 45 142 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Afternoon — Coffee, with milk and sugar. Evenings — Tea, with milk and sugar, rye bread, butter, or sea biscuits. The passengers have no need to bring along with them aboard ship any eat- ables, and they have equally no nee:l to pay extra for any food aboard ship. There is an erroneous impression prevailing among the public at large tha' they can promptly get passage aboard s i^ip without going to the trouble of or- deling their places beforehand. But they will be sadly disappointed upon ar rival in thj Hanseatic cities, as they will under no circumstances be forwarded to their destination directly, but will have to wait tediously and a long whik until they succ ed in getting a berth, esj^ecially in view of the present prevail ing strong desire to emigrate. It is, therefore, strongly urged, to secure passage before leaving home, througl application for the saaie accompanied by hand money. In reference to papers required by you for voyage. I call your notice that ac cording to the passport law of 1867, and regulation ministerial of the 1st of De cemher, 18. i9, no pas-ports forgoing abroad are now required; a passenger needi only his identification papers; certificate of baptism or marriage, military papers and other official documents will serve the same purpose. Only minors, i. c, persons under 21 years of age, and who desire to go withou being accompanied by their parents or guardians, have to be furnished with } certitieate of their parents or guardians permitting them to go; the signatureo the latter must be attested by the proper authorities. Persons subject to militar; duty, i. e., thoi;^e between 17 and 39 years of age, have to prove that there isnoth ing on the part of the military authorities to hinder their departure. In reference to the right of landing in North America, attention is called t following notice: ^^ Agents, attention! "By the immigration law of the United States of North America landing 1 granted only to such persons who are able to work and gain a living. Landin; is prohibited to weak-minded, idiots, lunatics, cripples, lame persons, person aihicted with contagious or incurable diseases, pregnant unmarried women, ud married women with children, also criminals and convicts." AVe add t ) tnis that under persons designated in No. 3 as those " likely to be 2ome a public charge "are : Blind, lame, deaf mutes, cripples, women wdth ehi^ :lren who have no relatives in the United States, unmarried pregnant womer! unmarried women with children. We further call to your notice that the law is applied without consideratio whatever. For instance, the wife is excluded from landing by the medical ii spector if she is a cousujnptive, wliiie her husband and children are allov.ed t land ; or a weak-minded girl is not admitted, though relatives send for her an are willing to furnish bonds for her support. In view of all we have heretofore said, we request you to be very careful i accepting passengers, and in all doubtful cases to require our opinion befo: concluding a pa>snge contract with the passenger in question. If we appro'> the acceptance of su{;h v. passenger you are relieved from any responsibility i that matter; but if you book a passenger who, upon examination, is found' be ineligible, you will be charged with H5 marks for his return passage. NoiiTH German Lloyd Passengers' Dep't. Bremen, June, 1891. In conformity with the extracts of the law above given it will be set that the steaniship companies having offices intheHanseaticcitiostnl every precaution not only to comply with their own law, bnt to iiotii their snbagents of existing laws in the United States, as shown by tl foregoing circnlars, and which they arerequiredby their laws tod eliv< to every applicant for passage tickets. CIRCULAR OF HAMBURG-xVMERICAN PACKET COMPANY. Hamburg, JS'ovember 11, 1S91, To our agents: To meet numerous inquiries put to us in consequence of our circulars dat( February r>, ISSO, and .Tune -i, 1891, we give you on the other side an extract the United States immigration act, of which please take note and act accor ing] y. We request you again to see to it that no persons are accepted for trai' portation whose landing in the United States will mt^et with difliculties. 1 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 143 In doubtful cases you will inquire of us, filling up the list of questions as per :opy on the other side, and not book the passenger before you are informed by us that he can be forwarded. In case any ]-)asseug-ers booked by you be refused permission to land in the (United Slates, and it appears that with proper care on your part you should have iiscoverefi the difficulty, we shall have to hold you responsible for the amount of che return passage. ><0 marks net, and also for transportation expenses from Ham- ourg to the passenger's home. YoursVespectfully, Hamburg- Amerikanische Packetfahrt Aktien- Gesellschaft, Passage Dep't. extract from the united states imlvngration act. The person intending to emigrate should carefully read the extract before fill- ing out the list of questions on the next page (144). i According to the law of the United States of America of March 3, 1891, thefol- owing persons will be refused permission to land : ' (1) Imbeciles, idiots, and insane persons. ' (2) Cripples. \ (Exceptions can be made in certain cases, for instance with children traveling Ivith or to their parents, or persons who are expect.-d by relatives giving bond !or their support. Under certain conditions it is important to know in deciding I case whether the infirmity of the passenger impairs his ability to support him- self.) (3) Persons suffering from a loathsome or a dangerous and contagious disease. ; (Consumption is counted among these.) j (4) Paupers, i. e., persons likely tob.-come a public charge. (This includes inmates of pooi-hous^s or persons supported by the community w State; beggars; persons unable to work on accovmt of old age or for other rea- Ws, 1 rphans who are not old enough to earn their own living unless they are f February, lb85: Private secretaries, servants, and domestics engaged by for' jigners ti;ansiently living in the United States: persons engaged in an industry requiring particular skill and not yet pursued in the United States if such Workmen can not be secured in the United States; ministers of religious so- 'ieties. professors, teachers, actors, artists, orators, singers, domestics, and radesmen. According to section 4 of the law of od of March. 1S91, steamship and other ransportation companies and shipowners are forbidden to invite or encourage •mig alion to the United States either directly or through agents in writing, n print, or verbally; only ordinary business letters, circulars, notices, or verbal ,eprcsentation regarding sailings of vessels, rates of passage, and condition ind advant-iges ot the stream -hip eompany a-e permitted. j When /ver a doubt exists as to the admission of an emigrant it is absolutely [ecessary that an inquiry should be addre.-jsod to the steamship line in which "lie case is explained and a decision asked for. 144 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. LIST OF QUESTIONS REGARDING PERMISSION OP AN INTENDING EMIGRAI^ TO LAND IN THE UNITED STATES. These questions must be plainly and truthfully answered and then sent to ti agent or the steamship line, who will reply as soon as possible whether the h ing is likely to be permitted or not. In»case no answer is received within eigj days the applicant must be inforjiied that the application has been eent to ' United States authorities, so that a decision can not be expected before four- five weeks. The emigrant will be held responsible for all consequences of false statemem QUESTIONS. [In case the reply received is favorable, the emigrant should carefully preserve this paper] order to present it upon being examined when landing in America.] (1) Christian name and family name? (2) Age? Residing in? (3; Occupation or trade ?- (4) Destination in the United States? (5) Traveling alone or in company? In the latter case state name of comps ions and their relationship to applicant. (6) Is the person expected in America? Who are the persons expecting hi or her ? Where do they live, and how are they related to the emigrant ? (Exi address must be given.) (7) State the reason why a doubt exists that the person will be permitted land. -- , the , 18—. Signature: Address: SKETCH OF A SHORT NOTICE TO BE PRINTED ON TICKETS, PRC PECTUS, ETC. The United States law of March 3, 1891, excludes the following persons fi landing: Idiots, imbeciles, insane, cripples or persons afflicted with bodily infirmit consumptives, persons with loathsome contagious diseases, criminals, inma of poorhouses, persons unable to work and having no friends to care for the unacc impanied women with children when they are not expected by their h" bands or relatives who would care for them, professional beggars, girls w |i children or in a state of pregnancy, laborers wlio previous to their leaving wj engaged by contract to worK. In all doubtful cases inquiries must be made | the steamship company before the embarkation of emigrants. IMMIGRATION LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES FROM MARCH 3, 1^| The aim which the United States Government had in view in enar ing the above law, is plainly shown from the re])ort given helow of IJB conference held on October 1, 1891, between the United States Cc(- missioners of Immigration and the representatives of several steam sip companies. The Commission declared that strong able-bodied men Avilli g and able to work are not exclnded under the law, but on the other hai that Government will take decisive measures to prevent the Uiiiil3 States from becoming the dumping ground of criminals, sick, cripp]5. beggars, convicts, in short, all persons becoming or who may becom a public charge or detrimental to the weltare of the community, and tl It the importation of laborers under contract with American manuf ;• tuiers will be strictly watched and. prevented. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 145 - EXTRACT FROM CIRCULAR SENT TO SUBAGENTS OF THE HAMBURG- AiVIERICAN AND NORTH GERMAN LLOYD STEAMSHIP COMPANY. : Bremen, October 1, 1891. — As already annoimced by telegraph, the * fepresentatives of the Koith German Lloyd, Hamburg - American : hicket Company, Ketherland-American Steamship Comi3aDy, General ; ^ausatlautic Company, and Eed Star Line have met here. The meet- ig was called to order by Col. Weber, United States Superintendent of - "lumigration, who is at the head of a Commission sent by the United •tates Government to Europe to investigate the causes relating to im- ligration to United States. A similar conference of representatives of ,11 the steamship Unes (English; was recently held in Liverpool with * hvorable results. It was esi)ecially desired to hear the oinnions of "iftereut shix)X)ing lines' representatives, concerning the advisability of ispection by the consular authorities, of those intending to emigrate to 'Inited States, or have them subjected to the inspection of subagents f the companies who are dispersed over the whole land, and in such -Ipse whetlier the companies have a sufficient control over them. All 'lese (juestions are not oidy of great importance to the United States, lint of financial import to the shipping companies as well, as the Hnited States Government is determined to enforce the law by further : |^?strictions of immigration if the comi^anies can not or will not suffi- ' iently exercise caution in selecting emigrants, and this will cause ■pavy financial losses to the shipping concerns. — i It is evident that the United States will. accept good German labor- "" ibs, but a great many lazy and inca])able people are going over, for the rost part of non-German nationality, who use one of the ports of the JO ve- named companies for embarkation. As to whence all such people )me and what causes dri^•e them to emigration the Commission gath- ][jfed valuable information during their travels through Eussia, Austria- Hungary, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, and Great Britain. This voy- ^e was undertaken by the direct order of the United States Treasury : i^kpartment as a consequence of the ever-growing desire there to check !e immigration stream, as it carries along with it elements detrimen- 1 to the workingmen, and helps to swell the multitude of convicts and mendicants. When we consider what short process was made with the s^nese over there, it may be taken for granted that similar energetic Pleasures would have to be taken in the United States in case sub- '^^ents of comi)anies, derelict in their duty, will palm off such undesir- able imigiants. Col. Weber clearly showed all this before the assembled representa- Ires of the above-named companies, and warned them against the ship- \\\g of emigrants who on the ground of the so-called contract-labor iws would not be permitted to land. He pointed to the possibility of Irther restrictions in immigration laws. The meeting unanimously i -cnted to the proposition to order an inspection of emigrants by the Ijageiits of the companies, as the latter would be well able to have Urn under control. A consular inspection is not deemed feasible from lactical grounds. it may be incidentally remarked, that the Commission after many >;iths of labor has completed its task in Europe and will shortly go their homeward journey. Owing to the voluminous mass of gathered iterial it Avill take some time before the official report will be pub- hed. H. Ex. 235 10 146 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. LETTERS FROM STEAMSHIP COMPANIES RELATING TO EUROPEA] INSPECTION. [The Liverpool Steamship Owners' Association, 10 Water Street.] * Liverpool, August 14, 1891. Sir : In addressing you on the subject of emigration to the United States, .. a;ii instructed by the Atlantic passenger lines, members of this association, t convey to you tlieir expression of gratification for the opportunity recently a: forded them of discussing the American immigration acts with your Commissiot and to add their views upon the suggestions proposed for consideration by th Commission, viz : (l)The feasibility of agents booking passengers certifying to their being fi and proper persons to b ' admitttrd into the United States, and as being free fror any disqualifications cited in the United States immigration act, 1891. (2) Whether in the event of suggestion (1) being disapproved of, such certif cates should not be given by American ci nsular ottlcers. Whilst either of tliese courses would not obviate critical examination on th passenger disembarking in America, the additional annoyance, cost, and diff culty entailed in obtaining these certiticates of a reliable nature, particularly a there is no law in this country that could be put in force to punish a passenge' for making, or agent for issuing any false statements, w^ojdd, in the opinion c the lines interesred, only tend to still further foster indirect immigration int the United States. The Atlantic members of our association have an organization giving them control over their agents, and they would venture to suggest as an alteruativ t ) either of these proposals, and for more restrictive legislation, that the steair ship companies \mdertake on proof 1 eiug aitorded from the Immigration Burea at any of the United States ]iOits. that immigrants liad knowingly been booke by any agents in contravention of the terms of the immigration act. a copy c which has been supplied to each agent, that such agent should be dis^ualifie' from acting for any one of the companies for a period of twelve months, or otl: ervvise penalized as the circumstances of the case deserve. This, coupled wit the fact that the companies themselves are naturally anxious to avoid the mair tenance of undesii able immigrants at New York, and the cost of their return t tills country, would, in the opinion of our members, be more etticacious than anj thing yet suggested to prevent undesirable persons from being shipped by th' Ailantic lines of this association, while not intn-fering with or restraining th natural tlow of ihe better class of immigrants. I might here say that a very large and increasing pr ^portion of so-called in" migrants into tlie United States is composed of steerage passengers who hav" come from America to visit Europe. So far as I have been able to ascertain th' number of steerage passengers leaving the ports of New York, Boston, and l-'hi" adelphia number 9LO0O passengers, and it may be taken that at least four-lifth of these passengers return to t!ie United States. I am, sir, yours, obediently. Gray Hill, ISecretary, Col. Weber, (Care Messrs. Brown, Shipley & Co., Founders Court, London.) [Red Star Line Royal Belgian Mail Steamers. Direct between Antwerp and New York ao Antwerp and Philadelphia.! Antwerp, October 14, 1891. Df.ar sir: You expressed the desire at the meeting in Bremen of the Is October to receive a letter from the steamship companies on the question di; cursed in this meeting, viz, the practicability of aninsp- ction of intending em grants by the United States consuls or by the company ssubagents and tJieresull \vhich may be expected froin the one or the other inspection system with a view t pi-ev. nt the embarking of what is called undesirable emigrants. After haviu ca efuUy examined and considered Mr. Strasser'sreport on said meeting, andespe, cially on the information and explanations which you have furnished at sai meeting on the intenli; ns and laws of youi- Government, we beg now to give yo oui' views on the matter. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 147 It seems to us that the so-called undesirable emigrants may be divided into two classes: (Ij Such emigrants that bear on them the signs of their probable rejection, and who can therefore surely and easily be found out. To this class would be- long cripples, insane persons, persons with contagious disease, women in an ad- vanced state of pregnancy, and, in short, all emigrants who are undesirable, we would say, for physical reas ms. (2) The emigrants whom the law excludes for moral reasons, and who, there- fore, are more ditiicult to be detected. To this class belong, for instance, con- victs, polygamists, contract laborers, etc. Now, as to the emigrants coming under class 1, all that seems necessary to prevent their < mbarking is a careful medical in-rectionwhen the emigrants are shipped. Such medical inspection takes place at present and for our line, it is a double, even triple one, Jirst. by the Belgian Government's doctor: second, by the ship's sur/^eon, and. third, by tlie company's superintendent doctor. It may be as you said that this inspection has heretofore taken place more with regard to the hygienic crmdition of the ship and passengers than with a view to discover uudesirabl 3 emigrants ; however, our line already gave instructions to the latter eifect to our doctors some time ago, as you saw from our circular of May t), and after the Bremen conference we do not doubt that this medical in- spection will be made every v/heie with a view to meet your laws. Mr. Strasser suggested that anohor doctor acting under the control of the United States iconsul at the port or embarkation might join the ships and Government's doctors. Superfluous as this measure seems, we would have no objection whatever to such 'a eonsidar meclical iusjDection if it can assist the companies in keeping off objec- tionable emigrants and give satisfaction, as you think, to your Government. We see only one ])Ossible difficulty, that is the question to whom the decision belongs about einba.king or refusing such emigrant cripples in whose favor an exception may be made. The doctor would from his standpoint only know cripples as such, and consequently pronounc 'for their rejection, although there may be reasons which will make it certain that you would permit their landing. Your colleague. Dr. K<'m]~ster, stated himself a very sti'ikin'j case of a deaf and dumb child educated in France and going to New York to join his parents liv- ing there. ' In such and similar cases the doctors* judgment as to the physical condition should not prevent t\i : companies to let the emigrant proceed, of course at his risk, and after discharging the doctor from any responsibility. As to the emigrants coming under class 2 — ?. e,, undesirable for moral reasons, it is th- question whether the consular inspection is to take place in the interior or at the port of embarkation. In the first case, one of the greatest difficwliies and which you poiuted out yourself would be the scarcity of United States con- suls I if we are not mistaken, there are but two consulates in Hungary, one in Poland, none in Galieia. etc.). People would have to travel long distances to reach the consuls unless the inspection takes place by correspondence, but, in both cases, the consul would have to go by the documents the emigrant lays be- fore him since he knows nothing of him, and in many cases it will be difficult, if not impossible, to identify the emigrant. Last, not least, measures would have to be taken to see that the inspected emigrant is the same emigrant who lands ou your side. If the consular inspection takers place at the port, the difficulties are even greater on account of the large number and the absolute impossibility to judge an emigrant on other grounds than his papers. Another circumstance should not be forgotten -that is, the hosality ol" most European governments to emigration: those emigrants whom you consider as desirable to receive, our Governments consider as very undesirable to lose, and the gentleman was right who remarked in Bremen that in many countries the authorities would refuse all papers which well-to-do people might ask in order to be enabled to emigrate to America. (We add at once that we do not think that the authorities would furnish pa; ers to convicts, criminals, etc.. in order to get rid of them, because we have always considered as groundless the charge against European govern- ments that they throw their low cla^s of people intentionally on your hands.) The result might be that the consular inspection will keep away, together with a very small percentage of und sirable emigrants, a very large number of well- to-do people, and makes emigration more expensive to them at any event, and more difficult through the joui'neys to the consuls' residences, fees for papers, in- spection, etc., and it is admitted that every dollar out of an emigrant's pocket makes him so much less v.Uvu.ble. Now, comparing to this the agent's inspection, the advantage at once suggests Itself from the foregoing. Whilst the consul does not know the emigrant, has 148 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ^ difficulty to identify him, and must rely upon papers which it is difficult anj^ expensive and often impossible for the emigrant to procure, the agent lives o' the spot, knows the emigrant, his physical and moral position, his habits, h: family, his financial standing, and he, in the great majority of cases, is able t pronounce at once a good and reliable judgment on the man. The companies d not claim to have agents in every village, but they are well scattered and dis tributed over the country, and certainly* their number is 100 to 1 consul, and good deal niore. The next question presenting itself is whether the agents \\\ and can inspect the emigrant in compliance with your law. Mr. Strasser pointi out already that the agents themselves have the greatest interest not to hav their emigrants returned because it hurts their reputation, as the emigrant am his relatives can justly blame the agent for his carelessness or stupidity. On returned emigrant might ruin an agent's business, because such a case is promptly known in the agent's district and confidence in him will be shaken thereby. Bii the steamship companies have also the power to make a careful examinution o ' emigrants compulsory by a very simple method, which is to hold the agents re sponsible for the return passage. You expressed a doubt as to the possibility o enforcing such a rule, but there is no difficulty whatever. An agent refusing t( pay would be in state of insubordination and no line could tolerate this ; besides; an agent disaiissed would not easily find new employment on account of th(| license difficulties which were exj^lained to you at length in Bremen. The onb difficulty is for the agent to tell who is a desirable emigrant and who is not. The meeting in Bremen must have shown you that even the steamship com panics are not sure about the interpretation of your law in some of its disposi tions.. We think, however, that after your explanations in Bremen on the law and the intentions of your Government, the same can be made sufficiently cleaij to any somewhat intelligent agent. To this effect extracts of your law, cii-cu ' lars, and other forms necessary for a good organization of the ag-ent's inspectioi are now in the way of preparation. They will form the object of a second lettei when they will be submitted to you after the other lines have examined and ap proved them. In order not to omit any point in this important question, we still refer to thai p.rcentage of emigrants which does not pass through the hands of agents, a' percentage which diifers for the different lines. Such emigrants will have tc be examined more closely than the agents' emigrants by the staff of the passen- ger departments of the ditferent lines when they purchase their tickets. The conclusion at which we arrive is the same as in Bremen, i. e. that a con-| sular inspection is utterly impracticable, and would, if practicable, give doubt- ful results. An agent's inspection would answer the purpose if properly organized, aud there is no reason why it can not and should not be properly organized. We remain, dear sir, yours respectfully, VON DER BeCKE & MaRSILY, Col. Weber. United States Commissioner of Immigration, New York. Sir: At the meeting in Bremen on October 1 last you expressed the wish that the steamship companies should communicate to you in writing their views upon an inspection of the emigrants, to be eifected either, first, by the United States consuls, or, second, by the agents of the steamshii:* lines. After duly eonsidering all circumstances connected with this question, the two undersigned companies take the liberty to state their opinion, as follows : (1) An inspection of the emigrants by the United States consuls is, no doubt, feasible, as the United States have the right to decree that no emigrants are to be allowed to land who are unable to produce a certificate signed by a United States consul. But the effect of such a measure would be almost prohibitive, even if the number of the consuls in Europe were increased to such an extent as to allow of the work connected with the nt-cessary inquiries being duly carried out. A consular inspection of the emigrants in the ports of embarkation would, of course, be nothing more in fact than a pure matter of form, as ther j would be no opportunity to examine the correctness of the statements made by the em- igrants. In order to obtain reliable information as to whether persons wishing to emigrate to the United States belong to the desirable class of emigrants or not the consuls would, if they do not by chance exactly know the persons in I ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 149 question, have to apply to the emigrants' home authorities. There are, how- 'ver, good reasons to doubt whether these authorities would feel bound or be illowed to give such information, the more so as they would assume a certain •esponsibility by doing so. But it may be taken for certain that in such coun- ries where emigration is not looked upon with favorable eyes (such being the •ase everywhere, with perhaps one temporarj" exception), the refusal of the de- ;ired information would be used as a means to prevent the emigration to the Jnited States also in those cases in which the laws of the different European •ountries would be insufficient to do this. The effect of such a measure would, unstated above, be equivalent to an interdiction of the immigration into the Jnited Stat; s and would lead the stream of immigration into oiher channels. (2) We consider, however, that an inspection of the emigrants by the agents tf the steamship companies would not only be practicable, but would also be )roper means to meet the laws of the United States in keeping back undesirable mmigrants. Thougli the steamship companies do not possess an agent in each )lace, they nevertheless command the services of a very considerable numberof epie:-enlatives. It may be taken for granted that in many cases the agents will :now the emigrants pei sonally , in other cttses t hey will at least temporarily enter nto personal intercour.-e vvitli them and can easily inform themselves about their ii'cumstances. For some time past already, our agents have been instructed hat they have to indemnify us for the cost of the return voyage of those emi- ranis. who, according to the laws of the United States, are not allowed to land. \.s the amount of indemnification is in no ])roportion to the benefit obtained by he agent in such cases, we consider that this measure can be regarded as the lost efficacious means as mucli as po:-sible to keep back undesi]'abie immigrants. t would, however, be desirable that some of the legal prescriptions should be lore clearly defined, so as to enable us to hold our agents responsible to a greater xtent than is now the case. We further consider that the comparatively few ases in which pass.'Ugers by our steamers were not allowed to land during the ist months, and which as far as we can judge did not originate in a deliberate r careless disregard of the law, might then perhaps have been avoided. There an mo: cover be no doubt that against an agent who engages emigrants of whom c knows that they will be refused to land, an action can be brought by the steam- liip companies as well as by the emigrants who have been returned. By the itter the agent could be sued for a full indemnity of the loss and damages in- urred. Coiisidering the vigorousness with which the laws respecting emigra- on agents are enforced in all countries, it is quite certain that an agent who t'libevately or carelessly causes prejudice to emigrants in this way will lose iS license and never recover it. We beg to resume our views in stating that an inspection of the emigrants by le agents of the steamship lines will be more efficacious than any other means, ■ only a sifting and not a stoppage of immigration is intended, and remain, sir, Yours, very truly, LOHMANN, Norddeutscher Lloyd. Hamburg, Decemher U, 1891. John Myer, Hamhurg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft. Bremen, Decemher 15, 1891. Col. Weber, New York. N ABRIDGED SUMMARY OF LAWS, SPECIAL AND RESTRICTIVE, RELATING TO THE JEWS IN RUSSIA, BROUGHT DOWN TO THE YEAR 1890. General observaiion.~li must be remarked that many of the laws here given )ntradict one another. This fact must not bo regarded as involving any inac- iracy in transcription or translation. In Russia, laws are piled on one another ithout satisfactory consolidation. Hence the contradictions, which, as they vist in the original text, exist also in this summary. ON religion. A married (man or woman) who adopts the orthodox Christian faith must !in a declai-ation to the effect that (he or she) will endeavor to convert (his ife 01' her husband) to the jame faith. (Sec. 81, Vol. X, part 1, issued 1887.) Should either a husband or a wife (but not both) adopt orthodoxy, both are 150 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ' prohibited residence outside Ihe pale of Jewish settlement. {Ibid., and sec ; Snpp. on Passports, Vol. xiv, ed. IS'u.) If a Jew or Jewess converted to the Christian orthodox religion does n agree to continue his or her lile with the spouse remaining- in the Jewish reli ion, the marriage is dissolved, and the convert can marry a person of the orttj dox religion. (h:ec. 81, Civil Laws : Code of Laws of the Russian Empire, Yt' X, part 1, ed. 1887.) ^ \ Jews on reaching their fourteenth year, may be received in the orthod two training colleges for teachets, one. namely, that of Zitjmir, w :• clo-ed in 1885. Be ides, when these colh ges were founded, it was ordained 1| law. that such pupils as intended to become rabbis should not be received. i,j to the public (educational establishments, it is well known that there neither tr| Hebrew langs age, no:- the Hebrew religion is tauglit, but only such branches ; knowledge as have nothing in common with Jewish theology. Consequent such so-called ciown rabbis must necesarily be elected who leceive their ed cation at the higher and middle class public establishments, but who are abs- lutely unable to perform religious rites which require theological knowledge Thus it comes to pass, that the religious requirements of the Jewish eommur. tie.-^ can not be provided for in a legal manner. S;, nagogue.- and houses of prayer in the same streets and squares where ortli dox churches exist must be situated at a distance of at Last a hundred sajenfro ; the latter. (Sec. 258, Vol. Xli, part 1, Law on Buildings.) ' 1 Public prayer and worship may only be held in the synagogues and houses prayer. Jews holding divine worship in their houses without i)crmission of tl authorities will be punished by law. (Note to sees. lOGO and 1061, Vol. xi. pa 1, Law on the Religious AlTairs of Foreign Denominations, 1857; sec. 98, Vc XIV. Law on Prevention of Crimes, 1876.) The establishment of synagogues is allowed only in places where there are i ] less than eighty Jewish houses, whereas houses of prayer can bd started only ; places where there are not less than thirty Jewish houses. (Vol. XI, Religioi: Affairs of Foreign Denominations, sec. 1062: Build. Laws, sec. 259.) ' N. B. — Thus in places with a smaller Jewish population the Hebrews are pr hibiled public prayer under pain of criminal prosecution. Robbery of articles used in public worship, and of effects appertaining to tl synagogue, is not considered as sacrilege. (Sees. 219-233, Penal Code, 1885 ; se j 170, Law on Punishments by Justices of the Peace.) i ON DUTIES TOWARDS THE STATE. I. — Military duties. A person who is not a Christian, but whose brother has adopted orthodOJ' and lives apart, will not have the right of exemption as the only support of tl family. (Explanation of Sen., 22 Dec, 1877, No. 9532, 1885, and Oct. 17, N 7274.) • ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 151 Those who do not contribute to the support of the family forfeit the riglit of 3xemption of the first or second class. But this law does not api)ly to converts to Christianity. (Sec. 48, Law about Military D ity, Vol. iv, 18 50.) The rules laid down in sec. 51 of the law on military duty, according to which ivrsons called out for services or being already in service can ofer as .substitute : brother or another relative, do not apply to Jews. (Law of 31st January, 1839.) Jews can LOt be elected by their town as members of recruiting committees. Iiiipe-ial order of May 20, 1874.) In the Kingdom of Poland also. Jews can not be elected members of the re- quiting committees. (Circular of the minister of the interior, 1874, May 27, No. 9."1.) No documents of any kind affording the right of carrying on a trade or a pro- cssion will be issued to Jews under any condition, except when they have pro- luced evidence' that they have been registered in the recruiting districts. (Sec. [{}{% Law on Military Duty, 1880.) The removal of the nam^.s of Jews to divisions of other districts or goveim- monts is v)nly permitted if they have resided in the locality to which they wish t ) belong not less than two years. (For non-Jews a previous residence of only * i.rej montiis is required.) In case of removal to divisions outside the pale of -settlement, they lose all i-ights of exemption accruing from certain conditions of fttmijy relations. (Sec. 119^ Law on Military Duty, 188;).} Thy niiiitary authorities have the right to submit Jews, whose entering the ;-ervice has ()een post])oned on account of bodily infirmity or insufficiently devel- oped muscular strength, without notice, to a medical examination ; such author- ities not being obliged to pay any regard to the time prescribed by law for this purpose. (Note 2 to sec. 14(5, Law on Military Duty, 188().) Jews who have adopted orthodoxy, will, before they have entered the service, and notwithstanding the cla.sirica^ion according to denominations, be consid- ered as Jews. But once they have entered the service they will be considered as Christians. (Explana ion of Rules by the Senate, 1886, February 19, No. 1312.) Should there be in any district a deficiency in the number of Jews eligible as recruits, either of those not exempt, or of those who on account of family condi- tions have a right to exemptions of the third or the second class, it is permitted to draft into the army such Jews as enjoy the exemption of the first class. (Note 2 to sec. 152, Law on Military Duty, 188b.) The family of a Jew who has evaded the fulfillment of his military duties will have to pay a fine of 300 rubles. The amount of the rewai-d paid to anyone arresiing a Jew who has evaded his military duties will be fixed by theminister of the inteiior. (Sec. 3(50 and note, Law on Military Duty, 188(5.) N. B. — Tiie restricti'ms cited under this heading were called forth by the charge leveled against the Jews, that they tried to evade their miliiary duties. But the official data disprove the (charge. The proportion of the number of Jews Ihiblc to conscription, to tlio number of non-Jews equally liable, must njcessarily equiil the proportion of the Jewish male population to the non-.Jewish. According to the data produced in the "Journal of Statistics," issued by the central statisti- cal committee, the male population of all denominations in European Russia, for a period of twelve years (1875-1886), consisted of an average of 37,918,932, of whom 1,49(;,076 were Jews, equal to 3.95 per cent of the entire population. Now, it appears from the printed accounts of the ministry of the interior that during these twelve years there were called for the purpose of conscription, 8,434,449 men- Jews, or a yearly averao-e of 702,871, and 446.802 Jews, or a yearly average jof 37,233. Thus 5.80 per cent were Jews. This means a far higher percentage 'of their number in comparison with their percentage in the general population. In 1887, according to the repoids of the ministry, printed in the Government Gazette, there were called out: Non-Jews, 898,992; Jews, 42,107, i.e., 5.31 per cent. In 1888 : Non-Jews, 862,254; Jews, 44,918, L e., 5.20 per cent. Finally, in 1889: Non-Jews, 844,019; Jews, 46,190, or 5.47 per cent. During the same period of twelve years (1875-1886) there were drafted into the army : Non-Jews, 2,381,272, or a yearly average of 19'-:, 439 ; Jews. 94,535, or a yearly average of 7,878, i.e.. 5.97 per cent. In 1887 : Non-Jews, 234,085; Jews, 12,263, or 5.24 per cent. In 1888: Non-Jews, 249,087; Jews, 13,141, or 5.27 per cent. In 1889 : Non-Jews, 254,106 ; Jews, 14,552, or 5.72 per cent. _ Thus we find that, whereas the fair proportion of Jewish soldiers in the Rus- sian army should be, according to these numbers, 3.. 95, the actual proportion of Jewish soldiers was largely in excess of the fair percentage ; indeed, nearly half as much again as the equitable proportion 1 152 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. II, — Taxation. Over and above the ordinary assessments to which the rural population ar the inhabitants of the towns are liable, the Jews have to pay the following- sp cial taxes : • I. The " Box tax," which again is subdivided into two classes: (a) univer.- or g-eneral, [h] private or subsidiary. ^ The gen ral tax is le .ied : (1) On every animal which is slaughtered kosher ;* (2) Ori every bird which is slaughtered koshe- : * (3) Oil ev>jry p jund of m?at wbi^ch is sold as ko-her ; * (4) Penalties and fines for evasions of the law on this point are to be utilize for the objects for which the tax was instituted. The subsidiary tax levied from the Jews consists of : (1) A certain percentage od the rents of the houses, shops, and warehouses c Jews. (2) A certain percentage on the profits of factories, breweries, industrial estal lishments, and other trade enterprises carried on by Jews. (3) A certain percenta-xo of the capital bequeathed by Jews. (4) A tax on apparel Sijecially worn by Jews and Jewesses. For the wearin of a sk.dl cap (usjd by Jews during domestic prayers) a tax of 5 silver rubles ^ year is levied. (Sees. 1. 5, 8, 10. note to sec. 2*^1. Law on Taxes, Vol. v., 1857.') II. Candle tax (on Sabbath lightsf), amounting to 230,000 rubles a j'-ear. [Ihi sees. \) and 67.) III. Tax on printing offices, amounting to 20 rubles for everv printing ])r worked by hand, 120 rubles for every small machine press, and 200 rubles i every large or double machine press. (Note to sec. 158, Vol. xiv. Law on Cea sure, 1886.) ON THE EDUCATION OF JEWISH YOUTH. Jewish children are admitted only in the public and private educational estab lishments of places in which their parents have a right of residence. (Sec. 906 Vol. IX. Circular of 1876; Circularof the minister of public education, 1884, Jul' 15, No. 9846.) The issue of subsidies formerly granted to Jewish boys and girls receiving- their education in the pubUe educational establishments superintended by the ministry of public education from the sums set aside for the education of th( Jews, and amounting to 24,000 laibles annually is abolished. (1875. July 25 (54,i| 934 A) : Imperial /vssent to the Budget of the Committee on Ministers.) '\ In accordance with section 907 of the same volume, Jews who have passed i^ public middle-class school are allowed to enter universities, academies, andotiiei higher educational establishments without restriction. In 1880 the authorif commenced to restrict the number of Jews so entering. In 1882 the number <■ Jewish students in the Military Academy for Medicine was limited to 5 per cent , At present no Jews at all are admitted at this academy. In 1883 the number o ' Jewish students in the Mining Institute was also limited to 5 per cent. Aboui. the same time their number was also limited in the Engineering Institute foi' Public Roads. In 1885 the Jews at the Technical Institute at Charkoff were limited to 10 per cent. In 188(5 a prohibition was issued against the admissior; of any Jews at all at the Veterinary Institute at Charkoff. In 1887 the numbei of Jews to be admitted at the Institute of Civil Engineers was fixed at 3 per cent. And finally, in accordance with the proposals of the committee of ministers, which received the Imperial assBut on December 5, 1886, and June 26, ]>;87, the minister of public education obtained the right of restricting the number oi Jewish pupils in the educational establishments generally. The ministry therev upon limited, in all schools and universities, the number of -Jews residing ic places within the pale of Jewish settlement to 10 per cent, in places outside that -pale to 5 per cent, but in St. Petersburg and Moscow to 3 per cent of the total num- ber of pupils in each school or university. This without regard to the propor- tion of Jews to the general population in any one place. J *According to Jewish rite and declared fit for food. The tax is farmed, and adds 'Id. or 3(7. to the retail price of meat. tit is the religious duty of every Jewish housewife to light at least two can- cles on the eve of the Sabbath and festivals, and this custom is most rigorously carried out. Xin some places the Jewish population is 80 per cent of the entire population. ENFOECEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 153 Since 1885 Jews are not allowed to hold university scholarships derived from hie public treasury, and can only enjoy scholarships derived from private en- owments. The proceeds of the candle tax is to be applied to the building of Jewish chools.* (Section 9, note to section 281. Tax Law, Vol. V, 1857; section 1067, law on the Religious Affairs of Foreign Denominations, Vol. xi, part 1, 1857.) N, B. — The rabbinical schools of Wilna and Zitomir have been converted into L-aining colleges for teachers. The Jewish state schools for secondary educa- ion have been closed by Imperial order. Those for elementary education have een preserved only in those places where the number of public schools proved ksufficient on account of the large population of Jews. The training college of litomir has been closed by order. (Note to section 1083, Law on the Religious vffairs of Foreign Denominations, Vol. xi, part 1, 1857 : Imperial assent to the ieport of the Ministry of National Education, 28th November, 1885.) ON PERSONAL. STATUS AND RIGHT OF SETTLEMENT AND MOVEMENT. The Jews are declared to be aliens, whose social rights are regulated by spe- iai ordinances. (Note 7, section 835, Vol. ix, 1876.) /. — Permanent residence within tlie Pale of Jewish settlement, 1 In the whole Russian Empire (exclusive of the Kingdom of Poland) the Jews ire prohibited from permanently residing or settUng anywhere, except in the bllowing fifteen gubernia : Bessarabia, Vilna, Viteb.-^k, Voihynia, Grodno. Ekate- inoslav, Kovno, Minsk, Mohilev,Podolia, Poltava. Tauridai except Sebastopol), Kherson (except Nicolaiev), and Tshernigov, also in the gubernium of Kiev, ex- lusive of the city of Kiev. These gubernia are. therefore, called the Pale of ermanent Jewish settlement. (Sec. 16 of the Law of Passi.orts, Vol. xiv, 1S86.) iJews who are merchants of the first guildf may live in the city of Kiev, but ily in the Libiedsky and Plossky districts of the town. {Ibid., sec. 17, Vol. IV.) In the towns Nicolaiev and Sebastopol the right of settlement, of carrying on trade, or the business of contractor, or of obtaining house or landed property, srranted only to Jewish merchants of either guild. (Law on Passports, Art. 5.1 Jews are prohibited from residing permanently in the western gubernia situ- ;ed next the frontier, and also in Bessarabia within 50 verstst of the frontier, from this rule arc excepted those Jews who were registered in these localities j>efore 27th October, lb58. or who possess-d before 27th October, 1^58, house and landed property in these localities, although they did not belong to such com- Qunities. {Ibid., sec. 23.) 11. — Permanent residence outside the Pale of Jewish settlement. Outside the above-mentioned fifteen gubernia only those Jews are permitted ' reside who can be classed under the following categories : (1) Merchants of the first guild, both of th > Russian Empire and of the Kiag- lom of Poland, who have satisfied the sj^ecial conditions established by law. (2) Jevrs who iiave a diploma of doctor of medicine and surgery, or "of doctor if medicine : or who have a diploma of doctor or master of one of the other f ac- dties of the university. (3) Jews who have discharged their military duties in accordance with the re- Tuitinglawand belong to the reserve ; also those soldiers and non-commissioned >fficers who have unlimited furlough, § (4) Jews who have passed the higher educational establishments, inclusive of hose for the study of medicine. *As a matter of fact the money is frequently used for other purposes uncon- nected with educational or other wants of Jews. j tThe mone^ai-y qualification for this guild is payment of taxes of not less than 1,000 rubles per annum— of course, a very exceptionable condition. ■ JAbout 33 Pmglish miles. I This pj'ivilege has now been lost by the Jews. 154 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. (5) Graduates in pharmacj'-, dentists, and surgeons, also midwives. (6) Jews who are studying pharmacy, surgery, and midwifery. (Vol. XIV. Law on Passports, sec. 17.) In the gubernium of Courland, as also in Shlok (Livonia), only those -lews tn; reside permanently who wei-e registered there according to the revision befo: April 13, 1835. Of the Jews settled in Shlok, only tliose shall be allowed permi nently to reside in Riga who hai settled there before December 1,, j84i. Til settlement of Jews in Riga, whether from other gubernia or from Shlok, is prl hibited. i Vol. xiv. Law on Passports, sec. 17.) •Tews from Bokhara and Khiva, as also Jews of other Central Asiatic domi ions, may become Russian subiects and be registered in the frontier towns the dist icts of Orenburg and Turkestan ; but only on condition that ihey belor': to a merchant guild, and that the rights Ol othee Russian .Jews be granted ther ' (Vol. IX. sec. Uij2, note, 188G; vol. xiv. Law on Passports, sec. 17.) In th3 military territory of the Don, and in the old districts of Rostov and Taganrog, at present incorporated in th^ Don territory, the settlement of Jev is pi ohibited."^ (Law on Pa-sports, sec. 17.) In the Government of Staviopcl and in the transcaucasian teri-itory, on tho e Jevrsare allowed to remain who lived t'^erebt-fore May 12, 1837, andform( settlements of their own. (Sec. 27, Law on Passports, Vol.'^xiv. 1857.) ; J-ws are not permitted to enter, or to settle in. Siberia. {Ibid., sec. 30, ISSr The settling of Jews in Siberia for the purpose ol following agricultural pir suits is prohibited. (Sec. 978, Vol. ix, ;876.) Wives of Jews who have been exiled to Siberia are permitted to follow the husbands. But the husbands of Jewesses exiled to Siberia may not follow the wives. (Note 1 to see. 10. Law on Depoi'tation, Vol. xiv, 1857.)' Jewish exiles inSiberiaare prohibited residence within a hundred verstsfro,. the Chinese frontier, and, in general, from the frontier of all tt-ibcs not unde^ the dominion of Russia. [I hid., note to sec. 3fJ3, 185(>.) ! Outside the places of permanent Jewish settlement Jews mayadoptas childrel in accordance with the general laws, only such of their coreligionists as ba^ themselves a right to reside in all places of the Empire. (Collection of L i 188J. No. 35, i,ec. 208.) Jews arc not permitted to dwell in the Grand Duchy of Finland. N. B.— No s-ech law exists among the laws of Old Finland, which were a ceptel by the Impei'ial Governnu-nt on annexation, nor in the '"Collection ' Laws of the C4rand Duchy of Finland," issued annually byotiicial order from 18;'] to 1890. III. — Temporary residence within the Pale of Jewish settlement. Only temporary residence of Jews in the cities of Kiev and Sebastopol is pej mitted, and only "for the following purposes: ' (1) In order to take possession of an inheritance. (2) In order to establish legal claims on property in courts of justice and government offices. (3) lor business transactions or anything connected with government ' tract^s : but only if such transactions take place in towns whei"e Jews may ]i manenti^' dwell. I^csides in the above-mentioned cases of residence, the Jews are permittee enter the city of Kiev only under the following circumstances: {(i) For niiiilary duty; (6) for business during the fair: (c) for importing ; selling articles of food in the markets ;md in the harbor : (r?) for transpovi passengers and forwarding goods: {e) for purchasing materials: (/) for del: . ir^g the products of their own handicraft; (ry) for using the mineral watei'S (, for attending the hospitals; (/i) for attending the educational establishment'] {t) for learning a handicrait. '[ Whenever a Jewish visitor of any of the above denominations is obliged ij remain in Kiev more than twenty-four hours, the police may give a printd license, on which a special entry must be made in case the time is extended. *This includes a district of great imj^ortance, hitherto largely populated l Jews engaged in commerce, who had been always allowed to settle there, beiii a ])art of Ekaterinoslav gubernium, and thus in the Pale of settlement, but d4 tached therefrom on May 19, 1887. ^ ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 155 Such extension of time is limited thus : By tha expiration of the time of mili- ary duty : by the termination of the fair ; by the market days. For carmen, for he purchase of materials, and for the settlement of accounts for work, by afort- lig-ht. For invalids, by the completion of the course of mineral waters or hos- pital atts'udance; For students, by the termination of the course of study. For apprentices, by the termination of the time fixed for the l^aiming of a handi- ;raft; and for those who arrive upon other business, by a maximum of six weeks, those Jews who are temporarily in Kiev, being neith.er patients drinking- the vaters, nor being the wives or children of soldiers on active service, nor per- ons learning a handicraft, are only permitted a temporary residence in the ^ibeclsky and Plossky districts of the town. Jews from other towns who possess factories, or are merchants of one of the wo guilds, are permitted to enter Sebastopol only for the purpose of doing bus- ness at the fairs, or, if they are contractors, for the supply of the Government vith goods for that town: but for the sake of carrying on such business they .re not pei-mitted to employ Jews except those who are their servants or clerks, evvs living in the neighborhood of Sebastopol, and in other towns of the pale of ewish s jttlement. are permitted to enter Sebastopol only for business on the ^^tablished market days. Young Jews may only come to Sebastopol for the ake of learning a handicraft. (Sec. 284, Law on Passports, Vol. xiv, 1886.) In the gubernia of Vitebsk and ISIohilev, Jews are only p-f^rmitted to reside in illages by special license, but they may not settle as ordinary inhabitants. i6?-d., Sec. 16.j In the gubernia of Vitebsk and Mohilev, Jews are allowed to work in the mak- ng of roads in the settlements, but only on the condition that, as soon as their vork is completed, they have no longer a right to reside there. The same con- litions must be observed in Courland in respect of Jews from the gubernium of <;ovno, engaged in similar work. {Ibid., sees. 20, 21, 1857.) IV. — Temiiorary residence oidside the Pale of Jeiuish settlement. Temporary residence outside the Pale of Jewish settlement is permitted to jhe Jews only under the following circumstances: (1) For the purpose o' taking possession of an inheritance. (2) For the purpose of establishing legal claims on proi)erty in courts of jus- ice and in government ottices. {'4) For business transactions, and for everything connected with government iontracts: but only if such contracts take place in towns where Jews may per- nancntly dwell. In all such cases the police are authorized to permit the Jews :o remain, but for no longer than six weeks. The authorities of such gubernia jan not prolong their stay beyond two months unless they have obtained permis- sion from the higher authorities. (Sec. 'M'S, Law on Passports, Vol. xiv, 1886.) Jewii-h mechanics, distill;-rs, and brewers, and generally mjister artisans and their journeymen, may reside outside of the Pale of Jewish settlement, but, in prder to obtain their passport (which is to be renewed periodically) they must produce a certificate of their calling in accordance with the rules established by law for that purpose. Young Jews under 18 years of age are permitted to live in places outside of the Pale of Jewish settlement, for the purpose of learning a iiandicraft, but only for a period of not more than five j'^ears. [Ibid.., note 'S to sec. 283.)"*' Jewish cutters and tailors may live in places where regiments are located, or (where military training colleges exist, but only until the term of their contract [with the military authorities has expired. {Urid., tec. 11), 1857.) Jewish artisans may reside in the fortress towns on the eastern shore of the Black Sea and in the towns of Temruk and Such', m -Kale: also on the north- Ejstern shore of the Caspian Sea: and in the town of Petrofsk: but only terapo- rily, and in such manner that the field of their trade activity does not extend yond the boundaries of these towns. {Ibid., sec. 28, 1886.) Jewish carmen, who have brought goods to places outside the Pale of Jewish " In the body of the report several cases are cited expelling artisans in direct conflict with above privilege. We call attention to the fact that these laws are brought down only to the year 1890, since which time additional laws and regu- lations have been promulgated all in the direction of greater restrictions. In several cases referred to, renewal of permission to stay was granted r.nd stami)ed on passports, and within a short time thereaiter perem])tory orders to leave within twenty-four hours were indorsed on the same documents. 1 156 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. settlement, are not permitted to remain in such places longer than a fortnigb iIhid.,seG. 285,1857.) Jewish merchants of the first guild, not yet qualified to settle outside the pa are i:>ermitted to come personally, or to send their accredited agents, to the ca itals and other towns for the purpose of purchasing goods ; they may do so twi a year, on condition, however, that their total stay do not exceed six months the year. Such merchants may visit th^ fairs at Nijni-Novgorod, Irbit, Charko and Summi, both for buying and for selling wholesale. Jewish merchants of the second guild are permitted to come personally, or send their accredited agents, to the capitals and other towns, for the purpose purchasing goods, only once a year for two months. Merchants of both guilds are permitted to visit the Christmas and summi fairs in Kiev, and carry on business there, both wholesale and retail, whether Russian or foreign commodities. Their stay must terminate with the termin tion of the fair. Jews of the gubernia of the Kingdom of Poland may as a rule visit the gube nia within the pale of Jewish settlement; but only guild merchants may vis the other gubernia of the empire and they only once a year, and then only f( two months, for the purpose of doing business, of contracting with the Gover:' ment for the supply of goods, but only for such places where Jews may perm, nently reside; and on condition that in case such transactions take place in tl interior provinces of the empii-e, and arc being managed by themselves, no Jev be employed by them. [Ibid., sec. 289, 1886.) Jewish tradesmen who are settlers of old standing in the transcaucasian te ritory may visit Astrachan to sell " Marena" dye, but only twice a year, ac only for an aggregate of six months in any one year. {Ibid.., sec. 290, 1857.) V. — On passports. Jews within the pale of Jewish settlement are only permitted to dwell outsiflr the towns in which they have been registered according to the revision, if pp«ji vided with passports. (Sec. 18, Law on Passports, Vol. xiv, 1857.) '': Jews can obtain licnses for traveling only into those gubernia where Je^^ have the right of permanent settlement. [Ibid., sec. 121.) I Ti'iiveling within the Pale of Jewish settlement is permitted to Jews, provide^ th^y have a ] as^port in which it is observed that such passport is only valid i^^ places set aside for their permanent residence; and in the certificates issued t merchants it is indispensable that the religious persuasion of their holders b mentioned. [Ibid., sec. 286, 1889; Circular of the Minister of the Interior, 187H June 24, No. 73.) Immediately on the arrival of Jews in the capitals Ihe police are required t examine their passports and to inquire into their right of visiting such capita Those who have no right to visit the capitals are to be immediately sent bac to their places of residence. (Ibid... sec. 294, 1857.) Jews who do not own land abroad can not receive yearly license to go abroad N.B. — The laws laid down under the preceding five chapters deprive 5. 000,00 Jews of one of the most essential personal rights, enjoyednotonly by all Russia: subjects, Christian, Mahomniedan or heathen, without distinction, but also b fo-eigners, namely, the right of residing anywhere, and of free movemen tliroughout the Empire. At the present time the whole mass',of Russian Jew? with only a few exceptions, arc caged a.nd croAvdcd in the narrow continc s of th territory which is called "the Pale of Jewish settlement:" and even there ex clusively in towns. In all civilized states the right of settlement in any plac is recognized to be one of the most essential and natural laws of every subject In time of peace, foreigners even enjoy that right. The deprivation of such : right is regarded, even by the Russian legislation (sees. 30-82, 48, 49. 51 of the LaT of Punishment. 1885), as a punishment inllicted for various criminal offenses, am then only for a period fixed by sentence in a court of justice. ON THE RIGHTS OF PROPERTY. [On the acquisition of property ; on the mortgaging and leasing of the same ; and on farm; , and their management.! \ Landed estates, including also land which has been apportioned to peasants foi their permament use, can not be sold to Jews. (Vol. ix, Laws on Status, Supp I. to sec. 330 (note) ; sec. 3, 1887.) ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 157 Land, and other appurtenances belong-ing to an estate, and which are not part •f allotments made to peasants on their emancipation, may not be sold to Jews. Ibid., sec. 4; Supp. ibid.) Estates in the Western and Baltic provinces, formerly belonging- to the esuits, and which have to be sold by auction to satisfy the debts ef their own- rs, can not be bought by Jews. (Vol. viii, Law on the Administration of :;rown Property in the Western and Baltic Governments ; Supp. to sec. 1 (note ), sec. 7.) Jews are not admitted to the public auctions of crown lands. [Ibid,, Supp. to ec. 2 (note 2), sec. 6.) Jews are not admitted to attend the public auctions of property mortgaged to anks and forfeited for nonpayment. (VoL xiii, Law of Common Aid, Supp. J sec. 165 (note 2), sec. 3, 185 u) Jews are not admitted to public auctions of allotments of land forfeited by ea:;ants who have made default in payment of serfdom commutation tax, or ,tate land tribute, or, in Bessarabia, their land rate. (Rules about the Peas- ntry. Special Supp. to Vol. ix ; Rules on Distress, sees. 135-138 ; Rules on Peas- nts belonging to the State, Supp. to sec. 15 (note 1), sec. 7 : Rules about the Tsarani*' [peasants in Bessarabia], sec. 95; sec. 5.) All Jews, without exception, are prohibited from purchasing landed property •om landowners or peasants in the nine Western gubernia. (Note 3 to sec. 959, ^ol. IX, Law on Status, IS^H) N. B.— The m aning of the foregoing seven laws is that Jews are not allowed 3 purchase landed esiate anywhere. Throughout the Pale of Jewish settlement the issuing of title deeds of landed I- house property and mortgages in the name of Jews is sus]iended, as also the 'gistration of Jews as lessees of landed estate, situated outside the precincts of jwns and townlets, and also the issue of powers of attorney enabling Jews to ?t as agents for the managing and disposing of such property.* {Ibid., sec. 2; ote4 to sec. 959.) No Jews, even those who are merchants of the first guild, may purchase landed r house property in any part of the town of Kiev. Only those merchants of the rst guild are excepted who. before being registered as merchants at Kiev, have 3en during five years merchants of the first guild in one of the towns within le Pale of Jewish settlement. (Resolution of the General Meeting of the De- artment of Cassation and of the First and the Second Department of the Im- 3rial Senate, 3d November, 1886.) Jews possessing a diploma of doctor of medicine and of surgery, or who have diploma of doctor, master, or ordinary lirst-class diploma in one of the other .culties of the University, do not transfer to their wives or their children their ghtof acquiring house property outside the pale of Jewish settlement. (Reso- ition of the General Meeting of the First Department and the Department of assation of the Imperial Senate, 1889, No. 25.) With the exception of those who have a scientific university degree, all Jews V prohibited from obtaining, or renting, or farming landed i)roperty in the ilitary territory of the Don, as also in the districts formerly belonging to ostov and to the city of Taganrog, but at present included in the Don terri- •ry. (Vol. XIV, Law on Passports, sec. 17 ; Vol. Vlll, 1886, and note to that see- on, 1887.) Jews are prohibited from obtaining landed property of any kind m any part the Baltic Governments. (1869, 30 May (47152); imperial ukase promulgated / the senate of the ministry of the interior; 1866, 18 Feb. (43031), imperial as- •nt to law of the Baltic committee.) In the Baltic provinces Jews can not lend money on the security of house or uded property of any kind, either in the country or in the towns. (C;)llection Local Laws of the Baltic Governments, part ill, book ii, sees. 1504, 1512, ■<)4.) The acquisition of land or house property in Turkestan is prohibited to Jews )t domiciled there. Jews born in the countries of Central Asia which are sit- ited in the vicinity of Turkestan are subject to the common law relating to reign Jews. (Vol. IX, Law on Status, sec. 1003, note 3, 1887; Collection of :iws, 1889, No. 76, sec. 666.) *This is one of the " May Laws " of 1882, and it practically annuls all the lim- 3d powers of acquisition of landed and house property conferred by the other ws except only in towns within the Pale. II. Ex. 37 16 158 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Land and house property which has been obtained by Jews by inheritan outside those places where they are permitted to possess such property must sold by them in the course of six months. {Ibid., sec. 960, 1886. ) '. The .Jews are prohibited from renting mills and factories from the Crown places where they are not allowed to reside. They are also prohibited from i tailing intoxicating liquors on Crown iands, even in places where they are s lowed permanently to reside, i. e., in the Pale of Settlement. (Vol. Vlll, part Law on Crown Rents, sec. 22, 1876, and note to the same, 1886.) The leaseholder of an estate belonging to the Crown, and situated in the We; em and Baltic Governments, may not sublet a C( untry inn to a Jew. [Ibii Law on Crown Property in the Western and Baltic Government, sec. 3.5, 187( Persons who have received temporary grants of Crown revenues in the Wes ern and Baltic Governments according to the privileges of 1775, and by imp rial ukases, are prohibited from assigning their interests therein to Je^n (Vol. VIII, part I, Law on Crown Property in the Western and Baltic Govei mcnts; Supp. to sec. 2, note 3, sec. 18.) Jews are prohibited from lx}ing managers or stewards of inhabited estate and from farming from the landowners the incomes they derive from the pe? ants. (Vol. IX, sec. 961, 1886.) In Courland, Jews may not farm the rents due by the peasants to the Ian owners. They arc also prohibited from renting inns and public houses in tow lets Mnd villages. (Collection of Local Laws of the Baltic Governments, part sec. 1401, No. 3, p. iii. sec. 4041.) In i)laces where Jews may not permanently reside, they may not be admitt to the public auctions where chattels belonging to the Crown are bjing sol (Vol. X, sec. 1500, 1887.) " • N. B. — Under the laws cited in the preceding heading, the Jews, with aft exceptions, are deprived of every right to acquire or hold house or lauded esta outside the tovvns within the Pale of Settlement. And besides these enactmen the code of laws contains old regulations which do allow Jews to acquire or hC| such property, to rent land, farm rents, and like obligations appertaining land, to possess distilleries, to rent or to manage mills and factories. (Vol. I Law or Status, sees. 959, 961. and Supp. 9(53.) These regulations have not be^ repealed and remain on the statute books, and serve only to gloss over t • Jewish disabilities. Asa matter of fact, they have been rendered absolute nugatory by the May laws, being practically and legally repealed by them. ON AGRICULTURAL PURSUITS AND HUSBANDRY. The application of a part of the income derived from the box tax to the trai ing of Jews as agriculturists is abolished. The Jewish colonization fund, which was kept on deposit at the state treasu by the minister of Crown lands, and at the Odessa treasury by the Cherso. Bessarabia sup.n*intendent of Crown lands, has been transferred to the funds the imperial treasury. Jews are prohibited from settling in Siberia for the purpose of becoming ag: culturists. (Vol. il, part 2, Position of Aliens, sec. 833, note: 1886, note 2 tosc 1; Supp. to sec. 281: Law on Taxes, Vol. v, 1857; Collection of Regulations, 18it No. (52, sec. 553, vol. ix: Laws on Status, sec. 978.) 1 Acquisition or renting of rural property of any kind, as well as the settleme outside of towns, being prohibited to Jews, agricultural pursuits are render im])0ssible to them. As an exception to the rule, some agricultural coloni which were established in certain places chosen by the Government in t. reigns of Alexander I and Nicholas still exist, but no new colonies are permitt to be established. ON COMMERCLA.L RIGHTS. Trading in the gubernia outside the Pale of Settlement without restriction allowed only to Jews who have acquired the position of a merchant of the fii guild while within the fifteen gubernia of the pale. In order to become a merchant of the first guild in the above gubernia, a must have been previously a merchant of the first guild in the Pale of S>. ment for live years. The Jew who has become a merchant of the first guild and settles outside : Pale of Settlement, forfeits his rights, and is obliged to return into the Pftle, ENFOECEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 159 le cease to pay the fees of the first guild, unless he has paid the fees for at east ten years. (Vol. XIV., Statute on Passports, sec. 17 ; 1, contin. 18S6.) Jewish merchants of the first guild, belonging to the Pale of Settlement, aro illowed to visit the capitals and the other towns outside the Pale, for pur- chasing goods, only twice a year, and provided that both visits should not to- 'ether exceed six months. (Vol. xiv, Statute on Passports, sec. 283, 2, contin. In Siberia merchant licenses are given only to the following categories of ews: (1) To the children of Jewish convicts who came there with their par- nts or who were born there ; (2) to Jewish convicts who have been condemned 1 deportation without loss of civil rights. (Vol. IX., Supp. to the sec. 97-4 (note), , contin. ed. 1887.) N. B. — It follows, therefore, that Jewish criminals and their sons are the only ews who can obtain a license to trade in Siberia, certain parts of which are ex- remely prosperous and full of natui al resources. Jews of the Western gubernia, not belonging to any guild, may not take any lovernment contract or farm royalties, nor may they sell wholesale by powers i attorney anything belonging to a member of the nobility, nor catry on busi- ess within the Empire and beyond the frontier, even if it l^e only to forward ad to sell actual land produce. (Vol. ix. Law on Status, Supp. to sec. 974; liote 2), sec. 7, 1887.) Jewish merchants of the first guild, in the Pale of Settlement, may receive oodis directly from the capitals and from the ports, but only wholesale, and nly through firms residing at those places, or by means of correspondence with le manulacturei-s. Jewish merchants of the first guild are prohibited from nploying Jews in the management or superintendence of contracts concluded V them in the interior provinces. The sale of products of gubernia within the Pale of Jewish settlement may 3 elTect;:d by Jewish merchants of the pale of the first guild, in the capitals id ports, but only wholesale, and with the help of Christian employes, or local erchants, or by mercantile firms, of by means ot correspondence with the manu- cturers. But such Jews are forbidden personally to sell goods in the capitals id ports, or to open shops at these places, under pain of immediate expulsion id confiscation of their goods. Within the Pale of .Jewish Settlement, Jewish merchants of the first guild ay, by ord r of Christians residing in other gubernia, clear goods from the istom-house which their owners would be entitled to receive through the cus- 'm-house situated in the pale. Such .Jews are however prohibited from selling their own goods which they ive to receive and which have to pass through the same custom-houses, out- de the Pale of Jewish Settlement, even though they employ Christians for the irpose. Jewish merchants of the first guild, belonging to the pale, may sell foreign )ods at the fairs of Charkov, and Summi, but only wholesale. At other fairs ey may not sell foreign goods, whether on their own account or as consignees. hid., sec. 2.) Foreign goods, which require to be sealed by the custom-house officers may )t be brought to the fairs by Jewish manufacturers, viz, neither to Nijni-Nov- )rod, Irbit, Charkov, nor Summi; although such goods may have undergone a ■rtain manufacturing process at their factories, e. g., by dyeing, etc. [Ibid., Jews visitin-T places where they are only allowed to reside temporarily for siness transactions, may not during their visit sell goods in a house or by Lwking them in the street, and any infraction will be punished by law, [Ibid., c. 5.) Jews arc prohibited from acting as commission agents of any foreign firm for ending goods from the custom-houses at the frontier to places where Jews may U permanently reside. [Ibid., sec. Q.) The custom-house officers may not aocept a declaration from Jews, or from leir agents or employes, nor may they issue a license for the passing of goods Uonging to Jews destined for the custom-houses of gubernia outside the pale (sstilement. (Vol. VI. Law^ of the Customs, sec. 954, 1886.) Everyone may keep his books in whatever language he likes, except the .Jews, 'i.^y are ob'iged to use either Kusssian or the language in business use at the I xe where they live, but in no case Hebrew. (Vol. IX, Law on Status, sec. 955; ')1. XI, part 2, Commercial Law, sec. 610, 1887.) Jews can not act as agents for contractors for delivery and supply of goods in 160 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. any place where they themselves have no right to be contractors for the < livery and supply of goods. (Vol. X, Civil Law on Delivery and Supply for 1 Cro?vn, sec. 7. note.) In places of permanent Jewish settlement Jews are prohibited from carryi on business on Sundays, and on the principal Christian holidays. (Vol. ix,"s 939, notes 4 and 3: Vol.xiv, On Preveijtion of Crimes, sec. 16, note.) N. B. — One of the May laws. This is a gi-eat hardship in those towns wht the Jews form the great bulk of the population. In many towns Sunday is t legal and customary market day. There is no restriction to the Sunday tr; ing of Ivlahommedans and other non-Christians. Jewish merchants of the first guild who, observing the conditions establish by law, settle in places outside the Pale of Jewish Settlement may take w: them Jewish clerks and domestic servants, that is to say. in both the capit as many as the local governor and the governor-general will allow: in the otl cities of the Empire not move than one Jewish clerk or employe, and not m( than four servants for every family. (Vol. xiv. Law on Passports, art. 17, sec; 188(>. Jews who hold a university diploma of a scientific degree, and who enjoy law the right of residing in any place in the Empire may (for the purpose carrying on business and ir.dustrial pursuits), during the time of their resider outside the pale of Jewish settlem?nts have with them besides the members their families, domestic servants from among their coreligionists, but not m( than two. Such of them as become merchants of the second guild may, besid have a clerk or employe of th-ir own faith, (fbid., sec. 2.) Shares in the company of the " Upper and Middle Market Rows," in the Kra noi Square in Moscow, may not be transferred to Jews, even if they become ci verts to orthodoxy, becausj only persons born Christian are allowed to obt; such shares. (Collections of llcgulations, 1890, No. 82, sec. 817, 818.) Jews may not possess sharps in the joint slock company for the manufacti of suga»- Ko''delefka,in the districtof Vinitza, in the government Podolia; tl may not be members of the board of tha* company, nor be appointed totheofl of manager or trustee. (Collection of Regulations, 1890, No. 89, sec. 889; sec note; sec. 23, notes 1 and 2.) ON THE TRADE IN INTOXICANTS. Jews may deal in intoxicants only in places where they are allowed to res permanently, but not otherwise than in their own houses. Jewish potmen n be employed, but only in public-houses belonging to Jews. (Law on the Tax ' Spirits, 1887, sec. ;i6(i.) Outside the boundary of towns and townlets, Jews may carry on business spirits, but only in houses which are their own property, built on ground . onging to them, and acquired by them before 3d iVIay, 1882. But Jews mayij deal in spirits in houses and on ground belonging to them only for life, or of wh.| they have only a lease, {[hid., sec. 3o3, notj 3.) H The brewing of beer and mead for their own domestic use is permitted in si- Jewish -settlements as contain not fewer than teahouses. ( Ibid., sec. 108, note Retired soldiers and noncommissioned officers of the Jewish faith, settled places outside the Pale of Jewish Settlement, in accordance with the old pr j liege, shall not enjoy the right to deal in spirits in such places. [Ihid., sec. 3' notel.) In the gubernia of the Kingdom of Poland, Jews are psrmitted to retail spir but only in towns and townlets, and in such villages as are inhabited by J€ -; only. (/6kZ., sec. 363, note 2.) ! Jews who have the right to reside permanently in Siberia may not carry ' business there in intoxicants. {Ibid., sec. 363, note 4.) | Jews who have i-emoved to Turkestan from the interior gubernia of the E ■ pirear 3 prohibited from manufacturing and dealing in intoxicants in Turkest ' (Ibid., sec. 102, noto 2; sec. 363, note 5, 1889.) The clauses of the law forbidding the opening of establishments for retail: , beer and spirits in the vicinity of churches, houses of prayer, mosques, e i do not apply to the vicinity of Jevdsh synagogues and houses of prayer, [lb . S2CS. 414, 498, and 499.) ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 161 ON INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. Jews are not permitted to occupy themselves in gold mining- in places where ,hey are prohibited to reside permanently. (Vol. Vli, Law on Private Gold Min- ng, sec. 30, note 1.) Jews not being allowed to occupy themselves in gold mining can not be agents or others in that industry, ilhid., sec. 31.) In those places where trade guilds exist, plasterers, bricklayers, masons, quarry- nen, carpenters, and paviors, as also servants, are exempt from belonging to uch guilds, but not if they belong to the Jewish faith. (Vol. XI, Law on Indus- rial Professions, 1887, sec. 285.) In places of permanent Jewish residence Jews can not ba elected as masters of rade guilds. {Ibid., sec. 30G, note.) In the committee of trade guilds, consisting of Christians and Jews, the master md vice-master must be non-Jews. {Ibid., sees. 338 and 474.) In places of the Pale, the governing body of such guilds are obliged to take lote of all Jews as have joined the guild, so that those Jews may be expelled rom the guild who have not followed their calling during six months, without lufficient caus3. {Ibid., sec. 34(3.) Jewish workingmen are allowed to have Christian apprentices only when at east one of their foremen is a Christian, and when they have obtained a spe- ;ial authorization from the committee of the guild. {Ibid., note to Art. 390.) Jewish artisans residing outside of the Pale of Settlement may sell only the )roducls of their own work ; a license of a guild merchant obtained by these Tews does not give them the right of selling articles not of their manufacture. Md., Art. 103, Resolution of Senate, 1874, No. 73L) Jewish photographers are not permitted to open photographic establishments )utside the Pale of ];ermanent Settlement, nor to enjoy as artisans the right of ■esiding there. (Circular of the minister of the interior, 1875, April 3, No. 395.) ON CIVIL SERVICE. It is prohibited to receive Jews into the civil service, except those of the fol- owing categories : (1) Jews who have the scientific degree of doctor or master, or the first-class iniversity diploma, may be admitted in any part of the empire. (On Civil Serv- ce, Vol. Ill, Art. 7, 40.) (2) Jews who have a diploma of a physician of the second class are admitted nto the public medical service only within the Pale of Settlement. Outside of he Pale they are admitted only in the department of the ministry of education, »nd of the ministry of the interior, but not in St. Petersburg or Moscow, or in heir respective provinc s. ( Ibid., Art. 57.)* (3) In the civil service of the Army the proportion of Jewish surgeons is lim- ted (since 18S2) to 5 poL- cent. Promotion is given to them only up to the fifth nedical class, but with the consent of the chief commanders of the military dis- I'icts. To posts above the first class they are not to be appointed at all. In a lospital there may be only one Jewish surgeon. To the district medic il ad- ainistration offices, to the chief medical administration offices, as well as to hos- )itals and offices in fortresses, they are not to be admitted at all. (Imperial or- ler, April 10, 1882.) The same rule as to the 5 per cent proportion is to be applied to military sur- geons' assistants and surgeons' apprentices. {Ibid.) N. B.— In fact, even the Jews who possess all the exceptional qualifications letermined by the law are not admitted as a rule into civil service, even for the nost subordinate positions. Lately, notwithstanding the foregoing permissive aws, no Jews have been admitted as army surgeons. The board of judges, and the council of sworn advocatas, may receive among he number of private and of sworn advocates persons who are not Christians; )ut they mav not accept them without the express permission of the ministry of ustice. (Collection of Regulations, 1889. No. 127, sec. 1031.) A special permission of the ministers of the interior and of justice is required or the rec option of non-Christian private attorneys in the district sessions. Collection of Regulations, 1890, No. 47, sec. 398.) N. B. — Since the two foregoing regulations were enacted not one Jew has been idmitted as sworn advocate or pri\ ate attorney. *But see body of report. These regulations are a dead letter. fl. Ex. 235 11 162 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ON REPRESENTATION. The election of Jews, in places of their permanent residence, to offices whi( they are allowed to fill, and which are of secular communal interest, can be € fected only by their own congregational body, and apart from the elections f( the same offices made by the Christia^^ community. (Vol. ix, Law on Statu sec. 984.) The number of non-Christian members of a town council may not exceed onf third of the entire number of members. (Local Institutions, 188). Art. 1982.) Th3 number of members of the committee of the bourse in Odessa not pr fessing the Christian religion must not exceed one-third of the entire numlx of members. The president of the committee and the government broker ms not be Jews. (Collection of Regulations, 15^90, No. 78, sec. 794.) A Jew is not eligible for the post of mayor, nor can he act as his locum tenen The number of non-Christian deputies in the municipal council may not excee a third of the entire number. (Local Institutions, Art. 2035.) As Jews have no right to fill the duties of a mayor, they are altogether e; eluded from the presidency of municipal meetings. (Circular of the local d partment of the ministry of the interior, 1879, Oct. 12, No. 7795.) Jews are not almitted at all to take part in the election of members for tl local district and provincial assemblies, nor can they be elected to any otticei these bodies or their boards. (Statute on province' and district local institr tions (zemstva); sec. xii of the law sanctioning the statute of 12th June, 189( Collection of Laws, No. G3, sec. 597.) N. B. — This wholly excludes Jews from local self-government, except muni- ipal, and even then their number is limited to one-third. By virtue of a general rule as to the eligibility of Jews it is enacted thati the composition of official bodies not more than a third may consist of Jews, f that the two-tliirds and the president must be Christians, (Vol. ix, Law c Status, sec. 983.) Jews may not be elected to fill the office of president of school boards, whethr in di' ti-ict or in provincial towns, nor can they be chosen as members of tt^ same by rural or urban electors. (Collection of Laws, ls^9. No. 13, sec. 116.) Jews are not eligible for the offices of mayor or police counselors. Nor ms they fill any other duties necessary in a town, which either have to be filled e: clusively by Christians or which from th^^ir nature can not be conveniently ac decently intrusted to Jews. (Vol. ix, Law of Status, sec. 989.) In the nine western provinces, as also in the governments of Bessarabia, Ek; teiinoslav, Poltava, Taurida, Cherson, and Tshei-nigov, on the appointment 1 rotation of thirteen jurors and three substitutes, the rule is to be observed th; the number of Jews be in proportion to the number of Christians as the numlx of .Jewish inhabitants of each district to the total population. (Judiciary La^ regulations on criminal procedure, sec. 510, note, 1886.) In the nine western governments, as also in the governments of Bessarabi: Ekaterinoslav, F*oltava, Taurida, Cherson. and Tshernigov, the foreman of jury may not be a Jew. (Law on Criminal Procedure, sec 670\ 1886.) In the Kingdom of Poland Jews can not be elders of a hamlet unless it is e: clusively inhabited by Jews. (Civic Regulations of the Kingdom of Polanc book 1, sec. 16: vii, sec. 1.) Jews are eligible for the office of "lavnik" in hamlets inhabited by a mixe' population, but only in cases in which they comprise not fewer than a third < the population. {Ibid., note 2.) Jews can be elected to the office of "soltiss" (bailiff) only of such hamlets J are exclusively inhabited by Jews. {Ibid., note 3.) ON MILITARY SERVICE. Jewish recruits may not be employed in guarding a quarantine district. ( Vo xni. Medical Law, sec. 1532, 1866; Collection of Military Regulations, part book 1, sec. IISU, note.) Jewish privates and noncommissioned officers may not be employed to guai the frontier. (Vol. VI. Law on Customs, sec. 101 ; Collection of Military Regi latioDS, part 2, book — , seo. 1182, note.) Jews may not serve in the navy. (Collection of Military Regulations, vo XXXI, 30484.) ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 163 Jews may not serve as g-endarmes in the districts of Warsaw and in the Cau- •asus; even such Jews as have embrac^^d orthodoxy are disqualiiicd from this )ffice. (Collection of Military Rag-ulations, part 2, book ], sec. 1184; Supp., «c. 1, note 1.) R:cruits of Jewish extraction may not be employed in the navy, nor in the ocal divisions, nor amon^ the miners and sappers, nor in the commissariat serv- ce nor as clerks. Recruits of all other denominations, who serve in the dis- ricts of the Amoor, have the right to take their families with them at the ex- )ense of the state, on condition of their settling- permanently in that district on heir entering the reserve. But Jewish recruits have not that permission. Circular of the Principal Staff, 1889, July 31, No. 180; Instructions, sec. 24; )upp. 3, Rules.) Jewish soldiers and noncommissioned officers who are converts to orthodoxy nay not serve in any regiments or divisions permanently stationed in gubernia vheve Jews are registered. (Collection of Milit. Regulations, part 2, book 1; /ol. v., Supp. XVIII (to sec. 213), 1859, and additions to the same, first con- Inuation, 1861.) It is not allowed to employ Jewish soldiers as attendants upon officers. Jew- sh medical officers in the army, on the other hand, may employ none but Jewish ittendants. ilbid.^ sec. 2129, Supp., sec. 39, and note.) Although Jewish privates may be promoted to become noncommissioned offi- cers and clerks, yet no further promotion to any military post or position as offi- ;er is allowed. [Ibid., sec. 5G8.) Soldiersandnoncommissioaedofficersof the Jewish faith, not withstanding they nay have serv d their time and fulfilled the required conditions, may not be ippointed as porteopee younkers* or become candidates for any post as officer. Ibid., sec. 727, note.) Jewish soldiers and noncommissioned officers who belong to the reserve, al- hough they may po-ssass a degree in chemistry not lower than that of dispenser, nay not, in case of a mobilization of the army, be appointed to fill the post of irmy dispenser. (Circular of the Principal Staff, 1888, March 21; No. G(i^ Chief Vlilit. Authorities of Medicine.) Jewish soldiers and noncommissioned officers are not allowed to enter the schools for the training of officers. {Ibid., part 2. book J 5, sec. 50 i, note.) In case Jews i)ass tho examin.ition in the subjects taught at the military SL-hools ;he following words shall be omitted from their certificate: "As far as their knowledge is concerned, there is no objection to admitting them to the military schools. " iCoUection of Regulations, lsS2, Sept. 17, No. 84, sec. 042; notes by ;he authorilie.s; explanation from the ministry of war.) Since 1887 Jewish volunteers are no longer admitted to the examination for ihe rank of officer, either in the military schools or in those for the training of )tricers or by special commission. Since 18S9 Jews are no longer permitted to serve in the army as bandmasters, md of young Jewish soldiers no greater proportion may be appointed as musi- cians than one-third of the total number of memliers of the band. Jews belonging to the reserve or being substitutes for those entering active service, according to the regulations of the military law, have no right of resi- lence outside the Pale of Jewish Settlement. (Resolutions of the Senate, 1st Department, 1885, May 1, No. 3372.) The law which forbids Jews from residing outside the precincts of towns and ownlets applies also to Jews belonging to the reserve or having unlimited fur- ougli, who have completed their military duties according to the previous re- cruiting law. (Resolutions of the Senate, 1st Department, 1885, October 3; Cir- iular of the ministry of the interior, November G, No. 29.) ON LEGAL, PROCEDURE IN REFERENCE TO THE JEWS. In gfubernia where Jews are permitted to reside permanently they are allowed to give evidence in actions concerning such of their coreligionists as have em- braced Christianity, but only in such cases where a sufficient number of Christian witnesses can not be found. (Vol. x, part 2, sec. 233 ; Vol. xv, part 2, sec. 251.) In actions concjrning Jews who have embraced Christianity, Jews may not be admitted as witnesses if an objection is raised against such admission. (Law on Criminal Procedure, sec. 9H, note; 4707, note 5; Law of Military Courts, sees. i21, 848; Law of Naval Courts-martial, sees. 318, 707.) * An upper degree of noncommissioned officers permitted to carry swords. 164 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. I In the form of oath speoially administsred to Jews the following- extra words must occur : " With a pure heart and without mental reservaion, but in accord- ance with the thoug-hts and inlention of those who administer the oath to me." (Vol. XI, part 1, Law on Foreign Denominations, sec. lOol (note); Supp. con- tinued, 1886.) ON PUNISHMENTS. No persons, except rabbis authorized by the Government, and their assistants, are allowed to perform tha ceremonies of the Jewish religion, as laid down in the law concerning alien religious denominations. Those who iu fringe this regula- tion are liable to the following peaalties: For the first offense, imprisonment from fourteen days to four mouths : for the secjond offense, to penal serv itude for four years. The head of the family at whose instance such ceremony has been performed, has to pay a fine not exceeding 20 rubles. • (Criminal Law, sec. 302.) Non-Jews, guilty of concealing military deserters, are liable to imprisonment from two to four months, or to military arrest from three weeks to three months. But a Jew who has concealed a Jewish deserter, even during ever so short a time, is liable to penal servitude from twelve to eighteen months. In a idition to this, the members of the Jewish community where a Jewish deserter has been con- cealed, will be sentenced to a fine no t"^ exceeding 300 rubles. (Criminal Law, 1885, sees. 528 and 530.) If a non-Jew evades the fulfillment of his military duties, the liability, accord- ing to sections 50J-520, to punishment lies only upon him p^rsonjiUy. But if a Jew evades the fulfillment of his military duties, his family is liable to a fine of 300 rubles, over and above his own personal responsibility. (Law on Military Duty, 188(), sec. 360.) Non-Jews, convicted of contraband importation of foreign goods, and of smug- gling in general, or of participation in the same, are liable to punishments laid down in Penal Code, sees. 744-764, 766-781. 784, 787, 790, 801 817, 819-821. But Jews, besides the ordinary punishment, will be removed to a distance of 50 versts from the frontier, not merely if convicted of smuggling, but even if sus- pected of that offense. They may be thus removed with their families without a regular sentence by a judge, and merely on th^^ requisition of the custom-house authorities. (Vol. xiv. Law on Passports, sec. 23, note, 1886.) Persons of all denominations, other than Jewish, who have infringed the reg- ulations as to the education of youth, are liable to piy the fines laid down in sees. 1049-1052 of the Penal Code. But Jewish t/'achers (melamdim), for the same offense, are liable, for the first and second offeuses, to a fine of twice the amount of the penalty to which non-Jews are liable under the same circum- stances ; for the third offense, over and above the payment of the fine, to an im- prisonment of four to eight months. (Penal Code. sec. 1053.) J Jewish colonists, if guilt}'' of negligence in their occupation, or of carrying on| a trade not permitted them, are liable for the first offense to ira]n'isonment of' two to four months, for the second offense to doublj that punishment, for the third offense to penal servitude for four years, {/hid., sec. 1056.) Those who are guilty of building synagogues or houses of prayer without per- mission, or who have built such withiu the distance from Christian churches prohibited by law, are liable to a fine not exceeding 200 rubles. (Ibid., sec. 1074.) Persons of all other denominations who carry on a trade not permitted them by law are, if found guilty, liable, according to section 1169, to a fine not exceed- ing 300 rubles. But Jews who carry on any trade outside the pale of Jewish settlement are punished by the confiscation of their goods and immediate ex- pulsion. {Ibid., sec. 1171.) Non-Christians who have performed the ceremony of marriage on persons who have not reached the age prescribed by law, or who have performed an illegal divorce, will, as well as their accomplices, lose their posts and be imprisoned for a period of two to four months. But rabbis convicted of such breach of the law for the second time will be punished with penal servitude for four years. [Ibid., sec. 1579.) REGULATIONS AS TO FOREIGN JEWS. Foreign Jews who obtained by inheritance house or landed property in Rus- sia must sell the same within the period of six months. (Vol. IX, Laws on Status, sec. 960; Vol. xiv, Law on Passports, sec. 296, 1887.) \ enforceme:jtt of alien contract labor laws. 165 Foreig-n Jews .who are not Karaites are not permitted to immig-rate into Rus- sia, or to become Russian sub ects. (Vol. IX, Law on Status, sec. 99L) Every foreig'ner on producing his passport will be required t) declare, among Dther things, to which religious denomination he belongs. (Vol. xiv, Law on Passports, sec. 48G, note. sec. 7, 188'o.) Foreign Jews shall be furnished with passports, on which it shall be expressed that the same in valid only for such places where the Jews may permanently re- side. {Ibid., sees. S, 2.) Foreign Jewish sub'ects known from their social position and from their large business transactions, on visiting Russia, are permitted to carry on th:'ir busi- ness within the Empire, and to found banking houses, subject to their becoming merchants of the first guild. This can only take place if a special permission has been granted to that effect by the ministers of finance, of the intsrior. and of foreign afi'airs: such permission must be solicited again at every renewal of the merchant guild certificate. (Vol. ix, sec. 1001, note 1, 1887.) All foreigners who visit Russia for the purpose of transacting business, either without becoming Russian subjects or with the intention of becoming Russian subjects, are required first to produce a certificate from a foreign Consistorium or any other high clerical authority, to the effect that they and their families are Christians. The same law applies to tliose who arrive from the Kingdom of Poland, and from the Grand Duchy of Finland. [Ibid., note 3.) Jevvs from Roumania who have no means of subsistence will noi be admitted into Russia. (Vol. xiv, Law on Passports, sec. 487, contin., 1886.) The local authorities shall keep a strict watch that no foreign Jews reside under Christian names in places where they are prohibited to stay. (Vol. xiv, Law on Passport, sec. 531. 1886.) Foreign Jews mav not manage or farm inhabited or uninhabited estates. (Vol. IX, sec. 1004.) " General obs^ervations. — The restrictive laws hereinbefore enumerated, the strin- gency of which is sufficiently obvious, give a very inadequate idea of their full working elTeetiveness. Their practical working is intensified by a series of rulings by the Senate (the (?ourt of judicature), which has almost invariably in- terpreted the laws in a sense unfavorable to the Hebrews. It may there ore be rea lily understood that these laws are not only applied, but overstrained in their scope and intention by the Russian officials. DECREE FOR EXPULSION OF THE JEWS FROM MOSCOW AND ITS GOVERNMENT AND SECRET CIRCULAR TO POLICE. Concerning the carrying into execution of the Imperial decree for the expul- sion of the .lews from "^ Moscow and its government the following three classes are established. To the first belong those Jews who liave lived in Moscow or its government not longer than three years, and who are either single or married, but childless, and who keep only one assistant artisan. To the second belong those Jews who have four members in tlijir family and not more than four assistant artisans, and who have lived in Moscow or its gov- ernment not less than six years. To the third belong those Jews who have larger families and who have more than four assistant artisans, and who long ago" settled in Moscow or its govern- ment. For the voluntary departure of the Jews of the first class fro"in three to six months' time is given. For the second, from six to nine months, and for the third from nine months to one year. Those artisan Jews who are to be expelled must bB v.^arned of their expulsion by the district police, and their signature to this warning obtained, three months before the time of leaving. For the Jewish artisans who own immovable property two years' notice is given, with u timely warning of the same. Concerning the Jews who remain in Moscow or its government by virtue of the circular of the ministry of the interior for 1880, paragrajjh No. 30,t the same * Meaning more than six years. t Which permits J ev/ish merchants of the first guild and their employes to iive in Moscow. 166 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. identical measures must be taken; but only two pei'iods for the time of leaving shall be fixed, to wit: For those who are employed as clerks or who have insig- nilicant occupations six months' time to leave is fixed. To those who are engaged in commercial affairs, especially with Russian manufacturers, one year is given, and the manufacturers must be warned of the expulsion of such six months previously. For agents and those who have powers of attorney from the larger Russian manufacturers the time of leaving must b6 extended to two years. In fixing the time of leaving for each class attention must be paid to the dates when commercial documents* were issued to the Jews, which are in force until January 1. The Jews who have paid their commercial taxes and duties may be permitted to remain until the time named in the document expires, although they may be- long to one of the classes to whom a shorter time is fixed. This clause of the ukase is utterly disregarded. (See body of report.) In defining the right of some Jews to reside in Moscow and its government permanently, each case must be considered separately, and is subject to special solicitation. The computation of time for the leaving of the Jews of all three classes shall begin from the date of receipt of this paper. t [This same ukase was issued by the chief of police of Moscow, with the follow- ing heading "circular, very secret. To the district pristavs (police captains"). Then comes the ukase as given above with the following directions to his sub- ordinate officers.] I therefore notify your highborn nobleness that you take due action, and direct that you personally verify in all the shops and factories kept by Jews, the num- ber of the assistant artisans ; also, what category the Jews belong to, and the time of their arrival in Moscow for residence. And then take their signature to a notice of voluntary departure from the capital, warning them that the com- putation of their terms of stay will begin on the l-lth of July instant. Also take a registry of names in alphabetical order of Jewish artisans, and second of Jews living in Moscow under the right of circular No. 3 J issued by the minister of the interior in 1880, specifying in separate colums the time of arrival in Moscow, number of a>;sistant artisans, number in family, and the expiration of term of departure. In reference to Jews residing according to circular of 1880, their occupations, also the names of commercial houses where they are em[)loyed, and present them to me within two weeks ; also furnish me with the list of Jewa p 'rtaining to any of the foregoing categories who own immovable property here. Signed : YOURKOFSKI, Major- General. Certified: KiRILOVSKY, Acting director of the Bureau. True: Acting Jiead of Department, " VOLUNTARY " OBLIGATION TO LEAVE. [Translation.] July 14-26, 189L I, undersigned, little citizen residing in Moscow, from year [where] according to the order of his Imperial highness, the governor-general of ^ Moscow, with agreement of the minister of interior, expressed in the order of the chief police, m;ister of Moscow, of July 16-28, No. 110, I obligate myself to leave Moscow volvmtarily in the term of , month . Dates verifivjd. Obligation taken before " Okolotochny." House , No. street. * A license to do business. t We found that the last sentence of this ukase is entirely disregarded. The custom being for the police to send for a man, obtain his signature to the ''vol- untary obligation to leave" without furnishing axopy of '* this paper." ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 1^)7 CERTIFICATE OF THE MOSCOW BOARD OF TRADE. This certificate is given on the ground of the 38Tth article of the laws for arti- ans, 1887, to the Jewess, a native of Homel, Rachel Isakowa Zakoshauska (Ju- aic confession), that according to her petition she has received a certificate of dressmaker, entered in the trades hook of the Moscow trades administration, ^0, 7926, and the dues collected, to wit, the sum of 3 rubles, and paid to the leasury of the Moscow trades administration, up to Mny 1, 1892, and at the xpiration of this time she must pay the same amount of dues for the next year. ?his woman was expelled, however, nearly one year before the time which her eceipts entitled her to remain. MURAVIEV, Elder of the Board. Manager, Head of the Department, tf CERTIFICATE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN PERMIT TO GO ABROAD. INDORSEMENT ON PASSPORT. The within-named person is on ground of paragraph 1 of the order to the po- lice of April 28, 1891, No. 118, obliged to leave Moscow within 24 hours. (August 2, 1891. } [Signed:] Police Captain of Srietenslcy precinct. [This person had a passport and was ordered to leave Moscow within 24 hours as per indorsement. He then made ap])lication for permission to go abroad, nd was furnished with the following certificate:] CERTIFICATE. This is given by the police authorities of the town district to the native of Gorki. Jew Uri Salmanov Libin; his wife. Sossia: and children, Leiba, 12 years old, Abraham, 11; Bassia, Ki; Mary, 10; Feiga, 9, and Freida, 8, who live in this precinct. No. 12 Znamenskaya street, Moscow, and who is about to apply for a foreign passport at the office (jf the Moscow governor-general, and it is certified hereby that he is the above-named individual, and 1 he local police authorities have no ground to hinder him from leaving to go abroad. Certified by the police authorities and seal affixed August 7, 1891. RUSSIAN PASSPORT. [Translated.] Son of a Nicholas soldier, born outside of the pale, and has legal right to live any- where in Russia. Bearer of this, native of gfubernium of Riasan *, of the town of Rannenburg, Jew, Yankel Itzkowich Freidman, age 18, is allowed to reside in different giibernia from the below named date for a term of one month. If in the course of the month of grace after said term he does not appear, he shall be dealt with as a vagabond. Given in the town of Rannenburg July 20, 1891. [seal.] p. Federov, 2'oiun Elder. * Riasan is outside of pale. 1G8 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. [On tbe reverse side :] This passport is in force where J^ws are permitted ti P. Federov, Town Elder. Vise August 15, 1891. f [At the second station of the Srietensky precinct, Pristav Kasbin.] Avcinst — , 1891.— The Jew Friedman, herein named, is on the gfround of tb order to the pol"ce of Moscow of April 28, 1891, under number 118, obligated t( K'a"« e Moscow within twenty-four hours. Srietensky, precinct Outchastok second station. (Pristav) Kosbein. \ RUSSIAN PASSPORT. [Translated.] Son of a Nicholas soldier, born outside of the pale, and has legal right to live any where in Russia. By the ukase of His Majesty Emperor Alexander Alexandrovich, Autocrat of al Russia, etc. Bearer of this, native of gubernium of Riasan, the town of Rannenburg o the Jewish confession, Chazkel Itzkovich Freidman, is allowed to go to differen towns and villages of the Russian Empire for his personal needs from the below named date for the term of four months—?', p.. to the 1st of November, and atth( expiration of this term he has to return back, otherwise he shall be dealt witt; according to law, ' Given by the document inscribed in book and numbered No. 617 by the towi elder of Ranneburg, with affixing of the seal thereon. July 3, 1891. P. Fedorov, Town Elder. July 31, 1891. [On the reverse:] Vis6 in the second station of the Srietensk precinc (Ouchastok) of the city of Moscow. (Signature of Pristav.) The Jew named in this passport, Freidman, on ground of the order to th^ Moscow police of April 28, 1891, under No. 118, is obligated to leave Moscow ii^ the course of twenty-four hours. ^ August 2, 1891. [Signature :] (Pristav) Kosbein. EXPULSION ORDER OF A TWELVE- YEAR RESIDENT IN ODESSA In the name of His Majesty, Charles I. King of Roumania: We, minister, secretary of state of the foreign department of Roumania, as! the military and civil authorities to freely let pass Mrs. Maly Bain, who is goinj to Russia with her live children, and-to give her assistance and protection ii case of need. Marks : Age, 38 ; stature, middle ; hair and brows, reddish ; forehead, white Vised in the Russian Imperial Embassy of Roumania and permitted to go U Russia to bearer, Molia Bain, with five children. Bukarest, April 5, 1879. Baron Rosen, ISecretary. * This is contradictory of the first permission laid down in the body of tb< passport, which gives the right to live anywhere, while the indorsement mad« by th(3 same authority qualifies it by confining the right to places where Jew:^ are permitted to live. 1 t \^iso August lb, 1891, as correct, and in the same month ordered to leav< within twenty-four hours. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 1G9 On the reverse side is indorsed : Bearer of this, Mania Bain, with her children, Henry, Solomon, Milosh, and Rebecca is obligated to leave the confines of the Kussfan Empire within seven days from date. October 8, 1891. Zelensky, City Commander [Gradonachalink] of Odessa, Major- General, CERTIFICATE. [Expulsion certificate of Simon Blaiistein. who had a lec^al right of residence and who had lived in the place from which he was expelled twent3''-tive years.] April 20, 1891. This is given by the rural administration of the village of Senatowka, District of Soioki, Gov. Bessarabia, to the resident of the village of Senatowka, to a native of Zanitekovko, Simon Yankelevich Blaustein, and csrtiQes that said Simon Biaustein has resided in this village for the last twenty-five years, always con- ducted himself honorably and nobly, has occupied himself during that time with azi'icullure and commerce ; but as he was omitted from the registry of the \illage of Senatovvka, which was taken by order of the district commander (Ispravnik), th' said Blaustein is expelled from the village of Sanatowka, ac- cording to the laws promulgated on May 3, 1SS2.* This the rural administra- tion of Senatowka certifies, with affixing of the seal thereof. Pautalej Godonog, Elder. Ivan Yaman, Ckrk, RUSSIAN PASSPORT. [Translated.] By the ukase of His Majesty, Emperor Alexander Alexandrovich, Autocrat of all Russias. Bearer of this, a resident Jew of the Gov. Minsk, district of Kaidan, Vote Yo elevich Kuchcrinsky. entered in the registry sub No. 318, is allowed to go into dilt'eront towns and villages of th.- Rusbian Empire for his personal require- ments fro. 11 the date below for one year, i. c, up to the 8th of Ajiril, 1892, and after expiration of this time to return here. Otherwise he will be dealt with according to law. Giv -n by the document, entered in the book under No. 318 from the Kaidan district Hail, with the seal of the same. April 8, 1891. This is for places where it is allowed by law for Jews to live. The above- named Kuchcrinsky has a certificate of the Moscow Trade Hall, dated the 20th April, 1891. numbered 4834, giving the right to work at his trale as a tailor. [Signature undecipherable,] [On the reverse side is indorsed :] Jewish; 26 April, '90; artisan tailor; from 1887 worked at Mendelevich. April ISlh, ]'^'.)1, vise, and entered in the Piatnitizky police precinct of the 1st district. Pristafif (captain). The Jew Vote Kuchcrin- sky is allowed to live in Moscow as an apprentice till the 30th of August, 1891. YOURKOFFSKY, Ober Policcmaster {Chief of Police). * The Ignatieflf or May laws, which still permitted to remain in villages Jews who were settled there prior to the issuing of said May laws. 170 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. RUSSIAN PASSPORT. LTranslated.] By the ukase of His Majesty, Alexander Alexandrovich,etc., Emperor of all Russias, i Autocrat. ''|l Bearer of this, Jew, resident of Choslowich, of the district of Mstislawl, Gov. ' of Mohilev, Salman Isacow Perlin, entered in the 10th census under No. 137, his wife Elka, 47 years old, and their daughters, Rachel, 20; Golda, 18 years, and Nechame, 11 years, are allowed to go to different towns and villages of the Rus- sian Empire for his personal needs for 1 year, commencing from the date named below to the 26th of August, 1891, and at the expiration of the time to return back ; otherwise he will be dealt with according to law. Given by the document' entered in the Book No. 938 by the chairman of the Choslowich commune, with' the affixing its seal thereto. August 26, 1890. The above said Perlin has a certificate of a shoemaker assistant, given to him by the Moscow trade administration on the Uthof September, 1889, under No. 112. and as appears from a certificate of the police captain from the 26th instant he has never been suspected of any crime. He, Perlin, has a right to live also outside the Pale of Settlement. On the 3d of September, 1890, the passport was indorsed in the police station:] " It is permitted to the Jew, Salmon Perlin, to live in Moskow as an artisan's assistant until the 26th of August, 1891. "September 11, 1890. " YOURKOPFSKY, ' ' Major- General , Chief of Police. "Hospital tax paid up to 3d of Sept., 1891." March the 14th, 1891, this passport was indorsed at the police station. " IShoemakcr. — The Jew, Salmon Perl'n, excluded from the list of artisans of|| Moscow, is obliged to leave Moscow within 14 days. " July 24th, 1891. " [name undecipherable.], ^^ Acting Folice CaptainJ^ RUSSIAN PASSPORT. [Translated.] By the ukase of His Majesty, Emperor Alexander Alexandrovich, Autocrat of aUi Bussias, etc. Bearer of this, native of Haiscnt, Gov. Kurland, Chaim Wolf Hessenbery, is to pass to different cities and villages of the Russian Empire for his personal requirements from the date named below up to 1 year, i. c, 1892, April 20, and after this time to come back: otherwise he will be dealt with according to law. Given by the document entered under No. 79 from the Haisent town adminis- tration, with aifixing of the seal thereunto. APRIL 20, 1891. Bearer has a certificate of artisanship as a tailor from the Moscow Board of Trade from August 21, 1890. No. 8133. KiPLOK, Assistant Elder. V. Grinbers, Bookkeeper. The Jew, Chaim Wolf Hassenbery, is allowed to live in Moscow as an artisan assistant up to August 21, '91. YOURKOPFSRY. Chief of Folice of Moscow^ Major General. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 171 May 8, 1891. To the above said Jew, the further living in Moscow is prohibited and he has o leave Moscow within 24 hours. Aug. 30, '91. SCHIPOW, Police Captain. By the vkase of His Majesty ^ Emperor Alexander Alexandrovich, AiUocrat of all Hussias, etc., etc., etc. Bearer, native of the Gov. Kovno, district of Rossieui, Jewish Commune of farwitkowo, Solomon Hirsch Itzkovich Abramovich, with his wife. Michle, U years old, daughter Freida, 9 years old, is allowed to go to different towns ind villages of the Russian Empire for his personal requirements from the lamed date for one year — i. e., 18:)2, Jan'y 23, and after expiration of this term X) return back; otherwise he will be dealt with according to law. Given by locument, entered in book under No. 3. From the Yarwitkow commune administration, with afiBxing of the seal Jan'y 23, 18:^1. [Marks :] Age, 37 ; stat., 2 arshin, 4i wershk ; hair, brows (fair) ; eyes, gray ; aose, mouth, moderate ; chin, round ; face, clean. MovsHA Levin, JElder. [Reverse side :] Feb'y 16th, 1891. Vise by the police captain (Pristav) of the 3th precinct (Stan) and entered under No. 47. As he had not exhibited any- thing, which gives him the right to live in Kiev, he is obligated to leave Kiev within 24 hours. Sept. 4th, '91. WlSHNEV^SKY, Acting Police Captain. A foreign passport is given to him by the Governor of Kiev on the 6th of Sept., 1891. Director of the Department. E. S. TRANSIT PASSPORT. St. Petersburg. This is given by the police captain of the 3d station of the Moscow police dis- trict to the native of Gov. of Mohilew, a Jew, Schmul Leiboer Sattman, with wife and children, for uninterrupted (except at night time) travel to his native city, and he is hereby obliged, after reaching his destination, to present this to the local authorities.*^ This is certified by signature and the affixing of the offi- cial seal. August 28th, '91. This transit passport can not serve as a permit of residence. [seal.] WERKXJIilNSKY, Police Captain, ON THE JEWISH AGRICULTURAL COLONIES OF EKATERINOSLAV. The opinion is frequently expressed that Jews avoid physical manual labor, preferring the work of interincdiary brokerage and the inter- change of commodities to productive or agricultural pursuits. It can not be denied that in many places the Jewish population is more con- cerned with commercial than agricultural labor. It can not be other- wise, so long as the Jews are compelled to remain residents of towns i or cities. What other elements of population, residing in small cities or the centers of manufacture, is engaged in productive labor? That Jews almost exclusively form part of city population is no fault of theirs, when legislation directs that they can live nowhere else. As far as productive labor is possible in towns, it has always engaged a 172 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. liii'i^c pcrceuLage of tlio Jewish population in the Pale of settlement This fact is sho^Yn by the action of the Russian Governiuent, which ii 18()r) invited the Jewish artisans, under the decree of July the 28th, U settle in the interior of Ilussia, in order that they might get a h\iiig and to relieve the overcrowded labor market of the Pale. Even thei llie Pale was overfilled with artisans, and notwithstanding a greai number of them have, under this invitation, gone to cities of the iiite rior of the Empire, the Pale is yet so filled that many can find no out let for their labor. These are hard facts; but from them can we dra\\ the conclusion that the Jews are incapable of agricultural labor? Th( agricultural conditions thus referred to, caused us to make a very care i'lil investigation and study of the results reached by the Governmenl in its efforts to promote agricultural labor among the Jews. The Government commenced the colonization of Jews in the territorj of (Jherson and Ekaterinoslav as far back as 1807. They did not un dertake it with the desire to solve the Jewish question by it, but hac in view merely a desire to populate desert and laioccupied lands witl the superflous population in the Pale which had no other labor. Thit -Nvas ils x)rincipal aim, althongh it had another view, to wit, the experi ment as to the capacity of the Jews to become agriculturists. Th( donbt concerning this capacity is not unnatural. The feudal system it the west as well as here excluded the Jews from any possibility of pos sessmg land, as they always occupied a semilegal position in the state Jews could notjiossess land as they could not become knights, military commanders, or servants of the state. Therefore they had no connec ti()]i with the land. They were necessarily town inhabitants. Urbai life has enabled them to pursue only urban industries. The donhi about the capacity of Jews for agriculture stands in the same relatioi to other categories of urban population. Even farmers who have livet long in town become in time poor agriculturists, as they have assim ilated with city life, which stimulates the exercise of intellectual powerj more than the physical, and which represents the necessity for a men subtle, refined stiuggle for life, because men have to struggle witl ]nen instead of the fields. It is more difficult still for the children o these i)eople to adapt themselves to agricultural work; but who wil assert that a man can not adapt himself in the long run to one or th( other situation, labor or occu]>atiou? It is interesting to note that in regulating the mode of life of th( Jewish colonists, one is strnck by the multitude of law^s and regulations which contradict and nullify one another. Such contradictory legisla tion shows that in each case the i)receding law or institution, whicl was so promptly revoked or nullified by the subsequent one, was a fail ure either as a law or as an institution or in its execution. ludepend entiy of the ditficulty of the task itself, the newness and inexperienci of the task brought about these constant changes of regulations. Sev enteen colonies were established by the Government in Ekaterinoslav between 1848 and 1855, and the system which the Government prao ticed was to settle them on vast steppe lands of the unsettled Alexan drav and Maripol districts of Ekaterinoslav. The settlers were emi grants from Vitebsk, Wilna, Kovno, Grodno, but mainly jQ:om IMohilev situated in the northern part of old Poland. As a matter of course these people were not acquainted with the work when they left ther native places. All the emigrants were on equal footing, but they dif j'ered in possibilities of adapting themselves to the new mode of life To the former inhabitants of the towns and townlets of the Gubernia' from which they emigrated, the new i^laces seemed strange in everj ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 173 respect. They found notliing on tlie land, and a few years passed be- fore they built dwellings for themselves. Then they were erected by the colonists under the inspection of si^ecially appointed Eussian offi- !)ials, 70 roubles (about $35) being allowed for each family, taken out of :he Jewish meat- tax fund. The soil of there.uion where the colonies are situated is a black earth, ;)ut the climatic and atmospheric conditions of the steppe region are lot favorable for successful agriculture. Frequent droughts destroy rthat the Land produces, so that on an average tliere is only one year )Ut of five whicli yields a fair crop. The great disadvantages are lack :)f wood and water, there being little good water in any of the colonies, \nd total lack in others. In several of the colonies it is necessary to ';irry water from 2 to 5 miles even for watering crops.* The oldest of hese colonies were without exception established m those places where here was no water, and this fact alone exi)lains the abandonment of he colonies by the original settlers as soon as they found that there as no water, and why they returned to their towns, giving up all hought of the new mode of life. With such unfavorable conditions which the ])ioneers of agriculture encountered, houseless, without water, and with no fuel, there is nothiug astonishing at their deserting the place. They could not, by the very condition of things, demonstrate their fit- ness for agricultural labor. Better results were to be expected from the second generation, those born and raised on the soil, and who did ^ot spend their energies in becoming adapted to the new method of "life. lu comparing the official data with the actual number of colonists living there in 1890, we find a great many discrei)ancies, owing to the incomplete and superficial statistics so common to Kussia. According to official data there were in 1890, 17 colonies in Ekaterinoslav, with 574 families, showing a male population of 3,403, and females 3,772; total, 7,175. But actually there were 749 families, with a total popula- tion of 5,142, 2,744 males, and 2,398 females; 39.4 per cent of the fami- lies have over men in each, the number of men constituting 53.9 per cent of the total population. Of every 100 persons 03 are workers, of all those who have reached an age enabling them to work. The fiuctuations in the proi)ortions of success of workers in seven- teen colonies do not present any striking changes from time to time, so that it undoubtedly represents the normal distribution of success and workers in these colonies. It is interesting to note a circumstance often met with among Jews; the abnormal distribution of workers and nonworkers in a family; tbat is to say, the overburdening of the family with minors. This is not to be seen here. The high percentage )f complex families (39.4 \)er cent) tends also to show a normal develop- ment of rural life. We can not leave this fact unnoticed when the reproach is so often heard that the Jews were leaving their colonies for adjoining towns to engage in trade or business. If this were true the existence of complex families could not be easily explained. In urban iite, while engaged in business or trade, complex families are very seldom met with. They disperse; and this would necessarily hai)pen in the colonies if agriculture were not the constant occupation of the •olonists. Agriculture alone requires the collective work of a family ,to make it successful. It aggregates the workers in an organized unit, plough originally 30 dissiatinas (00 acres) were allowed to each family, 55 being arable land, 13 pasture, and 2 for building purposes and roads, they actually received only 23 dissiatinas, or 3.35 for each soul. The aumber of dissiatinas originally allowed to all the colonies was 27,825, p.bout 5">,650 acres, which was gradually reduced to 17,230 dissiatinas, ' The water ie drawn in carts filled with tubs and barrels. H. Ex. »7 47 174 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. the balance reverting to the Government. The difference between the land grants to the Jewish colonists and the adjoining German or Greel colonists is very great. In these latter each family was provided by the Government with 60 dissiatinas. and some had even as many ai 20 dissiatinas per head. The colonists, however, did not restrict themselves to cultivating their own land, for it Avas not sufficient to maintain them. In conse quence of frequent subdivisions of the land there are farms consisting of only 5 dissiatinas of arable land. Under these circumstances tliej have been compelled to hire adjoining Government lands in quantities nearly equal to their own possessions, or, to be accurate, 13,487^ dissia tinas, which they cultivate, not for the sake of speculation, but with { desire to apply all their labor. The fact that they em]>loy outside helj to the number of 131 men does not militate against the above, as they are generally employed by the excei)tionally well-situated families, wh( lease land in large quantities. The fact that the Jewish colonist, be sides cultivating his own land, does not find any other outlet for bid labor except in agriculture, demonstrates that rural labor has becom« their onl,y calling. It is noteworthy to remark that since the promul gation of the May laws of 1882 the Jews have been deprived of th( right to lease land directly from the Government, and must lease it, i^ at all, from second hands, namely, from the German colonists, and con sequently they are compelled to pay higher rent for their lands. For merly the whole community guarantied for each lessee, who was no tlien required to deposit money for security; but since the promulgai tion of the May laws the Jewish community as a whole have beei. deprived of the right to go on bonds for a lessee, and thus every colo nist desiring to lease land from the Government, but not having th- necessary money for security, has to resort to the help of their Germain neighbors, who lease the land from the Government and afterward; re-lease it to the Jews at a higher rate of rent. This subdivision showi that the development of the calling is i*egular, and that the growinj population, finding their land grants insufficient for them, have an out; let for their labor on the leased lands adjoining.* j The number of those who thus lease land is 46 per cent of the whol| population, which fact refutes the assertion made that only a fe^; colonists, keeping large farms, cultivate the whole laud of the colony It will be seen that nearly one-half of the colonists lease land, anr even this is not sufficient for their needs. There are a few individual Avho cultivate land grants belonging to others, but this does not detrac from the fact that one-half of the colonists lease lands for cultivatioi: in addition to their own. Out of the whole number of colonists therj are only 7 per cent who do not cultivate their own lands, and these an widows, orphans, infirm, or those who have no workers in their fami lie.': The number of neglected farms is insignificant. Among those who d not cultivate their own lands there are some artisans necessary to suj; I)ly the wants of a population of 5,000 people situated far from town and manufacturing centers, necessary to supply the colonists wit those things absolutely essential to their welfare. i Having given the data about the method of farming, we shall df| scribe the results of it. As we said before, the original settlers did no( have either cattle or agricultural implements nor capital. What pOJ' sessions were acquired was by agricultural labor, and as a result c| sn(;h labor. If what he acquired was the result of commercial pui( suits, he would probably have contiliued in that employment and woul-j * Since the promulgation of the ''May laws" leasing land to Jews has been stoppe in all the gubernia. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 175 Ty to increase his wealth by the same methods. In every business he standard of efficiency is measured by the inventory of the capital employed in the business. The same method must be applied to farm- ng, and stock taken of the agricultural property, buildings, cattle, mplements, etc. In these communities we find buildings, which are in ]^ood condition, numbering 487; in fair condition, 577; in bad con- lition, 124. Of the 749 farms, 389 have agricultural machines. By bese we mean imi)lements with a complex mechanism, as harvesting, hreshing machines, etc. More than 207 farms have a greater number lian one such machine. There are 172 mowing machines, 110 straw •utters; other complex machines, 269. It should be borne in mind that the newly established colonists — for nstance, newly married ccmples who have branched off from their fami- ies and are farming on their own account — have not yet acquired a com- )lete outfit of implements for their own uSe, and therefore borrow from heir neighbors. Some of the colonists buy agricultural machines in •ommon, not being a])le to purchase for themselves. This will explain ^'hy the number of such machines is less than the number of farms. It yould be no exaggeration to assert that the great majority of Russian )casant farms have no agricultural implements; many of them do not )wn even a plow but use what they call a "socha," a sort of plow much used by the Russian peasants. In the colonies there is at least one ;ood plow on every farm, also a harrow, and a vehicle of some kind, generally furnished with springs and of a good make, worth from 80 to 12(^ roubles. Eighty-one per cent of the colonists own horses. Domestic attle, such as cows, sheep, etc., are found on 617 farms. Only 16 per ent have none. We may therefore assume that domesticity and-home ife have taken root here. The total number of working cattle of all diuls in the colonies is 12,365. Better proof of domesticity and good iirming can not be found in the best villages of the orthodox peasants H the same region. Every home has an orchard and a garden. There ire good cellars to houses, while domestic fowls abound. The method )fthe cultivation of land in the colonies can not be called rational; )wing to insnfticieucy of land, they are compelled to use their fields K pilternatively — the first year with w^heat, second with rye, third oats — ifiot affording any rest to the soil. This method, of course, exhausts be soil, and the frequent drougths, absence of forests, and consequently of moisture, results in poor crops. Of manure there is none, as the Ai JBxcrescence is used as fuel. ' Those who besides using their own land have heretofore leased from the Government engaged in the three-crop system, and also raise sheep and cattle, thereby permitting a i^ortion of the land to rest. The Russian v^i [)easants in tlie vicinity having more land, divide th eir fields into tw o por- ii; tions, one of which is under cultivation for three years, while the other r 1 3ne rests for that period and is used as pasture land. This rational -: method can not be resorted to by the Jewish colonists because of the • r [ninimum subdivision of their fields. Of the colonists engaged in tilling . T the soil there are thirty-six who are also artisans, who work at their trades in leisure hours. After taking into consideration all the hardships ill iind the poverty of the original settlers who are still alive, we must say ; i! that they are more than satisfactory so far as solving the problem of ;t.i» whether Jews are or can be agriculturists. The second generation, who j lare actively engaged in work, now represent a picture of rural life and a i comparatively high grade of agricultural labor. The material ])rosperity ti lof the com ninnity presents a satisfiictory result of exclusive agricultural ^ >vork. It is noteworthy that among a population of over 5,000 souls "^i* there is no foreign element, the work being exclusively perfortned by the 176 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Jewish colonists. Tbere is not a better refutation of the prevailir o])inion that Jews are not able to perform physical labor or become agi culturists. 1 POPULATION OF CITIES, TOWNS, AND TOWNLETS IN THE FIFTEEN GUBE NIA COMPRISING THE PALE OF JEWISH SETTLEMENT, Capital Kishineflf 1. Bessarabia. 130,000 District t'jwn: 41,000 33, 000 7,000 12, 000 is; 000 11, 000 Or*j-heiff Coroki Klioten Biel i 122, 000 8,934 7 townlets 2. Wilna. CaT)ital Wilna 102,000 District town: Wileiko 4,000 3,000 5,000 8,000 8,000 4,000 9,000 2,000 Rad ish ke wizi _ . _ Draja Disna _ _ Lida _ - . - Oshmiani Swenzani Troki 103 townlets 43,000 72,479 55, 000 Capital. Vitebsk e. Vitehslc. District town: Surash __ . 5,000 17, 000 6,000 70, 000 3, 500 6,000 7,000 6,000 10, 000 4, 000 19,000 Wei ish Goroclok D inaburg Drissa Lepel Nevel Luzin Recziza Seb?sh.. Polotzk 153, 500 5,564 55, 000 34 townlets Capital. Zitomir A. Volhynia. District town : Vladimir Volyn Diibno - - _ 9,000 7,000 12,000 14, 000 12, 000 14, OCO 17, 000 7,000 17, 000 7,000 18, 000 Zaslawl Kovel. Kremcnetz Novgoiad -- - Lutzk O vruch Ostrog Rowno St -rokrn tantinoff - 134,000 109, 406 130 townlets 260,9 217,4 214, C 298, 4it il ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 5. Grodno, 177 Capital, Grodno. 40,000 District town: Brest Litowsk--- 40,000 Bjalo-tok : 50, 700 Gondios - _ 4,000 ^^;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::f ^.ooo Briansk _ 2,000 Drajichin 1,000 Klescheli- - .._ 2,000 Melnik 1,000 Vareff.--. 2,000 Wolkowick _. 7,000 Kobrin 8,000 Prushani _ 7,000 Slonim 22,000 Sokalki 4,000 Wasilkoff I o 000 Dombrowa... ] ' KoDitzin 1,000 Ku-nizitza 2,000 Hob/odwor 2,000 Odelsk 2,000 Bielsk 7,000 Sukhowol 3,000 YanofE 3,000 180, 700 GStownlets... 91,164 311, 8G4 6. Kiev, Capital, Kiev .66,000 District town: Berdvcheff 57,000 VasilkofF 18,000 Zwenig-ovodka 11, 000 Kaneff 9,000 Lipowetz 8,000 Radomysl 6,000 Skevira- 16,000 Saraschd 16,000 Ouman--- 16,000 Tcherkassy 21,000 ScMghirin 16,000 104,000 105 townlets 212,007 572,007 7. Kovno. Capital, Kovno 50,000 District town: Vilkomir 16,000 Novo-Aloxandrovsk 7,000 Poniewesh 18,000 Rossicui. 11,000 Telshi- 11,000 Shawli... 21,000 84. 000 15 townlets 98,904 232, 004 178 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 8. Minsk, Capital, Minsk 68,000 District town: Bobruisk 57,000 Bovisoff.. - -... 17,000 Ig-umen - 1-- 4,000 Mosir ---- 10,000 Novojrudok 12,000 Pinsk 28,000 Slutzk 19,000 Riechiza-. 7,000 154,000 86 townlets _ 37,990 259,991 9. Mohilev. Capital, Mohiler 42,000 District town: Bykhow 6,000 Gomel. 26,000 Gorki _ 5,000 Klmoviehi 4,000 Mstislowl _ 8,000 Orsha 5,000 Rogaerew 4,000 Lienno _ 3,000 Tchaussi 5,000 Tcherikow 4,000 70, 000 75 townlets- _ 30,496 148, 4£ 10. Podolsk, Capital, Kamenetz .-_ _ _ 36,000 District towns: Bratztavl _.. 7,300 Vintiza 19,000 Haysin 10,000 Letichew _._ 6,000 Litin 9,000 Mohileff 18,000 Olgopol 6,000 Proskuroff _ 18,000 Novja-Ulitzta 5,000 Yampol-- 5,000 136,300 107 townlets _ _ 161,345 333,64 11. Poltava. Capital, Poltava 42,000 District towns: Hadiach 9,000 Zenkow _ 14,000 Zolotonoska 8,000 Robeliaki __ 14,000 Constantinograd __ _ 7,000 Kremencrag 42,000 Lokhwitza 10,000 Lubui... 10,000 Mirgorod 9,000 I Pereyaslawl ___ 14, 000 Priluki..__ 15,000 , Piriaten -5,000 I Romni _ _._ 13,000 1 Khovol. 6,000 177,000 28 townlets 105,407 324,4< L ENFORCEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 179 12. Taurida. Capital, Simferopol 36,000 District towns : Berdiansk.- 20,000 Aleshki 9,000 Eupatoria - 16,000 Perekop 7,000 Yalta 4,000 Theodosia 12,000 68, 000 5townlets 13,366 117,366 13. Cherson. Capital, Cherson 64,000 District towns : Alexandria 10,500 Ananiew 14,400 Elizabethgrad. 58.000 Odessa.--- 240.000 Tiraspol 24,000 346,900 23townlet3 02,920 473,820 14. Tchernigov. iCapital, Czernijoff 27,000 District towns : Borsna--. 14,000 Glukhow 17,000 Gorodnia _ 4,000 Kosjletz -- 5,000 Konotop --_ 18,000 Maglin-. _ 11,000 No vozy bkow 42, 000 No vgorod-Lie wersk 8, 000 Neishin--. _ - 44,000 Oster--_ _ 4,000 Sysnitza.- 6,000 Storodul _ - 24,000 Surage _ 5,000 Krolewz 9,000 211,000 23towulet3 89,077 327,077 15. Ekateriiwslav. Capital, Katerinos 47,005 District towns : , Alexandrovvsk 7,000 Bachmuth 12,000 Wet'chue-Duieprowsk 7,500 Mariumpol _ 17,000 Novomoskovsk -._ 18,000 Povlograd 15,000 Slavianoserbsk 5,000 81, 500 6 townleta 22,701 151,261 1 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER JUDSON N. CROSS. Kew York, January 20, 1892. Sm : In accordance with your appointment of May 13, 1891, and your verbal ill striu'tious of June 11, 1S91, and subsequent printed instructions of June 8, 1891, as a member of the board of commissioners for the pur- pose of investigating in Europe the subject of immigration to tlii^ United States, I would respectfully report that I went to Europe, landing at Queen stow n June 20, on my way to meet the other commissioners named by you at London, and .as had been suggested I sj^ent several days in southern Ireland, then proceeded to Dublin. Afterwards, in company with Commissioner Powderly, I went pretty thoroughly over Ireland from south to north, the results of which trips I will name be- low. I then proceeded to London (stopping a day at IS^orth Wales), where I arrived on the 27th day of June. I found that only one com- missioner had preceded me. Dr. Walter Kempster. In North Wales, at the city of Bangor, I was told that men were offering to take young women to Philadelphia, in the United States, on condition that the young women w^ould pay their fare to London, where they would be provided steamship transi^ortation to Philadelphia, on their agreeing to work three months wherever they were found work, to repay the passage money. The fore to London from Bangor, where I was given this information by a young woman, was said to be 10s. 1 could not get the names of the persons making these offers. On arriving at London I informed United States Consul-General John 0. New of this information, and he at once very kindly undertook to investigate the matter among the steamship companies sailing from London. He reported to me that he could not learn of any steamshii) company in London making any offers or arrangements of that kindj and he also said that the agents of the steamship companies there thought that if there was anything of that kind being done, that it must be only in individual cases by agents of tramp steamers, and pos- sibly for immoral purposes. I Tvas afterwards unable to return to North Wales to get more definite information in reference to the matter. As we were aware that the chairman of our board could not arrive for several days, w^e each proceeded to do such work, under your instruc- tions, as we might do individually before the board could be organized. I learned that on account of the change in the tariff' on tin in the United States there was liable to be large numbers of emigrants from the tin- mining districts of Cornwall and the tin-manufacturing districts in South Wales. 1 therefore proceeded to visit the Cornwall tin-mining districts, where I found that there was not likely to be any diminution of the production of tin in these ancient mines, as only about one ton in ten of the tin ore used by the Welsh tin manufacturers in the United States is produced in Cornwall, and therefore, while the production of 181 182 ENFOKCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. tin plates iu South Wales might be greatly affected by the Americi tariff, iu all probability the production of tin iu Cornwall would not affected at all. I found that there was no special emigration from tl mining districts of Cornwall to the United States other than what hi been going on for the last forty year^, as experienced miners from Corn- wall are continually going to mining districts all over the world. In the Cornwall mining districts I met a lawyer from one of the larj cities iu Great Britain, who was thoroughly conversant in regard the tin-mining and tin-manufacturing interests in Great Britain, a] was himself interested in some tin producing interests. He informi me, what had been also published in the newspapers, that nearly of the manufacturing establishments in South Wales were shut do^ for a month; that he knew that there were then negotiations pendi; between large owners of tin mines in the United States and the owni of tin-manufacturing establishments in South Wales, relating to moving of their plants and skilled workmen to the United States, ai that this proposition was then being discussed at a meeting, at Bi mingham, of the metal manufacturing masters of Great Britain. This gentleman informed me that this proposition had been made these owners of American tin mines for.the removal of tlieir plants ai laborers to the United States for the purpose of suggesting a relief the embarrassments impending the tin interests of Great Britain. Tli proposition proposed the removal to the United States of about 3,01 tin workmen from near Swansea, where there are about 30,000 wor] men engaged in the various tin-producing interests. From the Cornwall districts I proceeded to the tin-manufacturin^'i districts in South Wales, which had Swansea for their center. Here, ati Morristown, I found that thirty-eight of the forty-two works engaged iu manufacturing tin plate, including the steelworks for making the plate itself, were shut down for one montb. I found the masters themselves, mostly absent at Birmingham. The four works which were continuing operations were working wholly on continental orders and were not engaged in the American trade. I talked with a good many of the men engaged in the works, as all were idle. It was being talked thati if many were encouraged to go to the United States that the single mcD genersdly would probably go first, and many expressed their wish that arrangements might be made by which some of their i)lants might bej removed to the United States. i I found a very general discussion among all the workmen in reference] to the situation regarding the tin interests in and about Swansea,] Morristown, and other places, and the United States. I found alsol that the tin masters were proi)osing to send a large force of tinsmiths from Great Britain to China to manufacture on the spot tin tea chests for the China trade, in order to induce the Chinese tea merchants audi growers to use tin tea chests for packing, as it was supposed the same would be far less bulky and more air-tight for sea voyages than the ordinary wooden packages, with lead lining, usually used in transi^ort- ing tea from China across the sea to distant lands. They proposed in this way to change the whole system of transporting tea from China, ini a way to preserve it as nearly as possible from the inlluence of salt air, preserving to the tea the same delicious flavor that is preserved to the ' tea transported across the steppes of Asia from China to Kussia. ' This was one of the principal plans then being talked of to keep intact the great tin interests of Great Britain, to provide employment for the great tin plants, and to keep at home the workers in tin manufacturing who have heretofore been well paid, contented, and great producers oj ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 183 ^'ealtli to Great Britain. There are about 30,000 people in the tin man- ifacturing interests in Sontli Wales. These tin workers have for more than twenty years, through their unions maintained a steady price, with few changes, for botli piecework and day work ; and if the mas- ters shall succeed in opening the new markets — whioh was then being most seriously and thoroughly discussed by the masters — then there will be little emigration among the tin workers to the United States, except x^ossibly of what might be called individual cases. I fonnd the feeling very general among the tin workers at that time, that if there should be a general demoralization in the working of the igTeat plants engaged in manufacturing tin, and tin material in South Wales, that there would probably be a general seeking of employment iu the United States by the workmen themselves. I afterwards, in August, visited South Wales and made a more thor- ough investigation concerning the prospects of the emigration of tin iworkers from South Wales to the United States; the results of which will be found below on this report. I then proceeded to London and found that as there had been a change in the chairman of our committee, and that Hon. John B. Weber, •who had succeeded Gen. Grosvenor, could not arrive for a week or ten idays, I proceeded to Scotland to investigate in reference to the infor- mation 1 had that thousands of masons go from Scotland every year in .'the spring to the large Atlantic seaboard cities to work during the I season and to return in the fall to spend their winters and their wages at their homes in Scotland. I visited Ediuburg, Aberdeen, Inverness, land some smaller towns, but owing to the fact that I was compelled to be in London within so short a time, I could not give this matter in i Scotland as long a time as I desired; but I found that great numbers 'of masons especially, as well as other tradesmen, go from Scotland 'every year in the si)ring, usually sailing from Glasgow to the United ' States, for the purpose of working for the very much higher wages ; received in the United States than in Scotland. j The wages generally in the large cities in Scotland are from 7 to 8 i pence per hour, for nine hours per day, or about $1.50 per daj^, while ' in the United States they received from $1: to 85 per day as is well f known. They pay $17.50 for passage each way, which includes board; so that during the season of six or eight months in the United States they can earn far more than during the year in Scotland, yet go and ! come each way and have four months' rest with their families. And I also learned that by buying a return ticket they got a cheaper passage ! than $17.50; and they are sometimes able to get in one or two months j work in Great Britain after they return from the United States. I I am informed by Commissioner Powderly and Commissioner Schul- tiesthat a person of high authority on labor questions in Great Britain ' informed them that these birds of passage, working in America during i the best of the season, often sadly interfere with the workers in Great • Britain late in the season, by competing with them, on account of ' returning too early from America. Commissioner Powderly in his ; report gives the figures from the Government Board of Trade Eeport ' of Great Britain as being 370,097 British and Irish return passengers from the United States during the years from 1881 to 1889, inclusive, and the steerage emigrants from the United States to Great Britain had • increased from 20,048 in 1879 to 71,392 in 1889, or over 250 per cent in I ten years, and 91,000 steerage x)assengers went from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, to Liverpool and Glasgow during the year ending 184 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 1 June 30, 1891, four-fiftlis of whom the steamboat owners estimate will return to tbe United States. Aberdeen, Scotland, has produced a great many masons who are a stonecutters; the great granite quarries being at Petershead only abi 30 miles away. A Lowell, Mass., jonrnalist, who had relatives n Petershead, told me that he had often been there in years past and w now stopping near there; that he had then lately visited one quairy Avhere there were only about 35 men employed, in which there had been prior to our late tariff on granite, several hundred men employed. I was told by many masons that formerly they had to pay $12.50 to join the mason's union in New York and other cities; but that during the past year it had been raised to $25 ; and this was accounted for by some of them from the fact that most of the masons from that region of country were both masons and stonecutters, and they had to join two unions and pay $12.50 each. The masons at Aberdeen informed me that there was not so large a movement to the United States during the present year as formerly, and as a reaoou for that gave: First, the knowledge that the laws of tlie United States prohibited contract labor, and some of them did n like to go to the United States without having an assurance of wor second, on account of liaving to pay $25, instead of $12.50 as former! to tlie American unions. I only mention these two facts to show what reasons are given f( the diminution in numbers, and to show how small a barrier prevents euiigration to distant lands. Of course, no record has ever been kept anywhere of the number of this class of emigrants. My information '■ was obtained from masons, masons' helpers, business men, and others. i I afterwards obtained information in reference to similar movements of people going from ditlerent parts of Great Britain, Holland, Switzer- land, and Italy, which I shall refer to hereafter. It is a movement which is generally well known in the localities from which the work- men go, and in the localities in which the workmen work in the great cities of the United States. ^ ' In a general way I found that from Edinburgh and its vicinity went masons and i^lunibers very largely; from Aberdeen and most of the large towns and cities went masons and stonecutters; while from Glas- gow there went mostly masons and painters; while carpenters and other mechanics go in more or less numbers from all of the towns and cities. Having learned by telegram, July 19, while in Scotland, that Hon. ' John B. Weber, the chairman of our Board had arrived in London on j Saturday, the 18th day of July, I proceeded to London on Monday, the j 20th, where I found on my arrival Tuesday morning that the other mem- '' bers of tlie Board had met on Monday, the 20th, and decided that after the Board had visited Liverpool the next day, July 21, that the work ' concerning the object of the Commission in the balance of Great Britain, France, Switzerland, and Italy had been assigned to Commissioner I Powderly, Commissioner Schulties and myself, Commissioner Scbulties [ to go to some parts of Germany; and that the chairman and Commis- j sioner Kempster were to take the balance of Europe. I immediately joined the other members of the Commission, except Commissioner ■ Schulties, and proceeded with them to Liverpool. Concerning what the Board did there as a Board is given in the general report of the Com- 1 mission; I will therefore not speak of it here. It was decided that ' Commissioner Powderly and myself should remain a few days at Liver- pool. HI I ENFO.RCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 185 At Liverpool Coiiimissiouer Powclerly and myself were present on the Arizona J by invitation, to observe the inspection of emigrants, life- boats, and the condition of the boat by the Government snrgeons, iboat's surgeons, and Government olhcials. As the safe, proper, and isanitary condition of emigrants from the various European countries ;to the United States was not a matter contained in your instructions to our Board, I shall not in this re^Dort refer to any of the conditions Telating to the safety, the health, or the morality of the emigrant in their passage from their homes to the United States. Our only reason for accepting the invitations from the steamboat (companies, on occa- isions of the inspection of the boats and passengers before sailing, was las a means of getting information concerning objects for which you created the Board, as contained in your letters of instruction. The Arizona belongs to the Guion line, which has always had a monopoly of carrying the Mormon passengers from Europe to the United States. THE MORMON MOVETHENT. Liverpool is the headquarters in Europe of Mormon activity. Brig- ham Young, jr., being at the head of the Mormon Church in Europe ,and residing at Liverpool. At the time we were there he was absent, but Elder Anderson, one of the "seventy" of the Mormon church, was lin charge, and took Commissioner Powderly and myself to the office and luinting establishment at headquarters. Elder Anderson answered (all our questions, opened his books which related to immigration mat- ters to us, and seemed willing to give us all the information for which we asked. He also gave us their circulars and instructions to emi- grants. Elder Anderson freely admitted to us that he and all Mormons be- lieved polygamy to be right; but that now the Supreme Court of the United States had decided the law in the United States against it to be constitutional, that the church had adopted a rule against it in the United States, and that they so inform their converts. He further said that the Mormon Cliurch teaches that the Constitution of the .United States was inspired, but that until they had a definite decision from the Sux)reme Court of the United States they did not believe that the law against polygamy was constitutional. I asked him what they preached or taught their converts in Europe regarding polygamy. His answer was that they taught nothing, but the converts usually asked about it; that the Mormon teachers in Europe would not deny their faith when asked by the converts, but always admitted to the converts that polygamy was right by divine law; that the same was against the law of Great Britain and the law of the United States; that polygamy could not be practiced either in Great Britain or the United States, ;and that they would not assist or encourage any Mormon convert to go 'from Europe to the United States if they did not intend to obey the law of the United States in regard to polygamy and abstain fr-im polygamous marriages. j Afterwards, Elder Anderson called at our hotel to say that an outsider [who was not a Mormon had called at their ofiice to get assistance to emigrate to the United States, saying that he, the intending emigrant, '.understood that the Mormons gave aid to emigrants. He said that he had come to us to make it i)lain, if he had not done so already, that the Mormon authorities of Europe gave no assistance to anyone, not even to Mormons. They had, he said, arranged a fare from Liverpool to Salt Lake and other points in that region of country, and when there are ia- 186 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 1 dividuals enougli they send a man with them as a guide, to look aftc bnggage, tickets, and other matters. When an outsider wants to g with them tliey charge one pound more than the cost of the ticket, i order to cover the ex])ense of tlie guide. He had, prior to this, left at our hbtel their instructions to emigrant' except the one regarding polygamy, which he said had been sent to b explained at all their conferences and to all intending emigrants. Elder Anderson also said that his residence abroad had more an« more convinced him of the tenet which was taught in their church, tha the Constitution of the United States was inspired, and that the tall of the Mormons in Utah of the high justice admiuistered by the En glish courts was fallacious. He gave several instances wliich cain> I under his own observation. He said he should return to '' Zion," as ah i America is called by the Mormons in Europe, with the feeling that ex i cept for the injustice to the Mormons through the ignorance of the peo pie generally as to their real faith, that justice was more equally adinin istered hi the United States than in Europe. He informed us that tin Mormon authorities in Europe would fully carry out the laws of th< United States on the subject of polygamy, and that all that they d( and teach in this regard, and the instructions which they give in theii circulars and at their conferences, will at all times be open tn the spection of the authorities of the United States. He said that they h 4,000 members of the Mormon Church in the British Islands. He ga tiie number of Mormons who have gone to the United States, as showr by his books, during the present vear as 137, and in 1890 as 437. ; In the ''Latter-])ay Saints' IMillennial Star," of March 17, 1890, pub( lished at Liverpool, on page 108, may be found a notice marked, "Im^ portant — notice and instruction to our emigrants," from which 1 quote* We must continue in liannony with the emigration laws, both of this country ant the United Stntes, and as we are under the jurisdiction of both, we desire all oui peoi)le to see that they infringe the law in no re8i)ect. Then follows a fair resume of our law upon the subject of emigrants.^ except that, as Elder Anderson explained to us, the matter in referenc€j to polygamy was explained in all the conferences and by all of the teachers. Tlie prices given in that circular gives the fare from Liver- pool to Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and Spanish Fort as £12 156'. Sd.^ In this relation it is also stated that there are certain stations in the, United Kingdom where steerage x)assengers are entitled to obtain trans- l^ortation to Liveri)ool at less than ordinary fares by showing a steam- sliip ticket and on production of a s^jecial order, which can be procuredi at their ofiice. The names of such stations may be ascertained by in-, quiry of the conference presidents. The special order is only given with the steamship ticket. In another issue of the same Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, of January 27, 1890, at page 50, in a controversial article, to meet the. statements of Eev. E. Young, from which this article quotes that he said that '^ thousands of young women are decoyed annually to Salt Lake City for immoral purposes," the writer gives statistics of JNIormonsi who have emigrated from the British Mission during the years of 1887, 1888, and 1889 as 2,149. Of course this table is given in an analytic, form for the purpose of disproving the statement of Mr. Young, but it is probably equally useful in showing the numbers of Mormon emigrantsj who go from Great Britain to Utah. j In an advertisement of the Guion Line, which I got at a steamboat; ofice in Londonderry, and which gives a fair statement of the laws of i ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 187 he United States iu reference to prohibited classes, except Mormons, ^\-('()llvicts, and contract laborers. While at Liverpool I received nnich confirmation that mechanics from i^arioiis places in the United Kingdom are in the habit of going to the pnited States in the spring, working during the spring, summer, and ml and returning to spend the winter months in Great Britain with their families. One of the principal steamboat agents in Liverioool, MLt. James Tibbitts, told Commissioner Powderly and myself that he lad sold tickets to about fifty mechanics to go to Boston during the ^resent season, and that he knew they were to return in the fall. He ilso said tliat he often sold tickets in the spring to iron-mill workers, and that he often sold them tickets to go to Cleveland, O., and Pitts- purg, Pa.; that they usually went for the season only, and then re- turned. This gentleman told us that he always tried to divert them to 'English colonies. At Manchester, England, a young man, who was a cotton- si)inncr, who was seeking for a situation at Manchester and who had been working at factories not many miles from there, told me that many spinners Avho desired to go to Pall Eiver or Lowell, Mass., or other places in the United States, had a way of securing places in the United States to work as follows: , At manufacturing establishments where cotton-spinning machinery lis made and sold lor factories in the United States, cotton-spinners de- siring to go to the United States leave their immes, which are given or jsent to the persons ordering the machinery, and through these means many persons secure situations in the United States before they go. I flcould not find at Manchester that there Avas any emigration to the United States except the natural and normal emigration. At Birmiug- jham I was told by a decorator that the house-decorators of England land Scotland managed to get in three seasons during the year in the 'following described way: They first go to the large Atlantic seaboard cities in the United States, where the house decorations usually take place in the spring and early summery then they cross over to the large cities and towns in Scotland during the summer months, where the Ihouse-decorating season occurs during the summer months, preparing jfor the infiow of people from London after the season is over in London, jconnnencing in August; and then in the fall they go to London, where !the house-decorating season is during the fall, making preparations for Ithe season, which commences after the shooting season in Scotland is 'over. This round of seasons, if the man told me the truth, is highly ? advantageous to the decorating craft of Great Britain, but it would 'seem that it would greatly interfere with the decorating craft of the seaboard cities of the United States, where the spring decorating sea- son is the princii)al one. At Manchester, at the office of Thomas Cook & Son, 61 Market street, Manchester, where steamship tickets to the United States are sold, I obtained in the ordinary way, by asking for it as would any person desiring to go to the United States, a folder of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Kailway Company, which gives glowing accounts of pretty much all of the Western States and Territories, and with it was handed me a pami)hlet entitled '^Dakota, U. S. A., and its advantages to the home- seeker.'^ On it was printed : Condensed map of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway, of Illinois, Wis- consin, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and North Dakota. There is a long and glowing account of the free lands in Dakota, 188 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 1 showing from 18,000,000 to 30,000,000 acres of free lauds in Dakota, aud at the end of the same is this notice: How to reach Dakota. The Atlantic Ocean steamship lines have agents through the United Kingdom. Any agent can sell a passage ticket to any point in Dakota, by way of Ncav York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, or other seaboard cities; thence by railroad to Chicago; and from there to destination, via the Chicago, Milwaukee and"^ St. Paul Railway; A. V. H. Carpenter, General Passenger Agent, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U. S. A. The pamphlet also contains directions for making preemptions, homesteads, and tree claims. At the office of Thomas Cook & Son, shipping department, Lndgat^ Circus, Loudon, there was giveu to me from a pile hung up in the office the large advertisement of the Allan Line and State Line steamers, from Glasgow and Londonderry to American seaports, in which, under "Philadelphia" will be found this sentence: This State (Pennsylvania) abounds in coal and iron industries, and offers probably the best opening in the States for miners, ironworkers, etc. Lender the head "Boston" is found this sentence; •ii Being the seaport of the great and wealthy New England States of Massachussetts, ( Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut, is unquestionably the proper" lauding place for all parties to the New England States. These States, from their numerous manufacturing industries, offer great inducements to mill operatives, arti- sans, etc. On the reverse are given the reduced fares from about eight \ one ; places in Scotland and England to Glasgow, Scotland, and the second cabin and steerage fares from Glasgow to al3Qut as many i)hices in the United States by steamship and rail. For instance, the steerage and railway fares to the places given below are as follows: Scranton, Pa 4 Trenton, N. J 3 \V ilkesbarre, Pa 4 Wilmington, Del 3 San Antonio, Tex 10 San Francisco, Cal 15 Saginaw, Mich 6 8. d. 9 7 19 4 8 19 2 11 5 13 6 6 3 £ s. d.. Home, Ga 7 4 1' Springlield, 111 6 16 5 Chicago, 111 6 5 Cleveland, Ohio 5 7 8 = Philadelphia, Pa 3 16 Bangor,Me 4 12 8 I found many advertisements all over Great Britain with Hatteiing offers of land and bonuses, made by the Canadian Government to emi- grants to Manitoba and the Northwest Territory in Canada. Tbese advertisements will account for many who first go to Canada and then cross over to the United States. EMIGRATION FROM GREAT BRITAIN OF CONVICTS AND EX-CONVICTS TO THE UNITED STATES. In your verbal instructions I was asked to look, as far as possible, into questions relating to the emigration of convicts or ex-convicts from Euroi)ean countries. While in Great Britain I received information regarding the system which has been in vogue in Great Britain for about eleven years past, which is so connected, according to my information, wit)i the Government of Great Britain that I have hesitated to give the actnal iiicts as tl^ey were made known to me through records, reports, and verbal official sources. If my information was correct i ii^ ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 189 ^liere can be no law of tlie United States whicli will put an end to it. [t can only be done by bringing the matter to tbe attention of the 3^overnment of Great Britain, and seeking its cooperative justice in inited action witli our own Government. Owing to the objections of her colonies, Great Britain practically ceased in 1853 to transport beyond seas her criminals to any of her own colonies, except as below stated. Under the laws of 1853 and 1857, tickets of leave or remission were ■2^ranted until 1863, when, owing to the great increase of crimes, public opinion compelled a change, which was effected by the law of 1864, ^vhich did away with tickets of leave or remissions and substitutes — a conditional license to the convict to be at large, after a certain period of confinement, during good behavior. In 1867 transportation to her bolonies wholly ceased. The law of 1864 was amended in 1869, 1871, and 1879, curing the defects in the system of reporting and supervision, and changing the officeis from the police officers to special officers, to whom the licensee reported monthly (except women, who only reported 3hange of address, and who were fr equently visited by women appointed for that purpose) and who kept a complete descriptive list and rec- ord or history of the licensee, furnished to him by the central office at London (convict supervision department), and which he is always ready ]to furnish to tlie pohce. Government, and courts. He attends the crim- linal courts for this purpose wlien a licensee is arrested for a violation of the terms of his license, or for a new ofiense. These officers are in very city and county. In 1880 there were about 25,000 convicts (felons) in the prisons and n tickets of leave in Great Britain, 10,839 in prisons, and the balance jOn leave. In 1885 there were less than half that number; that is, 8,386 in prison and 3,378 who were out of prison under surveillance. From 1879 to 1886 there was a decrease of 2,500 actually in prison (average), saving £87,000 per year (at £35 per man). Those who have perfected this system, and who are important Government officers, claimed to me to have reduced the prison population of Great Britain from about 25,000 in 1880 to less than 12,000 now; that is, those in prison and those on leave who remain in Great Britain. HOW WAS THIS ACCOMPLISHED? First. There are from eighty to one hundred discharged prisoners' aid societies in the United Kingdom, to the care and custody of one of which, every discharged prisoner, whether on license or not, is always discharged. Second. When discharged the Government pays to the society prac- tically from £2 to £0, which is the money the prisoner is supposed to have earned during his confinement, which sums are added to by the society, with which the prisoner on leave, if a felon, is generally assisted to go to the United States, if he can be persuaded to go; and he is generally only too glad to go and leave behind him his troublesome rec- ord, which faces him in every court on the commission of a new crime, from which he is free in the United States. And he is at once rid of his obligations to report to an officer every month, and rid of the never- sleeping eye of the officer. Third. He is sent by the society to some officer at a sailing port to be sent to the United States by the society. The officer goes to the ticket agent and buys the ticket, or he sends for it; and neither the agent nor the officer nor the owner of the boat knows the ticket is for H. Ex. 37 48 190 ENFORCEMENT OF A.LIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. a convict under surveillance, who really should be in one of the i^rison of Great Britain serving out his term. Fourth. When he arrives in the United States he usually changes hi ■ name and reports to the officer of the society only, which officer o society sends him money, if he needs it, in small amounts, generally through postal orders. Fifth. Many long-termers have been so released and are now in thi United States. Twenty years is practically the length of any murderer'; term in Great Britain who has been sentenced to a life imprisonment , The balance of his life sentence he serves out, living as he chooses ii the United States, assisted there by a fund made up partly by tbj British Government and partly by these benevolent societies under thc^ patronage of the Government. The sum of $435,000, yearly saved t< the Government of Great Britain by this system, will of course pay th« passage of a great many men to the United States at the present lev price of steerage $17.50, and will give each one of them a few dollar.' to commence life again on this side of the Atlantic. Of course the Gov ernment of Great Britain does not do any of this directly, but does i all through these benevolent societies, wliich are really semiofficial. Sixth. During the present year some of the officers claimed that in stead of sending them to the United States they are sending them t( Canada, doubtless the Government officers and societies' officers wel^i knowing that as soon as they reach Canada they will go to the Unitec States as soon as they can purchase tickets with the money furnishec them to '' start with" — to " start with^^from Canada to the United States? Seventh. One officer from one society sent of these ''licensed" crimi nals in 1887 24 men and 4 women to the United States, and 19 mei and 4 women to Canada ; and of the whole 52 only 6 men and 1 womai have ever returned to England, as a complete record is kept in thr5 records at the general office in London of every criminal who ever re turns fi'om the United States after once being assisted to go there. In 1888 he sent 39 men and 3 women to the United States and 7 niei to Canada, of whom only 5 men ever returned to England. In 1889 he sent 32 men to the United States and G men and 1 womai to Canada, of whom only 2 men ever returned to England. In 1890 he sent 19 men and 1 woman to the United States and 15 meif and 2 women to Canada, of whom only 1 man returned to England, anc? he returned from Canada. \ In the forepart of 1891 he sent 4 men and 1 woman to the United States and 5 men to Canada. He has never had but 2 men (criminals| who refused to emigrate. These two men demanded their earned sal^ ary and claimed the right to stay in old England. This was from am j^ort only and from one society only. Eighth. Of all sentences one-fourth of the time can be spent on h cense out of prison by reportin g monthly. The judges of England fullj appreciate what a great benefit to England it is to have the criminal' serve out the principal part of their term in the United States, anci have a fashion now of giving the prisoners whom they sentence shor' penal sentences to be served in prison with a very long term of surveili lance; that is, to report monthly on license to an officer. Ninth. The cheapest rate and nearest port, generally Boston, is se lected as the point in the United States to which tickets are bough for the ex-convicts. I Tenth. The Government and officers of the Government, as well »' the officers of the societies, care nothing for the convicts and ex- con 1 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 191 victs after they leave Great Britain ; for tbe highest officer in the Gov- ernment service having charge of this matter told me himself that they were only too glad to get rid of them. Eleventh. I was informed by good authority that whenever a j)ris- oner was discharged from a prison without being discharged to a ijris- oners' aid society he was only given £2; whereas if he were discharged to prisoners' aid society the prisoners' aid society was given by the Government for his benefit the sum of £6. And this sum in every case of felons where there is a penal servitude and a term of surveillance is used by the society and its officers, in every case where the convict can be persuaded to go, to pay the convict's passage to the United States or Canada. An officer, who had the best facilities for knowing, made an esti- mate for me of the number of all the felonious criminals imprisoned in Scotland who were assisted to emigrate to the United States, and Lis •estimate wa"s that one-half of them went to the United States by the assistance of these discharged i)risoners' aid societies. lie also in- formed me that they iuA^ariably change their names, and often write to • him confidentially giving their former number omame, and he thought few of them ever returned to Great Britain. Another officer, who had the best means of knowing, informed me 'that this system of imposing sJiort senterices of imprisonment and long terms of surveillance was a policy adopted to rid the Government of the ■expense of maintaining their criminals 5 and while he admitted that it was wrong as against tlie people of the United States, he said that it was the policy of those higher in authority than he, and liad done very much to reduce the prison population of Great Britain by many thou- sands. A partial list of the prisoners' aid societies I herewith transmit. But while this list runs up to about eighty, yet I was told by one of the principal officers of a society in London, who had done much to get a list of these societies, that it was a singular feature of these prisoners' aid societies that they did not act together nor in general concert, but that each prisoners' aid society was a local affair, each acting for itself j and many of the most important ones refused to send any information or statistics to the committee which is attempting in London to get the statistics from each one throughout the country. Yet these societies by law are greatly assisted by Government, and hmts manufacturing the material entering into the finished tin plate were shut down during that month. Six iweeks after they were first shut down, out of twenty-six mills man- ufacturing tin in Morristown, only ten had started up, and this was about the ratio throughout. I In view of the many questions which it may become incumbent on your Department to decide, I -give below the result of my inrestiga- tions. In the work on the history of tin manufacturing will be found the authority and figures which will substantiate most of the facts given by me. There can be no doubt from this work, and from the general information gained by me, that the masters of the tin-work- ing i)lants of South Wales have been absolutely confident of their hold on the tin-plate trade of the United States for all near times. Out of 2,837,776 boxes exported in 1878, 1,931,128 boxes went to the United States ports. In 1875, out of 35,600 tons of tin used annually, 9,500 tons were mined in Cornwall. The price of tin during this year in South Wales has averaged about £96 per ton. I had various esti- mates given me of the relative amounts of Cornwall tin and tin from other sources, mostly from Australia, used at Swansea, and it varied from 1 ton of Cornwall tin to from 10 to 20 tons of Australian tin, mixed together. I was told by an old tin-plate worker, below referred to as Mr. Price (who had been in the United States and had taught tin-plate workers to make tin in Kussia), that 20 tons of Australian tin metal is used at Swansea to 1 ton of Cornwall tin. This would go to show since 1875 a very much larger proportion of Australian and other foreign tin is being- used by the Welch tin manufacturers. This becomes important, as the masters say to the men that the American tin is too rich to work suc- cessfully j but two old tin workers, one, Mr. Price, and another a ^Ir. , of Morriston, both of whom had Avorked at iron and steel works in America, told me the Australian tin had the same trouble — too rich — yet so much of it is worked, as above indicated. It is mixed with Cornwall tin, and I was told by a steel worker in one of the works that the only thing done to reduce the richness of Australian 204 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. tin is to cover tlie tin when melted with any old iron or steel worki slag. This, he said, was the process used, and the only one, except t<* mix with Cornwall tin in small parts. The book above referred to contains lists of all tin-plate works in tbi' world. It has the general sentirneht runuiug all through it that sue; cessful tin-plate workers must commence when boys, and spend a life^ time in it. I give you my opinion below. ■ I inclose a price list of tin workers' unions in Swansea and thar district which has been maintained for twenty years. We found thtj tin-plate factories greatly demoralized. After the month's shut down:'! spoken of above, but little over one-half have started at all, and thes(* make each set of workers lose one turn a week (really one day's worl, a week). Mr. AYilliams, the tin-plate king, told his steel-workers (making steej bars for the tin-plate works) that he could only compete for the Ameri^ can trade by reducing their pay 28 per cent — one boy told me it woul(| be 30 i)er cent on his pay, but the workmen agreed it was 28 per centi So all his steel-workers were then on a strike. His clerks were cuttiiij the steel bars into proper lengths for the tin works. They were poiiite( out to me by workmen as "those white-collared fellows over there." The masters had not yet, so far as we could learo, asked the tin-plat" workers to reduce their price. The tin men feared the masters wei' commencing first on the steel works because they are the more numei ous all over the kingdom. The representative of the masters, Mr. Fox, a Scotchman, the edito of their financial and trade paper, who called onus, told me that i' would take America ten years before she could supply herself with tiil plates, if she succeeded in making them at all, even, which he doubtedji and meantime, for the next ten j^ears the tin-plate masters and worker! would, give America the hardest fight she ever had in the field of maun, facture and trade. The men, he said, tcould reduce their pay, which h, also said was, and had been, very good. They preferred their uativ-j land, had families, and could not well go, and so they would all unit-jl to keep the United States trade. I I give an estimate of wages, and time to learn^ the various parts of thi trade by a bright vrorkman. j Steel-workers. — First hand, 13J was to consolidate the farms in the congested districts of the north- western portion of Ireland, and in order to do this it would be neces- sary to emigrate about 200,000 people. He also informed me that the Government had about £47,000 a year to assist emigration from west Ireland, and that they would like' to send about 100,000 to Canada. He said they could with this fund send them to the United States, but tliey much preferred to send them to Canada, but that they could not get the people to go to Canada. I could not learn from others that the Government was now actively ! engaged in assisting emigration, nor that there seemed to be any in- tended policy of the same, so far as could be learned by inquiry among the people everywhere. Keither could I learn the same from the United : States consuls whom I visited. Certainly the claim that usually the younger people go to the United States is proven by the appearance of the people themselves who are left, as so large a proportion in all the towns are very old people. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 211 To my mind Ireland did not seem at all to be overpopiilated, for riding through the country from south to north on zigzag lines and from east to west, Ireland to me has the appearance of being sparsely populated, for one sees such large tracts of land everywhere with so few houses. Yet it may be that the agricultural laborers, instead of li\4ng in cot- tages, live thickly together in crowded farm villages. But except in the north of Ireland and in Dublin and a few other places there seems , to be no development of the various industries of manufacturing, such as is seen in many other countries j and for this reason the IJnited States may expect a large inflow of emigrants every year from Ireland as well as from any other country which provides only agricultural labor for its people. SCOTLAND. From Belfast I crossed over to Glasgow. At Glasgow, as had been arranged at Liverpool with the other members of the Board, I called on Messrs. Henderson Brothers, owners of the Anchor Line. They liave a line from Xaples and Palermo to the United States. They in- formed me that they were much jileased that the United States Gov- erument had taken so much interest in the very difficult subject, for ' them, as to send representatives to Europe to observe for themselves the causes of emigration movements. They said it showed that the administration is treating a question of very wide scope in a manner best to x)reserve the good feeling between the two countries in carrying out the laws of the United States. They seemed very anxious to assist ■ the honorable Secretary of the Treasury in his investigations for the purpose of adopting rules which will save themselves much trouble and exi)ense and the poor emigrant much hardship. They read me a letter which the steamboat-owners at Liverpool, at the request of our Board, sent to our chairman at Bremen, which Henderson Brothers had indorsed. Messrs. Henderson Brothers informed me that they were doing all in their power to carry out the laws of the United States; and they heartily indorsed the jjlan proposed by you in your letter of instruc- tions to us and indorsed by the Liverpool steamboat-owners, especially for Great Britain, but preferred that we should examine for ourselves and recommend our own plan for Italy. They said their agents every- where in Great Britain and Italy had the strictest instructions to sift all applications in accordance with the laws of the United States; but they were strongly in hopes that the United States Government would allow the steamboat companies to try one of the plans proposed by the honorable Secretary of the Treasury, that of requiring the steamboat companies themselves to do the sifting at the homes of the '■ people, as they thought that consular inspection would be of great ' detriment to the carrying trade. They think that the subagents in the districts where reside the intending emigrants can best lind out about them, and that the twelve months' suspension from business in , case an agent disobeys their rules, which rules will be in harmony ■ with the laws of the United States, will be sufficient bond to keep ■ them well disciplined. This company, in addition to taking passen- ' gers from Naples and Palermo, also take some from Trieste and now and then send a boat directly to New Orleans. I also called on Nathaniel Donlop, esq., one of the owners of the Alle;3 lin(^of steamers. Mr. Donlop is a man of great ability and expe- 212 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 1 th( 1 rience in steamboat matters. He said to me tliat it afforded him greatest pleasure and satisfaction to see a representative of the honor able Secretary of the United States Treasury there on the subject. H( had not seen the Liveri30ol letter, but said that he would send for g copy, and would give his views on tlie subject. But he asked: ^^If we do that, will those few who slip through our fingers be allowed tc land ?" My answer was, " The honorable Secretary of the United States Treasury will not, of course, agree to let any prohibited person go ashore." Mr. Donlop also expressed himself strongly that a consular inspection , would be cumbersome and would very much hinder the movements ol ! emigration. He said that he hoped some arrangement might be made, between the steamboat companies and the Government of the United, States, so that the laws of the United States should be carefully re- spected and carried out near the homes of the people, to avoid expense and trouble to the intending emigrant, as well as to the steamboat lines. He said that his line did a very large business with the United States, and he hoped for the greatest amity between the represent- atives of the United States Government having charge of emigration matters and his company, in the settlement of rules which shall har- monize existing difficulties in the way of knowing just what to do and how to do in regard to determining to whom tickets for the United States should be sold. He gave me a circular containing the United States law on the sub- , ject of immigration, issued by Allen Bros., of Glasgow. i I quote from a letter received from Mr. Donlop after he had read the , views of the steamboat owners of Liverpool, sent to me, which is dated August 27, 1891: As we explained to yon there wore very stron^j reasons against the proposition that an inspection and certification by consuhir otticers of tliis port shonhl be under- taken, the right place to exercise control being at the place and the time when the emigrant applies for passage. Our snbagents throughout the country are under strict control in an organization common to all the lines, and Ave have an opportunity ' of visiting such agents with disciplinary treatment if they fail to observe our in- f junction, or connive at their disregard. We agree, therefore, with the Liverpool lines which have been in communication with Col. Weber, that the matter of con- trolling the choice of emigrants should rest with such agents, under the direction pf the company, and we hope that it may be permitted to rest with us; and we will be,, well pleased if trial could be made of this method. And in the event of the United | States Government discovering any failure on the part of agents to rightly dis- 1 charge their duty, reporting it to the headquarters of the line in default, that the"^ matter may be investigated and dealt with, and pending such investigation we l woiild be glad that penal action against the lines who may have, notwithstanding j their precaution, failed to exclude all undesirable emigrants, may not be taken. I also called upon Mr. Moses Buchanan, one of the best informed ' general agents in the business in Great Britain. He thought that he had nearly settled Kansas with his emigrants. He is largely inter- ; ested in emigration to South America from both Italy and the Basque , Provinces in Spain. He claimed that the large Italian emigration is ' due to increased education, born of the Garibaldi revolutions, just now bearing fruit. As the people now read for themselves and learn about , other countries, he claims that the emigrants will grow better and bet- ter froni Italy. His idea of inspection is one similar to the Queensland inspection, where all emigrants who are assisted by the government . must be nominated by friends in Queensland, approved by the Queens- land government, and then certified to as to character, fitness, etc., by , magistrates and other persons in the vicinity of where they live in Great Britain. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 213 Mr. Buclianan thinks that every emigrant going to any new country slioulcl have the certificate of a magistrate regarding his civil charac- ter, of a physician as to his health, and of a minister as to his morals. He thought all this should be reviewed by United States consuls and • by them confirmed, but in an easy and cheap way for the intending emigrant. He claimed that in selling tickets he was very particular to keep within the laws of the United States. I have no doubt Mr. Buch- ! anan is a very high-minded, honorable man, and desires honestly to carry out the laws of the United States on this subject. The blanks for a Queensland application may be found in vol. ii. I may add that Mr. Buchanan said that his experience would lead him to believe that a combined United States consular and European steam- boat owners' inspection would bring the best results. Mr. Buchanan also gave me some railroad circulars, u^ion which is printed as follows: ''The Burlington Eoute," "Free Government Lands in Nebraska and Colorado," "Tbe Florida Railway and Navi- I gation Company," "The Western Trail," "Texas," "The Chicago, Mil- ' waukee and St. Paul Railway," "Texas; its Climate, Agriculture, and Products," and "Something about Kansas;" each of which go to show I that in some quarters of Europe, at least, the flaming literature of rail- way companies and of local or State officials can still be furnished to intending passengers. Also, "The Pacific Coast and Steamship Company," "The Houston and Texas Central Railway," "The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, European edition," and "The Southern Pacific Coast Division," which were all obtained by me at steamship offices in London; part at the White Star line office and part at the Cunard line office. I might here also say that at Limerick, Ireland, I obtained from a steamsliip agent the circular marked "Burlington Route." Also in Londonderry the ' folders of the Baltimore and Ohio, European edition, and Southern Pacific Company, " California and Texas." In all of these steamboat offices I obtained many Atlantic steamboat circulars, but in none of them, with perhaps a single exception referred to above, could I find that tliey were in their o\vn circulars, aside from railway circulars, unduly advertising the advantages of any localities in the United States. In the Waterford Chronicle and South of Ireland Advertiser, pub- lished at Waterford, Ireland, Saturday, August 15, 1891, there is a broad advertisement of an emigration office where, they advertise, as- sisted passages to Australia and America are granted to the working classes. Of course this might be to Canada and not to the United States. ; I think Commissioner Powderly tried to obtain information in regard I to this advertisement whether or not passengers were assisted to the \ United States, but failed to elicit any information. I There are posters issued by the Government of Great Britain and j under the direction of the Colonial Office and put up by direction of ; the Government from time to time as information is desired to be given in reference to free passage to the various colonies of Great Britain. They contain very much information concerning free passages and as- sisted passages to Queensland, West Australia, Natal, Cape Colony, witli very cheap passages to Canada, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, or New Zealand, with a bonus to the head , of a family going to Canada. It fairly illustrates the competition i there is in Europe, and especially Great Britain, for emigrants to the British colonies. 214 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. THE CONTINENT. On tlie 29tli of August I left Great Britain for France, where at Pj a meeting had been arranged for by Commissioner Schulties, who been making investigations in Belgium and Germany, and Commissioi Powderly and myself. I made diligent inquiry while in Paris to cover whether or not there were any convicts or ex-convicts being se out of France to the United States,, either by the Government, mui ipn\, or society officers; and I could not learn of any convicts or convicts being assisted, sent, or encouraged to go from France to United States. I especially made investigations and inquiries in reference to pi oners' aid societies, as I had learned that the machinery of sending thj out of Great Britain to the United States was through the Dischar^ Prisoners' Aid Society; but I was unable to learn that there were societies of this nature in France. There probably are many bene^ lent persons in France who in a general way belong to national international societies for investigating into the condition, and bett ing the condition of convicts and ex-convicts, as I learned from a tinguished authority in Berne, Switzerland, afterwards. After the retiu-n of Hon. Whitelaw Keid, United States minisf to France, I learned from him that he had not long before made investigation on the same subject; and he had come to the same con^ elusion; that from France there were no convicts or ex-convicts sento; assisted to go to the United States. Commissioners Powderly anc Schulties were with me at the time of my interview with Ministe: Eeid. We also called upon the vice-consul-general of the United States who informed us that he had recently more than ever before notice( large parties of verypoorltalianemigrantsbeiiigtaken through Paris oi their way to Boulogne, France, going to the United States. He though ' that we would get little information from the steamboat companies, am thought we would have to get our information by picking it up our^ selves in reference to this movement of Italians through France to northern ports on their way to the United States. At Paris it was decided by the three commissioners then there tha' Commissioner Powderly should go to Bordeaux, Marseilles, and Genoa Commissioner Schulties to Havre, Boulogne, and Antwerp, and to soin< of the Holland and.German ports, which he wished to revisit, and certaii other places in Germany; and that I should visit Belgium and Hollanc for the purpose principally of ascertaining whether or not there wen any convict prisoners or paupers being sent out of Belgium or Hollam, to the United States; and that I should go to Switzerland and do al the work of the commission in that country; and that we should mee at Milan and make the investigations in Italy together. This plan wai carried out, as the chairman of the commission was in Russia. I proceeded to Belgium. At Brussels the United States ministe. was absent, but I called on Hon. George W. Roosevelt, United States consul, and formerly United States consul at Bordeaux, France. H< informed me that while at Bordeaux he often saw many persons camp* ing outside of the town, who had come through from Italy, Greece, am, even Turkey, overland, to take steamer at Bordeaux to the Unitec States. On their way they usually ]ncked up horses, wagons, an( many other things, either by stealing them or getting hold of them ii i ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 215 ther ways. He informed me that tliese parties were generally a motley »t, and that tliey would, wlieii tliey had arrived there, sell their horses, ears, and other property which they had brought along with them, ,1 order to get the necessary funds, 120 francs,to go to the United tates. Mr. Eoosevelt informed me that in Belgium the Government em- loys criminals on Government work and makes money out of them, lid that there is no object in sending any of them out of the country j Qd he had never known of any convicts or ex-convicts being as- ,sted to emigrate to any place. He was quite sure that in Belgium, it least, no prisoners' aid societies were assisting emigrants to leave le country. Mr. Eoosevelt further informed me that in talking witli tbe Italians, ho formerly went across from Italy overland to Bordeaux to go to the ^nited States, that the steamboat agents had told them that they could et$1.50 per day working on railroads, streets, shipyards and farms 1 the United States, and get board for half a franc per day, and on ^rms found freej after they had stayed a year or two they could get oO acres of land free by squatting there; and that then they could re- irn to Italy with a good deal of money. While lie was in Bordeaux e told me that a great many returned every fall. He said that a great i^any in going to the United States told him that tliey had been )ld by the railroad agents that grapes grew wild in Texas along the lilroad lines. There is comparatively little emigration at all from Belgium, as little cm Belgium as there is from France, as both countries are full of in- AStrial plants encouraged by capitalists and the Government; and 16 people are so well provided with emi^loyment by these great manu- ^cturiug interests that from neither France nor Belgium is there any nigration to the United States to speak of; not to exceed 5,000 or 000 per year on an average from France, and not to exceed 2,000 cm Belgium. 1 could not learn from Consul Roosevelt, or from other sources, that ,iy paupers were sent from Belgium to the United States. The price j.' labor in Belgium is about the same as in France; which is, common borers, 3 francs; mechanics, 3 J to 4 francs; masons, 4J francs; arti- ms, 2J francs; women, IJ francs; boys, 1.7 francs; girls, 1.1 francs; p day. The manufacturing cities of Belgium are crowded with killed laborers, and as compared with the United States, persons, as 30ve shown, are poorly i)aid. It is quite likely that many xieoi)le from elgium do find their way to the United States, but i^erhaps not so ,any as from other countries. The agricultural class furnishes the :rgest number of emigrants to the United States. The farm laborers 3t there only about 1.6 francs per day with board, and 2.G francs jithout board. Very many of the laboring class in Belgium own their *vn gardens and houses, and hence are held to their own country, lie manufacturing centers in Belgium furnish few emigrants. , Afterwards, in Italy I found that in all probability the fares from kalian ports, and from the northern iiorts, reached by means of rail- )ads, had been made so cheap that there was no necessity for Italians nger to go overland across France to Bordeaux to get a cheap passage • the United States; and in all probability this custom is not now so uch in vogue as when Mr. Eoosevelt was in Bordeaux. I ascertained in ,russels, also, the total emigration from Brussels for the years 1871 to >79, botii inclusive, six years, and the average was only about 1,400 if year; but in all probability this does not give the correct number 216 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. of emigrants to all countries jQ?om Belgium, because I learned in Be!: gium that many people in Belgium went first to France or England t} work temi^orarily, and from these countries probably many went to thii United States. ' ji At Antwerp, on the arrival of tlie JSTordlcmd, September 14, of thj] Red Star Steamer Line, from New York, seeing many Italians aboartjl as slie landed, I sent my interpreter on board to learn liow many ItaJ: ians there were; and he learned that there were 135 Italians out of 18' I steerage passengers. When they came out I sent my interpreter amon, them to talk with them. I also talked with several who could speaJ English. Those we talked with had been in the United States froi eleven days to eleven years. One fine-looking fellow said he could fiiii nothing to do in New York, so he was on his way back to Italy remaining in New York only eleven days. One man, who had beeB[; glass-worker at Pittsburg at $10 to $12 per week, said he had ""^ 13lenty to spend for wine and cigars Saturday night, had boarded self, and had saved about $2,000. Another, who had been in the Unite States six years, told me he had saved $700. Many had only beenj the United States a year, some of them two or three years. Most of those whom we talked with we found were only going b to Italy on a visit to their families, or to bring out friends. Mos them were plainly dressed ; and I noticed quite a number who shovels, and three or four of them had two shovels apiece. AU that they had been very nicely treated by the Americans; that t: had received in the United States three or four times as much pay their labor as they could get in Itnly. They also said that Americ was a splendid country for Italians. They paid for their passag from New York via Antwerp and by rail across Belgium, German; Switzerland, and the whole length of Italy to Naples, $30. The saved a good deal of time on their passage, although the fare wa more this way than by boat from New York direct to Naples, whic' only $27. A good many of them told my interpreter that they w coming back to ^asit their relatives and expected to bring out from t to six men each to the United States. Some of them said that the: friends were not able to go; that they should pay their i^assage, an that their friends would return them the money as soon as they coul earn it in the United States. Some of these Italians had already take their families to the United States, and others said they should tat their families back with them. HOLLAND. At the Hague, in Holland, I visited Hon. Samuel E. Thayer, tl United States minister there, and he informed me that he knew of i' discharged prisoners' aid societies in Holland; that he had nevt learned of any discharged prisoners or any ex-convicts or convicts h ing encouraged to leave the country to go to the United States or to an other place. And neither had he learned of any paupers being sent (j assisted to go. My interpreter at the Hague told me that in 1890 I had procured 20 brick masons and stonecutters in Eotterdam to go f New York for a contractor, who paid him 5 guilders for each one oV^ tained. He said that they had written back that they were well co]' tented and were doing well. He also said that he got 5 per cent cor' mission on the passage money from the steamboat companies at Bo terdam. This man also told me that the steamboat companies, or gener' i, ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 217 agents of tlie steamboat companies had runners out tlirough the agri- cultural districts to drum up passengers. He said that these runners praised uj) the United States very liighly, and told of the good oppor- itunities there were for getting employment and generally for making money. This man also informed me that not many months before, a person fiom New York, whose name he did not get, came to him and iw^ished him to employ 40 carpenters and masons, or as he put it, f' house mechanics," to go to ]S'ew York. He wished him to get them within twT) days, and he told him that he could not get them under two i«^eeks, whereupon the man said he would go to Amsterdam and get fhem there. ? I did not learn at the Hague of any general movement in Holland of people going in the sirring to the United States to work through the ^ummer and retnrn in the fall ; but at both Antwerp and Amsterdam I jearned of some who w^ent. In Amsterdam a business man told me phat he knew of 200 Kussian Jews who were in boarding houses wait- ng to go to the United States via boat from Amsterdam. I sent an nterpreter to talk with them, and he reported that he had talked with a great many, and that they said they were driven out of Russia, many to hastily that they lost all they had, and that there were many dis- tressing cases among them. He saw Mr. Dents, who was a member of bhe local Amsterdam committee of Jews (tliere are about 50,000 Jews [n Amsterdam), which committee was assisting these Jews to go to the iJnited States. The chairman of this committee was Mr. Wertheim, j)f Wertheim & Gomperts, a business firm of Amsterdam. Mr. Deuts infoiined my interpreter that there were 350 Jews then in jimsterdam waiting to go to the United States by the first boat. He |dso informed the interpreter that the committee paid one guilder, iibout 40 cents, for lodging and breakfast and one-half guilder for sup- per for them. He said that they paid £3 lOs. passage money for the klults from Amsterdam to ISTew York or Philadelphia, and that the jBarou Hirsh fund had nothing to do with the matter j that the money •vas all provided by the local committee. SWITZERLAND. ^ From Amsterdam I proceeded to Switzerland. Although I was in several places in Switzerland, I could nowhere learn that there was any )resent Government, municipal, or society aid given to either criminals )r paupers to aid them in going to the United States. At Berne I had several interviews Avith the learned and jDhilanthropic Dr. Guillaume, fhe director of the bureau of federal statistics of Switzerland. He fvas very courteous and gave me much information. Dr. Guillaume was formerly director of the prison of IiTeuchatel, where Mr. Wines, of Bpringfield, 111., spent a month several years ago studying Dr. Guil- ♦aumc's system of prison discipline. J Dr. Guillaume was one of tiie first, if not the first, to put into practi- pal operation the prison reforms in vogue all over the world at the present time ; and he has been one of the leaders inaugurating the new system of reporting to officers by ticket-of-leave, and keeps himself in lirect touch with all prison reform men in Europe and the United States. Dr. Guillaume believes that criminals can be reformed thoroughly 1 which is a directly opposite theory to the one held by Chief Inspector !^eame, of London, who is at the head of the British system of surveil- auce for convicts after leaving prison, and whom I talked with in Lon- f 218 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. don). But Dr. Guillaume thought that a person who has once been convict should for the rest of his life, in a measure, be watched; th is, he should be required to report to some person who is a member of society for assisting ex-convicts, and to report to him for the purpo of getting advice. That is, some member of a society should be tl adviser during the rest of his life to an ex-convict. Dr. Guillaume informed me that there was an international socie in Europe, with members in nearly every country, and so arranged th an ex-convict desiring to leave one country and go to another could 1 accredited to some member of a society in the country to which the e convict was going, and to whom the convict would report as to an a visor. In this way the ex-convict constantly has a person to whom ] can go for friendly advice. At the same time the person is semiol i cially a government officer for the purpose of keeping watch upon tl. | movements of the ex-convict. And the society in its difterent brancht : or perhaps I should say membership, in the various countries in Europj is under Government patronage to a certain extent. Dr. Guillaume informed me that in Switzerland no ticket-of-lea\^ I man who is still under the surveillance of the member of the socie! r or of an officer would be allowed to leave Switzerland ; and if he shou ? leave a requisition would be sent for him. He said to me : They report in the United States that we send our criminals and paupers to yc country, but this not a fact. Switzerland is the friend of the United States. Th(, may be some who go, and twelve or fifteen years ago some of the cantons of Switz land may have helped them to go to the United States, but only a few, and they not do it now. 4i Dr. Guillaume also informed me that all the members of their in national society and all prison philanthropists throughout Europe, wi whom he is in constant correspondence, believe that their system oug to be extended over the United States; so that if an ex-convict leav Europe from any country the members of the international society \ the United States could be apprised of his presence, and in the Unit States be required to report to and receive advice from some memt of this world's i)hilanthropic prisoners' aid society. He thinks tla^^ such an arrangement should be under the patronage of the Govei, ment of the United States or of the States, and arranged by treaties. Dr. Guillaume emphasized the fact that convicts were strictly h( ^ in Switzerland until the full term of the sentence and of their term :' surveillance had expu^ed. He expressed to me the very strong ho; that the Government of the United States and of the States woi - give such encouragement to such societies that all its convicts l Christian countries would be under the advice of a member of sucl i society constantly (really a system of surveillance) during the life f the ex- convict, in whatever country he might be. ' It is but fair for me to here state that I did not disclose to Dr. Gi laume my official character. I will say that through my interpreter > Luzerne and Geneva I learned that ten or fifteen years ago it was i- derstood that persons were sometimes assisted by the local authoritiJ ^k of the Cantons, or possibly by ratepayers, where they were not want* , to leave, and generally for the United States. But Dr. Guillau:' informed me that the matter of the emigration to the United Sta ' was sometimes a serious one for certain localities of Switzerland; tl J a few persons from a commune in the mountains would go to the Unit! States, and would do so well and send such reliable reports back ) their friends and neighbors that often a whole commune would sell ( J^ their property and go to the United States with their famihes, th ' ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 219 teacliers, and their ministers; and that tliis had sometimes become so grave a matter tliat the Federal Government had through him as the director of the federal statistics, caused an inquiry to be made con- "cerniiig the amount of wealth which each emigrant going from Switzer- land took with him. • Dr. Guillaume said that their investigations have been long and thor- ough, and that they had now arrived at a pretty accurate estimate of the average amount of funds which was taken out of Switzerland to the United States by emigrants, through bank drafts, postal orders, and other ways of conveying funds not actually in cash itself. But he said tliat the average amount of money which each emigrant carried with him when leaving was still a matter of only conjecture; that they had not yet devised any plan wliich could be put into figures, so im- portant as would the estimates to be given in the federal statistics of Switzerland. I may here add tliat Dr. Guillaume has furnished me with the statis- tics of the earnings of every possible member of a household of every possible department of life in Switzerland; also the expenses of every member of a household in all departments of life, together with many other very interesting statistics. I expected to receive from Dr. Guillaume the statistics which the Federal Government of Switzerland have collated, through Dr. Guillaume's efforts, on the subject of the amount of funds taken by the emigrants of Switzerland to the United States, but up to the i)resent time I have not received the same. Should I hereafter receive them, I will send the same to you. I shall also de- posit with you these statistics received. I desire here to acknowledge the receipt, through Dr. Guillaume, of all Df the reports on all of the subjects discussed at the last International Prison Conference, held at St. Petersburg, which together with his w^orks on the same subject, I shall deposit with you. Of course, in talking With Dr. Guillaume, as I did not disclose my official capacity, I did not baU his attention to the fact that no ex-convicts could be received into the United States at all. I From the rei)ort above referred to, transmitted to the honorable the Secretary of State, by the Hon. Geo. Gifford, United States Consul at Basle, Switzerland, it will be seen that from the report of agents alone, Bach emigTant carries about 100 francs to the United States exclusive of cash, bank drafts, postal orders, personal effects, and legacies. This report also confirms the information of Dr. Guillaume that now crimi- bsds and paupers are not sent to the United States. ITALY. On the 26th of September, 1 arrived in Turin, on my way to meet pommissioners Powderly and Schulties at Milan, as had been agreed apon. On the 27th of September, Commissioners Powderly, Schulties, and nyself, met at Milan by previous arrangement. I had stopped at Turin m route; and on the same day Commissioners Powderly and Schulties >tarted for Naples, where I followed them the next day. We proceeded mmediately to Naples for the reason that we had learned that the OaUforniaj of the Anchor line, was due to sail from Naples on Sep- tember 29. But for some reason she did not sail for about four days ater. At Naples I visited all the steamship companies' general agents and Ha '■ej J •01' 220 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. had conversations with tlieni in reference to the object of my missioi In several interviews with Mr. Holme, the general agent of the Anch Line in Italy, he informed me that they were not carrying as many e grants at that time as they had during a corresponding period in 181 Mr. Holmes gave me the numbers carried from Naples to the Unite States ports from July 1, 1890, to July 1, 1891, by the three princip: lines (pooled lines), the Anchor Line, the Faber Line, and the Navigatioi General Italienne, as 42,227^ on the basis of adults, 2 children beiii reckoned as one adult; of which 33,104^ on adult basis were passag<| paid with cash in Italy, and 8,023| were j^repaid from the United Stater and my interpreter informed me that many of the emigrants whom 1 met at the depot, and talked with, he found had the money sent the direct from the United States to purchase their tickets with. j These figures do not include the IS'ational Line (French line). I havenc I yet received the numbers carried by the National Line, although I ha^ \ sent to United States Consul Twells for them. Mr. Holme informe me that hitherto the Italian Government had discouraged in man ways and by x^nblic methods the emigration to South America, for tl reason that the Italian people had not been well treated there. Mr. Holme also informed me that the Queensland Government ha given such assurances to the Italian Government that now contracts wej permitted for people to sign to go to QueensJand as emigrants, und( such terms that their passage was ])aid, the family working two ye for the owner of the land to repay the passage money, which is aboi $83 for each adult person; and alter the two years then the land cor panics for whom they worked are to sell them a tract of land, to L paid for in ten years, one-tenth to be paid each year. Mr. Holir showed me the contract to be signed by the emigrants, which is printe both in Italian and English. The fair from Naples to Brazil is |;:| and to the United States $25. Mr. Holme also said to me that it was well understood in steamboi circles, though he had no official confirmation of the same, that t' Brazilian Government had also given such assurances to the Italian Go' ernment ot protection to Italian emigrants going to that country and a^ assurance of fair pay for two years for their work, that the Italian Gor; ernment had sanctioned a contract made by the Brazilian Governmei with the steamship comi)any owned and operated from Genoa, Italy, t Eio de Janerio, and that the passage of these Brazilian emigrants ws^ paid from their homes to the x>lace in Brazil where they were furnishe work. He thought this probably for a few years would greatly dimu ish the number of Italian emigrants going to the United States. Mr. Holme remarked : "A stream of emigration once started nev(' stops." And he said that this stream had begun to run to the Unite States ; and that the letters which came backfrom the Italian emigrant in the United States, together with the constant flow of money backt their friends, was a powerful incentive to emigration, and that th large stream of emigration from Italy to the United States would coi tinue in large numbers, notwithstanding the free emigration to Queenf land and to Brazil. His company sends a steamer from Naples to tb United States and one from the United States to Naples about ever two weeks. They have an average return movement of about two hm dred on every steamer at that time of year. This company acts a bankers, as do all of the steamship companies, nearly, at Naples and i Italy; and they are constantly advised of the amounts of money whic are being sent back fi^om the United States to Italy. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 221 Mr. Holme invited United States Consul Twells and the commission- I llrs to be present at the time of the Government inspection of the steam- ^Ihip California, on Friday, October 2d, the day of the sailing of the Ucssel, at 11 o'clock a. m. At 11 o'clock that day, Consul Twells and "^ iiyself went to Mr. Holme's office, and Commissioners Powderly and -Mchulties went directly to the steamboat. At Mr. Holme's office we ; icre informed that Mr. Holme was not present, and that he had left ' iord that 2 o'clock would be a better hour for us to go. Mr. Twells md myself then returned to Mr. Holme's office at 1.45 p. m., and at 2 . i'clock, with Mr. Holme, we went to the steamer California, where I i bund commissioners Powderly and Schulties had been since 11 o'clock - Bmong the emigrants. Commissioner Schulties immediately joined Mr. '■4 (wells and myself to view the inspection which was then going on. \ At that time a physician stood at a table vaccinating the passengers )'i ind a police officer was inspecting their passports and asking various ^ fuestions. As I now remember they said the medical inspection had - kken place before we arrived. In my presence the officer sat out two hen whom he said, as Avas explained to me, were under false passports, Jnd I Avas told that one of tiiem admitted that the passport was not is own. Tliere was a good deal of discussion and conversation at the ^ iiloscof the inspection in reference to the other man set out and put in fjharg(^. of a seargeant by the police off.cer, but one, Chamoni, who teemed to have charge of the whole nmtter, and was, I was told, a J ijery wealthy man who had a sort of a brokerage business in clearing 'essels at the port, urged very strongly that the man be permitted to 0. Mr. Schulties, who was at my side, informed me that he under- tood the officer, and that the officer claimed that one of the men was \inted by the police; that he had been thirteen years out of fourteen ehind the bars, and the officer said, putting the papers into his pocket, this man is in chargeof my sergeant; I shall keep him; he is wanted y the i)olice;" but after a few minutes' conversation witli Mr. Chimino i) (oth of these men were permitted to remain aboard the ship and took I beir places among the passengers. I I 1 did not see Commissioner Powderly while I was aboard the shij), ) iut Commissioner Schulties informed me that Commissioner Powderly i^as then" aboard the ship, and had been since 11 o'clock, observing • l^hat was going on. Afterwards Commissioner Powderly informed me hat he had seen everything that was going on. To a question which i j asked Mr. Holme, in the presence of United States Consul- Twells i pd Commissioner Schulties as to his opinion as to the practicability of ■J JDnsular inspection, he replied that he thought it would be very detri- |iental to the interests of the carrying trade, as it would greatly im- jede emigration and would not result in getting any better class than pw went from Italy. Mr. Holme informed me that his instructions from the headquarters ' ff his conipany at Glasgow, from Messrs. Henderson Bros., was in every i fay to observe the laws of the United States, and to sell no tickets to lie prohibited classes. He informed me that they i)referred to have he police authorities make the examination on board the vessels, be- ause if one of the jiivohibited class was found aboard the vessels the dice would have a right to take him oft' and prevent his going, whereas le steamboat company itself could not do this if they had a ticket un- 'ss the emigrant w^as objectionable under the sanitary laws of Italy. Mr. Holme informed me that their agents were paid 10 per cent on lie passage money of passengers procured by them. II. Ex. 37 50 f 222 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. i also liad an iiiter\iew Tvitli Mr. L. Balsamo, agent of tlic National Line, wliicli is not in the pool and is a Frencli line. He opposed con-' sular inspection, as did all the steaniboat agents at Naples. I also bad an interview with Messrs. W.T. Luca & Bros., the ageuts,' of the Faber line of stearaers going to New York. Mr. Wickersham, ' United States vice-consul at Naples, was present at my first interview.5 I first had an interview with the younger brother and afterwards witlij the elder brother. They said that they tried to be very strict; thati they printed the United States laws regarding emigration and sent] them broadcast OA^er their territory, which is the whole of Italy. They informed me that under the laws of Italy, which is below explained,, they put up in the hands of the Governiuent 100,000 francs in Go^'crn ment bonds of Italj', 60,000 francs in Government bonds being the low est amount required of any agent under the laws of Italy as securi for the good treatment of the emigrants and for the observance of t] laws of Italy in regard to emigration. Messrs. Luca informed me tljat they refused all improper perso: when they were discovered, and that they held their subordinati responsible; that they thought the contracts of the Genoa com])any to take 150,000 Italians to Brazil free Avonld take a better class of people to the United States, and they, with all their agents there, agreed that the emigrants mostly go from the country. They inibrmed me tliat their next boat from New York would contain about 290 passengers coming back from New York to Italy; that they acted as bankers, and that there was a continual stream of money retiu'ning I'rom the United States to Italy through the Italiam emigrants. They said tlicy thonglit emigration was a good thing for Italy, as it brought so much money to the country, as thousands returned every year and spent the winter in Italy, returning to the United States in the spring to work during the spring, summer, and fall. These gentlemen also informed me that emigrants often sent for theii families, and many emigrants returned to Italy to live after making some money. They said that through their banking departments the Italians of the United States often sent money to pay off mortgages ou their property. This firm have subagents all over Italy. The elder of these brothers had recentl^^ been to England in confer ence with the three pool lines that sail boats from Naples. He m formed me that the pool pays the expenses of litigation in the Unit-|<3 States under the laws of the United States in regard to emigrants, He also informed me that when he was in Liverpool it was iheii thought that the North German Lloyd Company, in a new line oi steamers placed by it on the line between Italy and the United Statee while I was in Italy, would not carry steerage passengers; but that it was then found that the company's steamers had been fitted up tf carry about 1,100 steerage passengers each, and that this line would now compete w^th any other four lines running from Italy to the United States. This gentleman thought that the Brazil contract would greatly lesser emigration to the United States, as thousands more now went tc Brazil than to the United States, and the Italian Government sane tioned it and it did not sanction it last year. These gentlemen both opposed consular inspection, as it would be ? bar to a great many going who would otherwise go. They showed ni( the names of seven men from Sicily whom they had refased to tak( aboard their steamers because the evidence from their tickets wa^ plain to them that they had arranged to go out as contract laborers ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 223 They informed me that they were doing everything they could, and should continue to do everything they could, to keep themselves iu harmony with the laws of the United States. I sent my interxireter to the railway station to interview the emigrants as they came in. He reported to me that four tailors were going by the California to Baltimore; that their friends sent the money for them to go. Three street sweepers were going to Kew York; that a street- { sweeper in New York, who was a friend of the men, sent them the money to go, and told them that they could get a great deal more by going (liiect to him to sweep the streets, than they could make by hiring out at tlie agencies near the wharf. In the letter they were cautioned not to go to tlie agencies to get work, as they would only get there $1.75 to $2 a day, while in sweeping the streets they would make several dol- lars per day more. The interpreter gave me the number that was given tliem where they were to go in New York. These men, the interpreter said, were large, strong men. Four or five stone masons, he reported, from Naples were going to a certain agency in New Yoik, where they were to be furnished work. He also reported that there were some carpenters and i^ainters, who were going to Boston from near Rome to work; and that they had been promised a large price i)er day. Several gardeners were going to Brooklyn, N. Y., and they, too, had been i)romised a large price per j day. These men refused to give their names to the interpreter, and also refused to give the names of the persons for whom they were to work. The interpreter also reported to me that the steamboat agency who , had sold them their tickets had given them these figures, and in all of \ these cases the figures were very much higher than I knew they could I possibly get in any of those kinds of business in the United States. Some shoemakers were going to Philadelphia. These were in families and were going to friends tliere, wlio write they were doing w^ell. They J got the money to go from their friends. I Mr. Robert O'Neil Wickersham, the United States vice-consul at ; Naples, who was formerly from Philadelphia and is engaged in busi- ness in Naples, is thoroughly posted in reference to Italian matters. He gave me the following estimates of the pay which laborers got in Southern Italy, to wit: Farm laborers, 1 to 2 francs per day and find themselves; women, 1 to 2 francs; common laborers, 2 fr-ancs; good stonecutters, 4 to 8 francs; common stonecutters, rather less; carpenters, 4 to 5 francs; masons, 3 to 4 francs; hod carriers, 2 to 3 francs; women and boys, common work, one-half to 1^ francs; aU day work. Laborers pay for rent from 18 to 30 francs a month. The pe()i)le of Southern Italy are industrious, saving, and sober. Both Mr. Wickersham and United States Consul Twells said that they seldom ever saw drunken people. All the steamboat agents in Italy are compelled by the Government to place in the hands of the Govern- ment from 60,000 to 100,000 francs, according to the amount of terri- tory that they desire to have subagents in, as a guarantee of good treatment to the emigiants. This, it will be observed, creates a monop- oly at least, and for this reason these general agents have great con- trol over their subagents; and if the general agents are watchful and strict, they can enforce the lu'ovisions provided for in the United States laws against the emigration into the United States of the prohibited classes. All Italians leaving Italy by any seaport are compelled to have a i passport; but this is not strictly required when leaving Italy by rail- 224 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. way; and a great many of the Italian people when leaving Italy to gjoj into an adjoining country to work temporarilyj take temporary pass-j ports for one year. The Italian people are very fond of their childreii, and those Avho go from Italy to the United States in the spring to re-l turn in the fall, though, i)erhaps, a great many more stay a year or two) and then return, meantime send their families nearly all of their earninga.! Among all of the lower classes nearly all of the women and childreaj work to help snpx)ort the families. I found in Naples that great numbers of people were going to Soi America, as many, if not more than were going to the United Stal I was informed that the ItaUan Government would not grant X)assporte| to Italians to leave the country who could not work and earn their liv- ing in foreign countries (hut the laws or orders as below given dispute! this), because there had been so much trouble through applications of' Italians who could not work to be sent back to their own country from foreign lands. A passport in Italy costs $3.50. I sent my interpreter among the passengers who were about to saili on the Bolivia to South America from Naples. Tie found that it was tni^| that the Brazilian Government was paying all the expenses of the ei grants from their homes in Italy to their places of work in Brazil, wil assurances of better pay than in tlie United States (the emigrants the term North and South America). This plan had been started fore tlie change of Government in Brazil, but fear of trouble in Bn had deflected great numbers to the United States in 1890 and up to tl present time. My interpreter reported to me that the emigrants told him that th^| would go to the iilaces which were '^tlie easiest to get there" (on tl Une of least resistance, political scientists would say). At all event at the time when I was in Naples about equal numbers went on tl Bolivia to Brazil and on the California to New York. The fare to Bm zil was $33, the fare to New York $25. Each boat took about 700 pa sengers. I was informed by Mr. , the clerk in the United States consul office at Naples, that Formicola, in the south of Italy, was, a few years ago, a village of GOO people; that now there were only about 300 people, which are nearly all women and children, there being only about a dozen or tiftcen men left in the village, Avhile the rest of the men have gone to the United States where they earn money to send back to their families. The Bolivia, fi'om New Y^ork to Naples, landed, September 24, 1891, 218 steerage passengers from New York returning to Italy. There are now about 90 steamboat sailings from Naples to the United States each year, carrying emigrants to the amount of about 50,000. The re- turn movement, singularly enough, in Italy I found to be entirely un- like that to Scotland and other portions of Great Britain and Ireland, as the Italians commenced to come back from the United States in August, and this back movement continues pretty strongly until Novem- ber, when it commences to go the other way, fr-om Italy to the United States. About 3,000 per year go from Palermo, in Sicily, to New Orleans, of whom 95 per cent are agriculturalists, so estimated by the steamboat officers. As Naples was the center of emigration activities in Italy, and as we had the best opportunities at Naples to study the question, it was thought that it would be needless expense for all three of the commissioners to goto Sicily, and it was therefore determined between us that Commissioners Powderly and Schulties should go to Sicily, while ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 225 I went to Eonie to iiiake investigatious in reference to the possibility of Italian convicts being sent to, or assisted to go to tbe United States, Avliich I did. I afterwards visited Florence, Venice, and Milan, for the pmpose especially of finding out whether or not ex-convicts were in any organ- ized way sent to the United States. But, while I made thorough inves- tigations in all these cities to find out whether or not there were pris- oners' aid societies for this or any purpose, I neither could learn that sucli was the fact, nor had any of the United States consuls, nor the actiiig minister of the Uidted States in Italy ever heard of any con- victs or paupers being sent systematically to the United States by any organized effort, either through the Government or through municipal officers or societies. Undoubtedly a great many very poor people • manage to get from Italy to the United States, but it is done in a way which I shall refer to hereafter, and concerning which Commissioners Powderly and Schul- ties obtained valuable information. I could not anywhere in Italy learn of any prisoners' aid societies and I became satisfied that none existed as such. Still it is probably true that many philanthropic people in Italy are in touch and sympathy with the movement explained to me by Dr. Guillaume, of Berne, in reference to giving advice and assistance to ex-convicts; as is probably true in France, Germany, and all other European countries. The basis of the great emigration from Italy to both North and South America is, of course, overpopulation, without sufficient labor and em- ployment, and general poverty. This is especially true of Southern Italy. There is no divorce in Italy. People marry young and have large families, as a rule, among the common people, and especially among the (tommon countiy people, of whom nine-tenths of our Italian emigrants consist. Nearly all the labor in the country districts is farm labor. It long ago reached its limit in supplying means of support to tlie pe()i)le. In the northern cities, such as Turin, Milan, and Venice, manufacturing has been greatly stimulated during the new regime, and this is giving employment to the very industrious and economical peo- l)le of the north. Silk manufacturing is taking an imi^ortant rank there. There are 5,000 women in Venice alone employed in making lace, and their glass and other factories have long been famous. Tliere is a large emigration from north Italy, but from Naples alone there went to the United States by ocean, sailing directly from Naples, about 50,000 people from June, 1890, to June, 1891. In southern Italy there is but little manufacturing, and no spirit of developing such industries. In northern Italy and in the mountain dis- trctis, many people own their little plats of land. It is not so much so in southern Italy. The rich plain lands of northern Italy, as well as the valleys and plain lands of southern Italy, must necessarily have extensive systems of irrigation, and owing to this, the land gets into the hands of large owners, and the farmers can seldom own the land they work. Irrigation often, and in fact nearly always, requires the combination of capital and the union of large estates to provide the necessary water for irrigating jmrposes, and keep up repairs of irrigat- ing systems; (consequently the great mass of the farm workers, whence come almost all of our immigrants, are poor, with i)oor ancestors, with no real interest in the soil, with only an interest in the climate, the legeiuls, the patriotic songs, the flags, the religion, and the history of the country. In southern Italy, in times past, and in fact during very recent years, H. Ex. 235 15 226 ENFORCEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. the people liave not looked upon brigandage and acts of robbery as have always the Anglo-Saxon race 'and the noithern races generally. Hence the Mafia Society in Sicily, the Camorra Society in Naples, and the Society of the Evil Eye in the Adriatic provinces of southern Italy. J have had easy s^yay. It is a remnant of old piratical times, and man^j of the people look on such systems as one way of getting a living, asj did the wreckers on some parts of our own Atlantic coast in formei I years. j With great illiteracy (from 65 per cent to 85 per cent of the people | can not read or write) — now being rapidly reduced under the new r^-l gime — general poverty, no emx^loyment for the increasing millions, em-^ igration agents have little to do except to show the people where to go.i how to go, and how to manage the finances of the passage. I do not think that .service in the army has much, if any, influence ODl the emigration movement in Italy, except the enormous taxes it entaikj on the people. The army seems to be very popular with the soldiergj generally. The poor man's sons have an opportunity to associate witbj the sons of those better to do. They have two hours each day schooling, j and often get the only education they have in the army. I was told] the youths of Italy look forward with great interest to the period oil service in the army. Taxes are very burdensome, as it is laid in so many ways. Nearl;y all the cities have a tarifi' on all produce which enters tliei'e, the sanu as at Paris (where the inner walls are kept now not for defense, but a^ an easy method of collecting the city tariff at the gates, where even X)ossible product of farm, mine, quarry, forest, brickyard, vineyard, brewery, distillery, orchard, garden, etc., paj^s a tariff' to the cityj an(] every i^crson entering by rail, boat, tram, or afoot, must declare what he has in bundle, gri]), basket, vehicle, etc.). In Kaples, as one illustration, I was told that it costs about $8 cit} tariff to get an ox from the country into the city to be slaughtered. All that the agent has to do is to show the men where they can make more than 25 or 30 cents per day (their usual pay in Italy) and how tc get there. As Mr. Holme well put it: "When once the stream of emi- gration commences, it never stops;" which is true, at least until the equilibrium is establislied. It has commenced to run from Italy to oui shores as well as to South America, and long may the day be distant before the equilibrium shall be 'established so far as the conditions oj pay and the opportunities of the laboring class are concerned, between that class in Italy and the same class in the United States. Probably until quite recently, nearly every man who left Italy for tli( United States was contracted for, as they greatly preferred an assure(; place, even at small wages, in a foreign country. The great majority gO| ing to the United States do well — quite well for Italy. There is an endless stream of letters going from the United States to their friends in Italy — those who can not write get friends to wiite for them — and these let j ters nearly always tell of the welldoing of the emigrants. There is fi continual stream of men coming back through every port of Italy and through every mountain tunnel into Italy from the northern ports oJJ Europe, in the fall time, who all incite others to also go to the United! States. The peox)le in Italy say they notice a great change in the men win have been in the United States. Those who return are independeni and self-reliant. They are constantly bestirring others to go. Eacl Italian in the United States can easily secure a place for a friend, an(i the process is ever being repeated. Every ship returning in the fal ENFORCEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 227 brings back from 200 to 300. Tliese men who return in the fall assist in putting in certain crops and doing certain work before they return again to the United States. Well may the steamboat agents above referred to have urged upon the Italian Government that it was a great error to oppose the Italian emigration, as it brought so large a stream of money back into Italy. Of course very many finally take out their families and remain per- manently in the United States. These southern Italians are sober^ industrious, and economical, and fond of their children, and send to their families the money which they earn. They are hot-blooded; hence so many murders in Italy (about 5,000 yearly), and a great majority of tliem in southern Italy. All of the steamboat agents acting as bank- ers are doubtless in some way connected Avith the great numbers of Italian banks in ISew York, Brooklyn, and Jersey City, which I am credibly informed is more than 80 in New York alone. These New York banks in some way provide the Italians in the United States with tickets with which to bring their friends over from Italy* and in all probability, more or less, this is true of the banks in Italy; as we were informed tliat they charge very large profits for the amount of money sufiicient to i>ay the passage over, from 100 to 200 per cent. Italy with its thirty million of i)rolific people can send to the United States several millions of people. With the five large steamship lines sailing from the Italian ports; with all the steamshii) lines from Havre, Boulogne, Antwerp, Eotterdam, Amsterdam, Bremen, and Hamburg, all with railway facilities and connections into and through Italy, and with the competition of the southern steamboat lines and of the northern steaml)oat lines for the carrying trade; with millions of people with little employment, it is only needed that there shall be the machinery of banking and brokerage connections that shall furnish the money for the passage ticket either from America or in Italy, with connections in America to collecit the money from the emigrants, so soon as earned; for the steamship companies do an enormous business in carrying emigrants from Italy to the United States and from the United States back to Italj^ again in large numbers. One hundred and fifty thousand iDassengersfrom Italy each year who are willing to go in " freight space," is a great incentive to the various steamship companies and railway companies to compete for the busi- ness. So it is that Italy is a net work of emigrant agencies and influ- ences. Wherever the people are poor, prolific, landless, and factoryless, there is the haymaking of the steamslup companies and the emigrant agents, to carry them to the '' land of high wages." Italy has millions of poor landless workers, who are willing and eager to w^ork in any part of the world. Neither the capitalists nor the Government provides them with labor, as is provided in France, Bel- gium, England, and some other countries by manufacturing industries. There is little prospect for them and their large families in Italy. To them the United States is painted as a land inviting all comers, rich in material wealth, rich in money, and rich in the facilities afforded to laborers to work. They are told that there are plenty of factories, rail- ways, faxms, mines, quarries, and buildings for them to work on or in. They can easily get their friends in America to become security to the Italian so-called banks in New York or other places for the mere pit- tance of their passage money over; and once in the United States they manage to make money enough to go and come at will. In every com- munity there is some subagent to tell them the story, to tell them where to go, how to manage to get the money to go, and where to embark. 228 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. The question of whether or not scores of thousands will still continiii to go froin Italy to the United States yearly, is the question of whether or not men will sell their labor in the highest market. While I did not have proof that those who Avere going at the time I was in Italy were going ' under contract to labor, at the same time the facilities for having labor assnred them when they got there is so great that I believe that most of them have an assnrance of labor being inovided. That is, they are told to go to certain places when they arrive in Kew York, and that there labor will be j)rovided for them. They are the emi)loyment agencies connected with so-called banks in Is^ew York. The Government of Italy, so far as I could learn and was informed, neither enconrages nor discourages emigration. Indeed, the Govern- ment in its orders emj)hasizes the fact that it is free except as to sol- ' diers owing service. From the fact that the North German Lloyd* Company have recently titted up their steamers to carry 1,100 steerage- passengers from Italy, shows that the steamboat companies count- largely upon the return movement from the United States to Italy to round up the balance of their profits. ' I believe that the movement from Italy to the United States will not only continue, but be greatly accelerated in the future. These great' ll mono])oly agencies in Italy are doubtless making large fortunes, the; |"* material is there to work ui)on, and it would not be human nature for either the agency or the steamboat companies to lose the profits in carrying the millions of workers in Italy longing for work; and as long" ||i as those who go from Italy to the United States manage in some way; to find work in the United States at good wages, so long will this move- ment continue. ' Every man in Italy has a perfect record kept of him at the i^lace oi\ his birth. When he gets his passport it is examined. He has to send^ it withhis application for a passport. His police record is also examined.^ Certificates from these records are in all matters required in the large' cities of persons whom employers are about to employ as house servants. United States Consul-General Boiu^ne, at Eome, was of the opinion* that if the United States Government required the police record alone" of each emigrant that that would shut the gates against the ex-convicts. In all probability neither the Italian Government nor any govern-' ment will take any measures to stop their ex-convicts, their paupers, \ their insane i)eople, or their idiots or any other objectionable classes,' from leaving their country to go to other countries, when so many of* their healthy, strong, and most desirable people are continually leaving their countrj^ for foreign shores. j The statistics of Italy show that there is a greater proportion of crime^^ to the number of its people than in any other country in Europe,^ although the statistics also show that this proportion is being cut down'; year by year, showing that the struggle of the Government with thei worst classes is being more and more successful each year. But thei statistics also show that there must be many ex-convicts mixed up with the population, especially in southern Italy and Sicily, and it must be true that many of these undoubtedly go with other emigrants to the United States. With the perfect record kept in Italy of every person born and brought up there, if any law should be passed requiring con- sular or other inspection of individual emigrants near the homes of the intending emigrants, it would probably be as easily enforced in Italy as in any other country. In my observations into the causes of the large emigration from Italy to the United States, I was peculiarly struck with the fact that in those ENFORCKMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 229 l<)calities Avhere tliei e were necessarily large annual expenditures for systems of irrigation that there were very little separate holdings by the country people and farmers, and that emigratioji was very free from those districts; and that as the United States and the several States are about making large appropriations in the arid districts of the United States for irrigation purposes, that now is the time to dis- cuss the subject of the future protection of the small holders in all this region of country; that where Congress makes appropriations for irri- gation, or where the States or Territories make the same appropria- tions, that the prices and distribution of water and the repairs of irri- gating ditches should be placed under State or municipal control for the future protection of the owners of small plats of land. Otherwise all tracts of land within irrigated districts must sooner or later fall to either wealthy families or wealthy corporations, as the land will be en- tirely controlled by the x)rice or the distribution of water or the neces- sary repairs upon the ditches and streams furnishing the same. In my studies in Italy on this emigration subject this became one of the com- monest side issues presented to my mind. As an ilJustration of how the territory is covered from the northern seaports of France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany, by the various steamboat lines from Havre, Bologne, Antwerp, Eotterdam, Amster- dam, Bremen, and Hamburg, I forward Schedule C, in the German language, whicli is a book issued ostensibly by the Red Star Steam- boat Line, showing that the easiest, cheapest, and best way to reach the United States from Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Holland, r>elgium, and France is by the Red Star Line from Antwerp to New York, and the map in the fore part of the book gives the railway con- nections over all this territory down as far as Reggio in the extreme soutli of Italy; and with the office of the steamboats and the steam- boat agents of all the lines running from all these northern ports to Kew York also covering the same field, as well as all of the five steam- boat lines, which I have above referred to, covering the fields from the Mediterranean ports, you can gain a very accurate idea of what the competition is for passengers among all the steamboat lines all over the countries visited by me. This book also contains very interesting uiformatiou on the subject of the United States as a place to which to emigrate. Tliis book was handed to me by a clerk in the steamboat oflice of Louis Klein, in Berne, Switzerland. I also transmit the laws, regulations, and rules relating to emigration in Italy, which were pro- cured for me from the minister of the interior at Rome, by the courtesy of tlie acting United States minister, Hon. H. Remsen Whitehouse. These laws state definitely that emigration shall be free to all subjects of Italy, with the exception of soldiers owing service, who can not leave without permission of the Government. Passports are required from all emigrants from Italy, who leave by sea. All agents and subagents must be licensed by the Government, and the agents must deposit from 00,000 to 100,000 francs in Government bonds for security of the proper treatment of emigrants to the place of tlieir destination. These rules and regulations are very strict in the interest of the emi- grants, and hold the agents to a strict responsibility to the Government in every respect. It Avill be observed that the agent must inquire of the emigrant if he has sufficient means to take him to the place of des- tination, but can not inquire further of the emigrant; and the agent can not (iharge any fee for obtaining the passport nor for making con- tracts of passage, and can only charge the exact amount that may be 230 ENFOECEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ^ paid out. Tlie officers of tlie law are cliarged to be alert and on the watch to see that emigrants are protected in every respect. It is a notable fact that the Italian Government, while declaring that the emigration of its subjects is free from Italy, with the exception ol the soldiers and those, of course, in prison, yet requires everyone of the; 150,000 or more who emigrate from Italy every year, especially those who go by sea, to procure their civil record and their criminal record i and send the same to the proper officers to obtain a passport; and thati H^ the proper officers are required to exauiine the same, together with then contracts of passage and tickets, at the port of shipping and after they are aboard the steam shii). All this is required of every individual who leaves Italy as an emi- grant; but the United States, receiving them either as denizens or as future citizens, requires them to produce neither their civil nor theiij criminal record. ! The following extracts show what the Government of Italy has toj contend with iu its present struggle to keep down the tendency of the' people in the south of Italy to be lawless, and to carry out in then own way their ideas that the rich should support the poor, through force, theft, robbery, and murder if need be, I call your attention to two articles appearing in Italian papers during the year 1891, of whicli! I procured translations while in Italy. One is from the Illustrated: Italian, published at Milan, May 17, 1891. This article was called out; by the trial of the members of the Mala Vita Society of Bari, Italy. The article starts out as follows: The Camorra of Naples and the Mafia of Sicily exist in Apulia (Adriatic provinces of Soutliern Italy) nuder the name of Mala Vita, or "Evil Life." It is au ori^anized association with iron rules. Its object is theft, robbery, blackmailing, highway rob-; bery, and assassination. Then follows a full description of its objects, its initiation ceremonies.' and the duties and requirements of its officers and members, and gives names and incidents concerning the society. , The other article is from II Massagero, published at Eome, in August 1891. This document states as follows: THE STATUTE OF THE INFAME LEGGE. — INTERESTING REVELATIONS CONCERNING, THE RITES OF THE ORDER. • i There has been written from Andria to the newly published newspaper II Meridi- ^ onale, at Bari, the following facts: \ ^ " *' The readers will recollect the arresting here of many members of the association, ; ijl whose object was crime, known nnder the name of Infame Legge (infamous law).' i The searcbiugs and investigations made bj^ Marshal Margiotta^ of the Royal Cara-i biniers, after working long and making a fruitless investigation in the valley of St. Margaret, suspected as being one of the reunion places of the delinquents. There came to this city Captain Pietro Scaglione, and in accord with Marshal Margiotta, there was operated such an accurate investigation in a barn used as a depository foi ij. old barrels that had been used for refuse water, under the direction of Cyaltina Am- ;•: brogio, head of the Infame Legge, now under arrest, that after five hours of work i' and search there was discovered in au old barrel the statute and two lists of the ;f members.'' Then follows the statute of the society of the law between blackmailers] • ( (Oammanoti) and novices (Piciotti). i , All of which shows the infamy of these societies and of the difficulty under which the Government labors in breaking them up, on account of their secrecy and of the terrible punishment inflicted upon any per-,| jj^ son giving information regarding them. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 231 I desire also to call your attention to the efforts of ^ronsignor Gio. Batt. Scalabriui, Bishop of Piacenza, in establishing- societies in Italy and the United States and in South America for the protection of Italian emigrants to other countries, in which, in the table on page 12, taken from the statistics of the ^linister of Agriculture, Industry, and (Jominerce of Italy, regarding Italian emigration, is given both the per- manent and the temporary emigrants for each year from 187G to 188G, inclusive. One singular feature of Italian emigration is brought out. The table is as follows: ^S" Tempo- rary. Total. Year. nent. . rary. ^otaL 1876 19 756 89, 015 78. 12G 77, 733 79, 007 81, 967 94, 225 108, 771 99. 213 96,268 119, 831 119, 901 135,832 1882 65 748 95 814 16'' 562 1877 •- 2I.C87 1883 68. 416 100. 685 169 101 1878 1 18, 5:i5 1884 58. 049 88. 968 147, 017 1879 40 824 j 1885 77,029 80,164 157,193 84,352 83,053 167,377 1 1 188) 37,934 , 1886 1881 : 41,807 1 1 Emigrants for the years 1876 to 1S86. 1876 19,610 J 1877 21.069 \ 1878 18,043 1879 37,075 1S80 33,080 1881 40,871 1882 59,665 188:3 63,388 1884, 55,467 1885 72, 490 This table shows that on an average far more than one-half of the emigrants from Italy during the years named were temj^orary emi- grants. These possibly may include those who took out passports for one year only, which is the custom of very many who go from ]S"orth Italy to the adjoining states to seek work; but as it is a habit of the people, it may be taken for certain that the same habit extends to those who come from Italy to the United States, althougb i^robably the tend- ency after a few years' residence in the United States will be for the temporary emigrants, who are mostly men, to finally send for their fam- iUes. On page 15 of the same number is given the number of emigrants who went to the United States from Italy from 1876 to 1885, both in- clusive. Tliis table shows that in 1876 emigration commenced with about 20.000 to the United States, and in 1885 it had grown to over 72,000 ; and if the Italian Government has kept a record of the intention of the emigrants as to whether they were going permanently or only temporarily, and has kept them separate as to the emigrants going to the United States, then those records would be tbe only recorcls evi- dence of the proportions of the Italian emigrants to the United States who come here for the purpose only of earning money and taking them- selves and their money back to Italy, or whether they come here with the pur])Ose of becoming permanent citizens, although they do not at iiirst bring their families with them. I transmit a document concerning the Society of San Eaffaele, which is a society with headquarters in Xew York for the purpose, as it states, of keeping the Italian emigrants from falling into the hands of dishonest people in Xew York, to secure employment or work for them as long as possible, to minister to their spiritual wants, and to procure houses for the lodgment of poor emigrants, and particularly of boys and girls under age. This society is in close relation with an analogous Italian society for the protection of Italian emigrants, which 1 1. - 232 ENFORCEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. was biought about by the labors of Morisiguor Gio. Batt. Scalabriui above mentioned, wLicli society in Italy, in its notice of its objects, state, as follows: AVithin the last few mouths Italy has furnished to the Uuited States a number o emigrants considerably greater than any other single European country. Peopl believe that the United States is a promised land, and that nothing more than goiuj thitlier is necessary in order to become not only well-to-do but even rich. It is there f(u-e deemed advisable to call attention to the fact that the nnniber of those wh- sncceed in acquiring wealth is exceedingly small in comparison Avith the number o those who are doomed to disappointment. It may be to the advantage of some t settle in America; for others, the better course is to patiently bear the burdens poverty in their own country rather than run the almost certain chance of a grea misery in the United States. For those, however, who decide to emigrate to No America, the tbllowing points of advice are published: (1) At present the United States insists upon a more strict enforcement of provisions of law which prohibit the landing of emigrants who, by reason of an physical or moral disability, are not (or may soon cease to be) able to earn a liveli hood. Therefore, the aged, the maimed, the blind, the deaf-mute, and all person attected with contagious diseases, insanity, or other iutirmity, are excluded. (2) Likewise, emigrants having undergone penal imprisonment, or having thei passage paid bj^ others, or even having incurred an indebtedness subject to repay nient by means of a determined labor, or under ohlujations to work for a given time, ax sent back. (5) An emigrant intending to go beyond New York will be enabled to procure hi' railroad ticket, to exchange his money, to write his letters, send off telegrams, i)ui ehase provisions and other necessaries, without going out of the establishment callei ''The Barge Office." It is therefore strongly recommended that the emigrant shoult, resist the temptation of curiosity and not enter the city without safe direction, h case an emigrant has business Avith any bank in the city, a representative of th Society of San Raffeele will accompany him to such bank. ******* (9) An emigrant needing information or advice should apply to a person in tli Barge Ofitice wearing on his coat a silver cross. This will be a missionary of Mon signor Scalabrini, having authority to be present at the landing and in the offic for immigrants, for iimnedisite assistance to Italians on their arrival in America. ' (10) In order to guard the emigrants from any necessity of running around thj city of New York and exposing himself to serious danger, the above-named societj has established a bureau of labor. Let the emigrant apply to that bureau and h'?u'rt», about I the same time, bronght in 41)0 head of cattle, and immediately fitted up ; to carry passengers back to the United States in the place where the i cattle had been brought, and sailed for the United States on October '29; and that the steamer Scandinavian brought to Glasgow from the United States 490 head of cattle, and immediately fitted up the space J occupied by the cattle for emigrants, and returned to the United States jwith large numbers of sieerage passengers. Dr. Ryder said that he I could not say that it would be unhealthy to the emigrants to carry jtheminthe ships in the same space in which the cattle had been hronght from the United States to Great Britain. I only mentioned it here, as one feature of the profits accruing to the traffic lines between (ircat Britain and the United States. RESUME. Asa resume of the above facts and as conclusions, as requested by you in your letter of instrm.'tions : First. CoiH'erning your in(iuiry "as to the principal causes which operate in the several countries of Europe to incite emigration to the United States"— , Under this instruction my investigations lead me to the conclusion that in the countries visited by me that generally emigrants from Eu- Tope to the United States are drawn very largely, at least nine- tenths «)f them, from country districts where labor is scarce, where labor is jpoorly paid, and where laborers are generally poor and have not and call not expect to acquire at or near their old homes real estate for tlieniselves or their children. My observations have shown me conclusively that the great mass of our (Mnigiants from the countries visited by me and in other countries, ^0 far as I could learn by inquiry, came from those regions of country ^vhere manufacturing industries are at a very low ebb, and are neither <'!icour;iged, built ux), nor developed by either government encourage- iiUMit or th(i wisdom of capitalists, or by the enterprise and push of the lH3oplc themselves. A good illustration is afforded by Great Britain and Ireland. Great ''ritnin, with 35,000,000 of people, teeming with thousands of manu- facturing plants and hundreds of manufacturing cities and towns, -iffording millions of its people employment either through manu- 236 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. c factures or commerce, sends but 30,000 emigrants to the United States per year, wliile Ireland, with less than 4,000,000 of people, with few \ manufacturing industries, except in Belfast and Londonderry, sends out with very little general foreign shipping compared to that of Great Britain, to the United States an average of 35,000 emigrants each year. France, with about 35,000,000 of population, and Belgium with ; about 6,000,000 of population, together with more than 40,000,000 of ])opulation, both filled with manufacturing industries encouraged by their respective governments, theu' capitalists, and their enterprising and industrious people, send to the United States annually less than 8,000 emigrants. Italy, with about 30,000,000 of people, with no general spirit of man- ufacturing industries, except in the north of Italy, where silk man- ufactories, lace manufactories, glass manufactories, and some other in- dustries flourish, sends to the United States annually 70,000 emigrants; and as between north Italy, where manufacturing industries are to some extent promoted, and south Italy, where there is very little man- ufacturing energy, south Italy and Sicily sends to the United States about 50,000 emigrants by sea alone, besides some thousands by railroad and sea througli northern i)orts; and north and central Italy about 20,000. This same relation will be found to hold true in all probability thrcmgliout all Europe which I visited. Tiierelore, with overpopulation, with the regions of country where the prii'.cipal i)rodnctions are agricultural products (which under ordinary circumstances will only furnish a certain amount of labor, ' which long ago has reached its limit), with the proverbially large fam- 1 ilies in all agricultural districts throughout Europe, and the scarcity of ! employment for the peoi^le, emigration becomes a necessity. With this state of aftairs, with millions of people in the United States ' who have already gone from every household and hamlet in Europe; with the letters and the general spread of information in regard to the; well-doing of the emigrants who have preceded; with the streams of money wliich return to the old country from the dutiful sons and daugh- 1 ters of toil who have left Europe for the expanding cities and towns, and farms and factories of the United States. With all these iuflu-j ences, Avhich have been constantly at work for the past fifty years, can it be wondered that there is continually in every country in Europe, where manufacturing industries do not provide labor for the surplus" population from the country districts, a field ripe for emigation agentsj and emigration influences. It is but natural that the capitalists of Europe, or far-seeing, shrewd" men of business, calculating on these ever-fascinating influences in or from America, and these ever-increasing populations of Europe, con-j Stan tly reading about, studying concerning, and discussing the subject i of going to the United States, should organize the wonderfully com- ' plete and competitive methods now offered to the emigrants from every portion of Europe named above, to so easily and cheaply reach the, toj them, rich fields of labor in the United States. Second. The extent to which the movement is promoted or stimulated! by steamship or other carrying companies or their agents, for the re -! suiting passenger business? ! While I believe the people in all the countries of Europe have beer prepared principally by reports from friends who have gone before, and the general knowledge throughout Europe of the well-doing of th€, laboring classes in the United States, yet there is no doubt that the' ENFORCEIVIENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 237 organization of the steamboat agencies throughout Europe, which I visited, greatly facilitate and make easy emigration to the United States: And ^yhile I can not say that the steamboat companies use unfair or undue iuHuences, yet there is no doubt to my mind that to some extent in all countries visited by me, and to a very large extent 'in Italy, is emigration incited to the United States by tlie competitive efforts of steamboat agents, who are everywhere and at all times ex- ceedingly active. In stating this, I do not mean to say that the general agents through- out Eiuope, for the last few months, have not had an honest desire to harmonize their business and discipline their agents in such a manner as to bring themselves and all their agents within the rules contained in the Unired States laws in reference to selling tickets to objectionable (■migrants to the United States. So far as I had the assurances from the steiimboat owners and the general agents of the same, their assur- ances were i)ositive that they not only desired to, but were honestly endeavoring to conduct their business in a manner harmonious with the laws of the United States, which, they argue, is also very greatly to their own interests. But their business energy and competition greatly stimulates unobjectionable classes and classes not precluded by law. I know that in the ^Northwestern States of the United States, tickets from England and Korway to those States are sold on six months' to one year's time, to friends of intending emigrants. Third. The extent to which contract laborers are encouraged openly or covertly for exportation to the United States through agencies, and for what classes of employment? I have in my report above detailed instances of individual efforts at securing laborers by employers in the United States. I can not say that in my investigations I was successful in finding very many cases, nor cases where large numbers were openly employed; yet I believe that tliere is going on all the time individual cases of emi^loyers in the United States encouraging people returning to Europe to bring out operatives or laborers, and of those operatives or laborers already in the United States securing places for their friends in Europe before they emigrate. And I am constrained to believe that through the many Italian emi)loy- inent agencies and so-called banks in IS'ew York City and other places, that many thousands of the Italians who come to this country yearly are well assured that on their arrival at ^ew York employment Avill be found for them. Fourth. The extent to which criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other defectives, paupers, or persons likely to become a public charge, and persons affected with loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases, are encouraged or aided to emigrate to the United States in violation of our laws; and whether the aid or encouragement is furnished sys- tematically or otherwise, and whether by relatives, societies, commit- tees, or Government authorities? I did not anywhere learn that insane persons, idiots, or other defect- ives were assisted to go or sent to the United States, either by rela- tives, societies, committees, or Government authorities. It is possible that it may be done, but I nowhere found evidences of it. There is no doubt, so far as paupers are concerned, that the laws of both England and Ireland, as above shown, permit the guardians of the poor to raise money through the rates or taxes, to emigrate poor people, who might become" a charge upon the community in which they live. The excerpts from the reports above given show that to some extent, at least, this system is carried onj ^o far as at least paying the passage of II, ^x, 'd7 51 t Mil dill 238 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN (CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. j poor people to the place of embarkation is concerned, but it would be| greaxiy to tlie advantage of any community for the rate payers to raise a fund, by subscription, to pay the passage of poor i)eople from their communities, from the place of embarkation to the place of debarkation in the United States; and that this is done to some extent, at least . throughout Great Britain and Ireland, I have no doubt. I must admit, hoAvever, that i was unable to obtain evidence of individual cases, and I must also admit that all people, in both Great Britain and Ireland, , whom I questioned on this subject, while admitting that this had been , done to a large extent a few years ago, denied that it was done at present. I do not think that from France, Belgium, or Holland, there is anyj organized effort by societies, communities, or governments, to send ' poor people to the United States. It is possible that poor people are assisted by ratepayers in communities in these countries to go to the United States. I could not find any evidence of the same, neither coa " I learn through the United States ministers or consuls of any suclil movement. ; In regard to the sending of criminals from Great Britain I have as-f snrances from officers and other persons, based ui)on official records* Avhich were shown to me, and wliich, to my miiul, furnish positive proof that from England, Ireland, and Scotland, during the last eleven years at least, there has been a systematic, widespread, and tlior- ; oughly organized movement known, encouraged, and patronized by the Government of Great Britain, carried out by the officers of the ■ eighty or one hundred prisoners' aid societies in Great Britain and Ire- land, who are semiofficially connected witli the Government for this purpose of sending convicts and ex convicts to the United States; t passage and money to keep them while seeking employment is fi nished directly by the Government of Great Britain, but expended the semiofficial Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies. This sysljematic landing on our shores of the convicts of Great Brit- ain is carried on under the cover of benevolence, and of tlie compara- tively new system of nhort sentences of penal servitude or imprisonment and lonfj sentences of strict surveillance over the convict after being dis- charged from prison. Every convict in Great Britain before the day of his discharge from impris(mment, and at the beginning of the period of his surveillance by K special officers of the Government, to whom he must report once ai f month and keep them thoroughly informed of his movements if lie re-i i mains in Great Britain, is granted the privilege, if he is a felon, of i having his passage paid from the prison generally to the nearest port; , in the United States, and usually Boston has heretofore been selected,'J |* though to a large extent New York also and some other ports. | E A few days before the convict is discharged an officer from one of the y Discharged Prisoners' Aid Societies visits him in prison and arranges. (|.^ Avith him to go to the United States. If he accepts the offer, the Govern- ; • ,J ment pays to the society taking him in charge the sum of £6, which ' j pays his passage to the United States ($17.50), which leaves him about ^12.50 when he arrives in the United States. In many instances, ! and perhaps a majority of them, if the convict needs money after he arrives in the United States the society sends it to him. the officer ! accompanies him to the port, buys his ticket, furnishes him with ueces- < sary clothes, bedding etc., sees him aboard the steamer, and when the steamer is about to depart hands him the balance of his money after deducting the price of his ticket. :nis t^^ f ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 239 If the couvict refuses to be expatriated in this manner lie is only allo>ved £2 by the Governmentj and is compelled thereafter to report to the special officer of the Government all his movements. Usually in the United States the convict changes his name, and often the convict reports from the United States to the society. A strict record is kept of every criminal at the Eegistry in Scotland Yard, which Eegistry is furnished to every court in Great Britain and Ireland through the officer to whom the convict is compelled to report, if such convict is ever again brought before a court; and if a convict ever returns from the United States to Great Britain, that fact is recorded at the Eegistry in Scotland Yard, and he is again under surveillance. Tills system is provided for by the "Act for the more effectual pre- vention of crime" (August 21st, 1871) and the amendments thereto. The prison residents (probably including those who would be under surveillance provided they remained in Great Britain) has been reduced by this system from 20,000 in 1870 to less than 12,000 in 1891. I have excellent authority for the estimate that about half of all the felons (liscliaiged in this way from the xirisons of Scotland are sent directly to the Ignited States. And it is but fair to infer, from all of my informa- tion on this subject, that at least a like iiroportiou of those from Eng- land, Wales, and Ireland also are sent to the United States. I can not see how, with these acts of patronage of the Government of (iieat Britain in thus sending to the United States the criminals of (xieat Britain and Ireland, any law of the United States will effectually euie the evil. The only way to reach the evil will be through a direct ap])Ji(atioii to the sense of justice of the English Government itself. So I'ar as France is concerned, I could not learn that any system of any kind was in vogue of sending convicts or ex-convicts to this country, and after my investigations the Hon. Whitelaw Eeid, United States minister to France, informed me that he had investigated the same object and had not been able to learn that there was any systematic sending, either by Government, municipal authorities, or societies, of convicts to the United States. Is either could I learn in Belgium or Holland that there Avas any sys- tem by any authority whatever of encouraging convicts to leave those countries to emigrate to the United States. So far as Switzerland is concerned, as I stated in the body of my report, I had the assurance of the distinguished Dr. Guillaume, the federal statistician of that country, perhaps the father of the system now so much in vogue in all countries of the ticket-of-leave and surveil- lance for a term after the convict's discharge, that no convicts from Switzerland were now sent or aided to go to the United States. Hon. Hugo M. Starklof, United States consul at Bremen, says (vol. II) : Criminals and paupers have been shipped to the United States to my knowledge by benevolent associations, whose leader, in one case, has been aGovermueut officer. To Avhat extent this is done I am unable to tell. Of course it is possible that in any of these countries convicts may be helped over by friends, on account of family pride and honor, and pos sibiy some communities may in some instances assist them. Ill regard to Italy, while it is inevitable that with about 5,000 mur- ders coaimitted yearly and a great majority of them coniniittedin South Italy ai'd Sicily, and other serious crimes in i)roportion I believe that the Italian Government is strict in keeping the convicts the full length of their term ; except what remission is earned by good conduct; 240 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. and that so far as I could learn there are no prisoners' aid societies' assistance, nor any Government nor municipal assistance, as a system. Yet with 50,000 people coming from the south of Italy and from Sicily to the United States yearly, necessarily there must be as la,rge a ratio of ex-convicts, perhaps larger, who go to the United States than come to us from other countries. It is a question whether convicts and ex-convicts ought not to be returned or deported at any time when discovered, and all rights of enfranchisement and citizenshii> revoked and canceled. Fifth. The extent to which and the manner in which, if at all, the steam- ship or other transportation companies or their agents inquire into the character or condition of interiding emigiants, with a view to rejecting those who come within the classes excluded by the laws of the United States; and generally what checks, if any, are ap])lied in Europe to the emigration to this country of persons of prohibited classes? In regard to this subject I may say that it would not be natural for any of the government authorities in Europe to place any checks upon the emigration to this country of any of the prohibited classes or ob- jectionable classes of any kind, when it is almost the universal com- plaint throughout nearly all the comnumities which I visited, except in Italy, that it was comparatively the youngest and the best of the labor- ing classes from the agricultural districts who emigrate to the United States. And I do not think, so far as the governments are concerned, there are any checks whatever placed in the way of these classes pro- hibited by our laws emigrating to the United States, unless these classes are of the men who owe service to the armies of the respective countries. So far as the steamboat owners and their general agents are con- cerned, I think there is a very general desire to do what they can to keep themselves in harmony with the laws of the United States, and to abstain from selling tickets to or encouraging the emigration of the classes prohibited by our laws. In my interviews with them they sidd that they could clearly see Ihat it was for their interest to assist the Government of the United States in carrying out its laws, so far as was in their i)ower ; and most of them have given their written assurance in their communications to the board that they will do everything in their power to c^arry out the rules and regulations established by your Department under the laws of Congress. I believe that they see clearly that their interests and the future , profits of their business compel them to do what in their power lies to discourage the selling of tickets to and of bringing to this side the pro- hibited classes. Sixth. The extent to which such preliminary inquiry by transporta- , tion companies, or their agents in Europe, can be made effective through the voluntary cooperation of the companies, and the best methods of carrying it out. In this connection it is suggested that you confer, as ^ far as is convenient, with owners and agents of steamship lines in the j principal ports of Europe. \ On this subject I may state that the owners and general agents of the steamship companies bringing emigrants from Europe to the United States can adopt a system of preliminary inquiry through their sub- agents in regard to the character, life, and disqualifications, if any,, which might be made effective if honestly administered, and a thorough discipline of their subagentsis adopted and honestly carried out, which will greatly aid the Department in administering the laws u|)on thia ENFORCEMENT OB^ ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 241 subject, and of excluding the prohibited classes from emigrating to this coiuitry. Indeed, I believe that the steamship owners and their general agents have entirely tlie best facilities -at the very homes of the intending emigrants to inquire into, ascertain about, and decide concerning who are and who are not eligible as emigrants to this country j and I believe that in connection with a rigid insijection, overvsight, and supervision of emigration methods, means, and agents at the principal European ports and districts from which come the great mass of our inmiigrants, by special commissioners and inspectors, to be appointed by the United States Goverument as below stated, that the steamboat owners, general agents, and subagents may become the most effective assistance to your Department in enforcing the laws of Congress on this subject. Seventh. Whether it will be prudent to adopt and apply an effective system of examination of intending emigrants by American consuls in foreign countries, or officers under their direction, together with the probable cost of maintaining such a system, if adopted"? On this subject I may say that while in Europe I was impressed that some system of inspection, or system of consular certification as to the character and fitness of intending emigrants by United States agents or otherwise, was practicable. But on a full consideration of the diffi- culties, expense, and probable failure of the same as to excluding unde- sirable classes, I now am of the opinion that your suggestion that the steamboat owners, agents, and subagents might be made themselves to do the greater part of the work, and bear the greater part of the ex- pense of thus inquiring into the character and fitness of the intending emigrants, and whether or not those who apply for passage to the United States over their lines, come within the prohibited classes or not, is practicable, and might with wisdom be at least tried. Under any system which may be adopted there will doubtless be many who will elude their best efforts even when honest, and many dishonest agents will scheme to evade our laws; but on the whole I agree with Commissioners Weber and Kempster as to the great diffi- culties in the way of consular inspection and a certificate as to each individual case. At all events I believe that a system should be adopted whicli will at least for a year or two try the experiment of compelling the steamboat owners, agents, and subagents to do the work of sifting out the emigrants at their homes, before they incur the expense of going to the place of embarkation before a system of inspection is applied. If the system which below is indicated shall fail of bringing desirable results then the more cumbersome and expensive system (either to the Government br to the emigrants), perhaps a thorough inspection by Government officers appointed for that purpose to reside in all the districts near the homes of the intending emigrants, can be devised and inaugurated. In connection with requiring steamboat authorities to put into opera- tion a system of inspection, under rules to be suggested for the guid- ance of the subagents by your Department, I would favor : First, commissioners and inspectors of emigration to be appointed by authority of Congress to reside at or near all the great seaport centers of emigration activities of Europe, whence come to our shores very large numbers of emigrants. The commissioners to have certain dis- tricts over which they shall have supervision, the inspectors to work under the commissioners, their duties not being an inspection of each H. Ex. 235 IG 242 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. individual emigrant, but a thorougli inspection of, inquiry into, and the ferreting out of the means adopted by tlie subagents to get passengers or to sell tickets to tliem, and their methods of work and operating for tliat object; to keep thoroughly posted on the laws of Congress, the rules and decisions of your Department in regard to emigration matters; and to be ready and capable of giving advice to the steamship owner, agent, and subagent in regard to all emigration matters, and the de- cision of any particular cases which the steamboat authorities may desire to bring before them; the gaining of knowledge and information in regard to the causes of emigration from particular districts at par- ticuhir times to be immediately conveyed to your Department; the I watchful care and if necessary a surveillance over the workings and doings of subagents through their districts by means of special agents to be employed by them frorn time to time as may be necessary under your si)ecial authority and instructions. My observation in Europe and of the districts whence come the great mass of immigrants, and of the location of the various ports whence they sail to the United States, leads me to suggest that with modifications, as a study of the subject will necessarily bring about, commissioners and inspectors should be stationed as follows : A commissioner of emigration for Great Britain and Ireland with headquarters at Liverpool, with one inspector for Ireland and its sea- ports, one inspector for Scotland and the north of England and its sea- ports, and one inspector for the south of England and its seaports. : One commissioner for Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and France with headquarters at or near Antwerp, with one inspector for Holland and its seai)orts, Kotterdam and Amsterdam; one insi)ector for the north of France and Switzerland and the seaports of Havre and Boulogne, and one inspector for the south of France and the sea])orts of Bordeaux and . Marseilles. One commissioner for Italy with headquarters at Naples, with one inspector for Sicily and one inspector for north and central Italy. One commissioner with headquarters at Bremen or Hamburg, : L with one inspector in Germany, and one inspector for Austria Hungary, ii and one for Russia. One commissioner for the Scandinavian countries |i witli headquarters at Stockholm, and one inspector for Norway and I; Denmark. That is, seventeen agents in all. Of course the expense of this force would depend upon the salaries wiiicli Congress might allow them; but it could not in any event be for the salaries of the commissioners and inspectors and other necessary expenses to exceed $75,000 or $100,000 per year. This would cost in the neighborhood of 12 to 15 cents for each immigrant entering theUnited States. ' ^ Of course in addition to the above plan of a stringent inspection in Europe near the homes of the people by subagents selling tickets, and of a strict supervision of the inspecting subagents, there should be also a rigid inspection at all the ports of entry in this country; and to fully carry this out it may become necessary to have inspectors stationed at all places where railways from Canada enter the United > States and bring immigrants from Canadian ports into the United i States. Possibly by the courtesy of the Canadian government for the purpose of retaining this kind of traffic for its railroads this inspec- tion might be permitted under proper rules to be agreed upon by the Canadian and United States authorities to board the trains in Canada ^ long enough before they cross the border to complete the inspection befoie they arrive at the border, in order that there may be no unnec- M! essary delay at the border, of the railway trains carrying* such imini- i t ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 243 grants. It is plain to be seen that a rigid insi^ection at our own ports, without guarding by inspection the places of entry of the immigrants, through Canada, at least for the great mass, any system of inspection would fail. By this plan suba gents would be compelled to be constantly on the watch, for poor emigrants would be returned from ports of the United States, and their methods would become known to the commissioners through the insi^ectors, who wouhl mal^ complaint to the general agents '■ of the steamboat companies, or to the owners. Suba gents would be on guard not to have too many such complaints made, for fear of losing their appointments. Whereas under a system of individual inspection 1 at ports of embarkation, or by consular certificates, subagents would use every effort to get as many as possible past the ordeal, as there would be nothing beyond to deter him. Eighth. Wliether there is any considerable migration from European countries of adult males unaccompanied by families, with a purpose of returning to Europe after a limited period, and whether there is any I considerable return movement of Europeans who have once settled in t the United States, with the cause for such movement? On this subject I have reported in full what I found in this regard, and what strongly impressed me while in Europe. There is doubt- ■ less a very large movement of stone and brick masons, plasterers, and stonecutters from all parts of Scotland; of masons and painters r especially from Glasgow; of masons and other mechanics from various ^cities and seaports of England; mechanics from the north of Ire- J land, and laborers to some extent from the south and west of Ire- laud; and of sailors from Scotland and probably some from England to the Great Lakes in the United States, all of whom go across the J ocean in the early spring by steerage passage at a cost of about $17.50 i one way, and cheaper still by buying return tickets, to work in the ■ principal seaport cities of the United States during the spring, summer, ! and fall, and return to their homes and families during the winter. This j process is repeated year after year by many. I could not learn that workmen generally did this from France. I learned that to some ex- tent from Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland this migratory move- ment of i)assage to and fro of mechanics and laboring men was carried on. From Italy this movement is very large indeed, if my information was correct. Probably the laboring men who go from Italy to the United States to work temporarily stay longer, and not so many of I them return every fall as from the districts of Great Britain which I have named, but the movement of men from Italy to the United States who go to work in the United States, who leave their families in Italy, i who send to them all their earnings, nearly, and who are in the United States only temiiorarily for the purpose of making money with the ulti- mate design of returning to Italy, is very great. The movement of the Italians back from the United States commences in August, and is the largest in August, September, October, and No- j vember, while from the other countries named it does not commence from I the United States until later in the fall. This is a movement well known I in the United States and it must sadly i^iterfere with the laborers of the seaboard cities of our country. All these men who come to the United States to work live very cheaply while here and buy scarcely any of their clothing in the United States; in fact, it maybe considered as an unnatural ('onii)ctiti()n with our mechanics, artisans, and laborers by those who have no interest in our country, who spend none of their earnings here to speak of, which greatly interferes with the labor mar- 244 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ket riglitfuUy belonging to the men wlio have their homes, their inter- ests, and their families in our midst. This state of affairs is brought about by the very cheap fares from Europe to the United States, and the fact that all of the mechanics who come from these countries to the United States receive from four to five times as much pay for their labor in the United States as at their owl homes. 'They are enabled to pay their railroad and steamboat fares both ways, to have the trip to and fro, and to spend four months with tbeir families doing nothing or attending to their own affairs, and yet earn in the season which they spend in the United States more than double what they would during the whole year if they remained at home and should work all the year. It is true that clothing and rents are cheaper in Europe than in the United States, while the same class of provisions for the families of mechanics is much cheaper in the United States than in Europe, pro- vided they have the same kinds of food there that mechanics usually have in the United States. BESUMl^: OF SPECIAL REPORT ON THE POSSIBLE LARGE EMIGRA- TION OF THE WORKERS FROM SOUTH WALES. I here simply repeat the r6sum6 which I made with my special report to you as to probable emigration of tin workers from Wales, and which, together w ith the report, will be found above. First. That the matter of conunencing as boys has been a necessity in very large families to have the boys earning something. Second. That in the natural course of promotion it takes about five to eight years to get the man ahead out of the way so that the one be- hind may be advanced. Third. That this long course of having boys do light work, and the length of time it takes to advance one in the natural order of things, has led to the universal belief that to be a good tin workman one must commence as a boy and work up through all grades. That has heen the course for many years. They think it must continue. Doubtless good workmen are so made. Fourth. That most of the men would honestly give the number of years necessary for making a skilled workman in any department. Fifth. From what was told by those who had been in America I be- lieve that heaters, rollers, shearers, tinmen, brushers, and assorters can be educated from our skilled metal workers in from one to two years. Sixth. I believe there are hundreds of old tin workers in the United States in other w^ork. Seventh. I presume these are somewhat out of touch with those who have kept right on in Wales, but yet I found tin workers Avho had worked fourteen years in America at other work who had returned to Wales into the tin works. Eighth. Doubtless our skilled artisans would learn quicker, to have the best workmen from the works in Wales as teachers. Ninth. The masters will do everything to keep their best workmen, and if they must part with any then part with the poorest. Tenth. American masters must be cautious in selecting their men to teach others. Eleventh. I do not think there are as many secret processes as thejj try to convince Americans. ENFORCEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 245 Twelfth. If the Americans do not try to have all Welsh workers, they will probably make some mistakes which will cause them to invent new processes and methods to overcome obstacles which in the end will make them independent of all the world in tin-plate making. ' Thirteenth. Every obstacle will be thrown in their way by the Welsh masters to prevent any wholesale emigration of tin workers to the United States. ' Fourteenth. American masters must be shy of men who go to Amer- ica from Wales. The masters may introduce " wooden horses of Troy " in men who might lead the masters astray. If our men can have good and honest teachers, two years ^yill make them experts in the most in- tricate processes. If the present demoralization continues in Wales,- thousands of Welsh tin workers will come to the United States to seek employment. JuDSON K Cross, Member of Commission, Hon. Charles Foster, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D, C. 1 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER JOSEPH POWDERLY. Sir: In accordance with your instructions, I herewith submit a re port of my findings while investigating' the causes which lead to enii gration from Europe to the United States. I deem it proper to makt ' my report under the various headings presented in your letter of in i structions to me of July 1, 1891, the first of which is: | The principal causes which operate in the several countries of Europe to incite emigration to the United States. In order to answer this question correctly it will be necessary tci divide it into two parts : First, the causes which oblige the people tC emigrate, for if they were satisfied and contented with their surround' ings they would not wish to leave their native laud; second, why thc-< stream of emigration is directed to the United States. In the United Kingdom of Great Britain the chief cause of emigration . is the land question, the great landed estates ot the landlords, abseiitei and resident, and nobility, which some statisicians estimate to be twenty-two millions of acres of productive land lying idle. In Ireland thousands of acres of productive land in the richer portion of the island are idle or used only for grazing purposes, while th€'| population is crowded on the poorer lands of the northwest and south- west, from which the greater number of emigrants come. The landlords refuse to rent any more of their land, and on this account the people find it impossible to obtain land enoughfor the support of their families. The lack of manufacturing and other industrial works and the em- ployment at such very low wages of those engaged in agiicultural i)ur-j suits as to hardly keep alive the spark of life in the bodies ot the poor creatures so employed, is another cause. In addition to this it appears to be the settled policy of the ruling powers to reduce the population in the congested districts. In support of my statement as to their policy of reducing the popu- lation I herewith submit an extract from the speech of Lord Derby onj the subject, in which he says: | With a population already congested and growing at the rate of 1,500,000 a year, ' how is it possible to find employment, food, and clothing for them allf We are, we must be, an emigrating country. With our small area and with our growing popu-^ lation we have no choice in the matter, and I do not hesitate to say that to dispose! of the growing swarms of the poorer classes is not a matter of humanity only, but] one also of public safety. The causes above alluded to in regard to Ireland may be said to be, also true of Italy, only in a still more aggravated form. In a report oni the condition of labor in Italy made by Sir D. E. Oolnaghi, in which lie^ quotes liberally from statements rendered by the eminent Italian statis-' tician, Luigi Bodio, I find the following given as causes of emigration:, The changed condition of things within the last thirty-one years, since which time a, large standing army and navy had to be maintained, public works to be carried on, a^ system of national instruction to be promoted, and an immense administration to be' maintained regardless of cost. To support these burdens, heavy taxes have been im- posed, which, with commercial, industrial, and agricultural crises, have pressed heav- ' 246 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 247 ilyon the country, iintil, at the present day, financial difi&culties have arrived at such a state that only by severe and thorough economy in the pnhlic expenditure can any relief be expected. With the increase of the pojinlation added to the depression in agricultural pursuits, the difficulties in the way of the day laborer obtaining a liv- ing are Jill the increase. In many districts they can not earn by regular woik more than 20u or 300 lire i>cr annum. This is equal to about from $40 to $60. I found the average \v:iges for an adult male to be 2 lire (40 cents) in summer and one lire in winter. An account must be taken of the season in which he can obtain no employ- ment, for taking the Avhole year round he will average less than 20 cents a day. In the province of Basilicata, one of the largest in Italy, where large estates uncler the control of absentee landlords al)ound, want of employment has caused a large emi- grntion of laborers. Notwithstanding the immense emigration, the increase of pop- ulation since 1861 has been over 5,000,000. All these (pauses have reduced the population to such a condition of poveity that women are forced to compete with men in the field of manual labor. They are engaged as section hands on the railroads, as laborers in quarries, and as helpers to stone masons. At Frosinone, Ceprano, and Roccasecoa, and along the railroads between Kaples and Bonie, 1 saw women engaged in the occupations enumerated. With 8uch a state of things prevailing it need not be wondered at that the steamship agent finds eager listeners to his alluring tales of prosperity and plenty in the United States. These agents, subagents, and sub- agents' subs will be referred to under the proper heading. The answer to the second part of the question is summed up in the fo]l< wing: The letters received from friends and relatives who have emigrated to the United States, the money sent home to parents by children who are employed in the United States, and an occasional visit of one of the exiles to his former home displaying as a result of his labor in America a few hundred dollars, or francs, which to poor people not blessed with a shilling appear as fortunes of mag-nificentproi^ortions. Another stim- ulus to emigration is ibund in the low rates of passage now prevailing (from $16 to $20), also the short time consumed in the journey as com- pared with former years. In Italy the causes above enumerated together with the ])ersistency of the ubiquitous agents and subagents all combine to direct the stream of emigration to the United States. Another, and perhaps as great a cause as any, can be found in the Dunierons emigration aid societies which are scattered all over England and Ireland. As an illustration of the manner in which they direct the stream to us, and to show that theEnghsh people are keenly alive to the necessity for action on this question, I quote from the report of the select committee appointed by Parliament to inquire into the sub- ject ot emigration and immigration of foreigners, and into the laws existing in the United States and elsewhere on the subject. That com- mittee was appointed and made its report in 1888. In the examination of Mr. Lionel L. Alexander, honorable secretary of the Jewish board of guardians, by Mr. Montague, a member ot the committee, will be found the following: Q. At page 166 in your evidence you refer, I fancy, to a mission which Dr. Asher and I undertook for the Mansion House committee to Gallicia, to consult the emi- gration committee in Limberg and Brodie? — A. I referred to that and to another mission which another gentleman kindly undertook for us, Q. Can you state that through the action of that committee in Gallicia, and their correspoiuling committees in London and Liverpool, a large number of emigrants were sent away to America, who might otherwise have located themselves in Lon- don?— A. Distinctly so; they might have wandered sooner or later to London; a very large number of them, I feel sure, would have done so. Q. Are you aware that the large sums suj)plied to the Mansion House fund have been employed in sending Russian refugees directly to America? — A. Very large. 248 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Further ou, in his testimony before the same commission, he state: Were such arraDgenients promulgated as exist iii the United States, I feel sure th; scarcely auv of the people complained of ^ would be kept out. It is notorious th; with all the stringency of the American regulations few are ever prohibited to ente The Mansion House fund still exists; contributions are solicited an received. The contributions received for the years 1889 and 189 amounted to £151,0()(), nearly three-quarters of a million dollars. Wit such an immense fund to draw from, and there is no doubt but that is being used to pay the passages of refugees to this country, we nee not be surprised when we meet with hucksters and peddlers in all ( our industrial centers whose knowledge of our language and custom is so limited that tLey do not know how to make change in selling thei wares. For proof of tbis one has only to walk a block on any street i New York. ' I also quote from a pamphlet issued by the Self Help Emigratio Society, of London, patronized by the Earl of Aberdeen and a host ( lords, reverend gentlemen, and members of Parliament : In a country containing 121,000 square miles, while the population numbers aboi 36,000,000, it is obvious that with a population increasing at the rate of two millio" a year competition must become more keen every succeeding year, therefore makin remunerative work more difficult to obtain. Emigration, tlierefore, from the ore: crowded couutry to these colonies is now recognized as one of the best remedies ( the poverty and overcrowding now existing. The United States also affords abm dant opportunities for the workmen. From the testimony of Mr. Alexander and the extracts from one ( the numerous aid societies which abound in Great Britain, it can jdainl be seen that the English people are sensible of the importance of tlii subject, aiul that through their efforts a large proportion of the em grants are diverted and directed to our shores. Second. The extent to which the movement is promoted or stimulate by steamship or other carryiug companies, or their agents, for the k, suiting passenger business. , In every town visited in Great Britain and Ireland the principr ofticers are liberally supplied with emigration literature of most allnrin . character. The folders of the great railroads of the United States ar temptingly displayed, and accompanying each one will be found number o"f pamphlets setting forth the resources of new towns an-, home sites along these railroads. The swamps of Florida, the moui. tainous regions, and alkali beds of the West and Northwest, look as we) on pai)er as if made up of the most fertile lauds, and when the exceec' ingly low price of these lands, or alleged lands, is advertised, it need do be wondered at that the tide of emigration to the United States become more rapid and swollen. On reaching the United States ar.d discoveriD the real nature of the swindle, there is but one thing left to the emigraii to do — turn to the already crowded manufacturing center to look for eir, ployment. I procured and took with me a number of these folders am " boom town " circulars. < I wish to call particular attention to one of them, a pamphlet or d(| scriptive list of lands for sale in all parts of the State of North Oarc lina, by the North Carolina Land and Emigration Bureau, 22 Dey street New York. On the last page of said pamphlet will be found a volmi. tary testimonial from British settlers in North Carolina, giving reason, why they are glad they came to North Carolina. The last of thes reasons is given verbatim : Uuder the laws of North Carolina and the United States aliens may acquire an hold property in the former and still remain citizens of their native lands. They pa I ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 249 the same taxes as their neighbors, and are equally protected in all their personal and property rights, but they are exempted from military, jury, and other duties that American citizens are compelled to perform. The circulars and advertisements of this company are to be found in the steam shifj offices of Dublin and other places. Many steamship lines issue circulars in which they advertise to take passengers from England to America via Antwerp for the low sum of £3 10s. The Eed Star Line publishes a paper entitled the '^Eed Star iGuide/' in which, under the heading '^Motives to Emigrate," they ad- vertise free homes, timber culture, and the preemption laws of the United States. The title page of the folders, circulars, and pamphlets explanatory of the above are herewith transmitted. In France I did not find that the agents advertised or issued circu- lars setting forth any inducements to emigrate to the United States. In Italy I did not find any circulars or advertisements of any kind, but found that instead each agent and subagent had runners who mingled with the people, giving glowing descriptions of the United States, representing wages as being high, work i^lenty. Castle Garden as a place where they would be kept and taken care of until they got work; in fact, that it was the business of the officers of Castle Garden to find work for them. The subagents paid runners from one to five ifrancs for each passenger they brought in. It all depended on how near the steamship had her complement of passengers filled out. If, as the liour of sailing drew near, the vessel was not crowded to its fullest icapacity, the prices paid to runners advanced. On one block in the idty of JSaples I counted twenty steamship officers, and each one had isubagents in all the principal centers of emigration. To illustrate the manner in which emigiation is stimulated by the steamship companies, I give my experience on board the steamer California^ of the Anchor Line, which was to sail from Naples on or about September 29. As her complement of steerage passengers was not full, she did not sail until October 2. In the meantime, the runners were more active in procuring passen- gers for the California. Saw A. P., keeper of an emigration boarding house, Avho, as my interx>reter informed me, was a ''boss" or padrone, 'endeavoring to secure more passengers for the California; saw him talking to and urging intending emigrants to go to the United States, instead of to Brazil as they originally intended. My interpreter, A. D. F., who had been in the employ of the Anchor Line as assistant inter- Ipreter, and who had in one year made four trips across the ocean — jthe last one in May on the steamship Belgravia — knew one of the pas- sengers on board of that shij) who had been in jail for twenty- five years for murder. The man mentioned had been furnished with a jpassport to leave the country and was at that time the proprietor of a fruit stand in New York City. My interpeter would not give me his name for fear of consequences to himself in case it became known that he had given such information. He also said "that a man who had been in the United States would be of more value as a runner tlian one who had never left Italy, and that agents when they sold tickets instructed emigrants how to answer the questions that would be put to them by the authorities at Castle Garden." He also in- ^formed me that while en route he used to instruct emigrants how to answer questions at Castle Garden. Castle Garden is a familiar name in Europe, and long usage of the term has rendered it almost impos- sible to designate any other landing place by another title. One steamship agent, visited by me in Genoa, read a circular to me 250 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. whicb he had received from the Italian Govern mciit in which our lav relatiuiT to iiumigration were luliy ^plained. We secured a list of tl general and a partial list of the subagents in Italy, which ac(;()ni[)ani( the rei)ort; we also learned that all of these agents had between 2( and 300 subagents. which would bring the total number up to sonu^.wliei near 4,000. We made an eftbrt to obtain a list of the subs and the runners, but failed. We afterwards learned tliat the police, notwit! standing tlieir almost unlimited powers of surveillance, failed to secui accurate information on the subject. Third. The extent to which contract laborers are engaged, openly covertly, for exportation to the United States, through what agenci and for what classes of employment. The fact that the names and objects of the commission were made public in Great Britain and on the Continent rendered the securing information on the subject almost impossible. Eepeated attempts eliciting answers to inquiries especially directed to this end prov abortive, and as a final resort I engaged the services of laborers to v emigrant information offices in London for the purpose of gaining so; knowledge of their intimacy with the condition of the demand for wo: men in the United States. The information received was to the efti that if my agents were mechanics they would be advised to go America. Eight here it is pertinent, to say that when the word Ameri is used in England it refers to the United States; Canada and Briti North America are designated by name. These emigrant informati offices are not intended to send emigrants away, but merely to give curate information to those who apply for it as to the needs of ot countries for workmen of all kinds. I secured the'services of a port of one of the hotels, sent him to the office of the Eed Star Line in Ad laide street, London, and directed him to ascertain it they would gu antee him employment in the United States if he took passage ou o of their vessels. The answer he brought back was — The agent would not guarantee me a situation, but advised me to consult labor bureau, meaning the emigration office. There wore two men in the office w I Aveut in ; tliey were plasterers, and were preparing to go to the United States, agent said ''that he sent numbers of masons, bricklayers, carpenters, and plastc over, and that if 1 were a tradesman he would advise me to go." Next day he visited an agent in the Strand, a Mr. Hetheriugt who acted for several steamship companies. On his return he repor as follows : ^' He informed me that he would give me a letter of introduction t his agent in New York, who was located close to where I w(mld land and that he would take care of me until he found work for me to do to pay expenses, but not until he secured employment for me. H was very anxious that I should go, and on learning that I was a hott porter, he said that I would find no difficulty in getting a situation o; the other side." 1 Calling at the office of T. & E. Brockelbank, 106 Leadeuhall street | London, E. C, agents for a number of companies, I represented myscl as being anxious to make contracts with laborers to go to the Unitei States. The answer was : j Do not make contract^ with laborers on this side, or they will be sent back. Wl will give you a letter of introduction to a Mr. Odell, 117 West Forty-second street New York, who is especially employed to look after the interests of steerage pas sengers by our lines. About two months ago we sent some tailors to him and b ; found them employment in Fort Worth, Tex. ' iCj i ,1 I i ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 251 He mformeci me tliat when he sent passengers to the United States they went via Eotterdam, and that the passenger rates for the steerage would be £3 10s. He volnntewed the information that if he should send workmen to the United States for me I need not go with them to Rotterdam, and that I could secure accommodations and intercept them on the same vessel at Boulogne. In ]Sraples we were informed that Italian bankers and Italian hotel- keepers in IsTew York are engaged in the contract business. It is prin- cipally through their efforts or through the efforts of their correspond- ents in the emigration centers that so many people are induced to go to the United States. We could not get any direct evidence of the making of cou tracts, but believe that the contracting is done through these agencies. The following names are those of agents: Banca Tucci, 22 , Center street, Xew York; Carlo Barsotti, general agent steamship line, 2 Center street, I^ew York ; B. Bertini, proprietor Hotel Del Campido- glia, 135 Bleecker street, New Y'^ork, agent for Bank of Tuscany; A. Cuneo, 28 Mulberry street, New York; Banca Italian, 275 Mulberry I street, New York; Guiseppe Gallo & Bro., 114 Marion street. New York; Banca D. Garofals, 186 Spring street. New York. From one of the numerous scribes in the streets of Naples I learned that the Italians Avere in the habit of writing to their friends in the ) J United States begging of them to take tliem out of that ^'miserable country," promising to pay liberally for any money advanced in their behalf. Upon returning to the United States I learned from an Italian steamship agent that he often received such letters, and he knew of several Italians who made it their business to invest their money in I that way; that is, by sending prepaid tickets to Italy, bringing over , j acquaintances, finding work for them, and receiving double the amount f jexi)ended in bringing them over. This is always paid out of the first money that these men earn. Fourth. The extent to which criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other defectives, paupers, or persons likely to become a public charge and persons afflicted with loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases are encouraged or aided to emigrate to the United States in violation of our laws, and whether the aid or encouragement is furnished sys- tematically or otherwise, and whether by relatives, societies, com- mittees, or government authorities. In several places in Ireland, notably in the west, I was informed by persons with whom I conversed that the board of guardians did emi- grate paui^ers from among the inmates of workhouses, as well as those who were in receipt of outdoor relief. As the information so received would not be considered good evidence, I endeavored to get affidavits wliich would prove the statements made, but found my informants unwilling to do so, for very good reasons. Pursuing the inquiry farther, 1 was told to procure the report of the board of guardians (local gov- ernment boards) for the year 1890, and would therein find the proof of their statements. I did so, and also found the act which gave these boards of guardians the power to emigrate. The following is the title of the act: ''1st and 2nd Victoria, chap. 56, section 51, relating to Ireland only.^^ I quote a few of the marginal notes ; Guardicins may assist inmates of workhouses to emigrate; guardians may also issist persons who are not inmates of workhouses to emigrate; guardiaus may assist I landlords to assist small tenants to emigrate; guardians may apply money in their Ihjinds or borrow on security of rates for expenses of emigration. The emigrants noay go either to the British colonies or possessions or to any foreign state. In the statistics of emigration by boards of guardians, attached to said 252 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. act, 1 find that under the act of 1849 and modified act of 1882, 12,4( persons had been assisted to emigrate up to March, 1889, at anexpeni of £157,086 17s. id. Of the emigrants 5,486 were men, 19,924 we: women, and 16,99,3 were children under 15 years of age. I also find : statistics for 1889, that 660 persons were assisted, at an expenditure £1,035 Ss. lOd, Of this number, 531 were sent to the United State 82 to the Argentine Republic, 35 to Australia, 11 to Canada, and 1 1 New Zealand. In 1890, 467 persons were assisted at an expenditm from the poor rates of £835 Ss. 9d. Four hundred and twenty- five • these were sent to the United States, 29 to Australia, and 13 to Canad In the report of the local government board for Ireland, being the nin teenth report under the local government board of Ireland (Act 35 an 36, Vic, ch. 69), addressed to his excellency, lord lieutenant-general ao general governor of Ireland, Dublin, May 15, 1891, on page 17, und< the heading: "Emigration," I find this statement: Since the date of our last report a grant was made under the arrears of rent (Ir land) act, 1882, and the trauiAvays and public companies (Ireland) act, 1883, amoirn ing to £56 16s. id., to the board of guardians of Ballina Union, to assist in defrayii the cost of the emigration of a family of 10 persons to the United States. In same report I find a series of recent statistics with one addition; year added, showing tlie number of persons assisted by board of gua dians to emigrate under the provision of the Irish i)oor relief act, an the cost incurred for that purpose in each year, that is to say, for forty one years ending March 25, 1891. In that table I find that in 1890 and 1891 there were 1,024 persor .assisted to emigrate, which, added to the 42,405 previously mentione( makes a total of 43,429 persons assisted by the board of guardiar| since 1851. Taking their own fignres for 1890, we find that we receive! 91 per cent of the number sent over in that year. Taking this asp basis we find that of the 43,429 sent over in the past forty-one yeaij 39,520 of their paupers were sent to the United States. The figures given do not include the thousands aided by such fundi as the "James H. Tuke fund," which is assisted by a grant from thi Government, and the Irish female emigration fund of Belfast. Botli ( these funds assisted a great many young persons who have aged reL tives dependent upon them, thus paving the way for the older ones t follow. The act and statistics referred to and a partial list of the em gration-aid societies and their obje(5ts accompany this report. In sam exhibit will be found the laws governing the boards of guardians (j England and Wales only. Under these acts the boards of guardian! have the same power of emigrating paupers as have the Irish board: of guardians, except as to destination. Will quote one section in ful which I think will explain the difference very clearly. The section ' as follows: In consequence of representations which have been made by the Government cj the United States, the board feel themselves precluded from sanctioning any expent iture from the poor rates in connection with emigration to that country. Tb board have in some instances sanctioned, in the case of emigrants whose passag money had been provided for them, payment by the guardians of the cost of convejj ance to the port of embarkation. No such expenditure by the guardians is no^j sanctioned by the board. It may be mentioued tliat under an act of Congress passe " in 1882 passengers arriving in the United States are required to be examined, audi on such examination there is found any person unable to take care of himself witl out becoming a public charge he is not permitted to land. A comparison between the ten years ending 1879 and the same num ber of years ending 1889 shows that during the latter period emigra 1 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 253 .1 1 tion from the ports of the United Kingdom to British North America ' increased over 160,000. In speaking of emigration aid societies in London, two are especially i deserving of mention, one entitled the Jewish Board of Guardians and ' 1] tlie other the Jew Emigration Society. Of this last-named associa- iH tion Leopold de liothschild is president. In the report ofthetirst- i I named society for 1890 it is sliown that tliey helped away 621 cases, li comi)rising 1,004 persons. One hundred and forty-four of these cases t j were sent to tlie United States. In 1888 tlie latter society helped, K \ chiefly to the United States, 268 persons, and since the foundation of L \ the society 7,090 i)ersons have been assisted. I also attach to this re- i i port the rei)orts of several of these societies visited by me, in nearly i every one of which it will be found that they have assisted numbers to the United States. On Sunday, Kovember 1, Mr. Schulties and I attended a meeting in Liveipool convened by the Liverpool committee of the fund in aid of the Russo- Jewish fugitives. From the opening address of the chair- man of tlie meeting I take an extract to show that the people are alive to the necessity for energetic action on their part in directing this im- ( I mense influx of foreigners across the Atlantic to this country. Said he ; '' I Foars have been expressed in various quarters that large mimbers of these vi^ill '' I find their wa^y to this country, and so swell the already conn^estod labor market in 5 jj London and the provincial cities. The Russo-Jewisli eomnuttee of London, the cen- ! tral body which won Id have the administration of the funds, has strenuously and enerrivileges we would not otherwise h been permitted to enjoy. The authorities of the steamshix), not kn ing who we were and what our mission was, took no exception to mingling with the passengers before inspection began. When the i; spection began we took seats on the poop deck where we could obser all that transpired. We noticed that the inspection was conducted 1 a couple of police officers and four or live steamship ticket agents ; t the officers of the ship did not appear to take any iiiterest whatever, the inspection, and that there was no medical inspection or examinati attempted. The one object of the police officers appeared to be detect all who might be able to perform military duty, while the sol itor of the steamship ticket agents went no farther than the securii of their fees. About an hour and a half after the inspection bega Si)ecial Commissioner Cross, Mr. Twells, the United States consul, ai Mr. Holmes, agent for the Anchor line, came on board. As soon they aiDpeared, a table was si)read and a young man commenced to vs cinate the passengers. We were not able to determine whether he w a physician or not. This was the only attempt at a medical examiu tion that we saw on board that steamshii). During the course of the insi)ection one of the police officers object to two passengers, one of whom he said had been in jail thirteen out the last fifteen years. The officers said ''that they are not the mentioned in the passport or that they had false passports," but t were let go on account of the persuasion of one of the ticket age Mr. Cimmino, who said '^ he would be responsible for all damagea they were sent back." As a result of our investigation of the steai ship California, we have come to the conclusion that the steam sb companies, particularly the Anchor Line, do not make any medic Inspection, trusting to the chance of the men getting through t] barge office in New York without being detected. Commissioner Cross afterwards informed me that on the day be he had made an arrangement with Consul Twells and Steamship Ag Holm to meet at Mr. Holm's office at 11 o'clock a. m. on the 2 for the purpose of going on board the steamship California to witne the embarkation of the steerage passengers and to take note of t manner of conducting the inspection of the same. He stated that '. was there at the appointed time, but that Mr. Holm was absent ai had left word that 2 o'clock in the afternoon would be a more suitatj time to go aboard the steamer. The United States consul at Palermo, Mr. Pugli, informed us < October 5 that he had issued to the owners and agents of steamsh 3 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 257 3ompanies and to the chief of police of Palermo a list of questions similar to those to which we were endeavoring to obtain answers. The questions were sent out during the month of May, and up to that time ae had received no answers to them. He informed us that it would be 'Impossible to secure this information through such channels, that even 3he best citizens would not give, and that they would deceive us if we ipphed 10 them. He also stated that the Mafia society had extended Its ramifications everywhere throughout the island, and that through its 'nfluence the lips of those who could give information were i)ractically i^jealed. He furthermore stated that his vice-consul or chief clerk was ''iitlier the son or nephew of one of the owners of the Florio-Eubbattino , Steamship line. This steamship line contributed largely to the revenues .;j)f the Italian Government. The commander of the Croivn of Italy, j; jruiseppe Orlando, is the general agent for the line. With the agent )f an Italian steamship company, for he is practically an agent, in the ^'bosition of vice consul to the United States, it need not be wondered "it that no answers were received to the inquiries sent out by Mr. Pugh. ' '[ was convinced while in Mr. Pugh's office that the vice-consul, his 'ihief clerk, could have given accurate answers to his queries had he jeen so disposed. Sixth. The extent to which such a preliminary inquiry by tramspor- ^ nation companies, or their agents in Europe, can be made effective by .voluntary cooperation of the companies and the best method of carry- ng it out. In this connection it is suggested that you confer as far as jouvenient with owners and agents of steamship lines at the principal ports of Europe. ''^ While the voluntary cooperation of the steamship companies in inves- •^bigating the characters of intending emigrants is among the possibili- ' ;ies, there is no probability of its ever becoming operative. The aim )f every steamship company is to make money; the money is made in jarrying passengers; the more passengers the more money, and it is lot at all likely that any of the companies now engaged, or that may ' lereafter engage in the carrying trade, will voluntarily cooperate with mr Government in stemming the undesirable stream of immigration that las been swollen in no small degree by the efforts of these Yery steam- ibi}) companies. Were these steamship companies owned by Ameri- cans the element of patriotism might be appealed to, but even then 'mch cooperation as might be secured would have to be enforced by the Wst rigid rules and laws. " With somewhere in the neighborhood of four thousand agents, sub- ' Vgents, and runners, scouring the south of Italy, for we get but few ]rom the north, each one anxious to make a commission on the human Teight he can land on the deck of the vessel, it is not likely that the ''teimship companies, by whom the agents were appointed, Avill volun- tarily consent to reduce their profits. On returning to the United States I made it my business to trace the prepaid passage business and ' :iave disc-overed that all through the anthracite coal fields the tickets *• ")f these steamship companies are for sale in coal offices, retail stores, lind (corner groceries. This could not be done without the knowledge W consent of the steamship companies; were it otherwise the tickets .^bus sold would not be honored when j^resented by the emigrant. The febct that numerous discharged prisoners' aid societies exist throughout 'jreat Britain and that they send large numbers of discharged pris- niers to this country is well known to the agents of the sceamship onipanies. When it is known that an emigrant is not in possession of uiy money, that his ticket has been purchased for him, that confidence H. Ex. 235 17 258 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. can not be reposed in liim sufficient to intrnst bim witli a small amount of money instead of a money order, it should be evidence enougli to prove to the satisfaction of the steamship company that such a person would not make a very desirable applicant for the honors of American citizenship, and to assert that such persons are carried without the knowledge of the steamship companies is to assert that they do not understand their business. While in Liverpool I visited an emigrant boarding house, and found two families representing eleven persons with a capital of but $2.40 be- tween them. These poor people were to sail on one of the Allan Line ; steamships for Quebec, where they would be permitted to land without i question. It may have been that fear of a return of these passengers from the United States prevented the sending of them to IS'ew York. I If the steamship companies will (ionsent to voluntary cooperation in j preventing undesirable emigrants from taking passage for this country, ' it will not prevent them from sending them to Canada, from which country they can readily gain admittance to the United States. Seventh. Whether it would be practicable to adopt and apply an effec- tive system of examinations of intending emigrants by American con- j suls in foreign countries, or officers under their direction, together with \ the i)i'obable costs of maintaining such a system if adopted. | The time allowed the Commission of Immigration was so limited that \ sucvh an inspection of methods as would be satisfactory could not be j made. In order to arrive at correct conclusions it would be necessary j to spend weeks where days only were allowed, and as a consequence j opinions ventured can not be based on the result of a very intimate ( acquaintace with the subject. As a result of my tindings I would not recommend that the exaniination of intended emigrants be made either ; by United States consuls or under those directly responsible to them. The immigration inspection of the United States Government should , be under tlie one head; those engaged in it should be in direct commu- nication with each other; they should not be subject to the delays and consequent annoyances and vexations sure to follow attempts to con- trol the same thing through different agencies. The inspection of those seeking admission to the United States, whether made at United States ports or in foreign countries, should be under the same manage- ment and guided by the same authority. The Argentine and Brazihau governments are desirous of directing emigrants to their shores and have agents in such countries as send emigrants to the Argentine Republic and to Brazil. While both of these countries are anxious to further immigration, they are not willing to accept all who knock for , admission, and the most rigid scrutiny is exercised by their agents abroad. In Italy and France a record is kept of every person born or resident in either country. The date of birth, name of parents, place of birth, character, and such other matter or thing as may affect the standing of the native are recorded in the municipality, and unless the intending emigrant can i)roduce a certificate, showing that he has never been con- | victed of a crime; that he is of good character, and that he is of sound I health, he will not be permitted to embark. When the emigrant sails for either the Argentine Eepublic or Brazil, he carries with him thecer- ^ tificate of the agent of the country to which he emigrates. Without such certificate he will not be permitted to land and the steamslii]) companies, knowing the regulations and laws of these countries, will not accept as a passenger anyone who does not produce the certificate i above referred to. Such a system as that would be preferable to one ! ENFOECEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 259 which would be under the directiou of the United States consuls, and those who would be intrusted with so important a mission should be held responsible for the character of those whom they would recom- mend as worthy of admission to the United States. With the excep- tion of the consul himself, the consulate in each country I visited is generally managed by those who are natives or citizens of these coun tries. The inner workings of the consulate must be known to the gov- ernments of these countries and steamship agents and ticket-sellers would always be in position to know of everything done in the consu- late. Mr. James Fletcher, United States consul at Genoa, Italy^ ,n response to an inquiiy as to whether it would be practicable to .conduct examination of intending emigrants under direction of the consul or by special agents appointed by our Government, expressed himself in favor of the latter plan, "because they would be individually responsi- ble to the Government and could not cast blame on the easy-gomg ways, or the rigidness of the consuls, whichever the case might be." The probable cost of such a system of examination would have to be determined by the number of agents and the compensation allowed them. All the work should be done by citizens of the United States, and only wdiere necessity compelled it should either a native or resident of a foreign country be employed in any country sending emigrants to the United States. Make each agent so appointed directly responsible to his superior officer in this country, pay him a fixed salary, and oblige liim to issue a certificate with each emigrant embarking, said certificate to be based on the record of the person named on its face. In addition to the certificate issued to the emigrant, he should be re- quired to answer all questions now propounded at the Barge Office in ' New York ; the agent w^ould then have a record of these questions, and could mail a duplicate to the inspection officers in New York, or to the officials of the port to which the vessel would sail. These methods, if adopted, would do away with the prompter, who invariably takes pas- sage with every large batch of emigrants from a foreign port for the purpose of instructing them how" to answer questions on landing and to escape detection. The ofiicers at the i^ort of entry, having a dupli- cate of the answers made by the emigrants before sailing, would immp- diately know whether instructions had been given them on shii)board ' when the same questions would be put to them in the Barge Office or ' elsewhere. By this means the double examination would insure cau- tion and a rigid examination of emigrants before embarking. These agents would not be required at every foreign port; it would only be necessary to assign them to such ports as ship emigrants to this country. If such a thing as the establishment of a system of inspection on the Canadian border can be successfully accomplished it should be done at once, for there is no doubt but that large numbers who land at Cana- dian ports find their way into the United States in a very short time. VIII. Whether there is any considerable emigration from European countries of adult males unaccompanied by families witli the purpose , of returning to Europe after a limited period, and whether there is any ' considerable return movement of Europeans who have once settled iu the United States ; with the causes, if sucli movements exist. In reference to this question, James Tibbets, steamship agent, 33 A. Kensington street, Liverpool, said he knew of a great many artisans ' who went to the United States in the early spring of each year to work and who return regnlarly in the fall. He said that he knew of one lot of masons and bricklayers, about fifty, wdio went to Boston last spring with the intention of working all summer and returniug iu the faU; T 260 ENFORCEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. tliat he booked a, great many men to Boston, Brooklyn, and Cleveland, ,; and that when he booked them he knew that it was their intention to i return at the end of the summer's work. The cause which he assigned j for this condition of affairs was that in the United States high wages j prevail, while the low rates of passage across the Atlantic rendered it j possible for the men to go to the United States and return, pay their ] passage both ways, and still earn more money than they could by j remaining at home. At Glasgow, Scotland, from information received ; from the various shipping offices, I found that about four-fifths of the emigrants who leave that country in the spring return again in the , fall. This statement was also made by the agents to Mr. William Gib- , son, United States vice and deputy consul, and will be found in a letter i which he addressed to me on the 29th of August, 1891. , From inquiries directed to the Board of TYade office in London and i from figures furnished me by clerks in said office, I am able to give the ^ total number of passen gers landed in the United Kingdom from the United States for the nine years — 1881 to 1889 — inclusive. The number isj 722,461, and of these 370,697 were British and Irish who returned toj their native lands. In France, at Marseilles, the American vice and i deputy consul said that he noticed a returned movement of Armenians] and Turkish Jews who had been to the United States and been natural- 1 ized citizens of the same. He could give no explanation of the leturu; movement. He also knew a number of Germans who did the samei thing, but said that the Germans remained in France and engaged in business there. Persumably residence in the United States was gained for the purpose of learning the American methods of doing business.] The movement was, however, of very small proportions. j Commissioner Cross states in his report that the owners and agentsj of the steamship companies witli whom he conferred on the subject oif consular inspection of intending emigrants opposed it, because theyr said "it would seriously interfere with their business," which meansi that inspection in Europe will restrict emigration. Some of the consuls; in their replies to the circular letter of the commissioners, of July 21.! 1891, also say that such inspection will restrict emigration. I believe, that all of the commissioners agreed on this one point, that is, thalj inspection of intending emigrants in Europe will restrict, but some oi them believe that it will be the desirable emigrant that will be re-; stricted; that is, the young men liable to military duty in his owDi country. ( My observations of the effects of unrestricted emigration in Penni sylvania convinced me that some other standard of fitness than youtlj and strength should be adopted. If the intending emigrant has nolj the means wherewith to carry him beyond the already congested laboij market, or whose intention in coming here is to compete with thf American workmen in the mines and factories, and by the closesi economy and meanest way of living, saving in a few years a couple o: hundred dollars and then returning to his own country, he is not a de si table acquisition, and some plan should be adopted which would pre vent this being done, and save the American workmen from competi tion with this class. ' : That tliis kind of competition is ruinous to the workmen and amenac< to the community is plain to the most casual observer. Go to the coa" fields of Pennsylvania and see the towns and villages which, before thi\ advent of this foreign horde, were inhabited with American or Englisl; speaking people, the object of the husband and father being to eari' sufficient to provide a home for his wife and family, to educate his chili dren, and teach them to love and revere the American institution. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 261 To-day all tliis is clianged; the American citizen is gone and tlie home of the family is the shelter of from ten to twenty men with one or two women to cook and wait upon them. Go to any of the individual mines, notice the methods of the owners and you will quickly learn why this class is preferred to the intelligent American workmen. You will be told that the price per ton has not been reduced in years and that the cry of cheap labor is false. While it is true the price per ton has not been reduced, the pounds per ton have been increased, and the miner must now give 2,800 pounds for a ton, and in addition often submit to a dockage of 500 or 1,000 pounds as a penalty for putting into the car a few shovels of culm or slate. Notice the fact that he must buy his mining supplies from the company he works for and pay $3 for a keg of powder which costs the company $1.25, pay from 18 to 25 cents for a gallon of oil which costs the company from 8 to 10 cents, and that all other supplies are charged to him in the same proportion of profit, and you will quickly realize that the company have an easy way of reducing wages. Then note that at all the individual mines a company store is run, in violatiou of the laws of the State, at which all men who work for the com- pany must buy their goods. Procure one of the workmen's pass books and compare the pi'ices charged thereon with prices of same article in independent stores and you will find another means of reducing Avages. Also notice that the manager or chief clerk of the store is the agent of several steamship lines, thereby providing a ready means of keeping a surplus of cheap labor on hand by selling steamship tickets to the workmen to send to friends in Europe, upon which they pay so much per month, as may be agreed upon between them. As soon as the im- migrant arrives heis given work by the company, even though English- speaking workmen have to remain idle, the immigrant in many cases paying a much greater sum for the ticket than the man who sent it to him originally paid. That there is some division of the difference be- tween the original price of the ticket and the amount paid by the poor, ignorant immigrant is evident. The violation of another law of Pennsylvania (that is the semi- monthly pay law) protects the manager or clerk who sells the tickets from loss, because the workmen always have from seventeen to nine- teen days' wages earned before they get paid for what they earned in the preceding month. Because the American workmen have opposed the methods I have described and agitated for reforms in the laws, and for the enforcement of already-existing laws, he is being gradually driven from the coal fields; and, unless some restriction is placed upon emigration, it will not be long until the few who remain will have to come down to the standard of the Slovaks, or, to put it in the words of an American gentleman I met in Italy, who is well informed on the sub- ject of emigration and foresees the effect which a continuation of it will have on the American workman : If emigration is not restricted, the American workman will have to come dowu^ from his extravagant standard, and be content with one room for himself, wife, and children, in which to live, eat, and sleep, and, perhaps, with Jack in the Cor- ner. The above is a correct report of my findings, all of which is respect- fully submitted, and transmitted through the chairman of the commis- sion (Hon. J. B. Weber). Very respectfully, Joseph Powderly, Member of Commission, Hon. Charles P'oster, Secretary of the Interior. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER H. J. SCHULTEIS. January 19, 1892. Sm : In accordance witli your appointment of June 17, 1891, and printed instructions dated June 18, 1891, I have the honor to respect- fully submit the following report in reference to the causes which oper- ate, in the several countries of Europe, to incite emigration to this couutry. These causes chiefly appear to be: (1) The eftbrts of emigration aid societies, supplemented by associa- tions, public and private, for aiding criminals and jiaupers to emigrate. (2) The increased facilities, speed, and profits of alien steamship and transportation companies, who through their numerous agents adver- tise the marvelous beauty of this country, the high rate of wages that range here for labor, and the alleged quantities of land that can be had gratis from tne Government, and thus make an impression on persons who do not own and can not, in reason, expect to secure the homes in which they live. (3) The contract-labor importers, who induce emigration for the sake of cheap labor. These causes will operate to increase emigration in the future in pro- portion as economic conditions grow worse on the other side. The cen- tralization of land and money in the hands of a nonproducing aristoc- racy will gradually force whole populations to emigrate,* and countries more favorably situated are now taking steps to protect themselves against pauper invasion. The alarm of the English people at the influx of foreigners has been increased by the protective measures of Austra- lia and the United States until Parliament has instituted thorough investigations into the congested districts, which have resulted in revela- tions of facts well calculated to startle those who have given attention to the subject on either side of the water. I herewith transmit a re- port of select committee of House of Commons concerning emigration and immigration (foreigners), 1888. On arrival at Liverpool Commissioner Powderly and I addressed ourselves to the investigation of the sources which induce immigration to the United States, and at once discovered that large numbers of homeless children of both sexes, below the age of 16, were being shipped to the United States in (;harge of a matron, after having been fed at the Northwestern Kailway Company's depot, which is attached to the hotel where we registered. We divided the work between ourselves. Commissioner Powderly in- vestigating Mrs. Kye's Home and otiier institutions in Liverpool, from which some of these children were sent, and 1 proceeding to London, whence most of them were said to have emanated. There 1 found that 263 V 264 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. it was difficult to get sucli evidence as would be considered in a court of law, yet there was no doubt in my mind that great numbers of theiu were beijig sent directly to the United States, even though the pub- lished reports of these institutions always referied to them as being assisted to the colonies, or to Canada ; yet, as a large percentage of them are now in the eleemosynary institutions of this country, particularly those along the Canada border, I continued the investigation, and here give some of the extracts fi'om their annual reports: On page 24 of Dr. Barnardo's report for 1888, the number assisted to the colonies is given as 3,773, of which 489 went to Canada in the year 1888. On pages 188, 189 of the same report, there are statistics which show 2,400 boys and girls having been sent to Canada, all of whom have been taken from the streets of London. On page 185 of the same report, the Bishop of London is quoted as saying: In the last three years the boards of guardians (Tvhich in England means poor- houses) have sent out 500 children to Canada; out of which number there are only 26, whom they can now locate. On page 181, Dr. Barnardo, in speaking on the emigration of Lon- don, East-end, poor children, says: "They are mostly sent to Canada," and that he is "continuously gathering fresh inmates, and except for emigration, would have to say, *no admission' to new applicants. To secure an open door in front, we must maintain an exit door in the rear." On pages 133, 134, he speaks of the "quondam" inmates of Sturge House (females), whom he has emigrated in recent years. I visited a number of Dr. Barnardo's institutions, of which there are forty-one, most of them in London, with branches throughout the United Kingdom, and three in Canada; one called "Hazelbrae," atPeterboro, Ontario; one at 214 Farley avenue, Toronto; and another at Birtle, Shell Eiver, Manitoba. They are known under all sorts of designations; one at Stepney be- ing called "Free Bagged Day and Sunday School;" one at Salmon's lane called "Salmon's Lane Bagged School;" one at i^o. 3 Crate street, Lime House E, called "Union Jack Shoeblack Brigade and Home;" another is called "Eescue Home for Young Girls in Danger;" and still another at Hawkhurst, in Kent is called " Babies' Castle." The tirst of these homes was started in 1866. They were originally intended as refuges and homes for destitute children ; but since 1882, emigration parties have been sent out, on an average three annually, each party consisting of from 100 to 200 boys or girls. See Twenty-filth Annual Beport of Institutions known as Dr. Bar- nardo's Homes, page 47, in which he says : In this way 4,563 emigrants in all have left the London homes and been placed out] in our colonies. On page 48 of the same report he says : During 1890 only 291 boys and lads were emigrated to Canada, which is a much emaller number than for some years preAdously. At one of the homes, which I visited in company with Commissioner Powderly, I spoke to several of the larger boys, who stated that those who were most efficient in work (they being taught to operate machiuesj which produced all sorts of easily made articles for the use of the homes and for sale) were kept there for years; some of them until they became of age, while the ones who ^>ere inefficient were transported abroad. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 2G5 He said that lie and a number of otliers were purposely making them- selves troublesome to the officials at the home in order that they might be sent to America, which may in part account for the aforesaid large percentage of alien children in our institutions.* The testimony of sworn witnesses before the parliamentary committee shows the westward trend of population to the United States. The Hamburg steamers transport the most destitute inhabitants of Eussia, Poland, Eoumania, Germany, Austria, and Hungary to Hull; whence by rail they are forwarded to Liverpool and booked through to the United States. (See statistics, page 286.) We next investigated the institutions from which the criminal class emanate to America. On or about Airgust 1 we visited " The Royal Society in aid of Discharged Prisoners," Ko. 32 Charing Cross, London, which includes the name of the Queen as a patron. I handed in my card as a member of the '^American Conference of Charities and Cor- rection,'' stating that I desired to learn the modus operandi of their institution with a view of founding one of a similar character in the United States. Mr. Powderly, who accompanied me, did not present his card. The secretary in charge. Col. H. B. Buchanan, received us politely, and, after assuring himself of my identity by questions concerning charity organization matters, exhibited his books containing the photo- ' graphs annexed to the criminal record of each prisoner, male and female, under the jurisdiction of that particular society. The following is a list of sixty -nine similar societies: Aberdeen Discliarged Prisoners' Aid Society; G^eorge Milne, esq.., McCombie's court, Al>erdeen ; office, 50 Union street, Aberdeen. Bedford Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Robert S. Eveleigh, esq., 36 St. Peter's, c Bedford. I Berk's Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Alexander W. Cobham, esq., Leighton Park, Reading; Rev. M. T. Friend, H.M. Prison, Reading. Birmingham Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. T. W. Peart, H. M. Prison, ■' Birmingham. Bradford Prisoners' Aid Society; William Guy, esq., and Walter Priestman, esq. ; office, 41 Hortoft Lane, Bradford. Bristol Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; D. Macpherson, esq. ; office, 26 Trinity street, College Green, Bristol. Bucks Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; W. Crouch, esq., Aylesbury. :•" Cambridge County and Borough of the Isle of Ely Discharged Prisoners' Aid jlj Society; Capt. Philip Going, R. N., TraA'erston Lodge, West Road, Cambridge. f . ^ Carlisle Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; Rev. James Wilson, H. M. Prison, Car- ', lisle, office of clerk of the peace, Carlisle. Carmarthen Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Morgan Griffiths, esq., Nott square, Carmarthen. Carnarvon Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; T. LI. Murray Browne, esq., 47 West Parade, Rhyl. Corn wair Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; R. Foster, esq., Lanwithan, Lost- withiel. Cheshire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; T. LI. Murray Browne, 47 West Parade, Rhyl. )•' Derby County and Borough Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Captain C. E. Far- quharson, H. M. Prison, Derby. Devon and Exeter Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. J. Pitkin, Champain's House, H. M. Prison, Exeter. Dorset Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; A. E. Mansell, esq., Grove House, Dor- chester. Dublin Prison-Gate Mission (for females only); office 122 Blackball Place, Dublin. Dublin Protestant Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Jonathan Goodby, jr., esq., 7 Dame street, Dublin. Dublin Roman Catholic Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Mrs. Browne, 8 Mer- rion Square, North Dublin. *See extract from speech of Lord Derby on ''Child Emigration," reprinted from Liverpool Courier, December 30,1890.— Report of Commissioner Powderly. 2GG ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS* Dnnrtee Dischjjrged Prisoners' Aid Society, the agent, Durham Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; P. S. Wilkinson, esq., Mount Os-vrald,! Durham. Ediiihaigh Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; J. E. Dovey, esq., C. A., 63 Hanovei street, Edinburgh. Essex Discharged Female Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. W, F. Lumley, Chaplain's House, Springfield, Chelmsford. Glamorgaushire West Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; James Griffith Hall, esq., Swansea. Glamorganshire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; C. Waldron, esq., 74 St. Mary street, Cardiff. Glasgow Prisoners' Aid Society (see also refugees) ; Walter Paterson, esq., 82 Vin- cent street, Glasgow. GloHceatershire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Major J. Knox, H.M. Prison, Gloucester. Greenock Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; John Rodger, esq., Clydesdale Bank, Greenock, office 33 Dempster street, Greenock. Hampshire Society for the Relief of Destitute Discharged Prisoners; Rev. J. A, Ladbrooke, H. M. Prison, Winchester. Herefordshire Discharged Pri«oners' Aid Society; Rev. J. H. Lamhert, and Majoi C. A. Macgregor, H. M. Prison, Hereford. Herts Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. H. Fowler, Grosvenor Road, St. Albass. Kendal Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; Rev. H. Monsarrat, H. M. Prison, Ken- dal. Kent Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the agent, . Kingfttoa-up«n-Hiill Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; Rev. J. Aspinall Addison, H. M. PrisoB, KingstoH-upon-HNll. Lancashire, North Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; Rev. H. Fielding Smith, H. M. Prison, Lancashire, and Rev. W. E. Hey, H. M. Prison, Preston. Lancashire, Sonth-Wttst and Wirrall Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. D. Morris, H. M. Prison, Walton, Livorpool. Leeds Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Sydney Lupton, esq., The Harehills, Leeds; John Thorton, esq., .JuBtico's Clerk's Office, Town Hall, Leeds. Leicestershire and Ruthland Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; W. J. Freer, esq.j Stoney Gate, Leicester. Liverpeol, Kirkdale Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, London. (See also Surrey and Kent.) Sheriff's Fund Society; Rev. G. Plaford, H. M. Prison, Holloway. Nine Elme Prison Miwsion (for females only) ; Mrs. Meredith, at the mission house, Wandsworth Road, S. W. Metropolitan ©ischarged Prisoners' Aid Society (for males only) ; Thos. Hedley, esq., 22 Stock Orchard Crescent, Clandonian Road, N. Royal Society for the Assistance of Dissharged Prisoners ; Messrs. W. B. Ranken^ F. Chapman, and Major Tillbrook, office 32, Charing Cross, S. W. St. Giles' Christian Mission, Mr. W. M. Wheatley, office^, Brooke street, Ilolhorn, E. C. Manchester and Salford Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, J. L. Aspland, esq., hon. se^etary, Manchester; Mr. W. Slade, secretary; offiee 2, Cooper street, Man- chester. Newcastle-upon-Tyne Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, Henry Scholefield, esq., chairman, 11 Windsor Crescent, Newcastle-on-Tyne ; J. H. Rutherford, esq., secre- tary ; ofi&ce 72, Grey street, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Norfolk and Norwich Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; Rev. H. M. Thomson, Nor- wich Castle. Northampton Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Mr. E. Howe, H. M. Prison, Northampton. (Also a Prison Gate Mission, under the management of the chaplain.) Nottingham Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; H. J. Manley, Power, esq. Office, John street, Nottingham. Oxford Prison Charity; Rev. J. F. Newton, H. M. Prison, Oxford; or Thomas M. Davenport, esq.. County Hall, Oxford. Paisley Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; J. H. D«nn, esq., Connty Pl»ce Paisley. Plymouth Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Mr. Hees Isaacs, H. M. Prison, Ply- mouth. Portsmouth Discharged Prisoners' Aid Socioty; A. C. Burbidge, esq., St. Thomas street, Portsmouth. Preston Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. E. E. Hay, H. M. Pn«on, Proeto*. Shropshire and Mont-gomer jshire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; the Rev. H. G. Wakefield, H. M. Prison, Shrewsbury. Somersetshire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; E. Chisholm Batten, esq., Thorn- fft«loon, Taunton, aad 16 Pelham Crescent, Lendon, S. W. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 267 1 Staffordshire, North, Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. C. Gold]3ey, H. M, U Prison, Stafford. j Staffordshire, South, Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. C. Goldney, H. M. » ! Prison, Stafford. Suffolk Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Robert Johnson, esq., Boyton, Wood- :i! bridge, Suffolk. Surrey Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Col. J. S. Ross, Woodseat, Rydal, \A Wimbledon, and Capt. Colvill, H. M. Prison, Wandsworth. Sussex Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Mr. S. Beckett, Fisher street, Lewes, - Sussex. Usk Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society ; Rev. David Bowen, Usk, Newport, Mon. Warwickshire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; the secretary, Warwick ■. Wilts Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; Rev. A. C. Devas, H. M. Prison, Devizes. , , Worcestershire Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; the Hon. R. H. Lyttelton, j Carlisle House, Bransford road, Worcester, i '. York Castle Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society (for York County, see also Brad- ford, Kingston-upon-Hull, Leeds, and Homes for Discharged Prisoners) ; Rev. A. W. i Baldwin, York Castle, York. York, North Riding Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; A. F. Godman, esq., : I Smcaton Manor, North Allerton. York, West Riding Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; W. L. Home, Esq., Wake- I field. * (In addition to these there are numerous other societies of a similar character, a list of which is printed in a volume herewith transmitted.) During the conversation with Col. Buchanan, on the subject of cha.rity organization societies, in order to show us how nicely their discharged - prisoners get along in this country, he exhibited a letter dated Cliar- . , lotte, N. C, June 30, 1891, from a discharged assisted ijrisoner, whose passage over they had paid, and who acknowledged the receijjt of a • post-office money order sent him to enable him to get a start in this country. He wrote of the difficulty he liad in getting the money order cashed, as he could not find anyone to identify him; so he forged the , name of a merchant, taken from a shop sign on a blank of identiti cation, and succeeded in getting the money. The secretary was amused by the sharp practice of his proteg6, and told the story as an evidence of their success as a charitable (1) institution. I handed the letter to Mr. > Powder ly, who also read it, and obtained their printed annual reports, the existence of which documents was afterwards denied to my colleague, la I Commissioner Cross, who applied for the same. (See Thirty-fourth Annual Iteport of the Koyal Society for the Assist- ance of Discharged Prisoners, 32 Charing Cross, 1891.) A certificate of the Auditor of the Treasury for the Post-Office De- partment filed herewith shows the same Col. H. B.Buchanan, Secretary of the aforesaid Prisoners' Aid Society, as a remitter of seven such post- '; j office money orders, from the 26th of March to the 11th of June, 189_1, inclusive. Should this proportion hold good for similar societies it will \' ' be seen that the number of criminals assisted to migrate annually to I the United States is so considerable as to account for the fact that in '' 1870, in New England alone, out of 20 per cent of population who are aliens or of foreign extraction, they furnished 75 per cent of the crimi- nals. If crime is hereditary ^' what will the harvest be ? " Among these seven persons certified by the Auditor, we find one whose international post-office money order was numbered 28232, original number 17125, dated June 11, 1891, issued at Charing Cross, London, paid in New York June 25, 1891, who was identified by one John Morris, 11 West street, New York, steamship ticket agent and keeper of an emigrant boarding house, etc., who was recently referred to in the pub- lic press as the landlord of the late dynamiter who attempted the life of Mr. Russell Sage in New York. Tlie approximate income of 1,027 eleemosynary institutions in Great Britain is £5,063,137, as given on page 22 of the Classified Directory of ' Metropolitan Charities, 1890, which amount averages over $1 for every acre of idle land in Great Britain. 268 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWa The Twenty- second Annual Eeport of the Council of the Society for Organizing Charitable Eelief and Repressing Mendicity, London, 1891, speaks of persons assisted to emigrate to the United States and Canada. On page 35 the number of assisted emigrants is given as 76; on page 36, report for the year 1877, shows 466 persons assisted to emigrate; in 1888, 458 persons; in 1889, 242 persons ; and in 18'90, 138 persons. The subscription list, shown on page 89, reports £815 15s. (about C 4,000). Exhibit 9, herewith transmitted, will show two affidavits of persons who were datained at the barge office, ]S"ew York city, who admitted having been inmates of a poorhouse in England, and whose tickets were prepaid by one of the societies, through a Mr. Hetherington, who has an emigration office on the Strand, London, and is connected with a railway company, and who publishes a newspaper in which he advertises for help at home and abroad. I visited Mr. Hetherington at his office in the railway station, and was informed that he had nothing to say relative to matters pertaining to transportation of emigrants ; that the comjiany never gave information to outsiders on any subject. I questioned some of the employes about the railroad station, who admitted that Mr. Heth- erington frequently sent contract laborers to one O'Dell, whose office was 117 West Forty- seventh street, Kew York city; but I could learn nothing definite as to names or dates. On July 23, disguised as a destitute alien pauper, I repaired to !N"o. 15 Arlington Place, London, and found W. H. Wilkins, secretary of the Association for the Prevention of Immigration to England of Destitute Aliens, who, after listening to my story of destitution gave me two let- ters, one to the Emigrants' Information Office, No. 31 Broadway, West- minster, and the other to the Society for the Relief of Foreigners in Distress, stating that his association only kept paupers from landing in England, the others assisting them to leave the country. The original letters are marked Exhibits 7 and 8. I adopted a disguise because it was plain to me that, in my proper character as a commissioner sent over to investigate, I could not hope to arrive at the carefully covered-up truth, and that if I was to get at the bottom of the matter I must dive underneath the surface. I may instance the sham inspections of the steamship companies at Liverpool, when they are not aware of the presence of a commissioner, and the careful inspection they held when a commissioner was there in propria persona; and the fact that when we sought information or even printed reports, as commissioners, they, were refused directly, or the exist- ence of such reports was denied, though we afterwards succeeded in pro- curing them^ and in some cases the information sought was flatly refused. (See reports of Commissioners Cross and Powderly.) While incognito I found that no medical inspection whatever was held, notably at such ports as Bremen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Liver- pool, Queenstown, Palermo, Naples, and Havre. There may have been physicians around, bat the only inspection had, when the emigrants em- barked, was that of their passage tickets, in order that none might board without tickets, as stoAvaways, except that in Germany and Italy passports for natives are required and examined. The steamship companies and port officials always contrived to pre- sent to the commissioners, as such, a superficial examination well cal- culated to decieve, and by inspecting their acts, in a guise unknown to them, a difl'erent condition of affairs invariably revealed itself. I have, not yet completed the special report on my return steerage voyage, which will show that one of the societies, viz, "The Society of Friends of Foreigners in Distress," of which the Prince of Wales is president, assisted me, disguised as a destitute alien, to leave England, under the assumed name of William Scott, on the steamer Serma, of the Cuna-rd Line, November 6, 1891, ENFOUCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 2G0 Tlie followiii|T is a paracirapTi from a printed circular of tlio above- meutioiied Society of Friends of Foreigners In Distress, wliicli I give in order to show some of its objects and the amount of relief they have given in the past: 2. Casual relief and passaffes.— The directors meet every Wednesday to investi"-ate cases and relieve applicants asking temporary or casual assistance, and to granrthe means of returning to their native countries to foreigners who, from ill lioalth or other circumstances, can not remain in London, and are unable to pay their own ])«8s- ago. The scale of relief varies from £5 to a few shillings, and every case a-ssisUid is consi^.) There are numerous boards of guardians' societies and other insti- tutions with branches in all the principal cities of Europe, who are ask- ing, and even in this country they are now asking, for general subscrip- tions to emigration funds. At a recent meeting held in Liverpool, which we attended on the date above mentioned, the subscription in one evening netted £1,091 Is. Id.-, and a great many of the donors agreed to renew their subscriptions annually for live years. (Liveri)ool Courier, November !i, 1891.) The four great Hebrew charity organizations in New York recently formed a central committee, which issued an appeal to the citizens of America to help with money and care for emigrants of their faith, at Temple Emanuel, Fifth avenue and Eorty-third street, New York City. Special Agents Reichow and Frank cited manj^ pitiful cases of these poor emigrants who arrived here without friends or money, and wdiom they had helped. The contributions reported at the meeting which re- sulted from this appeal netted $70,130. Most of this money is being spent, together with the Hirsch fund quota, at the rate of about $21,000 per month, according to their statements given to the press, in assist- ing so-called refugees, and providing in various ways, but principally in purchasing tickets for their passage hither and to their destination, and furnishing them with peddling outfits with which to commence business. The streets of the larger cities of this country, and even the country roads, show the effect of this class of emigration, which during the past six months amounted to 50,000 who held liussian passports alone; but a^ great numbers are from Austria-Hungary, Poland, Roumania, Gal- licia, etc., and sail from Antwerj), Havre, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and other places where no passports are required, and as large numbers start from Bremen and Hamburg, all of whom speak the German or some other language besides their ow^n, in my judgment the German and other emigration statistics are swelled by those persons who are aot born in the country from whence the^i embark, and who should be charged wh^e tkey belong. T^ 276 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. The organizations above referred to have agents in all the principal cities of Europe, some of vrlioni appear in the guise of philanthropists. In Holland I found Mr. Dents, member of the Amsterdam Jewish com- mittee, to be a very energetic worker in expediting his coreligionists to the United States; also, Mr. Wertheim, of the firm of Wertheim & Oomperts, Amsterdam. These energetic gentlemen took no interest in anybody except Jews, and volunteered the information that they had no connection with the Baron Hirsch fund. As is very pertinently stated by one of the American consuls in Ger- many, it is '' hard indeed to submit such proof as a court of law -would consider sufficient; and yet your committee and the American people know that hundreds of emigrants go to America when they can not go elsewhere." ^' Which means, of course," he adds, ^* that Europe is un- loading undesirable persons on us." For this reason I have quoted largely from sworn testimony to prove the statements which are made, and Avhich have ever been denied, but never disproved. I have selected the testimony of prominent Hebrews to prove these facts, because I knew they were unprejudiced. Sivorn testimony talcen before the Select Committee on Emigration and Immigration {foreigners); Rouse of Commons. Exhibit A. I. Extract, page 117. Examination of Hermann Landau, member of the Jewisli board of guardians, vi^-e-president of the Poor Jew's Tem})orary Shelter; and one who takes a general interest in the welfare of poor JeAvish inljaijitants of London. 2369, Question, Does not the arrival of these poor forei.ij;uors (meaning Hebrews) tend to overcrowd the labor market and make it more diflicultfor those who are liv- ing in the east-end of London to get full employment? Answer, In my opinion it does not affect tlie trade at all, or to a very slight extent at all events, 2370, Question, But if there is such a difficulty in getting full employment one would conclude that the greater number that come into London from abroad would make it more difficult to get full employment ? Answer. I do not think so, because the people that are here already do not and can not get full employment, and a great many of those are sent to America for the purpose of bettering themselves, 2371, Question. Do you mean that they areseti ^ftt'X they have been some time in this country? Answer. Yes; the board of guardian* send a good many families away to America. 2372 Question, After being two or three years in England? Answer. Yes and longer. 2373. Question. Is there no objection made in America to receiveing them? Answer. No; it is only this morning that I have received the report of the United Hebrew Charities of New York, in which I lind that they do not complain on that score, and there seems to be no difficulty, because they say: " We should be want- ing in our duty were we to omit to state the difficulties we encounter through the iminigration of persons incapable of work." Then they say: "With all the sym- pathy for their i)osition, we can not find the means to permanently help these help- less people in a community that has no care for thousands of impoverished, aged, and weakly persons. People unable to work should be warned against immigration which must result in bitter disappointment in a foreign land, and in most cases making their position worse instead of better from a material point of view." But they never complain of people w-ho are able to work. * * * 2393. Question. Is it correct to say that the majority of the moneyed class have from £2 to £3 in their pockets? Answer. Yes. 2394. Question. Yon do not suppose that that is sufficient to carry a man to America and maintain him there until he gets work?' Answer. No, They originally start with an amount sufficient to carry them on to their destination. 2395. Question. WTiat do you call that amount? Answer, Six or seven pounds; but they first of all have to run the gauntlet of the frontier guard in Russia. A man is obliged to have a particular passport and he is not allowed to leave the country without it. It has happened that aometimes there ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 277 in' a very goo il-iia tilled (as I niiglit call him) frontier guard who will accept a rouble for tlie privilege of letting him go, whereas another -will insist upon recoiving twenty roubles, and, of course, if you take twenty roubles out of fifty it makes a very large hole in it. 2398. Question. Still you do not mean to tell the committee that men with £3 in their pockets are in a position to go on to America and make their way there? Answer. When they start for America they generally have a letter from America, from relatives or friends inviting them to come. 2399. Question. And they are provided for when they get there? Answer, Yes. * * *. 2409. Question. You have brought the report of the Shelter; vdll you kindly read the first few lines in the "■ Constitution of Poor Jews' Temporary Shelter" for 1875- '76, and tell me Avhether you agree with it or not? Answer. I have not brought that with me. 2410. Question. I will read it to you and ask you, in connection Avith the Shelter, whether you agree with it: ''The influx of homeless and helpless foreign Jews, driven by force of circumstances to seek a livelihood to England, being sadly on the increase and unduly pressing on their struggling brethren already here, this society is formed with a view to prevent newcomers from either being driven to the mission house or lapsing into pauperism and becoming a burden upon the community;" do you agree with that? Answer. Yes; but I wish to qualify this, with your permission. I think we all know that all charities are allawed a certain amount of exaggeration, by which they appeal to the charitable. We know that the hospitals generally appeal for funds and say that they are in a bankrupt state, and so we have to appeal to charity. We could not enter into all the details of the work done in the institution for the purpose of relieving England of a large number of people who would otherwise stay here, and so we put it on the ground of charity in order to get some funds. 24i4. Question. What is the meaning of this passage in speaking of the Shelter? Question 2159, page 106, you are asked, ''What is the exact object of the Shelter for the immigrants to this country? '' and you answered, "To forward them and pro- tect them in this way: We have often a Belgian, or a German, or a Hungarian, or an Austrian coming to the Shelter for a similar position, but those we send either to the consulate or certain charitable societies of those countries, and in almost all cases, excepting where a man is known to bo an impostor (and there are some, though very few), they are taken in hand and dispatched by those societies either to their homes or to some other destination whither they are anxious to go." You are the medium, then, between the immigrants and those various charitable societies? Answer. Yes. 2415. Question. And those societies you mention in the conclusion of your answer do practically the work of sending them either back to their own country, or forward them to the United States? Answer. Yes; exactly so. Examination of Mr. Lionel Alexander, a prominent Hebrew, connected with the Board of Guardians and Russo-Jewish Society. 3545. Question. To your knowledge, are many returned from America as no good? Answer. I was reading a report the other day of an institution in America similar to our own, wherein it is stated that very, very few, indeed, were returned; I am not quite sure, but I think the small number of 197 cases have been returned during the whole year was mentioned. 3540. Question. What report are you referring to? Answer. I have not it here; I believe it was an extract of the report of the United Hebrew Charities. I am almost sure I am correct in saying it was an extract from that. That is an institution in New York which looks after the Jewish poor. 3547. Question. That only refers to Jews ? Answer, It only refers, but that figure did not necessarily refer to Jews returned to England, it meant returned everywhere. I may mention that the ex))erience of my board is that we have never had returned to this country, to our knowledge, any case that has been sent out by us, and we attribute that to the fact that we are per- haps extra careful in our selection. 3549. Question. How much of the Mansion House fund* was distributed by your association? Answer. One thousand one hundred pounds (over $5,000). 3550. Question. And you think they were attracted to London by that ? Answer. Yes; I am sure of it. The people whom we found to be so attracted, and *The Mansion House fund is under the direction of the lord mavor, and the contrv butioas during the year 1888-'89 amounted to £151,000 (about $750,000). 278 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. who only came to get something, as a matter of fact, did not get auythiug, but thcys came over here lor the chance. i 3551. Question. Have they gone back again, or have they remained stationary here! Answer. Particuhir individuals it is difficult to trace, but the certain fact is tliat very lew turned up again asking for further relief, and I am inclined to think that they wandered farther, or went back, which is more probable. : 3o52. Question. You stated, did you not, that the police regulations at Hamburg; put a stop to the operations of your board 'in trying to return poor people to this' country ? i Answer. Yes. 3553. Question. It is one of the objects of your board to return people? Answer. Yes, distinctly. It is one of our largest operations sending back people who, having wandered here, prove themselves to be useless or helpless, and to tliose- whom we did not think ht to send forw^ard we refused any relief other than that of sending them back to their homes. 3554. Question. Have you a great many of that sort? Answer. A very large number. The figures are before the committee in the state- ments that I have made. May I say one word as to the police regulations at Ham- burg. Some doubt was cast upon the fact that such regulations existed, and I find I have here a copy of a notice which was sent over to my board in 1886, when they promulgated it. This notice was served on the shipping companies at Hamburg (it was not served on us), calling their attention to the fact that they did not allow use- less wanderers to come into the port of Hamburg, and that thej^ would hold those shipping companies liable to take the people back again if they attempted to land them, and required notice to be given to the police of such cargoes, and I hold in my hand a translation of that notice. 3555. Question. Will you kindly read it? Answer. ''Free and Hanse Town, Hamburg. The police office, Hamburg, 18th September, 1886. In consequence of the various difficulties which have arisen, that by means of vessels between here and England gipsies and other persons not belong- ing to the German Empire have arrived here whose continuation of the journey, either to their homes or to America or to other parts beyond the ocean, has proven to be difficult or even impossible, I feel prompted to call your attention to the dis- patch of such individuals, alike whether the same are with or witliout means, and to again recommend you the greatest care; that tlie police will hohl you responsible for any breach of these and such other previous warnings and for any losses incurred by the state. At the same time I make it your duty to give orders to the ca|)taius representing your company that in all cases where persons of above named descrip- tion are carried, ioimediately on arrival of the vessel in this port to give notice to the police of the presence of such persons on board, and with all means in tlieir power to see that the same individuals should not disembark until special permission is given by the police. Should it, however, that such individuals, without tlie cog- nizance or will of the^olice disembark, such circumstances would not alter this or any previous order as to your responsibilities. In conclusion, I express the hope that you will do the utmost to facilitate the etfect of this strict supervision. (Signed) Senator Kuuhardt, Dr." Why that was prohibitive to us was this: Because tlio shipping companies refused to take people over unless w^e gave them a guarantee that if they were not admitted at Hamburg we would pay the fare for them coming back. 3556. Question. Y'^ou went to Hamburg yourself, did you not, in consequence of that? Answer. I did. 3557. Question. What happened to you there? Answer. I interviewed the leading Jewish authorities and the various committees that existed there, and I got them in their turn to interview the police with the object of gaining permission for the entry of all sorts of persons so long as they remained there only about twenty-four hours, and were received by some one repre- senting us, and in turn dispatched by him on to Berlin, and that in Berlin the people should again be received by an agent of ours, and be dispatched again from Berlin within forty-eight hours almost right across the Russian frontier in the case of Rus- sians, and in the case of Roumanians across the Roumanian frontier, but out of Ger- many at any rate. 3558. Question. Did you after that discourage people coming over here? Answer. While I was there I did all I possibly could to discourage people, and I thought the best w^ay to go about that would be to arrange that the continental com- mittees should not assist the people onwards to London, which they had done before very largely. Of course it seemed the cheapest plan for them to get rid of the people by giving them a trifle to come to Lond(m, but I found it not a very difficult job to persuade a German not to give something, and thev readilv fell in with my views when I told them that financially they woiild be better off if they did not give it. 3559. Question. You say that you issued ciiculars to them f ^ ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTEACT LABOR LAWS. 27 9 Answer. Yes; I have handed in two circulars which we issued, one to the conti- nental committees which I propose should be placed in the possession of the commit- tee, and one which is a general notice which was put into most of the newspapers Id the various towns through which those people generally passed, and written in Ger- man because they nearly all read German. We also were successful in getting a large number of continental papers to put in editorial notices of warning. 3560. Question. Had they any effect? Answer. I think they had a very marked effect. 3561. Question. In what way? Answer. The number of those who came was almost immediately reduced. 3567. Question. Have you any knowledge or is there any way of ascertaining the number of foreigners who come into London every week or every month! Answer. I know of no means whatever. 3568. Question. You have no idea, have you, of the number of foreign immigrants that do come in ? Answer. No; I have no means whatever of knowing other than those who are either belonging absolutely to the pauper class or who are in need. 3569. Question. And those only Jews? Answer. Yes, those only Jews. 3570. Question. Have you no means of knowing those other than Jews? Answer. 1 have no means whatever of knowing. My board know practically all the paupers and almost all needy people who are .Jews. 3571. Question. The conclusion which you arrive at, as I understand, is this: ''The board have removed from London probably more poverty-stricken cases of Jews than have come here?"" Answer. Yes. 3572. Question. But you have really no proper record of where the people have come from, excepting those who come to the board. Answer. By public record. 3600. Question. Have you ever seen advertisements in the Jewish newspapers in the east end of Loudon offering employment to foreigners especially? Answer. No, I have not; but I have read an advertisement which was insertedby Mr. Arnold White,! which I think was calculated to bring x)eople here, offering to send them to America, or something of that sort. 3640. Question. You have some evidence about the returning of a certain limited nnm])er of pau])er immigrants from America; are you aware of any cas»\s of pauper unmigrauts who. having been rejected in America, have been refused admittanople are now looked after en route by gentlemen acting in Haml)urg and Berlin as the agents of my board. Exhibit Al, on page 187, is a table of the number of aliens entered as having arrived at Hull en route to America via Liverpool, as follows: January 788 February 1, 498 March 4,886 April 11,126 May 15,761 June (to 19th) 7, 917 Total 41,976 Of which number 41,595 were en route to America. 282 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. When I was at Hull last summer I witnessed the debarkation of th emigrants from a number of steamships, and over nine-tenths of thei were Russian Jews. The same proportion holds good for the port ( Grimsby, where I also witnessed several debarkations. These emigranl were transported at once across the country to Liverpool, boolve through to America. They possessed nothing as a rule except a snia bag of pots, kettles, old clothing, and a prepaid ticket, which the stated had been provided by the Hebrew societies, and the price c which they would have to refund as soon as they earned the money i America. On page 67 of the same report the total cases of foreigners wbic were assisted to emigrate in 1887 by the Hebrew society, of which Alexander is the honorary secretary, was 600. On page 169, Mr. Alexander continues : I would further point out that a money standard as a passport to entry would i itself be harmful, as prohibitive to many, although poor yet physically lit, and ae bar against many who, even if penniless, come here to join their friends and do uc become a burden on charity. Were such arrangements promulgated as exist in th United States, I feel sure that scarcely any of the people complained of would b kept out. It 18 notorious that with all the strijujevci/ of the Amey-ican regnlailonsfew at ever prohihited to enter;"^ and I venture to suggest to the couimittee that all legislatio which might act as a check upon the inllux from certain continental countrie might surely increase the chance of persecution therein. BIRDS OF PASSAGE.t Relative to birds of passage, as are called tliose persons who emigrat to this country in the spring of the year, and return to their nativ country in the fall, I wish to give an account of the number of person, that arrive in England from the United States so far as reported, show ing nationality and country whence they came in 1889 : 1 )ic Nationality. United states. British North America.! Australa- Cape of Good Hope and Natal. All other places. Total, 1889. Total, 1888. British and Irish.. Foreigners Not distinguished. 71, 392 40, .301 8,642 385 Total. Ill, 693 9,027 10, 438 199 836 7,729 1,401 1, 206 103, 070 94, 13 43, 122 33, 1 1, 206 I ) 10, 637 5,705 10, 336 147,398 1 128,89 I This shows that the number of British and Irish immigrants wh( returned were 71,392 out of a total of 240,395 who emigrated. these the number of adult males was 41,533, and the number of male children was only 4,367, or a total of 45,900 males and 25,492 females (See p. 20, copy of statistical tables relating to immigration and erai gration from and into the United Kingdom in the year 1889, and re port of the Board of Trade thereon by Henry G. Galcraft, House o Commons, public document printed March 24, 1890.) The excess of males over females is over 20,000, which number corre spends very nearly to the number of round-trip tickets, which wer( sold during that year according to an approximation made by Mr James Tibbetts, steamship ticket agent in Liverpool. Without doubi nine-tenths of these are birds of passage. The labor leaders in Eng land, notably Mr. Tom Mann, member of the labor commission, statec that a great many of their mechanics left home in the spring and re turned in the fall of the year. " Unfortunately, they don't stay lon^ enough," he said, '^ and thus they interfere to a large extent with om home people by competition for the last two months' work." *The italics are mine. t See also page 288 for birds of passage, extract from letter of Consul StarklofF Bremen ; also Statistics, Vol. II. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 283 The contiiieiital conference of steamship companies held in ]S'ew ) York October 8, 1889, which was composed of the Compagnie Generale Trail satlantique, the Hamburg- American Packet Company, the Xord- Deutcher Lloyd, the Eed Star Line, the Royal Netherlands, U. S. M., and the Union Line (Sloman's steamers) adopted rul{\s and regulations relatingto rates for outward, prepaid, and round-trip steerage passages. The commissions to subagents were fixed at 8-J a ticket or 84 for a round-trip ticket, and for children half commission. Among other rules adopted was one that '^no commission shall be paid to agents on letters or cards of introduction." iSTo agent shall be deemed entitled to i commission except on actual issuance of the ticket and direct receipt by him of the passage money. This sj'stem of agents' letters or cards of introduction is in vogue in Germany, where the laws of the land for- bid i)ublic advertising. Sul)agents' substitutes exist in almost every hamlet in Germany, whose cards of introduction, or letters, when presented by persons whom they have persuaded to emigrate entitles them to a commission amount- ing to $2 or less. Others evade the advertising law by procuring ad- , verti semen ts, posters, boom town circuhirs, railroad circulars, and . books giving descriptions of all the States from Texas to INIinnesota and from Arkansas to the State of Washington; from Antwerp, Am- sterdam, and other places outside of the country to persons who desire information in Germany. I procured a numlier of these on application, under an assumed name, from an agent, Kichard Berns, 132 Avenue du Commerce, Antwerji, Belgium, agent of the White Star Line, Allen Line, and Ked Star Line. They are printed in the German language and are intended for circulation throughout Germany ; giving a German and English dictionary and a complete phrase book; in fact, a lexicon in German and English at the end, together with tables of moneys, weights, and measures, and a glowing descrii)tion of enticing features said to obtain in this country. One of these circulars is headed : " Homesteads for all" along the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Bailway and connecting roads in the Northwest and far West, as well as in the southern parts of the United States of America. All the States are described herein, open- ing with Wisconsin and ending with Texas, together with an explana- tion of the modes of obtaining homesteads, preemption, and timber lands. There is an advertisement of the great Northwest and Mani- toba, stating that 200,000,000 acres of land are to be had gratis by settlers; every person from 18 years of age being entitled to 100 acres. The emigrants who are induced to settle in this northwestern country , by reading these highly colored and illustrated cirulars, find their way ] to the States across the Canada border and SAvell the amount of immi- I gration to an extent of which no correct estimate can be formed, be- cause we have no statistics of those who crossed the Canada line since 1885. The one million six hundred thousand unemployed laborers, who , are concentrated principally in our large cities, are numerically suflBcient i to-day to claim the occupancy and to cultivate every spare acre in our public domain if the opportunities were afforded them. We know that Congress passed an appropriation last year to aid our own settlers in the Dakotas to procure seed wheat, because they were destitute; and that is a country which has been settled for years. We know what a desiderate rush w^s made to get into Oklahoma, and how for months they camped outside and waited for the opening. Where were these "Homesteads for all" at that time? Wherever they are they have a fence around theni. Of those which are in the hands of actual settlers the census brings us an unfavorable report. Eight 284 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. million farm mortf!:ages can not be explained in such a manner as tt | harmonize witli tliese steamship, railroad, and land-syndicate circularsJ Uuqnestionably this exportation of siirphis pauper and criminal pop-, Illation to Canada accounts for the large i^roportion of foreigners in ouii eleemosynary institutions along the Canadian border, which proportion. ' even as far down as Kochester, N. Y.. amounts to 68 per cent, and which! j according to the reports read before'the last Congress of Charities and Correction, averages 40 per cent in institutions throughout the United' States: and it also accounts for the decrease of persons in similar insti' tutions in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, and for the fact thai; while the tickets of leave granted in England during 1880 numbered! J 25,000, those granted in 1890 numbered only 12,000. • ^ The annual cost per criminal is £35, and the saving of the English Government in this connection, to say nothing of the cost saved oe account of further prosecutions, is the cause of the popularity of thi.^ exportation system and the large number of discharged prisoners' aid societies, who "are quasi governmental, and receive money for work done by prisoners while in captivity. The fact that these "prisoners' aid societies " are recognized by judges, courts, and magistrates may alsc be accounted for on the same grounds. In one of the reports which I read while in England, that of the Southwest Lancashire and Wirral Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society. which had assisted many persons to emigrate, the report stated that legislation should be suggested which would force prisoners to remaiD here after they had been exported. The report for the city of Liverpool for the year ending Septembei 9, 1890, shows 50 persons emigrated, all of them being discharged prisoners — that is, convicts on license — under the provisions of the pre- vention of crimes act, 1871, section 8, all of whom were sent to Boston. There are about eighty -two institutions for fallen women in Loudon and double that number in the provinces. A great many of the in- mates of such institutions are sent to the L^nited States on prepaid tickets. A report of the Glasgow House of Shelter for Fallen Women, 1890, page 11, shows seven cases sent abroad, naming places, among others Chicago and Pittsburg, as their destination. It is a matter of public notoriety that in late years criminals receive short penal sentences by English judges and long periods of surveillance, which latter is made so uncomfortable for them, they having to report at regular periods and give an account of themselves and give notice of change of residence and a great many other small matters, which practically makes life a burden to them. On the other hand, the prof- fered assistance of the discharged prisoners' aid societies induces most of them to emigrate to the United States. According to their own re- ports, one half of the criminals in Scotland are aided by prisoners' aid societies to go to the United States. Annexed will be found a list of " Discharged Prisoners' Aid Socie- ties " in the United Kingdom. Appendix Ko. 5 shows the number of steerage passengers landed at the barge office during 1891; also cabin passengers landed at the port of New York. It is signed by John E. Moore, landing agent, baige office, January 1, 1892. This table shows 445,290 steerage passengers and 105,023 cabin pas- sengers landed in 964 trips. It is not an official table, and in my judg- ment is very wide of the mark, inasmuch as some steamship companies when reporting the number of passengers they land frequently count two well-gTown children as one person; and it is notorious, as has been frequently charged in the metropolitan papers, that in the spring of ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 285 the year some of the steamship lines bring over a Larger number of steerage passengers than they are by law entitled to carry, but which fact they do not report, and they frequently land large forces of men wbom they designate stewards or emi")loyes, and who are not counted as steerage passengers, as well as those whom they took on board to <'work their way over." Tramp ship emigrants frequently land at minor seaports without being counted. The foreign statistics of persons embarking for the United States and the reports of those landed at our shores do not harmonize,* and until those who cross the Canadian and Mexican borders are counted it is manifest that no accurate statistics can be given on this imx^ortant subject. [Extract from report of House of Comnjons on emigration and immigration.] Xumher of cases and number of new cases relieved hjj the Jewish hoard of guardians in each of the undermentioned years. Year. 1870 . ]877. ,1878. ]870. ■ im) . 1881. 1882. Ca.ses. Ifew cases ' only. 1 J. 903 606 2. 2: 6 862 : 2.171 873 i| 2, fi::9 1,063 ll 2, .''SS 94.5 2. B29 984 1 2, 953 1, 306 : i Year. 1883 1884 188.5 1886 1887 1S.S8 1889 Cases. 882 0.54 408 139 313 .513 2,980 Xe'<.v casea only. 1,103 1, 368 1,586 1,944 1, 205 1,318 923 It is evident from these figures that in 1SS5-'8G there was quite an excei)ti()nal i^ressure of poverty in the east end of London, and although there lias been a considerable diminution since then, the evil has not altogether been reduced to its former dimensions, much less altogether removed. With regard to the Jewish Shelter, the main figures, as stated in the report, are that the number of inmates who passed through the institu- tion during the past year was 783 as against 1,102 during the first year, and 1,322 during the second year of its existence. The committee maintain in tlieir report that the Shelter has not stimulated, but has helped to clieck immigration, by promoting emigration to America. The next point treated in these reports is the return of destitue poor Jews to the place from which they came or their departure to other places. Taking the Jewish Shelter report first, we find it stated that out of the above 783 inmates of the institution in 1889, 258 were re- turned to their native place, 00 went to the United States, and 23 to various countries, whilst 333 remained in the United Kingdom, and 79 are ^'not specified." The 258 returned to their native place compare with 338 returned in the i:)receding year, a diminution in number, but the proportion borne by the 258 to the total inmates, numberhig 783, being larger than the proportion borne by the 338 to the total inmates of the year, numbering 1,322. Taking next the report of the Jewish board of guardians, we have the following comparison for the last few years : 1889. 1888. 1887. 1886. Cases of emigrants orreiuovals. 4-11 701 568 919 TnrJivicluala comprised. 1,254 1,147 1,557 *Tbey rmi only 1)0 rirflo to Ivn infmizc on the supposition that half of those who embark die in transit or im not acciuinLcd tor in our incomplete registering system, furnislied mainly by steam. •hip mauilc&bs. H. Ex. 37 54 286 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. \ [Emigration and immigration, 1889. House of Commons report, page 37.] Nvmberof aliens on hoard ships jihich arrived at London and Hull from ports in Eurc during the year 1889, wilh totals of the nvmber who arrived during 1888, according the lists of aliens transmitted to the home office. Kumber of aliens recorded at — Ports whence arrived. London. Hull. Destination not stated. En route to Destination America, not stated. Total 523 35 . 2,399 2,; 10 620 1S9 401 264 96 1 5,( 3,i 28 5,656 77 3,271 r^Viriatiniia nnrl f^hri^tiaTmanil . . .. Dajizi*" ..... ............................ 51 6 1,116 5,978 ]6 47 27 6 1 752 Gaera 19, 382 5,201 19, c 5,i Harobiirff .. . .......................... 4 Malmo and Helsiugborg ............................. Mamel Odessa Eotterdam ........ ................................ 5,581 5,5 3 5 Uddevalla Total 9,846 10, 953 41, 595 62, 901 364 215 41 9 Total for 1888 63,1 Keturn to an order of the honorable, the House of Commons, dated March 21, 1890. The above figures show that in 1889 the total alien passengei landed at the port of Hull, England, were 41,960 as compared wit 63,116 in 1888. The undue proportion of those " en route to America can only be explained by the fact that they were diverted by the En^ lish " committees " and their passage prepaid to America by societit established for that purpose. Over four-fifths of the emigrants wh arrived while I was at Hull were Russian or Polish Jews, who wer paupers and traveled on prepaid tickets. See sworn testimony before committee, House of Commons, page 178, 179, quoted in this report, questions 3649, 3650. Inclosed table for 1890, official statistics of the city of Hamburg will show that of a total of 93,013, who left the port of Hamburg fo the United States, only 21,885 were emigrants from German provinces 41,270 were Russians and Poles; 19,833 were from Austro- Hungary an< Bohemia, and only five were Frenchmen, the others being divided amon; Roumania, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, Great Britai] and Ireland, Italy, Holland, and Belgium. During the same period the official statistics of the city of Bremei show an emigration of 107,156 to the United States, out of a total c 140,410 to all other parts of the world, of which only 15,233 males wer Prussians, and 8,090 came from other portions of Germany; the othe parts of Europe have about the same proportion, as is shown by th( statistics from the city of Hamburg. The Society for the Prevention of Destitute Aliens, and other simila societies on the Continent, take special pains in diverting this class o ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 287 : emigrants to the United States, because It is alleged everywhere that .1 they are a nonproducing class, and are therefore the least desirable. )| In this connection I will state that while formerly committees existed in I Amsterdam and other seaports for the purpose of sending these people j to the Argentine Kepublic, Brazil, and other South American ports, they ( have now been disbanded, and a few private individuals, who disavow ■* connection with the Hirsch fund, give their whole time to the matter. ,; The consul for the Argentine Republic, at Amsterdam, told me that £ none are now being sent to Argentina, because they readily find an ^ asylum in America, the steamship fares being much lower from Europe to the United States than to other parts; therefore the poorest class of emigrants naturally fall to our lot. The price of passage tickets to Australia from Liverpool is £18, w^hile to the United States it is from £3 10s. on some of the companies to £4 on the more fashionable lines of steamers — that is to say, on the "ocean greyhounds." In Great Britian, according to Leone Levi, the number of the produc- ing class is 10,648,000, and their income is £450,000,000; the number of the nonproducing class is 4,532,000, and their income from land, interest, and the labor of others is £800,000,000. The number of acres of pro- ductive land idle amounts to many millions, and, according to Mr. Griffin, who is the statistician of the board of trade, the number of destitute persons in the United Kingdom is 5.000,000. Mr. Frederick Harrison (statistician) states that 1 in 5 of London^s population will die in the poorhouse, hospital, or asylum, as 90 per cent of the producers of wealth _ have a weekly wage which scarcely suffices to keep them in health. The worst scenes of destitution in England are in the East-end of 'London, better known as Whitechapel, where the sweating system* has "been inaugurated by the introduction of this class of foreigners into England ; and the most i)itiable sight that has ever been presented to . American eyes, in my estimation, was the procession of the starving cloak-makers who were locked out a year or so ago in New York, and whose banners proclaimed that they were starving, and begged for ' food. These were the advance guard of this class of immigrants. I will add that on January 8, 1802, 1 attended an overflowing meeting of these same cloak-makers, held at Everett Hall, 35 East Fourth street, New York, wliere Mr. Joseph Barondess spoke and recommended the voting of the socalist ticket. He received an ovation such as I have jUever witnessed before, men, women, and children embracing and kiss- ■ iiig him, and then embracing and kissing each other, in their enthusi- asm. His control over that multitude was absolute. They would sac- rifice their lives or liberties at his bidding and execute any order he might issue. Tliey believe the most extreme doctrines taught and are a menace to the Republic. The chasm between capital and labor is wide enough now. We should guard against an invasion of such hordes as we would against an armed host or a pestilence. The alarming proportion of the unemployed proletariat, the increase of insanity, pauperism, and crime is traceable to no other such prolific source as immigration. A better sifting process is absolutely necessary to sub- jServe the general welliire. , In this connection I may also state that in Allegheny County, Pa., during the past year fifty-eight homicides occurred, all of which were committed by aliens or naturalized foreigners. (See particulars in Pittsburg Times of December 31, 1891.) •See report of Parliament Sweating Committee, English Pub. Doc., 1888. 288 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. GERMANY. 1 In Germany, while the Government does not openly assist emi^n tion, there are no obstacles ])lace(l in the way of i)anpers Avho seek home abroad. The most valid excuse for evading military duty is pow erty, and in few, if any, cases are pi^issports refused to paupers becauaB' of unperformed milicary duty. Of coarse, if there is any other diss biUty, such as disease or bodily defects, passports are just as readil obtained, although no military service has been performed. Tlie bett( class of young men delight in military service for patriotic motives, an as it is a period of recreation and education, mental as well as physica for them, and a change of scene on account of travel during the annui^ military maneuvers, it is looked forward to with pleasant anticipatij' until the time they are old enough to enlist. I may add in this connection that the popular idea that large nui bers of young men leave Germany to evade military duty is erroneoi as is evidenced by the fact that few arrive without passports. Tl condition is also true of Italy, only in a more pronounced degree; in that country it is a positive luxury for the average young men leave their destitute homes and be well provided for in the army durin" a x>eriod of three years. They also receive an education, for none ai now discharged from the army before they can read and write. And? in the southern part of Italy 1)3 per cent of the people are illiterate, an wages average less than 20 cents per diem, according to Signor Lui^i Bodio, the eminent Italian statistician, the reason for this love of mil tary duty aside from patriotic motives is quite plain. One of our consuls in Germany, Dr. Starklofl', Bremen, states that- Whetlier or not steamstiip companies make use of unlawful means is a very difficu matter to ascertain; and that such liave been used to some extent he learns once i a while from newspaper reports. He says : Their agents and subagents try as a matter for their own interest to obtain i many emigrants upon their list as possible. I quote from the same letter, copy of which, in full, is filed herewith I have already reason to suspect that a great many people, especially Bohemian Polanders, and Hungarians, are engaged under contract by mining companies, most], of Pennsylvania. Since I have taken charge of this consulate, I have noticed the these people are shipped for the United States in the spring and return in the ai tunm. I have recognized the same faces, especially tliose of the men under whof supervision they seem to travel. These people do not handle any money, nor do the answer any questions to strangers, no matter in what language they are addressee They seem to follow their leader blindly. There is but one woman to each crew < 12 or 18 men, Avho, as I am informed, works and cooks for such at their place of dei tination in the United States. He also states that — Criminals and paupers have been shipped to the United States to ray knowledge h the benevolent societies, whose leader in one case has been a Government oflScer. He recommends consular inspection or certification under the authoi ity of the Government, and thinks that if emigrants were compelled t get from their government authorities a certificate of good conduct, an to instruct steamship companies and their agents and subagents nott sell tickets to any emigrant unless he has such a certificate, believin tliat the said government authorities who would be willing to give t undesirable citizens a passx)ort in order to get rid of them would hes ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 289 tate very mucli to give to the saine person a certificate where that per- son has been in conflict with the laws^ of the country. He says that — As far as insane persons, idiots, and other defectives, are concerned, I think the present system of oxaminatiou by the steamship snrs should appoint one or two surgeons at every port of embarkation, whose duty shall be to examine nnder the supervision of the United States consul all emigrants, and reject all idiots, linaane and other defectives with loathsome or contagious diseases; and if there is the least suspicion from the appearance of anyone being afflicted with consumption or heart disease, to make a close individual examination and reject htm if afflicted. The expense of such examination is nothing compared with the benefit derived there- from. He further states that — Criminals and paupers from other conntries are promptly sent back to the country whence they came from by the German authorities, and that it is clear that the Gernuin Government is anxious U) retain their good and valuable citizens, and like to see their invalid ones depart to other countries. I Another American consul located in Germany, whose communication is marked "confidential" (see letter, vol. ii), who favors consular certifi- cations, says: It would be practicable and of good service to the United States to require all emi- grants to obtain certilieates from the United States consuls. It would cost the United States (iovernment nothing, for the cost of obtaining said certiiicate would be very properly paid by the emigrants. Should the United States consul be empowered to issue these certificates many per- sons wholly untit to receive domicile in the United States would be kept at home. And further states that — Yonr committee need not overconcern itself about citizens in this conntry coming to America owing to military service, for the German Government will attend to that matter. He says he knows of no German law or regulation which hinders emigrants, and that criminals and paui)ers are atonce sent to the country to wliich they owe allegiance. HOLLAND. At Amsterdam, in Holland, T found that the Government has estab- hshcd an oflice, ostensibly for tlie protection of emigrants, but in real- ity its main business consists in exi)editing Jewish refugees and other panpers who arrive at its ports to America. ' I also found at the office of one Geldersche, Kade 24, an agency for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul^ Jiailroad Company, in which circulars were issued giving glowing descri[)tions of free lands in Illi- nois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, 8onth Dakota, and North Dakota, and stating that they had from 18,000,000 to 30,000,000 of acres for sale. I transmit a newspaper called "California," published by a Dutch land syndicate, booming their lands in Califoruta by enticing descrip- tions and i)reposterous statements. H. Ex. 235 19 290 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ITALY. uu The land in Italy has been centered in the hands of a few title* families, who sublet the same to small farmers on shares, or pay thei farm laborers from 14 to 20 cents per day, keeping them in such a con dition that were their labor to cease for a period of less than on week starvation would result. It has been said that one family — thi Borghese — owns nearly one-fifth of the land of the province. The large standing army and navy and great expenditures u public works, the present national system of education, and the meuse administration to be maintained has proved such a burden tha the condition of the masses has become almost intolerable, and law with penalties attached have lately been enacted obliging owners of th soil to have the same cultivated within a radius of 10 miles about th Roman capital. This experiment is being tried because the food pre duction of the country is insufficient for its own consumption, and idl land or absentee landlordism, like in Ireland (see report Commissione Powderly), has been the principal cause of distress and of the deprec ation of wages, and this condition has enabled the steamship companies their agents, and subagents to reap a rich harvest among the discoi tented who wish to emigrate, even though only for a time, in order t get some money and then return to their native land. The following is a list of about 160 agents and subagents, with thei nddresses, who in turn have assistants, who are not compelled to giv bonds and who work on commission and induce their fellow country men to emigrate. A rough estimate would bring these agents and sut agents' substitutes nearly to the figure of 4,000, scattered thioughou the various provinces of Italy : General Emigration Agents, CITY OF NAPLES. District of Naples. 14 Name. Address. De Luca Brothers, general agents . Savarese Brothers,* subagents ... Ferretti & Cardano, agents Gl. Cy. Emigration, general agent . Boriello, Beniamino, general agent Cindolo, Giovanni,* subagent Ferolla Nicola, agent Del Piano & Cavaliere, agent Fornari Criscuolo & Co., agent De Vito Stanislas, agent Manfredi Francesco, general agent Ramaglia & Catuozoro, agents Scotto Michele, agent De Luca & Casella, agents Gilberti & Tofani, agents Via Piliero No. 17. Via Lanzieri. Via Molo Piccolo No. 34. Corso Garibaldi No. 50. Via Florio Gioia No. 2. Do. Via Marima Nuova 30. Corso Garibaldi 43. Via Marima Nuova 160. Vico H. Piliero No. 5. Via Flavio Gioia No. 88. Via Porto MofontaDell. Via Piliero No. 10. Via Piliero No. 35. Liazza Stazione. II * Innkeepers. All these agents have given bojids from 60,000 to 100,000 Ure to the Govenunen (From $12,000 to $20,000.) ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CON TK ACT Sub-Emigration Agents, napt .f.s-camp ania. District of Caserta. LABOR LAWS. 291 Name. Town. Arcucei, Giovanni Petrulo. Cajnmuso Giuseppe ...... ...... ...... .. ...... .... Pontelatone. Colella, Carlo Cassano. Corvino, Carlo Mondragone, Formia. D© Meo Alessandro . ...... .... ........ Disa, Domenico Carinola. Gonnelli, Pasquale Letino. Caprio Salvatore ... ....... Oeano. Grauso, Viucenzo Briana. Perotta, Aniello Cajazzo. Pietra Melara. Toscano, Pasquale Vinzo, Vincenzo Piedimonte d'Alife. Villani, Filippo Ailano. These agents are under control of their general agents in Naples. They require no bonds. Diatnct of Salerno. Avella, Antonio Perdifumo. Anlisio, All felo of Nicola ..... ... . Cicerale Aliberti, Antonio Felice Catiero, Giovanni Nocera Inferior©, D'Agortino, Lingi Kutiuo. Fasano, Roberto Colliano. Falciano, Giuse])pe Andrea Sarno. Galzerauo, Ferdinando Caiupora. Jennaco, Alfonso Orlando, Pasquale Salerno. Pacelli, Pascawio Bucciuo. Pace, Guiseppe Priguaro Cilento. Montesano, Marcelana. Palombo, Antonio Rubini, Alfonso Capaccio. Celle Bulgheria. Laviano. Speranza, Biagio Torsiello, Vincenzo Venosa, Nicola Lolla. Volpe, Mich«de of Guiseppe Sala Consilina. Vuccolo, Guiseppe District of Benevento. DeGregrio, Leopold© Buonalbergo. Campolattaro. Mucciacciaro, Francesco Palombi, Cristofaro of Carlo Rinaldi, Nicola Tommasso, Francesco Puo-lianello District of Foggia. Castelli, Beniomino Sj4T1 HPTPfn D'Achino, Ginlio Rigliese, Girolams Rago, Ruggiero S. Augelo (Monte). 292 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWB. CALABRIE. District of Caianzaro» Name. Town. Aflilnrrli Snvprio i TmmiciDal scliool teaclier^ ..... Nirotera. ifl r^nliK'TTin T^miiPni pn ^ . ... Tiriolo. jM Montelcone. fl Tropea. fl Soriano Calabro, fl Sambiase. ^M Lo Jacone, Fraucesco Af !•! inn ft Viiirpii 70 . . .. lacui'so. '^M Sto Guiescppe .. . . ........ Cotronei. ^| Briatno. 9 Filadelfia. 1 Sanseverine, Giov. Battista Marcellinara. 1 District of Beggio Calabria. J Lanucara, Domeuico B.'ignara Calabra. Bopresti Goivaniii . ... .. .... .. Villa S. Giorauni. ' Mon Tarro, An touio Serrata. "^ Pacicca, Antonino . . . .... .... . .. . .. Roccella lonica. Scali, Guiseppe Ardore. : 1 District of Cosenza. ^ Aversa, Fraucesio Rende. "1 Calomini, Sal va tore San Fifi. J Cavaliere, Emilio Mormanuo. -5 Cagliauone, Giovanni Bounvicinx). * Cetraro, Liiigi Sangiveto. Curti, Giusejipe Spezzano Albancse, Morano Calabro. De Leone, Francesco De Panla, Annihale Robs an 0, fl Di Genuare, Ginsseppe Cropalati. 1 Sura^'eua. Lo lelo, Salvatore Laconia, Giuseppe R^lvftd«rft Marittanin, Lanrito, Posqiuile LuRcro. Martini, Lnigi Cetraro. ; Mainieri, Eouo Morano Calalrro. ; Nardi, Carto Alberto Mentalto Uffugo. 1 S. Donato Niue;^ J Panebianco, Giuseppe Puliciccliio, Salvatore Pelligrini, Carmine C astro villarL 1 Persico, Giovanni Diamante. ^ Ripi, Lnigi Oriolo. 9 Komeo, Beruiamino San Lucido. s| Sicilian], Orouzio Corigliano CaIabTt>. * Staffa, Menotti Zanfini, Rosario S. Giorgio Albaneee. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. PUGLIE. District of Avellino* 293 Name. De Sanctis, Francesco Saverio (insurance agent, also) . Jannnzzi, Angelo (doctor) Jorizzo, Fed ele Limougelli, Levuardo Meoli, Gabricle Miguone, Alfonso Panza, Convillo Giacomo (druggist) Riualdi, Micliele Sibilia, Maria Fietro Daniele (druggist) Taddei, Gioranii Valentine, Filii)po Town. Avellion. Calabritto. Villanora del Battista. S. Audreadi Conza. Chinsano S. Domenico. Sant'Angelosei Lombard. Flnmeri. Calitri. Teora. Aviauo X Puglia. Orsara x Puglia. District of Bari. Sabatelli, Berardino Bari. Santostasi, Girolaiuo Monopoli. ABBRUZZI. District of Aquila. Santilli, p]ttoro (bookseller) Ciofani, Nereo Aquila. Pratola Peliqua. District of Camjyohasso. Brinde8),01iuipio Colonna, Erniinio Nicola Colucci, Giovani Di Santo, Dominco De Martinis, Rouo , De Lellis, Ferdinando .. Ferrante, Luigi Tedeschi, Alfonso Graziana, Gioranni Marcantoniio, T^uciano... Palladino, (jlerniaro , Zilenibo, Giuseppe , De Vito, Antonio , Perpetua, Antonio Trivento. Termoli. Maccbi Valfortore. Fescolamciano. Monaielioni. Vastogirardi. Ripaliniosauo. Sepino. 8. Giovanni in Galdo. Kipalda. i'iccia. lelsi. Providenti. Iseriua. District of Chieti. Cipollone, Conadino Rinaldi, Giulio Seaccia, Gi useppe Magno, Eugenio Mauzitte, Umberto . Casacanditella. Lainadii Peligin. Lanciano. Arsog-ua. Vasto. 204 ENFORCEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOE LAWB. PUGLiE — continned. District of Teramo. Name. Town. Giulianora. BASILICATA. District of Potenza, D'Ambrosio, Ferdinando Dente, Mauro D'Orlando, Guiseppe Gabbamonte, Fraucesio . Pietrafesa, Nicolino Pricolo, Rouo Rinaldi, Giovanni Tortorella, Francesco De Marco, Antonio Cioffari, Guiseppe Castelluccio Inferiore. Tricarico. Maratea. Ruro del Monte. Pignola. S. Giorgio Lucano. S. Chirico Reparo. Lagonegro. Rotonda. S. Fele. SICILY. District of Palermo. Pellegrino, Antonio (chevalier) Allesandra, Givaceliuo Ajello, Matter Bellanca, Pietro Criscione, Pietro (doctor) Conti, Ferdinando Cassata, Salvatore Fiorentino, Luigi Fatta, Barnard ino Guzzio, Salvatore Calogero, Fipolite La Carera, Santo La Barbara, Antonio Lisuzzo, Salvatore Mos vato, Snofrio Palermo. Alia. S. Giuseppe lato. Seriara Criddi. Mezzo juso. Villafi-ati. Coialiu. Sclafani (CMuaa), Alia. Valle d' Olmo. Do. Tiabia. Baucina. Scillato. Corleone. District of Gercenti. Caruso, Tguazio Chiarello, Vincerezo De Luca, Nicolo De Sanctis, Vincenzo Ferreri, Vittorio de Salvatore Mangiaracina, Francesco Merlo, Alberto Sortino, Andrea Sambneia Zabut. Sciacca. Girgenti. Castelterinini. Mussomeli. S. Margberita x BeUoe. Burgio. Villafranca. District of Messina. Gamier, Amedio of Leopoldo Messina. Garmier, Leopold (via Marina No. 42) Do. ENFOECEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 295 SICILY — continued. District of Caltamisseta. Name. Town. Amico GiuseDne ........... ...... ...... . .. , .... Villalta. Ferreri, Vittorio Mussomeli. Caltamissetta. District of Catania. Colajaimi, Poinpeo D'Alessandro, Nicolo of Francesio Seuto, (Juctaiio Sento Altio, Alfredo Catania. Nicosia. Catania. Do. District of Trapani. Cottone, Gasparo of Vito Scardino, Gnsping Aleamo. Poggiorcalo. List of steamship companies carrying emigrants to United States from Italy. Company. Freight agents in J«aples. Pbice of departure. Address of agents. Anchor Line. OlafljETOw Fabre Line, Mivibt-illf-s National Line, iiordeaur Florio-Uiibattino, (j('n(»a French Trans- Atlantiqne, Havre Red Star Line. Antwerp North German Lloyd, Antwerp. Holmes Brothers . . . Do Luca Brothers .. L. lialsamo &. CJo ... G. Orlando Gondrad Brothers .. L.MalKa Leopold Brothers... Naples ...do ...do ...do Havre Antwerp . Genoa 1 Via riavio Gioia. 17 Via Piliero. 1 Via Piliero. 28 Via Piliero. Via L.do. 34 Via JPiliero. Vico r Piliero. N. B.— The Red Star Line has almost given np the trade of Naples. The North German Lloyd has Just commenced thi.s tra other line, andticket agents in Europe, whom 1 questioned about this line, were unde: the impression that they employed as many subageuts as any of the other tran» atlautic companies. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ,97 Table I. — Emigration from 1S69 to 1S75. (These tables are compiled from information received at the mayor's offices, and from the registered number of pas.sports delivered.] Tear. 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 Italian emisrration. PeiTua- Clandes- nent. tine. 22, 201 16, 427 15. 027 35. 3.-^0 36, 200 14, 040 11,444 11,068 5,585 11, S21 Total. 36, 241 27. 871 26 095 40.915 48.181 Year. 1874 1875 Total Italian emiirration. Pernia- Clandes- neut. tLiie. 16, 375 13, 260 I 17, 362 27.253 Total. 33, 737 40, 513 154, 880 I 98, 673 | 253, 553 Table 11.— Emigration from 1876 to ISOO. Year. 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 • 1881 1882 1883 Male I Female. r>,2fi8 I 13,409 12.398 j 2H, 632 I 26,285 I 30.201 I 49,783 i 53,782 I 6,488 7, 678 6, 137 12, 192 ll,r>49 n,-<06 15, 9.59 14,634 Total. 19.7.56 21,087 18, 535 40, 824 37, 934 4i, 607 65, lio 68,416 Tear. Male. Female. 1884. I 1S85. ' 1j86. 1S87. 1888. 1889. 1890. 44.368 I 56, 161 j 61,512 : 91,935 127. 902 81, 267 75, 786 13, 681 20, 808 23, 843 35, 813 68,091 31, 826 28,947 Total. 58, 049 77, 029 85. 355 127, 748 195, 993 113, 093 104, 733 Grand total, 1,074,907. Tlic great disparity between the number of males and femaloa denotes either 'birds of passage" or "contract laborers." Emigration from 1887 to 1800, ITALIAN PORTS. [From seaport officer's report.] ' 1887. 1888. 1889. 1890. Jfafllfjq , . ..... .............. 35, 377 6S5 97. 875 205 42, 779 3,155 172, 676 19.942 4,938 108, 935 266 40, 258 3,093 Gnioa 67, 810 OthiTs Total 134, 202 218, 610 134, 081 111,161 Gnmd total. 598.054. FOREIGN PORTS. 1887. 1888. 1889. 1890. Maraeillcs . 27, 145 11,015 1,211 69 624 104 30 33, 990 10,444 1, 334 76 600 66 29 16, 442 9,414 1,233 12 939 HaA re 12, 854 1,128 liordBaiix 611 112 44 794 78 28 Total 40, 198 46, 539 27,856 27, 819 Grand toUl, 142,412. 298 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAW3. Emigration from 1887 to 1890 — Continued. KECAriTULATION. Year. From all ports. P'rom Ital«J ian Gov. eannicnt statistics. Igg7 ......... « 174, 400 265, 149 161, 937 138, 980 127, 74 195 99 18.^8 1889 . 113,09 104, 7a 1890 - Total 740, 466 541,56 Difference, 198,899, of which 142,412 sailed from foreijrn ports where passports are net required, leav I ing 56,487 haA'iug no passports, working wherever thej can and moring about Europe. There are about 22,000,000 people in Italy who do not own their homes, most of whom will in time be induced to emigrate by this horde of sub- agents. The prospect for the rich harvest in the Italian emigration oJ the future has induced the North German Lloyd Steamship Company to open a new line within the last thirty days, to sail from the port ol Genoa, in Italy, to the United States, in ships especially fitted up for th€ traffic. I met persons who represented themselves as their agents, ir Sicily, whose business it was to establish subageucies, and traveled witli them, together with Commissioner Powderly, to Palermo. They werei elated with their success, and anticipated a full share of the trade, as tickets are bought '•'■en bloc^^ on this side and in blank transmitted tc the other side, prepaid, to persons who are unable to pay for them until they have earned the money in the United States. Blocks of these tickets in blank I procured in this country. There are about 80 so called Italian bankers in Kew York, who have grown prosperous on the interest received on the money advanced foi prepaid tickets, and out of the traffic in contract labor. Some of these bankers have been knighted by the King of Italy, and hold their titles to-day, although their former record in courts of justice was very un savory. The prepaid-ticket system should be abolished. This wouldj not hinder relatives from sending money direct to their families, but would prevent the sale of thousands of tickets because the individuals and subagents could not be trusted with the money. The "Compagnie Generale Transatlantique" runs special emigrant trains from Basle to Havre, by way of the Jura Simi)lon railroad in Switzerland and the Chemin de Fer de I'Est in France, on which they forward emigrants from all ijarts, induced to migrate by various emi| gration agencies, principally that of ^'Zwilchenbart" of Basle. Theyj gather all such emigrants as are unable to obtain passports in theiil own country, some being fugitives from justice, i^ersons under police! surveillance, or defectives. They are fed on the trains, while in transit,- by the railroad company, and are even provided with wine at theiil meals. Others, who are too poor to pay railroad fare for third-class! passengers, tramp to the border, camp out nights, and finally find theiij way to Havre or Boulogne, where they make use of their prepaid tick-j ets, on which they are booked through to the United States. I transmit samples of blank prepaid steerage tickets, which arej issued '^en hloc^^ to agents, subagents, storekeepers, and even toj United States postmasters, by the steamship companies. I procured these tickets from a person in this country, who gave them to me onj condition that I cut out the numbers, in order that the compauiesi might not identify the place from whence they came. This ticket ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 299 agent informed me that they are authorized to sell them on install- ments, as low as $2 per month being paid on them; and they can be issued in quantities in blank to anyone who desires to bring any num- ber of laborers over under contract. Some of these tickets have a spa taken, say, two, three, or six months before the issue of a certificate of fitness, eanwhile the consul could send to the inspector this man's address and his answers tbe formal questions, and the inspector would proceed before the expiration of the ne allowed to ascertain the accuracy or otherwise of the sworn statements. » In many districts this would greatly increase the labor of the consuls, who should ( ) allowed an unofficial fee for the final certificate. In this district I should say that ' le active inspector, whose entire traveling expenses should not exceed $4 a day, •uld do the work of investigation, and that there should be a competent emigration erk in the consulate. The salary of the inspector would have to be at least $2,000, I should think, with all his necessary expenses paid when traveling under orders. ' Such a system well carried out might render medical examination unnecessary at e port of departure. The expense of inspection and certification abroad should be lid by the emigrants. This might seem to impose a hardship, but American citizen- dp is worth striving for. Very respectfully, Tnos. H. Sherman, Consul. H. J. ScHULTEis, Esq., Member of the Special Commission on Emigration. (Care of consulate-general of the United States, London.) [Indorsement,] I concur in this plan with the exception of the unofficial fee to the consul for 10 final certificate. Such fee should be paid to the United States Government and 311 312 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. filionld bo large enough to operate as a protective tariff on labor. In order to be efl tive it slioiild be equal at least to the difference in the price of passage tick between Europe to America and Europe to Australia. Thousands come here sim because it is cheaper than to go elsewhere. H. J. SCHULTEIS^ Member Special Commission^ [Copy.*] The Chairman of Special Comisiission, United States Treasury Department: Sir: In compliance with the request of your comraunication, dated July 21, 18 I have the honor to reply to your questions as follows : 1. The different steamship companies and their agencies and subagencies try,i as a matter of their own interest, to obtain as many emigrants upon their lists possible. Whether or not they make use of lawful means is a very difl&cult mafc to ascertain. That such have been used to some extent we learn once in a w" from newspaper reports. 2. I can not tell to what extent contract laborers are covertly engaged for expo tion to the United States, but I have all reasons to suspect that a great many peoj especially Polanders and Bohemians and Hungarians, are engaged under con by mining companies, mostly of Pennsylvania. Since I have taken charge of tl consulate I have noticed that these people are shipped for the United States in spring and return in autumn. I have recognized the same faces, especially thoi the men under whose supervision they seem to travel. These people do not ha; any money, nor do they answer any qiiestions to strangers, no matter in what guage they are addressed. They seem to follow their leader blindly. There is a one woman to each crew of 12 or 18 men, who, as 1 am informed, works and d for them at their place of destiny in the United States. It also happens that farpiers or manufacturers who have bought a tract of land the United States for the purpose of settling there, have taken over with theu whole crew of workmen who partially have been in their employ previous to th emigration to the United States. 3. Criminals and paupers have been shipped to the United States to my knowled by the benevolent associations whose leader in one case has been a Governm- oiticer. To what extent this is done, I am unable to tell. The most effective syst of examination of intending emigrants I think would be to compel the emigrants get from their governmenc authorities a certificate of good conduct and to instrc ^teamshil1 companies and their agencies and their subagencies not to sell a ticl for any emigrant unless he has such certificate. The government autkorities w, would be willing to give to an undesirable citizen a passport in order to get rid him would h(isitate very much to give to the same person a certificate of good (cenship if aware that said person has been in coullict with the laws of the coun as far as insane persons, idiots, and other defectives are concerned I think the pn ent system of examination by the steamship surgeons is inadequate for the folio >n^ reasons : 4. With due regard to the theoretical knowledge of the corps of steamship surgeo: it is well known that most of them are young and inexperienced men, who consic their position only a temporary one, as their salary is limited, and there is no expec tion of glory or promotion connected with it, and for an ambitious physician it isoi a stepping-stone to higher aims. For this reason they will hardly remain on boa a steamship long enough to become thoroughly familiar with the duties and resp sibilities imposed upon them. The steamship surgeons at this port examine the grants an hour before they leave the city to go on board the steamers. The va of an examination of from 500 to 1,500 passengers in so short a time is clear to ev( experienced physician or layman. During one winter season I have seen this exM nation take place in a large hall illuminated by one or two lamps, and by a tempe: ture of 10° below zero. My proposition is that the United States appoints one two surgeons at every port of emigration whose duty shall be to examine under t supervision of the United States consul all emigrants, and reject all idiots, insai and other defectives, and such afflicted with loathsome or contagious disease, and there is the least suspection from the appearance of any one to be afflicted with cc sumption or heart disease, to make a close individual examination and reject h' afflicted. The expense of such examinations is nothing compared with the bene derived therefrom. 5. In Germany emigration of able-bodied desirable citizens is not encouraged law, but rather hindered as far as possible, and every obstacle is thrown into thl way. The emigrants have to prove that they are not indebted to any one, that taxes are paid, and that they have strictly complied with the military law, and leaving have not violated any contract with other parties. *The following consular comtnunications are worthy of careful perusal and explain themselv They represent ine important immigration points in Europe. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 313 6. Criminals and panpers from other countries are promptly sent back to tlie coun- V where they came from by the German authorities. 7. See inclosed ordinance for regulating the couveyauce of ships' passengers to ausatlantic countries. 8. I do not know. 9. Neither do I know any points in the matter of emigration on which the German tovemment would likely cooi)erate with the United States. It is clear that the erman Government is anxious to retain its good and valuable citizens and likes to 6 its invalid ones depart to other countries. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, Hugo M. Starkloff, United States Consul, Bremen. [Copy.) )nN B. Weber, Chairman: Sir: In reply to your circular letter under date of 21st July, 1891, 1 have the honor submit the following re])ly : In answer to the first question, I have to say that I do not think emigration to the iiited States is in any way affected by the steamship companies or their agents in is consular district. In answer to second question, I know of no contract laborers being exported from is district. In answer to third que&tion, I can only say that I have no knowledge of any socie- as here aiding persons of the class of which you speak to emigrate to the United i-ates. In answer to fourth question, I beg to express my humble opinion and say that it •ould be practicable and of good service to the United States to require all emi- lants to obtain emigration certificates from the United States consul. It would iist the United States Government nothing, for the cost of obtaining said certificate ould be very properly paid by the emigrant. In this connection I beg to observe lat should the United States consul be empowered to issue these certificates many i^rsons wholly unfit to receive domicile in the United States would be kept at home. )ur committee need not over concern itself about citizens of this country going to iierica owing to military service ; the German Government will attend to this mat- r. Jn answer to fifth question, I have to observe that I know of no law or regulation liich hinders emigration. Ju answer to sixth question, I have to inform you that criminals and paupers are once sent to the country to which they owe allegiance. I cau not comply with the request you make in question seventh. In answer to eighth question, I have to observe that it is a very important question ihich you put. It would be hard indeed to submit such proof as a court of law ould consider sufficient, and yet your committee and our people in America know 'at hundreds of emigrants go to America when they cau not go elsewhere, which eans of course that Europe is unloading undesirable persons on us. The United ates has played the ''asylum for all nations" long enough, and in my humble )inion the time has arrived for emigration to be decreased, if not suspended alto- ither, at least for a decade. In answer to question number nine, I have only to observe that I do not. This lestion implies a condition of affairs that do not exist. My answer to question ;;ht shows that any arrangement which this Government might enter into with the nited States would certainly be such an arrangement as would not be prejudicial this Government in the premises. Your obedient servant, Joseph Edward Hayden, United States Consul, Breslau. fCopy.] Consulate op the United States, Palermo, Italy, October 13, 1891. Gentlfmen: Having only within the last few days returned from a two months' ave of absence, during whicli time your cojnmunication of July 21 has lain upon v table, I now hasten to give you such information as 1 have been able to acquire, may be stated that prior to the notice of the appointment of youi" commission Z 314 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. had endeavored to learn all the circumstances of emigration and emigrants : this place, and to that end had addressed certain inquiries to the prefect of Pale; the questore (chief of police), and the agents of various steamship companies, have heen unahle to learn anything in connection therewith, and it may he fur stated that all emigrants from Sicily go to Naples hy local steamers, and there hark for their destination, and the steamship agents have shielded themsel hind this fact. The following is suhmitted on the hest information obtainahle all sources : 1. No inducements are known to he extended hy agents of steamship comp except the arguments indulged in by every agent, of higher wages, more e ment, better living, etc., in the United States. 2. Contract labor is not engaged openly, and, if covertly, in such a manner a8| not been detected. 3. The class of persons mentioned in this interrogatory are never aided financi by the Government, nor are they encouraged to emigrate except as they ma; facilitated in obtaining passports by the authorities. 4. Unquestionably it would be practicable, and the most wholesome regula in my opinion, to apply a system of compulsory examination of intending emi^ by American consuls, and that no immigrant should be permitted to land m United States in the absence of a consular certificate as to such examination y approval thereof. The cost of such a system would necessarily vary accordin the circumstances of each consular district. At this place, where the provini large and the people cai)ahle of more deception than any other place on eartKl could not be properly done at a less expense than $2,000 per annum. An ex tion at the consulate except as to age, etc., would rarely be of practical benefit, should be made by a person employed for the purpose at the houses of inten^| emigrants, which in this district are largely in the interior. In reality, the majo: of emigrants from this district are from the rural districts, but they live &' wholly in small towns and hamlets; and from these small towns in the interior e™ nate a large majority of Sicilian crimes and criminals. Each intending emigi|' must obtain from the tribunale penale (criminal court) of the province in wi' he lives a certificate that there is no criminal charge against him, which must t he presented to the questore, who issues to him a passport, and no one is permit to embark on board ship for emigration in the absence of this passport. The effect of the local requirement ass to passport is destroyed by persons \ senting themselves for certificates under assumed names, the record examined that name, no charge of course found, and the certificate granted, and by this me criminals of the deepest dye obtain certificates as well as those persons whose ct acters are really good. It is also believed that in order to free the communitj' notoriously had characters the authorities issue such certificates under the assuro name, even though the person applying is well known. In this the consular exa nation is most essential for the reason thatexisting local requirements do notprev the emigration of criminals, as is unfortunately too well known, and has no efl' whatever on the old and decrepit class nor those afflicted with contagious or loa- some diseases, the latter of which prevail to an alarming extent. The province Palermo is hy far the largest in Sicily, embracing a popuhxtion at the last censuj 699,151, all of whom must obtain certificates at the tribunale in this city, bni the birth of each person is recorded, and if married that certificate is also record each intending emigrant should be required to present his certificate of birth s marriage to the Qonsul under such regulations as he may prescribe for the purpc; of identification and locating his residence; then the consular employ^ could^ once go to his place of residence, making his investigation there, thus learning real person and actual character. Then, again, this would bring all intending emigrants before the consul, whl would disclose all instances of old age, decrepitude, and many of the diseased, wh< go to make up the uudesirables. Such examinations throughout the district woi he the cause of the expense, but, while the treasury fees collected at this consul; are far in excess of that amount, the question of expense should not he conside^ for a moment if the desired effect could be realized. 5. Emigration or immigration is only intended to be hindered by the regulati( established within the military age, viz, between the ages of 21 and 39 years. 6. Alien criminals are treated in all respects as resident criminals, while al^ paupers are unknown. Those who are likely to become paupers never come to t' country, the home of pauperism. 7. The passport requirement above mentioned is intended to prevent those fi*^ emigrating between the ages of 21 and 39 years, but in anticipation of military mi ice, the passport is never granted to able-bodied young men between the ages 15 and 21 years, in order that no young man may escape military service. 8. Nothing of the nature of inquiry number eight obtains here. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 315 9. The Italian Government would not cooperate with that of the United States in I he restriction or regulation of emigration except in so far as it concerns her able- I lodied men between the ages of 15 and 39 years ; and as Italy would be unwilling to , 'art with her subjects during the age of man's greatest usefulness as workmen no ,; eason is known why a cooperative system would be of interest to our Government, ud it therefore follows that the interests of the two Governments would clash, for he two essential reasons that Italy would not willingly lose those of her people ,'ho would make useful citizens in the United States and that she would only con- L'ut to give up to us such of her subjects as in no event should be permitted to put jot on American soil. i\ I have the honor to be, yours very truly, "^ i Horace C. Pugh, United States Consul. Hon. Chairman and Members of the Special Emigration Commission, Washiugtont D, C» II ADDENDA. Official Protest of the organized Canadian Workingmkn against the British Immigration Policy. [See Report on Emigration and Immigration (foreigners). Page 227. Ordered to be printed by the House of Commons, July 27, 1888.] [Paper handed in by Mr. Kobert Giffen. Extract from the Toronto Evening MaiL Saturday, June 2, 1888.] LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE'S VIEWS ON PAUPER IMMIGRATION. At 15 minutes after 8 o'clock last evening, Mr. Henry Parr, president of the Trades and Labor Council, tapped the gavel on his desk and called the meeting to order. The first order of business was calling the roll of officers, and the operation revealed that there was quite a number of absentees. Mr. George Beales, on behalf of the credential committee, reported favorabh' on the following credentials: Mr. J. Jordan, to represent " Hub " Assembly of Carriage Builders, No. 7311, Knights of Labor; Charles Barton, delegate, to represent the Harness Makers' Union; and Messrs. William J. Hackett, I. J. Shanbrook, and James Runkia, to represent the Toronto Pressmen's Union. The minutes were read, and roll of delegates was called. Next business, according to order, was the calling of the roll of delegates. One member wanted to have this order susj^ended, but his motion was opposed on the ground that many labor organizations were unable to ascertain if their delegates attended the meetings of the council, and was finally lost. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Mr. D. J. O'Donoghue submitted the legislative report, as follows: Your legislative committee in this their first report for June, 1888, beg leave to submit: That owing to the serious disturbance of the labor market, in a manner de- cidedly detrimental to those who live by wages, and through the presence of num- bers of idle men, mostly immigrants, many old citizens, as well as sterling members of Toronto's labor organizations, have been lately obliged to betake themselves to the United States, with the main object of securing that employment denied them in Canada, except at wages below a living rate. This is noted as but another of the many evils arising out of the existing Canadian immigration system, which will not take cognizance of or prevent any scheme which aims at the landing in Canada of any class of people, however unsuitable. Your committee are solicitous as to the future, despite the impression sought to be conveyed by the remarks of the minister of agriculture in his place in the House of Commons recently, because they realize that there is more than what appears on the surface concerning Canada in the provision of the imperial (Great Britain) local Government bill which provides : ''66. (1) The county council may, from time to time, with the consent of the local Government board, borrow, on the security of the county fund, and of any revenues of the council, or on either such fund or revenues, or any part of the revenues, such sums as may be required for the following purposes, or any of them ; that is to say : ***** * * "(/) For making advances (which they are hereby authorized to make), to any person or bodies of persons, corporate or unincori^orate, in aid of emigration of' inhabitants of the couuty, where there is reasonable cause to believe that the amount so advanced will be repaid by the emigrants, and that either with or with- out any guaranty for such repayment from any local authority in the county, the government of any colony, or any other person or persons/' 317 H. Ex. 37 50 18 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. ■'"I Voiir committee conclude that the introduction of the foregoing clause in the 111.'! W&8 lor the implied purpose of unloading upon the colonies classes not wanted ii; Great Britain, and whose presence in Canada would work positive injury in mor<] ways than one. In support of this contention, your committee quote section 11 o, clause 66 of the said bill, which says, " The provisions of this section, which author izesthe advances in aid of the emigration of inhabitants of the county, and bor ' rowing for those advances, shall extend td the councils of boroughs mentioned ii . the fourth schedule to this act;" and which boroughs your committee find to be ven j large centers of population, namely, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds , Sheffield, Bristol, Bradford, Nottingham, Kingston-on-Hull, and Newcastle-on Tyne London is provided with like power under the general provisions of the measure. Your committee recommend that your body place upon record its unqualified op ( position to the landing in Canada of any people sent to its shores under the provi. sions of the said act, as well as its protest against the Government of Canada at anj time assuming the liability referred to on account of money advanced to emigrants i and that certified copies of the action of your body on this subject be forwarded tt j the dominion minister of agriculture, the secretary of state for Canada, and hii excellency the governor-general, f Your committee, keeping in mind the destitution and wants of the poor immigranti at the immigTation sheds a short time since, and to whom the dominion agent in tbi, city could give little or no relief by way of food or otherwise, are of opinion tha had the sum paid this official last year as traveling expenses ($1,355.75 — he mus have traveled extensively, and have furnished vouchers for the details) been rotaine( for reasonable expenditure, as in the case of the poor immigrants referred to, \ would have been money honestly as well as judiciously applied. That the Domiaiai Government became suddenly very economical in the matter of meals for immigrant is best illustrated by the fact that in 1887 no less a sum than $18,057.02 was paid on , for meals alone for immigrants at Quebec, Montreal, Ottaw^a, Kingston, Halifax Amherst, Campbellton, Truro, St. John, Trois Pistoles, Winnipeg, Brandon, Hamilton Owen Sound, and St. Martin's Junction, but not one cent Avas spent in Toronto fa this purpose. Your committee assume this was due to the fact that Toronto wa • duly attended to in the patronage of Agent Donaldson's $1,355.75 for traveling ex^ penses. Your committee observe with pleasure that the persistency of your body in tb past in calling public attention to the abuses and injustice of our immigration sys tem, and the positive injury certain to arise therefrom in time, has resulted in secur ing the attention of newspapers of note and influence, both in Canada and in Grea Britain, an attention corroborative of the wisdom of your position on this subject. Your committee having in mind the many documents of recommendation to a larg contractor and emjiloyer of labor in Toronto, and whose name appeared to be studi ously omitted in every one possessed by the duped immigrants who arrived in thi ; city recently, submit for the public information the following paragraph from alat issue of the Irish Times : ''Emigration to Canada. — Messrs. Sewell and Crowther, of 18 Cockspur street. SW., the well-known emigration agents, write to contradict the statements that hav lately appeared in the newspapers to the effect that the labor market in Canada i overstocked. They have been in communication with those best qualified to speal on the subject, Mr. John Lucas and Mr. Lionel Yorke, of Toronto, presidents, re spectively, of the Builders' and Contractors' Associations in that city, who state tha, there is urgent need of skilled laborers, and particularly of stonecutters, stone-masons, and bricklayers, whose wages are, respectively. Is. id., l8..2fd., and 1«. 3^^. per houi Much delay has indeed been caused in the building trade in Canada by the grea scarcity of skilled labor." Your committee have no hesitation in asserting that were the truth expunged fror the foregoing quotations, in so far as it refers to an "urgent need for skilled labor ers," or that "much delay has indeed been caused in Canada by the great scarcity o skilled labor," the paragraph would not be one word shorter than it is. The fact i , repeated, though it must be that there are five men offering in the trades mentions to the one job of work obtainable even at this usually busiest time of the year. Your committee recommend, in face of the unrestricted publication of deliberate! untruthful statements of the above character, and through which many poor an' other people are led into untold misery and destitution in tliis country, that th Dominion Government be petitioned to enact such laws as will render the partie thereto, if citizens of Canada, liable to criminal or such other prosecution as may b commensurate with the gravity of the offense, and that the Government of Canad solicit the cooperation of the Imperial Government in a like direction. Your committee, in quoting from the bulletin of the Ontario Bureau of Industriee dated May 15, 1888, as to labor and wages, in so far as the same refers to agricul tural laborers, desire to remark, for the information of that class of intending imm) grants, that the summary is based altogether on the reports of farmers themselves . t ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 319 and that it is not to be assumed for a moment that employment is easily obtained at the ligures which they give as a prevailing rate of wages. The bulletin summary says that '^ with the excei)tion of a few limited localities, farmers have been able to obtain all the help required for spring work. * * * The number employed, how- ever, is far smaller than usual, and this may be explained by the fact that the farm- ers, in the majority of cases, are endeavoring, with the assistance of labor-saving macliinery, to do more of the work themselves, the season just past being a very try- ing one from a financial point of view;" and that, as to the average wages, '^the rate is $3 per month less than five years ago." Your committee, realizing a great danger in the continuance or extension of the scheme indicated in the following paragraph from a city paper of a recent date, desire to draw the special attention of your body to the same, with the object of taking proper remedy. This paragraph says that: ''Last Friday morning about 1 o'clock a reporter was at the Union station when a train from the West came in, among its passengers being 35 Italians. They could scarcely speak a word of English, and when asked where they were going produced a letter addressed to James Palraa, 145 Eliza- beth street. The reporter saw Mr. Palma, who is an Italian, and he explained he was in the habit of sending to Buffalo, Chicago, and other United States cities, for Ital- ians to work in and around Toronto. He had just now engaged 65 to work on the Grand Trunk Railway double track at $1.25 and $1 per day. Mr. Palma expressed his readiness and ability to supply city employers with any number of men to do all kinds of laboring work at these wages." Your committee are also justified in recommending that it be an instruction to your municipal committee to make necessary inquiries as to the sanitary condition of 145 Elizabeth street, as well as one or two other places, in which people of the nationality referred to live in St. John's ward, with the end that, if not found satisfactory, the attention of the proper health officer be drawn thereto. Your committee beg to report also, that by appointment they had an interview with Hon. A. S. Hardy, provincial secretary and acting attorney general, on the sub- ject of goods manufactured in the Mercer reformatory for a city wholesale house. They were courteously received and listened to in detailing their mission. In reply, the honorable gentleman said, in effect, that this particular phase of the subject was new to him, and that he would take an early opportunity of consulting with the inspector of prisons and asylums on the matter, with the object of, as far as prac- ticable, meeting the desire of your body. Your committee, with the object of showing the source from which most opposi- tion to the efforts of your body in seeking the abolition of the existing dominion im- migration policy emanates, desire to draw your attention to some remarks on the subject by an obscure little sheet, by courtesy called a newspaper, published in Ber- lin, Waterloo County. This ^'News," in dealing with the subject, says, ''A good con- science and a consistent public and private life, should have some consideration with our Grit and Tory leaders. We believe that in the long run, under all circum- stances, honesty is the best policy, and it is hard for us to believe that both parties in the present anti-immigration policy would not be better for going straight ahead in what is right, and thus advance the interests of the country, no matter how many may howl against it." The News figures in last year's Dominion public accounts for the sum of $143.18, for advertising. To such a sheet that sum is quite an item of income, and hence its "howl" for a continuance of the system under which it is secured, and so it is with many others who are troubled with "honest consciences" on the subject. * Your committee, in conclusion, beg to return thanks to Mr. H. Broadhurst, M. p., London, England, for his courtesy and promptitude in forwarding a copy of the Imperial local government bill for the use of your conunittee, as well as to Mr. C. Boyce, of the House of Commons at Ottawa, for his kindness in sending your com- mittee copies of valuable parliamentary papers. Charles March, Chairman. June 1, 1888. Mr. O'Donoghne added that they had written a long communication each to Mr. Bradlaugh, m. p., and Mr. Labouchere, m. p., England, with reference to the pauper immigration question, with a view to having the question up in the English House of Commons; also to the Dominion Government in accordance with the instructions given at the last meeting of the council. Mr. Andrew McCormick, referring to the item that appeared in the public accounts of $1,355.75 to Mr. Donaldson for traveling expenses, said that Mr. Donaldson must have taken several trips to Jamaica. Mr. George Beales and J. Booth, of the Builders' Laborers, said that their union was taking on members of the other unions every week that had to tak^ laboring ; stone cutters, bricklayers, and all the other trades were represented. 320 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Mr. Rose, of the Amalgamated, indorsed the remarks of the preceding speakers the Government's policy of immigration. Mr, WTialen, of the Painters' Union, said he knew of a young man who had heei walking the streets of the city for six weeks without work. Mr. Cannon said he thought that something should be done to punish those wh( falsely represented the state of the Canadian labor market. Mr. Thomas Webb, of the Builders' Laborers' Union, said that he noticed by th( morning papers that the Sardinian had arrived with 863 steerage passengers. He ex- pected that 500 of these would be dumped down in this city. He had been arounc to a number of jobs in the city, and saw that almost all the laborers were 'strangers that the old haiids were scarce, and that a further investigation disclosed that th< were walking the streets out of work. Something should be done to keep Itali: from being imported from the United States under contract, and taking the brej out of the mouths of the citizens. The United States would not admit for ripe con- tract labor, and he considered that something should be done to put a stop to it in Canada. It was then moved, and carried, that the legislative committee's report be adopted., General Statement op Emigration in 1889. An account of the numbers, naiiovalities, and destinalions of passengers leaving the United Kingdom for places out of Europe in 18S9, in vessels under the passengers acts; including also passengers for places out of Europe in vessels not under the acts, as far as the same have been recorded. Nationality. English Scotch i... Irish Total British and Irish. Foreigners Not distinguishing To United States. 93, 307 17, 567 57, 897 168, 771 69, 792 i,8:]2 To Brit- ish Morth America. 22,417 3, 049 2,203 28. 2G9 9,787 To Aus- tralasia. 23. 103 2,374 2,817 28, 294 540 To Cape of Good Hope and Natal. 12, 775 979 130 13, 8S4 1,758 29 To all other places. 11,916 785 1,870 14, .'577 1,589 3, 519 Total 1889. 163,518 2.S, 354 64, 923 253, 795 83, 466 5,380 Summary of the number of aliens (emigrants) who arrived at the port of Hull from various ports, en route to America via Liverpool, from July 1, 1887, to June 30, 1888. [See Govermnent Report on Emigration and Immigration (foroiguers), p. 311. by G. E. Moran, statia-j tician of homo oflice.] Name of port. Bergen and Stavanger Christiania and Christiansand Dronllieim ■ Gothenburg Hambf.rg Stettin and Copenhagen Total 1887. July. August. September. October. November. Decern 632 371 2,330 482 426 4,440 227 670 294 2. 321 4:^0 574 4,510 115 ^14 295 2,215 497 407 3,943 78 415 131 2, 399 469 235 3,727 34 193 73 1,613 546 333 2,792 Name of port. Bergen and Stavanger Chii-itiania and Christiansand Drontlieim Gothenburg Hamburg Stettin aiid Copenhagen Total 1888. January. February. March. April. May. June 10 85 1 326 356 37 815 252 220 832 486 274 2,064 560 1.287 667 2,934 342 256 6,046 1,119 2,634 740 7, 680 728 2,353 15, 254 1,815 1,748 6,126 859 1,672 12, 686 242 984 618 3,413 840 533 6,626 Tot 63, ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 321 Association for Preventing the Immigration of Destitute Aliens. A PUBLIC meeting AT PRINCE's HALL, PICCADILLY, FRIDAY, JULY 24, AT 8 P. M. [The lUgtit Eeverend the Bishop of Bedford in the chair.] AGENDA. Letters to be read by the secretary. The chainuan'8 openiag address. First resolutioH: "That this meeting hereby protests against the unrestricted influx of destitute aliens into the United Kingdom.'^ Proposed by Rt. Hon. James Lowther, m. p. Seconded by Mr. Sydney Buxton, m. p. Second resolution: "That this meeting calls upon the Government to take steps forthwith for the purpose of restricting the immigration of destitute aliens into the United Kingdom." Proposed by Mr. O. V. Morgan, M. p. Seconded by Mr. R. G. Webster, m. p. Third resolution: " That it is useless to recommend emigration as a panacea for our social evils until some stex>s have liist been taken to check the iuliux of the des- titute population of other nations." Proposed by Mr. Arnold White. Seconded by Mr. W. Mc Arthur, M. p. Fourth resolution: "That in the opinion of this meeting the unrestricted immi- gration of destitute aliens is an evil seriously atlecting T«iie well-being of our English \\orking classes." Proposed by Mr. Ben Tillott (Docker's Union). Seconded by Mr. S. H. Wilson (Sailors and Firemen's Union), and supported by the following in the order named: Mr. C. W. Oldham (City of T,ondon Labor Association), Mr. J. O'Con- nor (Coal Porters' Union), Mr. J. Tauter (Progressive Union of Caljinet Makers), Mr. J. Gaskin (London Potters' Union), Mr. J. Cross (St. Helen's Colliery Engine- men's Society), Mr. C. R. W. Oifen (Guaross, Judson N., appointment of 1 Consuls in Europe, circular letter to. 6 l^hildren, pauper, sent from Liverpool 10 Conference with steamship owners at Liverpool _ 12 Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, interview with agent of 18 3ohn, Dr. H. M., Berlin, statement of, concerning committee.-. 22 concerning aid to Jews 27 Jharlottenburg, visit to depot lor Jewish refugees _ 23 Conference with continental steamship com|»anies arranged for 24 Chichkine, Hon. Mr., interview with .__ 32 Committee in Moscow, Jewish.. __ 48 Cracow visited _ _ _ ,._ 101 condition of Jews in 101 artisan school in, visited 102 326 INDEX. Continental steamship companies, conference with IC Cassano, Prince de, conference with 1( Cologne visited, statements concerning emigration from _ 1] Contract laborers, statements concerning emigration of IS Criminals, insane, etc., concerning aided emigration of Circular, issue of, by Continental Steamship Company, after Bremen con- ference. - - 1^ Census, pale of settlement of - 1^ Cross, JudsonN., report of commissioner _ resume of report of _ _ visit to Wales and tin mines If Circulars, American railroad, in Europe _ If emigration incited by ij extracts from, inciting emigration Convicts and ex-convicts, forwarding of, to United States Ij forwarded to United States, how accomplished- II Children, pauper, emigrated to British colonies California, steamship, inspected at Naples __ Contract laborers, how secured _ -- Commons, House of, testimony before -_ . Canadian workmen's protest against emigration Dresden, visit to ._ Dekshni, visit to.- - - — — A farming communities in schools in , visited farmers interviewed in -.- _._ Discharged prisoners' aid societies , how operated send ex-convicts to United States 2j traced in United States, how aid societies, list of 2( Dunraven, Earl of, remarks concerning emigration 27 European countries to be visited by commissioners _ Emigrants, statements of, Liverpool inspection by consuls discussed _ how information is received by.. _ Emigrant boarding houses visited in Liverpool Antwerp _ Emigrants, statements of, in Antwerp _. ]6tap6. Jews sent per Eperjes visited, and conditions described _ _ 10 Emigrant boarding houses visited at Bremen .._ 10 Emigrants, statements of, at Bremen 11 Hamburg 11 inspection of considered _ 12 is consular inspection of practicable inspection of, letters of consul s concerning 13 by subagents in Europe considered 13 Emigration of Germans from Russia _. __ 11 causes of , considered 11 not generally stimulated by steamship companies. __ 12 statement concerning pauper _ 19 of poor children to British Colonies 20 from Switzerland, large ___ 21 from Naples, numbers of -. how caused from Italy, statement concerning __ causesof, Ireland and Italy.- _ 240,24 causes of Emigrants, Italian, return of, to Naples.. return of, from United States.. _ 26 inspection of method suggested 25' recommenda ions for inspection of _ _ 30' Foster, Hon. Charles, letter of transmissal instruction to commissioners France, regulations of, concerning emigration .._ 1 Farming communities in Dekshni described 8l Ekaterinoslav described It INDEX 327 Page. Irming- communities, Jewish, described _.- 80 of Leypoon -._ 81 Ponashysterz _ 81 I Iso visited , 107 1 reigners visiting- Russia must declare religion 105 transacting business in Russia must be certified as Christians. 165 llders, railroad in United States cause emigration _ 248 lance, little emigration from. .- 249 (eat Britain, meeting of steamship companies in 12 ( odno visited 90 Commissioners Weber and Kempster ordered before Pristav in.. 90 labor market in 90 poverty in - 91 tobacco factories visited in. _ 91 hospital in, visited _ 92 school in, visited- _ 92 (licia visited 101 (raid visited, conditions described 106 ■ (irmans, exile of, from Russia - 111 treatment of, by Russian officials 116 ( rman exiles, statements of 111 (I'many, does not assist emigration 288 (ascow visited 211 interviews with steamship companies at 211 contract labor, in vestigation of, in 234 11, Gray, letter of invitation 12 rsch, Baron, association method of. 271 interview with 15 letters of 16 Dlland, American railroad circulars in 289 visit to 21 3spital in Bjalystok visited 89 Grodno visited 92 /Dspitals in Moscow visited. 54 '. angary visited _ ._ 103 Lingary, emigration from 104 concerning conditions in 105 imburg, visit to 110 Jewish committee in 112 amburg- American Steamship Company, circular of... 142 letter from 148 structions, letter of , to commissioners 2 to commissioners and suggestions 8 valid casse, described _ 25 ;natieiT,Gen., ordersof "May laws" _ 38 :.spection of emigrants, how performed _ 137 amigrants, ineligible, return of -._ 138 return movement of 140 eland, visit to _ 208 emigration from _._ ._ _ 208 emigration from, not assisted by Government 210 ispection of emigrants, extract from letter censuring 212 alians returning from United States interviewed 216 alian emigrants, how inspected at Naples 221 aly, concerning emigration from 222 social conditions in 225 cause of emigration from _ 227 proportion of criminals in. 228 regulations concerning emigration from _ 229 society of Mala Vita in :._ 230 table of emigration from 231 society of San Raffaele, objects of, in •_ 231 visit to __ __ 219 -alian brokers and bankers incite emigration 232 ticket brokers and bankers in New York 251 ispection of emigrants at Naples, how conaucted... 256 intending emigrants who should make 258 328 INDEX. Italy, land laws, induce emigration. list of steamship ticket agents in.- steamship agents employ runners to induce emigration social conditions in - - revenue to, from sale of passports. _ Italian emigrants pass through Francte _ inducements offered to _ Interpreters accompany Italian emigrants to United States International postal money-orders sent to ex- convicts Jewish pale of settlement described Jews, history of, in Russia - recent orders cencerning, in Russia. ._ driven from hospitals in Moscow special tax on, for hospitals in M( )SCOW- Jewess, attempted suicide of, in Moscow Jews, character of, driven from Moscow __ statements of, driven from Moscow imprisonment of, in Miscow.. chained in Mosco w, by orders _ _ Jewish committee in Moscow _._ Jews, interviews with, in Moscow _ _._ sent per etape, interviews with.. Jewish committee of Hamburg, visited immigi'ati( n, British con espondence concei'ning _. Jews, Russian, laws conccrjiing. abridgement of Russian laws concerning divorce of converted to Christianity leceivo money bonus law punishing, for worshiping at their own homes law imposing special tax on laws govering residence in the pale of settlement outside pale of settlement concerning passports land can not be sold to leased to land inherited by, must be sold can not manage estates for other persons laws afifecting commercial rights of regulating sale of intoxicants by.. forbidding mining by concerning industrial pursuits -.. ._ prohibiting employment of in civil service _ regulating repre^en tation concerning military service of legal procedure- _ ' punishments of .- foreign, inheriting land mustsell same not permitted to reside in Russia _.- ukase expelling, from Russia - -_. obligation to leave Russia, form of certificate of Board of Trade to required to obtain leave to go away from Russia _.- Russian passport to .- order of expulsion Jew, order of expulsion of legal resident passport to, changed to order expeling --. legalizing residence in Russia changed to order exp.^lling changed to order expelling legalizing residence changed to order of expulsion transit passport to Jewish, farming communities of, described Colonization Association ..._ Jews in Russiaj condition of - _ - Kompster, Dr. Walter, appointment of - --- Liverpool, visit of Commissioners to - boarding houses for emigrants Lohmann, J. G., North German Lloyd Steamship Company, director of, letter of _ INDEX. • 329 Page. ivarpool, Steamship-Owners' Association, letter from 146 etters concerning' examination of intending" immigrants, letter from 146 aws, special restrictive concerning Jews in Russia _ 149 May laws,"' mentioned _ _ 38 [oscow, order expelling Jews from 40 expulsion of Jews from, how done 41 hospitals in, refuse admission to Jews. _ 41 receipt for hospital tax in __ _ 41 interviews in 49 yisited 33 iarina Roschcha visited 58 interviews in 80 [insk visited, condition described 66 statement of Jewish exiles at 68 Jewish farmers near 73 Government contract forbidding employment of J ews -. 73 Miss Berlin interviewed.- 74 [unich visited 108 [arcus, Senator, statement concerning German immigration laws 113 [ormons, emigration of, to United States . 185 [echanics, emigration of, to United States 187 return movement of 234 Canning, Cardinal, interview with _ .' 287 aples, visit to 219 steamship company's agents visited in _ 220 emigrants, number from 220 ethorland's Line Steamship Company, visited at Amsterdam 21 orth Gei'man Lloyd Steamship Company agent interviewed 108 circulars of 141 letter of director of 24 letter from - 148 'uremberg visited - _ 108 yarad visited 107 'sten-Sacken, Baron, interview with - 32 'derberg visited . 102 emigrants inspected at 102 money of emigrants counted at 102 ale of settlement for Jews described 37 population of by towns _ 176 risen otape visited in Moscow __ 47 russia, regulations of, concerning emigration 101) 'auper, how to be defined _. 126 'assports, Russian, changed to order of expulsion 168 i'assport, Russian, transit 171 'risoners, aid societies forward ex-convicts to United States from Great Britain 189 British Government assists, how 191 risoners, ex, assisted by British Government to leave realm 193 aid societies, selections from reports of 193 fowderly, Joseph, appointment of 1 report of 246 'ostal-money orders sent to British ex-convicts in United States 254 oor children sent from England to Canada 264 'repaid tickets for Italians sunt from United States, number of 299 Report of Commissioners Weber and Kempster 15 ted Star Line Steamship Company, visited Antwerp 19 uuesia visited _ _ ._. 30 history of Jews in __._ 34 business in depressed by Jewish exodus 46 Refugees, Jewish, statements of, at Minsk 68 ied Star Steamship Company, letter from 146 >'eport Commissioner Judson N. Cross 181 iailroad circulars, American, incite immigration 187 from Scotland 213 Report Commissioner Joseph Powderly 246 uiilroads in United States incite emig ration here _ 248 ieport of Commissioner Herman J. Schulteis -_. 263 I 330 i^EX. Pi Railroad circulars incite emigration to United States ; Secretary of Treasury, letter of transmittal of ._ Schulteis, Herman J., appointment of Semsey, Charles, appointment of , secretary to Commission... _ Steamship agents and sul^agents, how appointed companies, conference with', at Liverpool represented at Liverpool _ advertising by - St. Petersburg visited - interview with Mr. Chichkineat -*_. interview with Baron Osten-Sacken _ Statements taken of residents in Moscow __. Soldiers, veteran, how treated _ School, artisan, at Muisk.. - in Moscow _ Samokvalovich, visit totownlet of || statements of Jews in _ crowded condition of..- Schoolin Bjalystok visited Grodno visited ^ Warsaw visited - Cracow visited _ - - .J| BudBrPesth .' -.. ]] Slovaks, region inhabited by 1 immigration of to United States, how started ] statements of, at Hamburg ] Slovak villages described ] Semsey, Charles, report concerning Slovak emigration ] Schools in Abrany _ ] Steamship company's conference with continental ] Scotland visited, wages in _ ] temporary immigration to United States from _._.. ] revisited _ _ i Switzerland visited ^ _ _.. i prison reform in 2 prisoners under surveillance not to leave i large immigration from - 5 Schulteis, Herman J., report of _ 5 Tickets, commission on sale of steamship .._ _. prepaid, number of . Tuieik visited, condition described - - '1 Tin mines, Welsh, visited ._ ] Tin, how usedinWales ^ American, how regarded by Welsh tin- workers 2 workers, wages of, in Wales 2 immigration of, from Wales 2 Ticket agencies in New York, Italiq^n .-- 2 Ukase expelling Jews from Russia 1 "Voluntary agreement" to leave Russia Veteran soldiers in Russia, statements of, how treated • Vienna visited • __ li Weber, Hon. John B., appointment of letter transmitting report .• statement to steamship companies, Liverpool White, Mr. Arnold, interview with _ _ : Wilna, visited. _._ _ wages in. _ _ ". f^* crowded condition of, and poverty in statements of residents in _> manufactories in Warsaw visited *_ _. _ ^ m statements of residents of _ ■:" wages in _._ _ '•• Rev. Father Chelnierki, statement of - », manufactories visited in... _ J schools visited in '" Jewish Association rooms in, visited '^ Mr. Bloch, counselor of state, interviewed INDEX. 331 Page, 7olff, Mr., interview with, concerning Argentine Republic lltt 7ales visited 182 tin mines in.. 182 immigration of tin-workers from 245 Yellow ticket" for Jewess in Moscow 45 ourkoffsky, Gen., orders of .__ 67 52d Congress, ) HOUSE OF TvEPRESENTATIVES. ( Ex. Doc. 235, 1st Session, ] \ Part 2. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, TEANSMITTrN-Q A REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF IMMIGRATION UPON THE CAUSES WHICH INCITE IMMIGRA- TION TO THE UNITED STATES. VOI.TJME II. EXTEACTS FROM EUROPEAN LAWS.— LETTERS OF U. S. CONSULS. WASHINGTOIT: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1892. H. Ex. 37 57 r Srft SUBSTANCE OF LAWS GOVERNING EMIGRATION. S"WEDEN AND NORWAY. In Sweden and T^orway emigration is guarded very strictly by gov- ernmental laws. Agents of steamship companies must obtain from the governors of provinces, where they intend to locate, permission to carry on business; and they are required to give bonds directly to the Government to the amount of from 10,000 to 60,000 kroner ($2,500 to $15,000) for the proper performance of the obligations entered into under the permission, and the Government reserves the right to revoke any license or to increase the amount at pleasure. The assistants, or subagents, are to be governed by the same laws and rules as the agents who, indeed, are held to be directly responsible for the subagents' acts, aud any infringement of the laws is punishable by fines or by revoking the license. The amount of surety deposited by agents with the Government is retained for two years after the license is either surrendered or revoked, in order that any damages assessed may be deducted therefrom. EXTRACTS FROM THE BRITISH PASSENGER ACTS OF 1855 AND 1863, RELATING TO THE CARRYING OF EMIGRANTS. Section 4 of the act of 1855 provides as follows : IV. This act shall extend to every "passenger ship" proceeding on any voyage from the United Kingdom to any place ont of Europe, and not being within the Mediterranean Sea, and on every colonial voyage, as hereinafter described, and, in the particulars mentioned or referred to in sections one hundred, one hundred and one, aud one hundred and two, to every ship bringing passengers into the United Kingdom from any place out of Europe and not being within the Mediter- ranean Sea, but shall not extend to any of Her Majesty's ships of war, nor to any ships in the service of the commissioners for executing the office of lord high ad- miral of the United Kingdom, nor to any ship of war or transport in the service of the East India Company. By virtue of chai^ter 73, section 5 of the 35th and 36th Victoria, the duties of the emigration commissioners are transferred to the board of trade: XI. No ship fitted or intended for the carriage of passengers as a '* passenger ship " shall clear out or proceed to sea until the master thereof shall have obtained from the emigration officer at tlici port of clearance a certificate of clearance under his hand that all the requirements of this act, so far as the same can be complied with before the departure of such ship, have been duly complied with. XVI. The master of every ship, whether a '' passenger ship " or otherwise, carry- ing passengers on any voyage to which this act extends, shall, be^fore demanding a clearance for such ship, sign two lists, correctly setting forth in the manner therein directed the name and other particulars of the ship and of every passenger on board thereof; and the said lists, when countersigned by the emigration officer, where 3 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. r tliere is one at the port, shall be delivered by the master to the officer of the cu , toms from whom a clearance of the said ship shall be demanded, and such offic shall thereupon also countersign aud return to the said master one of such lisl hereinafter called '^the master's list." Section 19. No passenger ship shall clear out or proceed to sea unless she sht have been surveyed under the direction of the emigration officer at the port clearance, but at the expense of the owner or charterer thereof, by two or mo , competent surveyors to be appointed by the said emigration commissioners (boa: of trade) for each port at which there may be an emigration officer, and for oth ports by the commissioners of customs, nor unless it shall be reported by such sii . veyors that such '^passenger ship" is, in their opinion, seaworthy and fit for ii intended voyage. XXI. There shall not be more than two tiers of berths on any one deck in ai "passenger ship," and the interval between the floor of the berths and the de( immediately beneath them shall not be less than six inches, nor the interval b tween each tier of berths and between the uppermost tier and the deck above less than two feet six inches. The berths shall be securely constructed, and of c mensions not less than six feet in length and eighteen inches in width for each statu adult, and shall be sufficient in number for the proper accommodation of all tlj passengers contained in the lists of passengers hereinbefore required to be deliver<: by the master of the ship. No part of any berth shall be placed within nine inch of any watercloset erected in the between-decks. In case of noncompliance wi any of the requirements of this section, the owner, charterer, or master of the shi . or any of them, shall for each offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding fif pounds nor less than five pounds sterling. XXII. In every '^passenger ship" all the male passengers of the age of fourteijj years and upwards who shall not occupy berths with their wives shall, to the sat faction of the emigration officer at the port of clearance, be berthed in the lore _ of the ship in a compartment divided ofi^ from the space appropriated to the ot passeugers by a substantial and well-secured bulkhead, without opening into^ communication with, any adjoining passenger berth, or in separate rooms if thei be fitted with enclosed berths ; not more than one passenger, unless husband wife, or females or children under twelve years of age, shall be placed in or occnj the same berth. In case of noncompliance with any of the requirements of this tiou, the owner, charterer, or master oi the ship, or any of them, shall, for each fence, be liable to a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds nor less than five poi sterling. XXVI. No ''passenger ship" shall clear out or proceed to sea with out such provia for affording light and air to the passeng<5r decks as the circumstances of the case] in the judgment of the emigration officer at the port of clearance, require; norl there are as many as one hundred passengers on board, without having an adeqi and proper ventilating apparatus, to be approved by such emigration officer fitted to his satisfaction ; the passengers shall, moreover, have the free and peded use of the whole of each hatchway situated over the space appropriated] their use, and over each such hatchway there shall be erected such a booby hatclii other substantial covering as shall, in the opinion of such emigration offic afi'ord the greatest amount of light and air, and of protection from wet, as the will admit. In case of noncompliance with any of the requirements of this sect the owner, charterer, or master of the ship, or any of them, shall, for each offenc liable to a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds nor less than twenty pounds. LXVI. No person whatever shall directly or indirectly act as a passenger brc in respect of passages from the United Kingdom to any place out of Europe, and] being within the Mediterranean Sea, or shall sell or let, or agree to sell or let, ol in anywise concerned in the sale or letting of passages in any ship, whether a "pjl senger ship " or otherwise, proceeding from the United Kingdom to any such pla ■ as aforesaid, unless such person, with two good and sufficient sureties, to be approv ; by the emigration officer at the port nearest to the place of business of such perse i shall have previously entered into a joint and several bond, in the sum of one the sand pounds, to Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, according to the form contain • . in schedule hereto annexed, which bond shall be renewed on each occasion of o, taining such licence as hereinafter mentioned, and shall be in duplicate, witho| U stamps, and one part thereof shall be deposited at the office in London of the said enl t gration commissioners (board of trade), and the other part thereof with the emigrati' ' officer at the port nearest to the place of business of such person ; nor unless su person shall have obtained a licence, as hereinafter mentioned, to let or sellpassag< nor unless such licence shall then be in force ; and if any person shall off'end in ai particular against this enactment, every person so offending shall for each often be liable to a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds nor less than twenty pounds, to sued for and recovered as hereinafter mentioned: Provided, that such bond shall d be required of any person who shall be one of the sworn brokers of the city of Lo ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 5 don : Provided also, that there shall be excepted from the operation of this section • the said emigration commissioners ( board of trade), and any ]>ersons contracting with them, or acting under their authority, and also any person acting as the agent of any passage broker in pursuance of an appointment made in the form prescribed by' schedule hereto annexed, signed by such passage broker, and countersigned by such emigration officer as aforesaid : Provided further, that the acts and defaults of any person acting under the authority or as agent of any passage broker shall, for the purposes of this act, be deemed to be also the acts and defaults of such passage broker: Provided also, that nothing hereinbefore contained shall be held or con- strued to prevent the said emigration officer from accepting the bond of a guarantee society, such bond and such guarantee society as shall have been approved by the lords commissioners of Her Majesty's treasury, in lieu of the bond of two good and sufficient securities as aforesaid. LXVII. Any person wishing to obtain a licence to act as a passage broker in re- spect of passages from the United Kingdom to any place out of Europe, and not being in the Mediterranean Sea, shall make application for the same to the justices at the petty sessions held for the district or place in which such person shall have his place of business; and such justices are hereby authorized (if they shall think fit) to grant a licence for that purpose, according to the form in the schedule hereunto annexed, which licence shall continue in force until the thirty-tirst day of December, in the year in which such licence shall be granted and for thirty-one daj's afterwards, unless sooner forfeited, as herein mentioned; and upon granting such license the justices shall cause a notice thereof, according to the form in schedule hereto annexed, to be transmitted forthwith by the post to the said emigration com- missioners (board of trade) at their office in London: Provided always, that no such license shall be granted unless the party applying for the same shall show to the satisfaction of the justices that he has given such bond to Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, as hereinbefore required, and has deposited one part thereof at the office in London of the said commissioners (board of trade), or is a sworn broker of the city of London, and has in either case given notice to the said commissioners (board of trade), fourteen clear days at least before such application of his inten- ition to apply for the same, which notice shall be transmitted by the post to the office in London of the said connuissioners (board of trade), and shall be according to the ■form contained in the schedule hereto annexed: Provided also, that an 3" justices of the peace who shall adjudicate on any olfence against this act, or on any breach or nonperformance of any of the requirements thereof, are hereby authorized, if they shall think fit, and the offender is a passage broker, to order his licence to be ■forfeited, and the same shall thereupon be forfeited accordingly; and the said jus- tices making such order shall forthwith cause notice of such forfeiture, in the form ■contained in the schedule hereunto annexed, to be transmitted by the post to the isaid commissioners (board of trade) at their office in London. In Scotland, where any person wishing to obtain such licence shall make application for the same to the sheriff or steward or sheriff substitute or steward substitute, in place of to such jus- tices of the peace as aforesaid, the forms given in said schedules respectively, shall still be adhered to with such alterations as may be necessary. Form of passage hroTcer^s annual bond, with two sureties, to be approved by the emigra- tion officer at the nearest port. Know all men by these presents, that we, A. B., of , G. D., of, &c., , and E. F., of, &c., , are held and firmly bound unto our sovereign , by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, de- fender of the faith, in the sum of one thousand pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to our said , the heirs and successors ; to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every of us, jointly and severally, for and in the whole, our heirs, executors, and administrators, and every of them, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals. Dated this day of , one thousand eight hundred and fifty. Form of passage broTcer's licence. * A. B., of , in the , having shown to the satisfaction of me (or ns), the undersigned, that he hath given bond to Majesty, as by the "passengers act, 1855," required, and also given fourteen days' previous notice to * N. B. — Each member of a firm or partnership who acts as a passage broker must have a separate licence. Li I 6 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. the emigration commissioners [board of trade] of liis intention to make applicsj tion for a licence to carry on the bnsiness of a passage broker in respect of passage from the United Kingdom to any place out of Europe, and not being within tb Mediterranean Sea, I (or we), the undersigned, having had no sufficient cause showi to me (or us), and seeing no valid reason why the said A. B. should not receive sue licence, do hereby licence and authorize the said A. B. to carry on the business of l)assage broker as aforesaid until the end of the present year, and thirty-one day afterwards, unless this licence shall be sooner determined by forfeiture for miscor duct on the part of the said A. B. as in the '^passengers act, 1855," is provided. Given under my hand and seal (or our respective hands and seals), this da of ,185—, at . Signature, (l. s.), (Justices of the peace, police or stipendiary magistrate, or sheriff, or steward, sheriff, or steward substitute, as the case may be.) Form of notice to be given to the emigration commissioners Aboard of trade'] byjustict granting a licence. Gentlemen: This is to give notice that we (or I), the undersigned, did, ontb day of , 185 — , license A. B., of , to carry on the business of a pat sage broker under the provisions of the "passengers act, 1855." Signatures , Justices of the Peace {or as the case may be']^ Place, , date, . " To the Emigration Commissioners [Board of Trade], London. Form of notice to be given to the emigration commissioners [boat'd of trade] by an applicant for a passage brokers licence. Gentlemen: I, A. B., of , in , do hereby give you notice that it i my intention to apply, after the expiration of fourteen clear days from the puttin of this notice into the post, to the justices to be assembled in p('tty sessions to l)e hel (or to the police or stipendiary magistrate for the city or borough or district ( , or if in Scotland to the sheriff or steward of , as the case may be), fc a licence to carry on the business of a passage broker, under the provisions of tb ''passengers act, 1855." Signature Date, . To the Emigration Commissioners [Board of Trade], London. Form of notice to be given by the justices to the emigration commissioners [board i trade] of forfeiture of .a passage broker^ s licence. Gentlemen: This is to give you notice that the licence granted on the da of , 185 — , to A. B., of in , to act as a passage broker, was, on tb day of now last past, duly declared by me (or us), the undersigned jui tices of the peace, in petty sessions assembled, to be forfeited. Signatures . Place and date, , 185—. To the Emigration Commissioners [Board of Trade], London. Form of appointment of passage broker's agent. I, A. B., of, &c. (or as the case may be), one of the partners and on behalf of tl) firm of, &c. (name all the partners and the style of the firm), carrying on the bus ness of , at , do hereby nominate and appoint you, C. D., of, &c., to ac as my agent and on my behalf in the sale or letting of passages and otherwise i the business of a passage broker, according to the provisions of ''the passeugei act), looo. Signature in full ■> Place and date, , 185 — . Counter signature Emigration Officer at the Port of . Mttl'^^ m f ENFQKCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 7 LXX. If au J person shall by false representation as to the size of a ship, or other- wise, or by any false pretence or fraud Avhatf^oever, induce any person to engage a passage in any ship, the person so offending shall for each oifence be liable to a pen- alty not exceeding twenty pounds, nor less than five pounds sterling. LXXI. Every person whatever, except the said emigration commissioners [board of trade] and persons acting for them and under their direct authority, who shall receive money from any person for or in respect of a passage in any ship, or of a cabin passage in any passenger ship proceeding from the United Kingdom to any place out of Europe, and not being within the Mediterranean Sea, shall give to the person paying such money a contract ticket, signed by the owner, charterer, or master of the ship or passenger ship (as the case may be), in which the passage is to be provided, or by some person in their or his name, and on their or his behalf; such contract ticket shall be made out in jilain and legible characters on a printed form, which in the case of cabin j)assengers shall be according to the form contained in schedule hereto annexed, and in the case of all other passengers in the form contained in schedule hereto annexed, or according to such other form as in either case may from time to'time be prescribed by the said emigration commis- sioners [board of trade,] in any notice issued under their hands, or the hands of any two of them, and published in the London Gazette. And any direction contained on the face of such form of contract ticket shall be obeyed in the same manner as if herein set forth. In case of noncompliance with any of the requirements of this section, or of any of the directions on such form of contract ticket not inconsistent with this act, the person so oft'ending shall for each offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds nor less than five pounds sterling; provided always, that buch contract tickets shall not be liable to any stamp duty. LXXII. Any person who shall alter or cause to be altered, after it is once issued, or shall induce any person to part with, render useless, or destroy any such contract ticket, during the continuance of the contract which it is intended to evidence (except in the case of cabin passengers who may have consented thereto), shall be liable in each case to the penalty not exceeding twenty pounds sterling. LXXV. Any person who shall act as an '^ emigrant runner" without having pre- viously been licenced and registered as hereinafter mentioned, or who while so act- ing shall omit to wear conspicuously on his breast such badge as hereinafter men- jtioned, or who shall emj)loy as an ^'emigrant runner" any person not duly licenced and registered, shall for each offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds nor less than twenty shillings. LXX VI. The justices of the peace at any petty sessions held for the district or place within which any person wishing to act as an ''emigrant runner" is to carry on his business may, upon the recommendation in writing of an emigrant ofiicer, or of the chief constable or other head officer of police of such district or place (but not other- wise), grant, if they shall think fit, to such person wishing to act as runner a licence for that purpose according to the form in schedule hereto annexed, and such runner shall within forty-eight hours thereafter (under a penalty not exceeding forty shill- ings for any default) lodge such licence with the nearest emigration officer, who shall register the name and abode of such runner in a book to be kept for that pur- pose, and shall number each name registered in arithmetical j)rogression, and shall supply to such runner, on his paying a sum not exceeding seven shillings for the same, a badge of such form and description as shall be approved by the said emigra- tion commissioners [board of trade]. LXXVIII. If any ''emigrant runner" shall refuse or fail to produce, on demand, his badge for inspection, or to permit any person to take the number thereof, or if he shall fail within forty-eight hours to give to the emigration officer of the port or place within which he is licensed to act, notice in writing of any change in his place of abode, in order that his new abode may be registered, or of the loss of his badge, or if he shall mutilate or deface his badge or wear the same while unlicensed, or wear any other than the one delivered to him by such emigration officer as aforesaid, or permit any other person to use his badge, he shall for each such offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding forty shillings and to the forfeiture of his licence, if the convicting justices or magistrate shall so determine; and any person retaining or ' using any "emigrant runner's" badge not issued to him under the provisions of this ' act, or counterfeiting or forging any such badge, shall for each offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds. LXXX. No "emigrant runner " shall be entitled to recover from any passage broker any fee, commission, or reward for or in consideration of any service connected with emigration, unless he shall be acting under the written authority of such passage broker, nor, under a penalty for each offence not exceeding five pounds, shall take or demand from any person about to emigrate any fee or reward for the procuring of his passage, or in any way relating thereto. This law provides that for any disobedience of its provisions or neg- lect on the part of the owners or charterers of vessels'to carry out the 8 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. provisions of the law the complainant can not be deprived of the op M- portunity to obtain redress by any informality or technicality. LXXXVII. No objection shall be taken or allowed to any complaint, information summons, or warrant under this act for auy alleged defect therein, either in sulb stance or in form, or for any variance betisv'een such complaiut or information am t the evidence adduced on the hearing thereof; but if any variance shall appear t the justice or justices present and acting at such hearing to be such that the part; Wf'-: so summoned and appearing has been thereby deceived or misled, it shall be law ! lul for such justice or justices, upon such terms as he or they shall think fit, t< adjourn the hearing of the case to some future day, and in the mean time to commi the defendant to such safe custody as the said justice or justices may think fit, o to discharge him upon his recognizance, with or without sureties, to appear atsucl time and place as may be a^jpointed. No conviction, order, adjudication, or othe proceeding under or in pursuance of this act shall be quashed or vacated for wan i- of form. In addition to the sections of the law cited, certain regulations hav« been formulated which provide for the government of all i^assenger shipi saihng from Her Majesty's ports, of which the following is a copy: At the court at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, the 3rd day of February, 1863 Present: The Queen's most excellent Majesty in council. Whereas by the ^'passenger act, 1855," it is amongst other things enacted that! shall be lawful for Her Majesty, by any order in council, to prescribe such rules aiw regulations as to Her Majesty may seem fit for preserving order, promotiug health and securing cleanliness and ventilation on board of passenger ships proceediui>; fron the United Kingdom to any port or place in Her Majesty's possessions abroad; am the said rules and regulations from time to time in like manner to alter, amend, am revoke, as occasion may require ; and Whereas it is expedient to make provision for preserving order in private passen ger ships conveying to the colony of Victoria, in Australia, as many as ten unpro tected female passengers : Now, therefore. Her Majesty doth, by and with the advice of her privy council and in pursuance and exercise of the authority vested in her by the said "passengOTi act, 1855," order, and it is hereby ordered, that in addition to the rules prescribed " the order in council, dated the twenty-fifth day of February, one thousand eigh' hundred and fifty-six, the rules hereinafter contained shall be observed in respect t< unprotected female passengers on Iward such shijis as last aforesaid. 1. In the construction and for the purposes of the order in council, the term ''an protected female passengers" shall signify every female passenger between the agew of twelve and thirty-live proceeding to the colony of Victoria by virtue of a passi warrant issued by the government of that (;olony, who, if married, shall not be companied by her husband, or, if unmarried, shall not be accompanied by her fatl or stepfather, or by a married brother with his wife, or a married sister with husband, or by an unmarried brother over the age of twenty-five, the terms *' pa sengers," "passenger ship," and "master" shall have the same significations as a^^,^ assigned to them respectively in the said "passengers act, 1855," and words used ^^1 J the plural number shall import the singular number also and the converse, ui^l^lK, inconsistent with the context. >^Bjr 2. All unprotected female passengers shall, during the voyage, be berthed in opfllL^ berths, in a compartment in the aftermost ])art of the upper passenger deck of *^^^^'* ship, effectually divided oft by substantial bulkheads from the other portions of si deck ; and no single men, or men without their wives, shall be berthed next to bulkhead dividing off such compartment. 3. The children under twelve years of age of married female passengers, unacco: panied by their husbands, shall be berthed with their mothers. 4. There shall be an entrance to such compartment from the upper deck or poop,^ exclusively appropriated to the use of such female passengers. 5. There shall be carried on board a matron, to be appointed by the owner o; master of the ship, and to be charged with the maintenance of discipline among sucM female passengers as aforesaid. I 6. No unprotected female passenger shall on any account be allowed to act or shaHlj act as servant or attendant on the surgeon, master, or any of the officers of the ship;. or on any male cabin passenger. 7. All intercourse between unprotected female passengers and any of the officers. or crew of the ship, or between such females and any of the male passengers (excepl, brothers or brothers-in-law, and in case of unprotected married women their children^ is hereby strictly prohibited. 8. The master of the ship before sailing shall, with the approval of the emigration. i ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 9 officer at the port of clearance, mark out the portion of the poop or main deck to be assigned for the purpose of exercise to such unprotected female passengers, who, dur- ing the voyage, shall keep within the limits so marked out. 9. Before dark all such female passengers as aforesaid shall go below to their own compartment, and as soon as they are there collected, the master shall lock the en- trance, and on no account shall any man enter the compartment during the night, except the surgeon in case of illness, or the officers and crew in case danger to the ship shall render their entrance necessary, 10. If the surgeon is required to attend professionally any of such unprotected female passenger at night, the matron shall accompany and remain with him while he discharges his duties. 11. The master of the ship shall afford to the matron and to the surgeon all the assistance in his power in carrying these regulations into etfect. 12. Any person who shall refuse or neglect to obey any of the rules herein con- tained, or who shall obstruct the surgeon or master of the ship in the execution of any duty hereby imposed on tliem respectivelj', or who shall be guilty of insubordi- uate conduct, shall, on conviction, be liable for each offense to the penalties of fine and imprisonment imposed by the said passengers act, 1855. 13. This order in council shall not apply to ships chartered by Her Majesty's emi- (ration commissioners. And the most noble the Duke of Newcastle, one of Her Majesty's principal secre- taries of state, is to give the necessary directions herein accordingly. At the court at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, the 7th day of January, 1864. Pres- ent: The Queeu's most excellent Majesty in council. Whereas by the " passengers act, 1855," it is amongst other things enacted that it shall be lawful for Her Majesty, by an order in council, to prescribe such rules and regulations as to Her Majesty may seem fit for preserving order, promoting health, and securing cleanliness and ventilation on board of passenger ships proceeding from the United Kingdom to any port or place in Her Majesty's possessions abroad, and the said rules and regulations from time to time in like manner to alter, amend, aud revoke, as occasion may require; and Whereas it is expedient to revoke an order in council made at a court held at Buckingham Palace on the twenty-lifth day of February, one thousand eight hun- dred and fifty-six, in virtue of the provisions of the said act, aud to make a new order in council: Now, therefore, Her Majesty doth, by and with the advice of her privy council, and in pursuance and exercise of the authority vested in her by the said "passen- gers act, 1855," order, and it is hereby ordered, that the said order in council of the twenty-fifth day of February, one thousand eight hundred aud fifty-six, be, and the same is hereby, revoked, and that the following shall henceforth be the rules for preserving order, for promoting health, and for securing cleanliness and ventilation to be observed on board of every passenger ship proceeding from the United King- dom to any port or place in Her Majesty's possessions abroad out of Europe, and not being within the Mediterranean Sea. 1. All passengers who shall not be prevented by sickness or other sufficient cause, to be determined by the surgeou, or in ships carrying no surgeon by the master, hall rise not later than seven o'clock a. m., at which hour the tires shall be lighted. 2. It shall be the duty of the cook or cooks appointed under the thirty-ninth sec- tion of the said ''i)asseugers act, 1855," to light the fires aud to take care that they be kept alight during the day, and also to take care that each passenger or family of passengers shall have the use of the fireplace at proper hours, in an order to be lixed by the master. 3. When the passengers are dressed their beds shall be rolled up. 4. The decks, including the space under the bottom of the berth, shall be swept before breakfast, and all dirt thrown overboard. 5. The breakfast hour shall be from eight to nine o'clock a. m. Before the com- mencement of breakfast all the emigrants, except as hereinbefore excepted, are to l)e out of bed and dressed, and the beds rolled up, and the deck on which the emi- ;;rants live properly swept. 6. The decks shall be further swept after every meal, and after breakfast is con- cluded shall be also dry holy-stoned or scraped. This duty, as well as that of clean- ing the ladders, hospitals, roundhouses, and water-closets, and of pumping water iuto the cisterns or tanks for the sux)ply of the water-closets, shall be performed by a party who shall be taken in rotation from the adult males above fourteen in the proportion of five to every one hundred emigrants, and shall be considered as sweep- 10 ENFORCEMENT OP ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. era for the day. But the single ^Yomell shall do all necessary acts for keeping cl and in a proper state their own compartments, where a separate compartment allotted to them, and the occupant of each berth shall see that his or her own bert] is well brushed out. 7. Dinner shall conunence at one o'clock p. m. and supper at six p. m. 8. The fires shall be extinguished at sev^ p. m., unless otherwise directed by master or required for the use of the sick ; and the emigrants shall be in their berth! at ten o'clock p.m., except under the permission or authority of the surgeon, or, i there be no surgeon, of the master. 9. On each passenger deck there shall be lit at dusk, and kept burning till da; light, three safety-lamps, and such further number as shall allow one to be placed each of the hatchways used by passeugers. 10. No naked light shall be allowed between decks or in the hold at any time or any account. 11. The scuttles and stern-ports, if any, shall, weather permitting, be opened seven o'clock a. m. and kept open till ten o'clock p.m., and the hatches shall be kepi open whenever the weather permits. 12. The coppers and cooking utensils shall be cleaned every day and the ciste: kept filled with water. 13. The beds shall be well shaken and aired on deck, weather permitting, at le twice a week. 14. The bottom boards of the berths, if not fixtures, shall be removed and dry scrubbed and, weather permitting, taken on deck at least twice a week. 15. Two days in the week shall be appointed by the master as washing days, bu no washing or drying of clothes shall on any account be permitted between deck 16. On Sunday mornings the passengers shall be mustered at ten o'clock a. m. an< will be expected to appear in clean and decent apparel. The Lord's Day shall observed as religiously as circumstances will admit. 17. No spirits or gunpowder shall be taken on board by any passenger, and either of those articles be discovered in the possession of a passenger it shall taken into the custody of the master during the voyage and not returned to the p senger until he has landed or is on the point of landing. 18. No loose hay or straw shall be allowed below for any purpose. 19. No smoking shall be allowed between decks. 20. The following kinds of misconduct are hereby strictly prohibited; that is say, all immoral or indecent acts or conduct, taking improper liberties or usijig i proper familiarities with the female passengers, using blasphemous, obscene, indecent language, or language tending to a breach of the peace, swearing, gaiubli drunkenness, fighting, disorderly, riotous, quarrelsome, or insubordinate condiic also all deposits of filth or offensive acts of uncleanness in the between decks; p vided that no conviction under the said passengers act for any of the offences herei specified shall operate as a bar to any civil or criminal proceeding which may in tr ordinary course of law be instituted for the same oftence by any party aggriever 21. Firearms, swords, and other offensive weapons, shall, as soon as the ])asseiii gers embark, be placed in the custody of the master. 22. No sailors shall be allowed to remain on the passenger deck among the passen gers except on duty. 23. No passenger shall go to the ship's cook-house without special permission froi the master, nor remain in the forecastle among the sailors on any account. 24. In vessels not expressly required by the said '^ Passengers act, 1855,"' to have a board such ventilating apparatus as therein mentioned, such other provisions sh be made for ventilation as shall be required by the emigration officer at the port o: embarkation, or, in his absence, by the officers of customs. 25. And to prevent all doubt in the construction of this order in council it hereby further ordered that the terms '^United Kingdom," '' passenger," ^'passeng ship," ^'passenger deck," and ^'master," shall herein have the same significations are assigned to them respectively in the said '' Passengers act, 1855," and unless in- consistent with the context words of one number shall import both numbers. And the most noble the Duke of Newcastle, one of Her Majesty's principal secri taiies of state, is to give the necessary directions herein accordingly. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 11 Ship . Counterpart of passen- ger's contract ticket. Tliis part of the con- tract ticket is to be sep- irated from the otiier, ind to be delivered by :he pa-ssenger to the jmigration officer at the Dort of embarkation ior, if no such officer, yo the officer of cus- soms), or to any one ap- Dointed by hiin to re- ceive it, under a penalty . lot exceeding £10. ^ ' CONTEACT TICKET. I engage that the per- )on8 mentioned below ;hall be provided with . A steerage passage to and be landed at ;he port of in in the ship )f tons, with u*t' ess than ten cubic feet or luggage foi- each tatute adnlt, and shall - victu.illed during • whole voyage ac- nling to the dietary loale prescribed by law. f he ship to receive her . oas8en-. Passage money, hiding government raes, if any, and all barges of landing, Names. Ages. souls equal to statute adults. lobe signed in) full by the I party issuing | tlie ticket. J Injiert number of souls and of statute adults respectively. These directions and the "notices to passengers " below form part of, and must appear on, each contract ticket. Passenger's contract ticket. 1. A contract ticket in this ferm must be given to every passenger engaging a passage from the United Kingdom to any place out of Europe, and not being within the Mediterranean Sea. 2. The victualling scale Ijor the voyage must be pi-inted in the body of the ticket. 3. All the blanks must be correctly filled in and the ticket must be legibly signed with the Christian names and surname and address in full of the party issuing the same. 4. The day of the month on which the passengers are to embark must be inserted in words and not in figures. 5. When once issued this ticket must not be with- drawn from the passenger, nor any alteration, addi- tion, or erasure made in it. Ship i Equal to statute adults. for tons register, to take in passengers at on the day of , 185-. I engage that the person named in the margin hereof shall be provided with a steerage passage to, and shall be landed at, the port of , in in the ship , witli not less than ten cubic feet for luggage for each statute adult, and shall be victualled duriug the voyage and the time of detention at any place before its' termination, according to the subjoined scale, for the sum of £ , including government dues before embarkation and head money, if any, at the place of landing, and every other charge. exc<'j)t freight for ex- cess of lugira^'^e hevond the quantity above specified, and I hereby acknoAvledge to have received the sum of £ in full (part) payment. The following quantities, at lea.st, of water and pro- visions (to be issued daily) will be supplied by the master of the ship, as required bylaw, viz, to each statute adult 3 quarts of water daily, exclusive of what is necessary for cooking the articles required by the passengers act to be issued in a cooked state, and a weekly allowance of provisions according to the following scale: [Hero iu.sert the victualling scale intended to be used on the voyage. This must be either the scale prescribed in the 35th section of the pas- sengers act, 1855, or that scale niodified bj' the introduction of articles authorized by the act, to be substituted for oatmeal, rice, and potatoes.] [N. B. — If mess utensils and bedding are to be provided by the ship, the stipulation must be in- serted here.] Signature in full . Place and date [If signed by a broker or agent, state on whose behalf.] Deposit £ . Balance £ . Total £ . to be paid at NOTICE TO PASSENGERS. 1. If passengers, through no default of their own, are not received on board on the day named in their contract tickets, or fail to obtain a passage in the ship, they should apy)lj' to the Government emigration officer at the port, who will assist them in obtaining redress under the passengers act. 2. Passengers should carefully keep this part of their contract ticket until after the end of the voyage. N. B. — This contract ticket is exempt from stamp duty. I 12 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. In addition to tlie provisions of the law above quoted the regalatiol for agents prescribed by the North Atlantic Steam Traffic Confereaj are given, also the form prescribed for the agents' authority under tl law; V- THE NORTH ATLANTIC STEAM TRAFFIC CONFERENCE. REGULATIONS FOR AGENTS. The attention of agents is specially called to the following conference regnlatic A license to act as agent for any conference line is granted only on the follo-^ conditions, and the acceptance or retention of such license is considered as ani quiescence on the part of the agent in these conditions : (1) The amount actually received as dei^osit, as well as the total passage mondl and balance due, is in all cases to be entered on the ticket. (2) Agents are strictly prohibited from making any reduction in the ocean or ra' way fares or granting any allowance in any shape or form to passengers directly indirectly. It shall be considered a breach of this rule for the agent to allow, connection with the booking, any portion of his commission to any ])erson whatev€ (3) No agent is permitted to issue inland tickets nor in any way to book or que rates to passengers, nor to cause them to be booked, nor to receive commission their being so booked from the port of debarkation to their place of destinatiom America, except through the steamship companj" tor which the ocean tickets are ; sued; and no agent is permitted to issue tickets to places not mentioned in the rent tariffs supplied to him by the couferece company he represents. (4) Any agent reported by any member of the conference for irregularity in mittances becomes at once disqualified for acting for any conference compj Other infractions of rules may be dealt with by tine or disqualification, as decic by conference. No allowance is made for postage or any other charge excepting of bankers' draft, postal or post-oLifice order. Under no circumstances can ai| charge be allowed for remittance by private check, whi<'h latter form of remitts is only permitted if previously arranged with the company. (5) No charge is allowed to be made by agents for bill-posting. '^^ (6) No circular or publication of any kind retlecting upon or instituting any col parison unfavorable to any conference line is to be issued by any agent. (7) When an agent advertises a rate for passage to America he must distinct name the line by which such rate is available. (8.) No agent is to issue tickets, book pisseugers, nor cause them to be bookJ directly or indire(!tly, nor permit any person in his emjdoy or on his premises to bo« for any steamship line sailing from any port in Europe to any port iu the United Stat or Canada, except those forming this conference. (9.) In order to regulate the connection between Liverpool agents and agents the country and other towns, and to prevent the one interfering with the functio of the other, as is now fre(]uently the case, to the detriment of all concerned, an further, to prevent indirect breaches of conference regnlations, it has been agre« '; between the several conference companies, as follows: (a) That the charge per night fjpr lodgings at the house of any Liverpool aged not including anything else but attendance, be not les3 than one shilling per adul f.'f or one shilling and sixi)ence for two persons sleeping in one bed, for all British ps sengers except those only just arrived from Ireland, for which passengers the low€ charge for lodgings shall be sixpence per night. (h) That the lowest charge for a plain meal be sixpence; and for a meal with me| one shilling. . ' (c) That the payment of commission on the board or lodging of passengers i strictly prohibited. Agents found paying or receiving such to be at once disquaij fied. j (d) That agents outside of Liverpool be prohibited from making use of, or supplj ing passengers with, any baggage labels except those issued by the steamship coil panics. ( The names of the conference companies are : Allan liine, Allan Brothers & Co American Line, Richardson, Spence & Co.; Anchor Line, Henderson Brother Beaver Line, The Canada Shipping Company, Limited; Cunard Line, The Cuna: Steamship Company, liimited; Dominion Line, Flinn, Main & Montgomery; Gnii Line, Guion & Co. ; InraanLine (The Inman and International Steamship Compau, Limited), Richardson, Spence & Co.; National Line, The National Steamship Coil pany. Limited; State Line, The State Steamship Company, Limited; Warren Lini Tapscott, Smith & Co. : White Star Line, Ismay, Imrie & Co. LivjaRPOOL, January 1, 1891. Ill \)t t lefTi i ENFORCExAIENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 13 Form of license. White Star Line— Agent^s Authority for 188—. I, , of Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, one of the partners in, and on behalf of, the firm of , carrying on the business of merchants at 10 Water street, Liverpool, do hereby nominate and appoint yon, Mr. , to act as my agent and on my behalf in the sale or letting of passages, and other- wise in the business of a passage broker, according to the provisions of the "Pas- sengers' act, 1855 and 1863." Liverpool, , 188 — . Countersigned : t Chief Emigration Officer. HOLLAND. The following extracts are from the law respecting the transit and conveyance of emigrants from ports within the realm : Act of the 15th of July, 1869, respecting the transit and conveyance of emigrants. Art, 1. Foreign emigrants shall be allowed to pass through the Netherlands, although unprovided with passports or other safe conducts, upon simply presenting themselves, provided the object of their journey is satisfactorily stated to the proper authorities on the frontiers or at the first place at which tliey shall arrive. Art. 2. The examination required by Art. 1 shall be conducted by the chief of the police on the frontier or at the first place of arrival. He shall be authorized to grant a pass to emigrants. This pass shall have the force of a permission to reside for the time of two months. He shall also afford them all the information necessary to facilitate the journey to the port of embarkation. Art. 3. Foreign emigrants who have not left the country within the term of two months shall provide themselves with a permit according to the law. Should their departure have been delayed by unavoidable reasons, the pass mentioned in the Ist section of the preceding article shall be prolonged for a period to be fixed by the chief of the police at the place where the emigrant may be staying. Before granting of the permit prescribed in the first section, foreign emigrants whose presence may endanger the safety of the public may be sent out of the coun- try upon our warrant according to the law relating to aliens. Art. 4. Commissioners for superintending the conveyance of emigrants shall be appointed by the governor of the province in such districts as are indicated by us, in accordance with instructions to be given by us. The commissioners shall, if possible, include members of the chambers of com- merce and manufactures, and members of the municipal council, together with per- sons well acqmainted with matters relating to navigation. The necessary expenses of the commissioners shall be defrayed by a fixed annual payment out of the exchequer. In districts where no commissioners have been appointed, the mayor and alder- men shall be instructed to regulate the conveyance of emigrants. The stipulations of this act relating to the emigration commissioners are made applicable to them. Art. 5. The police shall be bound to render every assistance to the commissioners iu enforcing this law and the regulations that may be prescribed by us for carrying it into effect. At the requisition and in the presence of one of the commissioners, they shall be authorized at any time to go on board of vessels indicated in Art. 11, as being ready for the conveyance of emigrants, and also to enter the dwelling-houses where emi- grants may be lodging, notwithstanding any opposition on the part of the inmates. Art. 6. Besides the powers which, by this act and by the general regulations, as detailed in Art. 24, are granted to the Emigration commissioners, it shall form part of their duty : To offer aid and protection, and give advice and information to emigrants ; , To use their endeavours in arranging any differences that may arise between emi- I grants and passage brokers or their agents, or between emigrants and the persons mentioned in Art. 17 ; To inspect, or cause to be inspected, all vessels which have been reported as ready for the passage of emigrants, in conformity with Art. 14, as also the houses in which emigrants may be lodging ; To superintend the sanitary condition of the emigrants. Art. 6a. The emigration commissioners shall also be empowered to issue certifi- 14 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. cates, on application, (1) to innkeepers for tlie board and lodging of emigrants ; (! to all persons who may be desirous of ofl'ering any services to emigrants. These certificates shall be issued gratis, and always for one year, and shall 1 subject to revocation by the commissioners at any time. Art. 7. Any person undertaking, either on his own account or as agent, to conve Dutch or foreign emigrants from the Netlierlands to a place out of Europe shal notwithstanding whether the embarkation takes place in a Netherland or a foreig port, previously provide real or personal bail as a guarantee for the fulfillment < the conditions Avhich are binding upon him in virtue of this act and of the regul tions Avhich may be imposed by us, according to Art. 24 ; such bail to be placed at ' disposal of the emigration conmiissioners in the district where the vessel for conveyance of emigrants is reported and inspected. The amount of the bail is to I fixed by the commissioners and shall not exceed ten thousand guilders.* In case any part of the bail should have been employed, it shall be made up t the original amount within the term to be fixed by the commissioners. If personal bail be offered only those who are established in the country and wb are approved by the conmiissioners shall be accepted, and they shall become boun conjointly wdth the principal surety. Art. 8. The passage-broker shall be responsible to the emigration commissione: for the due fulfillment of the obligations which, by virtue of this act and ^f the re( ulations to be enacted by us, according to Art. 24, shall devolve upon him. Should the passage-broker neglect to fulfill all the obligations which he has undei taken the comir issioners shall perform the same at his cost, and, if necessary, a that of his co-sureties. If in any action for neglect of duty, as mentioned in the preceding section, whic the commissioners shall bring against the passage-broker or his sureties, the con missioners be condemned to pay damages and costs, such damages and costs sha be defrayed by the State. In the absence of any other proof, the passage-broker shall be considered to hav fulfilled all the conditions binding upon him, in case within a x)eriod of one yea after the arrival of the vessel at the place of destination, indicated in the statemen mentioned in Art. 16, no claim shall have been brought in against him, before authorized commissioners, with reference to the conveyance of emigrants by tha vessel. Art. 9. The passage-broker shall deliver to each emigrant whom he has unde taken to provide with a passage a written statement signed by the said broker, whic shall contain — The emigrant's surname, christian names, age, profession or trade, and last plao of residence, and also the name of the place to which the emigrant is desirous of be ing conveyed; The amount of passage-money to be paid by the emigrant, including the cost oj provisions, and a statement of the amount which he may have already paid on count of these charges ; The number of cubic metres to which the emigrant shall be entitled free of charge for the stowage of his baggage ; The name of the vessel and of the place where she is lying, the nam© of the maste: and the day on which the emigrants must be on board ; If, during the voyage, a change of conveyance has to be made, either in p]urop or elsewhere, then in addition the name and address of the agents at that place, wh will have to provide the emigrant with the means of continuing his voyage to ' place of his destination. These statements shall be written in Dutch and German or in either of those lanll guages which may be spoken by the emigrant. Any alterations subsequently made in the statement, and all receipts of passagi money shall be entered therein. The said statements shall be produced and signed at the proper emigration offic« ' previous to the departure. Art. 13. Before the departure of the vessel, the passage-broker shall efi'ect an in surauce by which the insurer shall bind himself in case of disasters at sea, to mak( good all expenses for the maintenance of the emigrants while the ship is undergo ing repairs or for their passage to the place of their destination in case the vossot should not be able to proceed on the voyage. 1 Art. 15. No ship having emigrants on board shall be allowed to clear out but oi the exhibition of a certificate from the emigration commissioners to the effect thai there is no reason why such clearance should not take place. The commissioners shall refuse to issue the said certificate if the ship is unsea worthy or not fitted out according to existing regulations, or not provided with tin necessary accommodation, or should their exist any other reasons which may rendei^ the sailing of the ship unadvisable for the welfare of the emigrants. The commissioners shall without delay inform the passage-broker of their reaso; ^$3,800.00. 1 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 15 for withholding the certificate, and, if he thinks tit, he may appeal against their de- ' sision to the mayor and aldermen of the place where the emigrants were to embark; ^ DT, in case they are acting for the commissioners, then to the deputed States of the prorince. 1 Art. 17. Any person undertaking, either as principal or agent, the conveyance of t Dutch or foreign emigrants from any place in the Netherlands to any other place in ^ Europe, or taking any part as agent in promoting such conveyance, notwithstand- rig whether the embarkation may take place in a Netherland or a foreign port, shall leposit with the emigration commissioners, or where there are no such commission- ers, with the local authorities of his jilace of residence, real or personal bail in a sum not exceeding five thousand guilders,* and under the same conditions as those im- posed by Art. 7. He shall not be allowed to undertake the conveyance of emigrants to any place out )f Europe. . The conditions imposed by Art. 8 are made applicable to him. ; Art. 21. It shall be prohibited to sell or offer for sale to emigrants, before they have reached their port of destination, contract tickets, by which they may continue their journey. The passage-broker referred to in Art. 7 may, however, undertake the conveyance of emigrants beyond the port of arrival according to a contract to be subscribed by him. Art. 22% Persons who are not qualified according to this act shall be prohibited from advertising in newspapers, posting up bills, hanging out boards, or taking iny means whatever for making it known that they are emigration agents. The police shall be authorized to remove all such bills, boards, and other similar objects. Art. 23. Any person violating the first section of Art. 7, and of Art. 17, shall be I mbject to a penalty of not less than one hundred nor more than five hundred guilders ;t The 2nd section of Art. 7, though the violation is committed by the persons men- tioned in Art. 17 and Art. 16, to a penalty of not less than ten nor more than twenty- dve guilders for each day's delay; Art. 9, 18, and 22, to a penalty of not less than twenty-five nor more than one hiin- ired guilders ; Art. 20, to a penalty of not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred guilders for each emigrant from whom remuneration may have been received ; , Art. 21, to a penalty of not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred \ |uilder8 for each emigrant to whom a contract ticket may have been sold or offered for sale. Art. 25. In all ships which come under the restrictions of this act copies of tlie same in Dutch, German, English, and French, as also of the general enactment ; mentioned in the preceding article, shall be affixed in places where the same shall be visible and of easy access. Art. 27a. The local magistrate at the place of embarkation shall take cognizance 3f all personal actions, or actions having reference to personal property, to which smigrants may be parties, so far as these actitms arise out of contracts or things imie at the place of embarkation, or as regards foreign emigrants, with respect to ! their passage through the country ; with power of appeal in case the action shall be I for a sum exceeding four hundred guilders. f Should there be more than one magistrate at the port of embarkation, the plaintiff shall have the power of selecting the one before whom the action is to be brought. In the usual notice by summons at least two clear days shall be allowed iu which to enter an appearance. In urgent cases the magistrate may grant summonses, returnable from day to day, k w even from hour to hour, as prescribed in Art. 7 of the code of civil procedure. In accordance witli the provisions of the foregoing act the following regulations have been issued by the Government of Holland. Only those portions are printed which relate to the transit of emigrants : Art. 3. The space appropriated to the cabins of emigrants shall not be less than 1.53 metre t in height, measuring from deck to deck. For each emigrant there shall be appropriated a clear superficies of not less than 1.75 square metre, with a height of 1.53 metre, or of 1.25 square metre, with 1.85 metre or more in height. Should the conveyance be made in a steamer, the emigrants' cabins shall be sepa- rated from the engine-room by a traversing partition, at a distance of at least one metre. Art. 6. No emigrants shall be berthed between decks, or upon what is called an '■ orlop-deck, without the written consent of the emigration commissioners, and ac- ' cording to the conditions attached to that consent. *$1, 900.00. ^ A guilder is equivalent to 38 cents. | Metre is 39^ inches. I 16 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Art. 7. Detached cabins, separated from the cabins of the other emigrants bj Jath-work, shall be appropriated to unmarried emigrants of the male sex who hai attained the age of fourteen years. Art. 8. The space appropriated to the cabins for emigrants shall be provided wit' the proper means for ventilation. Should circumstances prevent the use of^those means, the master, in consultatio:] with the doctor, should there be one on board, sliall provide for proper ventilatioB I Art. 10. The berths nieasured inside shall be at least 1.85 metre long, and fo|| each person at least 0.50 metre wide. There shall be an open space of at least 0.15 metre between the lower-deck anij the bottom of the lowest tier of berths. More than two berths shall not be placed above one another. The bottom of upper tiers of berths shall be at one half the distance between the upper deck the boitom of the lowesl tier. Art. 11. The hammocks and cots shall be made of sail cloth or strong cam They shall be of the same dimensions as the hammocks and cots used by the ci and provided with crane lines and lanyards. The cots are principally intended for females. Double cots, or cots for two sons, shall only be used by married couples, by two females, or by two children der the age of twelve. Art. 12. The bed-clothes of the emigrants shall be clean and kept in good repj The mattresses shall be tilled with fresh and dry straw. If possible, the bed-clothes shall be brought on deck every day and well air€ Each cniigraut shall attend to the cleanliness of his own bed-place and bed-clothi The hammocks and cots, with everything appertaining to them, shall be stow« away every morjiing, at an hour to be specified by the master, in a dry and secui place, and hung up again in the evening. Art. 13. During fine weather the emigrants shall remain on deck as much as pe Bible. They shall not remain between decks during the day but with the consent < the master. Everything which may tend to render the air impure in the cabins of the ei grants shall be rigorously excluded by day as well as by night. J These cabins shall be cleaned daily by the emigrants, each in his turn, as desi nated by the master. The necessary utensils thereto shall be provided by the pi sage-brokers. Art. 14. The emigrants' cabins shall be lighted up by the passage-brokers froi sunset to sunrise, by means of clear and brilliant ships' lanterns. Art. 18. On every vessel fitted out for the conveyance of emigrants there shall b a separate place for the treatment of the sick. In ships fitted out for one hundre* emigrants this place shall be at least 1,53 metres in height, with a surface of at leas 3 8 square metres. For a larger number of emigrants the required space shall be pro portionably increased. The restrictions embodied in Art. 8 shall be applicable fr this apartment. The necessary medicines and surgical instruments shall be subjected to an examll ination and approval, before the departure of the ship, according to the regulationlij of Art. 27 of the act of the 1st of June, 1865 (Official Journal, N. 61). • The passage-brokers shall provide a competent doctor on every vessel fitted on for the conveyance of emigrants to any port to the east of the Cape of Good Hop or west of Cape Horn. 'i His duties shall commence previous to the embarkation of the emigrants; andh shall be present at the said embarkation. The master shall, so far as may be possible, follow the advice given to him by th doctor relative to the health of the emigrants. Art. 19. Emigrants who, according to a written certificate of a competent doctor may be suffering from any disease of a dangerously contagious nature shall not bj received on board the ship. , Should any disease of a similar nature manifest itself among the emigrants affce their embarkation, but before the sailing of the vessel, those emigrants who, ac cording to a similar certificate, may be suffering from that disease shall be disenflj barked. The emigration commissioners shall not issue a certificate declaring that ther. exists no reason against the clearing out of the ship unless they are assured tha the sickness on board has disappeared. ' BELGIUM. The regulations in force in the Kingdom of Belgium concerning th trail sportation of emigrants are provided for by law. Under its pro- yisiouis there is a commission consisting of the governor of the proving , in which the seaport is situated, the minister of foreign affairs, on«|^ ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 17 nember of the Government council, two merchants, tlie Government iispector of railroads, and two notable persons to be cliosen by tlie lovernment. An officer of the provincial government acts as secretary. Jhis board of commissioners is authorized to appoint a commission of iispection, whose duty it is to survey every vessel designed to carry migrants and to see that the provisions of the law are properly executed. .'heir law also provides that before any person can act as an agent for he sale of passenger tickets, or engage in the transportation of pas- engers, he must file a bond, to be approved by the Government, for the um of 20,000 francs,* which sum is forfeited if the provisions of the law re not complied with. Article 30 provides that single women shall lave separate apartments, and '' access to their quarters by any of the Qasculine sex is rigorously interdicted during the voyage, except to the aptain, the second officer in command, and the person who is specially barged with the care of these quarters." In case of any infringement f this regulation the emigrant is requested to immediately notify the Tovernment commissioner, who takes the necessary steps at once to •ring the offender to j)unishnient. The extracts from the law which follow are printed in three languages nd displayed in the boarding houses where the emigrants remain be- ove sailing, and also on shipboard. Extracts from the Belgian regulationa, approved by King Leopold April 29, 1890, for the transport of emigrants.] Useful advice for passengers. Art. 3. The following are the duties of the committee of inspection : (1) To inspect and regulate, as far as emigration is concerned, the working of the 'omniittee of survey and of the nava' commissioner. (2) To solve any difficulties and to settle amicably any disputes arising from the onveyance of emigrants. Art. 8. The Government commissioner is appointed to superintend the execution f the measures prescribed by the present regulations, and by the instructitms wliich ill be given in order to facilitate their application. He is especially required to jek every means of improving the situation of the emigrants, Avhile taking into ccount the exigencies of trade and navigation. He must protect and assist the migrants, and will explain to them, if necessary, the rights to Avhicli they are eu- itled by the Belgian laws, or under their contract. On his demand the shippers re bound to submit to him the said contracts and all documents relating thereto. ' Art. 11. The inspecting doctor or his assistant will decide what drugs, instru- lents, and disinfectants will be required according to the length of the voyage, nd also make certain of their good quality and of their conformity with his direc- \oji8. He will require the medicine-chest ito contain directions for the use of each ind of drug. If there is a dispensing room on board, his duty is to inspect it. As- isted by the ship surgeon, he will go through a most careful examination of all be- ween-deck passengers. This inspection must be conducted with all needful pre- lution and with every consideration for humanity and for the personal dignity of • e emigrants. The Government claims the right of having any such inspections )r the regular lines, and as far as possible for all others, carried out in a closed lom, properly lighted and warmed in winter. The doctor may forbid the embark- tion of any emigrant or passenger who is seriously ill, or who shows any symptoms t" contagious disease. Finally, he must examine and decide upon the qualifications f the persons who are appointed and shipped as medical officers in charge of emi- rants. Art. 12. Any emigrant complying with the conditions stated in article 5 of the migration law and in article 11 of the present regulations will retain the right, fter recovery, of being conveyed to his destination at the price and under the con- itions of the contract for him or herself, his or her wife or husband, and the mem- ers of their family in direct and collateral lines, up to the third degree of relation- up; as well as for the children and young girls entrusted to his care, provided they re included in the same contract. Any expenses of maintenance during the inter- al must be borne by the emigrants. Art. 16. Any person acting as guide to, advising or influencing, the emigrants in iiy way during their journey across country and during their stay at the port of * A Franc is equal to about 19 cents. II. lux, 37 5§ 18 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. embarkation must "be provided with a regular license delivered by an autborij agency, and must be recognized by the local authorities. In virtue of the powers delivered by any authorized agency, the said agency rendl Itself responsible for the acts of its proxy. Such licenses are only valid for iwe] months, and must be signed by the Government emigration commissioner withiii fortnight of their issue. ' Art. 17. Even if a vessel carries less than twenty-five emigrants, they will still entitled to claim the intervention of the Government commissioner in order to cert the quality and quantity of provisions and to ensure due execution of the shippi contract. Art. 18. The amount of demurrage fixed by article 6 of the emigration act board and lodging of the emigrants, in case of delays in sailing, is fixed at 2 frai per day for adults and 1 franc for children up to 12 years of age completed. In of unavoidable delay provided for in section 3 of the same article, the charterei bound to board and lodge any passengers with whom he has contracted in ests lishments under the direct and special inspection of the local authorities. Art. 19. The charterer is bound to convey the emigrants and their luggage toth place of destination and to provide for their maintenance until it is reached, obligation extends even to the case of the vessel being prevented, by whatever cai (save by war or blockade), from leaving on the day fixed, or from proceeding on voyage. Art. 44. The captain cannot deprive passengers of access to the deck, unless sm prohibition is justified by stress of weather, or otlier serious circumstances, regulates the meals, which are to be three per day. He is bound to vary the fooc the emigrants. As far as convenient, the passengers are to be divided into messes of ten; mess will then choose a president, who receives the daily ration for the whole m€ Three heads of messes chosen by the emigrants will, under the authority of captain, and, if necessary, of the special agent, take charge of the equitable dist bution of provisions. The shipowner or the freighter are responsible for the wolj of cooking. Every passenger is entitled to the ordinary rations, even if he 1 brought additional provisions on board for his own use. Smoking is forbidden 1 tween decks. The between-decks are to be cleaned every day and purified wi chloride of lime, or with any other suitable disinfectant, at least three times a wet Each division of the between-decks to be lighted by two vegetable-oil lanterns. An additional lantern will be supplied by the shipowners for every hundred p; seugers. The captain is bound to see that both the life boats and rafts are kept good order, completely equipped, and ready for immediate use r.hould circnmstanc require it. He is also responsible for the good condition of the water pipes in i event of fire, as well as of the buoys and life belts, in order to ))ermit of their i mediate use. Every passenger has the right to remain on board for twenty-fc hours after the arrival of the vessel in port, and to be nuiintained at the cost of t shipowner. Such right, however, does not exist for steamers. The captain is f< bidden to take down or to disturb the berths Ijefore the expiration of such time ■ loAvance, unless the A^essel is bound to sail immediately. The captain will do ] utmost to facilitate the unlading of the luggage and delivery of the same in condition to its owners. Any passenger having a complaint to make can apply the Belgian consul at the port of arrival. Art. 46. The captain is bound to draw up according to law such registration 6,e€ as may be required during the passage, and to file them at the Belgian consulate the port of arrival. PROVISIONS. The complete rations for each passenger are fixed as follows, per week, reckon! two children, from one to ten years, as equal to one adult. Potatoes kilogram* . Biscuits do Barley or barley meal gram t . Flour do Peas and beans do Rice do Salt bacon do Beef, salt or fresh do Butter (half of which may be ex- changed for lard or smoked ba- con) gram.. Brown sugar do Prunes or dried fruit do Choucroute do 2^ 2i 500 750 750 500 500 750 250 150 125 125 Stockfish or cod gram.. 1 Vinegar centil . Herrings, salted or smoked- .pieces. Coffee gram. Chicory do . . - Syrup do ... Dutch cheese do — Salt do.... 5 Tea do...- Pepper do New bread at starting for each adult kilogram. . Fresh water, per day Htresl: . * A kilogram is 2J pounds. t Gramme is about 15 grains. X Litre about 2 pint*. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 19 The quantity of fresh vegetables and onions to be supplied according to the season as additional stores will be decided by the committee of inspection. The ship surgeon will decide the quantity of extract of meat, condensed milk, and sago to be taken on board for the use of the sick, as well as leiuon or lime juice, which will be served out to the passeugers in general according to his directions. Such distribution is, however, only compulsory under the tropics. The food is prepared by the shipowner and distributed three times daily, viz : Breakfast at 8 o'clock, and consists of coffee, sugar, new bread or biscuit, and butter. Dinner at one o'clock: Soup, beef or pork with potatoes, peas or beans, and bread. Supper, at 6 o'clock p. m, : Coffee or tea, sugar, biscuit or bread. In addition to the above 500 gr. of condensed milk and 500 gr. of milk flour shall be allowed for each child under three years of age. For each child between 3 to 7 and each nursing mother 100 gr. of extract of meat must be allowed. Finally, twenty bottles of Bordeaux must be provided for every hundred passengers. The committee of inspection may authorize the substitution of dried provisions for potatoes in the proportion of one kilogram in every live. According to the season, they may require barley, peas, and beans to be replaced by potatoes, 7i kilogrammes of the former being the equivalent for 40 kilogrammes of the latter. If there is a bakery on board, the quantity of biscuit in store may be reduced to one quarter, and in such case the supply of iflour must be increased to the amount of the remaining three quarters. PRUSSIAN EMIGRATION LAWS. The following are extracts from the laws of the Prussian Government regulating emigration, which are published in German and English: r. Sec. 1. For all those matters to which this ordinance refers, there exists, in con- formity with the law of the 24th of February, 1854, relating to the chamber of com- merce, the "emigration commission," which is formed of some members of the senate, who are also charged with the government inspection over this branch of busi- ness, and some members of the chamber of commerce. Sec. 2. The provisions of this ordinance extend, with a temporary exception for I mail steamers, to all ships by which j)asseugers are conveyed to any port out of ' Europe; it is, however, left to the discretion of the senate, after having previously taken the opinion of the emigration commission and Avith the consent of the chamber of commerce, both to apply the same to mail steamers and to exempo from them ordi- nary steamers that do not carry the mails. Sec. 3. No persons are licensed to engage or convey passengers but those who possess the Bremen citizenship, who are domiciled in the State of Bremen, and have I given a security approved of by the emigration commission. I ' 'Sec. 4. With regard to that security the following special regulations are to be if observed: '. (1) The security is to be given to the amount of five thousand rix dollars, in cash, I pledges, or by bail, and extends to all obligations both towards the passeugers and the Bremen Government, iucumbent upon the dispatcher, whether he be the dis- patcher of a ship (owner, consignee, affreighter), or whether he be the dispatcher of passengers (who has entered into passage contracts with passengers) ; especially also to the payment of any insurance premiums and penalties. I **•##*## (4) The security loses its efficacy with regard to all those claims that are not legally asserted and notified to the emigration commission before the expiration f one year after their arising. ******* Sec. 6. Masters of passenger ships are permitted to engage passengers for the ship commanded by them by order and for account of their owners, provided that the latter have fulfilled the requirements of $§ 3 et sequ. ; however, the shipowners are "personally liable, towards the passengers and towards the Bremen Government, both for the observance of all the i^rovisions of the existing laws relative to the engage- ment of ships' passengers and for the fulfillment of their contract. • Rule 9 of Rules. The royal authorities, whenever they find it necessary, may prohibit the contract- jors or their agents from displaying advertisements of their business in public squares, 20 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. in hotels and inns, in railway or steamsliip stations throughout the whole or a- of the district under their control. Sec. 7. Agents and subagents not authorized to conclude the sale of steainsl transport tickets, hut who are only intermediaries, must refrain from negotiating tracts which do not correspond to the requirements of the law in sections one to of the regulations. They must send a written report to the local police authoi whenever a person desiring to emigrate applies to them to negotiate for a steai ticket. The last rule is also applicable to inland contractors and agents whe^ authorized to sell transport tickets in all cases where those desiring to emigrat ply directly to them. A registry book for all individuals booked is to be kept by them, always ope inspection by the police authorities, and when demanded they are obligated to the register to the office of the local police. Agents are forbidden to negotiate or sell steamship tickets outside the dis< conceded to them. The Rule G, section 4, is also applied to them. A copy of this authorization paper, given to the subagents by their head agem i must be' submitted to the district administration with the application for such a thority, and is to be retained by the police authorities. Sec. 10. Deserters and persons owing military service to any State of the Gei Confederation, as well as persons endeavouring to escape punishment for crim^j offences committed by them, or who are affected with any infectious disease, not be conveyed. The same prohibition applies to the conveyance of those persons whose immi tion is forbidden by the laws of the place of destination. In case of detection, all such persons will be removed to their respective homes 1 the police authorities. Whoever knowingly acts contrary to this prohibition not only incurs an adequa penalty, but is also answerable for all the expenses which may thereby accrue ^t] Bremen Government. The ship-brokers, in particular, are directed, under pain of the same penalties, abstain from entering into any passage contracts for such persons, and as soou they learn that any passengers engaged by them are individuals of the kind afoi said, they have to inform the police authorities thereof, and to follow the furth' directions of the same. | Sec. 14. With regard to the arrangements of the sea-going vessel it is enacted : ' (1) The between-deck must be at least six feet high froiu deck to deck, and t = decks at least one inch and a half thick. ' (2) On board every ship sufficient ventilation, with due regard to the climate which the ship is to proceed, must be provided for, and must be duly kept up dn. ing the voyage. Partitions in the between-deck that prevent the free circulati' of the air are forbidden. (4.) The berths and other sleeping places of the passengers must be convenit and suitably arranged; those made of wood must be constructed of dry wood out sharp edges, and no more than two tiers of berths must be placed above other. They must be, for each person, at least six feet clear in length, eighte-j inches in breadth ; besides, the lower ones must be at least six inches from the dec Sec. 29. The following duties are incumbent upon the master of everj'^ shij which passengers are to be conveyed. (3.) He has to treat the passengers humanely, and to take care for a proper j decent behaviour on the part of the crew. (4.) He has to take care that the sleeping places of the steerage passengers allotted to males above 14 years, who go without their families, in the forepart I the ship; to families in the midship; to single females, going by themselves, in tl after part of the ship ; and that the same are retained by their tenants in these diflfej ent divisions during the whole voyage. \ 6. He has to order and to watcli over the requisite arrangement, cleaning, veii' lation, fumigation, and lighting of the localities allotted to the passengers. (1) It is prohibited to trouble travellers, whether at the railway station, at t^ landing place of the steamers, or elsewhere, in any way with questions, recoumic dations, etc. ; or endeavor to tout them for any inn, vessel, vehicle, or any otb line ot business, without prejudice to the officially approved intervention of t intelligence office for emigrants and the persons employed by the same. (2) For directing or conducting any travellers to merchants and tradespeople, order to procure them purchasers or customers, especially to dispatchers, sli brokers, or innkeepers, no person may be paid or promised, although it should ;i v^ done but in an indirect way, any remuneration in money or money's worth. I (3) All persons are forbidden to sell any tickets for the conveyance of passengel ^ from the transatlantic landing place to the place of their destination in the interic , (4) Whosoever contravenes these prohibitions (1, 2, 3) is liable to a penalty n \ exceeding thirty rixdollars or proportionate imprisonment. In case of repetition , ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 21 ihe offence, not only will this penalty be increased, bnt the consequence for tlie per- ;on8 thus offending will be that the license which may have been granted to them or the keeping of hackney coaches, or their appointment as porters, will be revoked, md strangers holding service will no longer be permitted to continue in such service ind to reside in the State of Bremen. In accordance with section 10 of the regulations concerning the conveyance of hip's passengers to transatlantic countries, passed July 9, 1866, wherein German sub- ects whose emigration is prohibited on account of military duty, and not allowed o be conveyed to transatlantic countries, it is the dutj^ of ship agents employed in (ir warding emigrants directly or indirectly by way of a Bremen port to convince liemselves by carefully scrutinizing the legitimation papers of passengers of Ger- aan nationality who are of proper age for military duty, as to their eligibility for lubarkation ; otherwise to refuse them passage. Sec. 2. Any violation of this regulation is punishable with a fine not exceeding 51) marks, or with arrest. Passed by the senate of Bremen September 12 and published September 16, 1890. mmigration return of Liverpool steamship lines hy niontlis from July 1, 1890, to June SO, 1891. Name of steamer. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. I Steerage passengers. Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. .ansas atiilonia ervia ephalonia Iritish Princess, 'hio 'cnnsylvania July eythia I July it y of Berlin ' July ai'rania July Wyoming July avouia : July ord Clive i July 'evada I July nibria ! July ;«thuia j July eiitouic I July it y of Chester j Julj^ itannic ' July ■ika July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July July Jul'y July July July July lajestic ity of Kew York. V'isconsin allia Itruiia amaria rermanic iOrd Gough i-rizona 'eutonic ity of Chicago ... ova Scotian •ake Huron -ake Superior -ake Nepigon /ake Ontario ardinian "oronto 'arisian ■ircassian 'arthaginian amia )ominion 'ancouver Total. 138 199 443 169 168 3 172 541 293 307 127 214 357 1 116 408 118 33 34 305 316 155 82 360 2 155 16 153 181 120 46 30 72 13 63 92 211 57 26 51 22 149 138 193J 431 157^ 164i 3 158 532^ 28.5^ 299^ 125 209i 333 1 114 396i llOi 31i 34 300 307 144 771 345i 2 152^ 15i 146i 178 118i 42 27i 69i 12i 61 90 202 55i 24i 49i 21 143i 91 327 443 316 95 328 100 163 84 152 929 341 419 221 ) 349 344 257 206 219 ,003 604 100 73 264 177 294 133 94 658 339 87 16 15 14 30 112 29 271 157 2 35 177 6,518 6, 303i 10,068 82 291i 404^ 292 94i 305i 89^ 139i 69 131 833 314 388 203 314 319^ 233^ 175i 194i 910 548i 88i 65 244 157 244i 109 85 608 315 63 16 15 13i 27i 104i 28 247i 137i 2 35 9,098 22 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Immigration return for month ending August, 1890. Name of steamer. Etruria Aurania Scythia City of Richmond . Umbria City of Berlin City of Rome Pennsylvania British Prince City of Chicago . . . City of New York. Cephalonia Italy Germanic Majestic Teutonic Wisconsin Aurania Ohio British Princess. . . Umbria Caspian Pavonia Nevada : City of Chester — Ser.ia Alaska Lord Clive Catalonia Britannic "Wyoming Polynesian Parisian Lake Nepigon Lake Huron Lake Superior Carthaginian Dominion Vancouver Toronto Sarnia Sardinian Lake Ontario Corean Circassian , Oregon Total. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Souls. Adults. 136 188 28 38 312 74 109 104 J 7 7 36 34^ 93 88 28 27 95 244 163 43 57 23 12 132 17 44 64 66 130 116 12 12 135 104 2 6 31 21 47 2,921 131 1831 28 36 302i 90i 238^ 161i 39 56i 221 11^ 129 14 43i 58 61 124^ 108^- 10| Hi 128 25 60 103 2 6 30J 18J 50^ 7 28 73 27 43J 2, 799i Steerage passengers. I Souls. Adults. 293 314 218 156 375 249 272 77 125 187 302 227 1 241 737 532 62 219 145 142 263 45 225 91 127 344 284 120 176 243 144 80 202 3 11 15 4 9 114 7 24 125 30 1 117 32 7,710 274 2781 195 141i 338 232 1^ 279i 2061 215| 666| 472* 56 2051 125| 118 248| 37 201 110^ 7 20} 114 24i 1 109jr 6,995i ENfQECEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 23 Immigration return for month ending Septeniber, ISDO. Name of steamer. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. Souls. Adults. Steerage passengers. Souls. Adults. Tolynesian Lake Winnipeg Oregon Nova Scotian... Parisian. Dominion Vancouver Circassian Toronto Caspian Lake Huron Lake Superior. . City of Berlin . . Bothnia Samaria Arizona City of Rome... Scythia Lord Gough Britannic British Prince.. Pavonia City of Chester. Servia Gallia Etruria Nevada Cephalonia Majestic. City of Chicago •Alaska 'Germanic iCatahmia City of New York. lAu'rania Teutonic .Umbria City of Rome Lord Clive Wyoming Pennsylvania Lake Nepigon Total. Sept. 6 Sept. G Sept. 8 Sept. 11 Sept. 13 Sept. 14 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Sept. 29 Sept. 25 Sept. 19 Sept. 12 Sept. 5 Sept. 6 Sept. 3 Sept. 4 Sept. 1 Sept. 10 Sept. 8 Sept. 4 Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Sept. 12 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 20 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 10 Sept. 10 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 24 Sept. 24 Sept. 24 Sept. 24 Sept. 27 Sept. 29 Sept. 28 Sept. 28 Sept. 22 Sept. 28 88 39 91 18 138 52 20 162 42 53 96 11 84 73 159 198 80 1 40 4 17 18 79^ 70^ 42i 6 24 6 11 31 1 1 77J 4 38 89 16 136i 49 19i lo5i 39i 50 94 11 79^ 72 159 190 75i 1 31^ 2,011 l,826i 74 9 14 91 ^76 14 91 159 41 10 18 202 27 154 119 235 142 76 218 100 170 125 296 92 277 68 219 627 135 68 261 134 301 195 502 307 180 81 63 67 7 6,U5 63^ 8i m 82i 161i 81 130 35^ 10 16 173 25i 138i 105 204i 123 68i 201i 80 156 105 271i 83^ 257 61 193i 563i 124^ 64 229 124i 271 179^ 458 278 175i 66 53 58§ oh 5,509 Including 30 24 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Immigration return for month ending October, 1890. Name of steamer. Date of arrival. Cal)in passengers. Souls. Adults. Steerage passengers. Souls. Adults. Germanic City of Ne-w York Lord Gough Nevada Aurania Catalonia Teutonic Alaska TJmbria City of Home City of Berlin British Prince Dominion Samia Toronto Vancouver Oregon Lake AMnnipeg . - . Pavonia GaUia Etruria ■Wyoming , Oli'io Majestic Scythia Servia City of Chester . . Samaria Britannic British Princess. Arizona Wisconsin Bothnia City of Berlin ... City of Chicago. . Lake Ontario Lake Superior. . . Lake Huron Parisian Polynesian Carthaginian Sardinian Nova Scotian . . . Corean Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 21 Oct. 24 Oct. 26 Oct. 29 Oct. 22 Oct. 30 Oct. 25 Oct. 27 Oct. 31 Oct. 28 Oct. 22 Oct. 5 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Oct. 13 Oct. 11 Oct. 21 Oct. 17 Oct. 19 Oct. — Oct. 15 Oct. 8 Oct. 13 Oct. 12 Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. 3 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 17 Oct. 12 Oct. 8 Oct. 4 Oct. 23 Oct. 25 125 91 1 48 80 10 212 114 219 64 27 19 4 145 37 3 238 50 103 28 Total. 2 104 31 16 77 19 1 2,280 115 81 1 45 78 9i 203 106J 214^ 62 26i 22 18i 11 9^ 59 53 22 21i 17i 4 141 34 3 235 48 101^ 28 60^ 2 77^ 28i 7 37 37 18 6 2 100^ 29i 16 73^ 18i 1 2,174 246 301 72 51 214 162 448 147 308 225 210 64 14 29 5 123 39 16 120 39 302 92 128 594 148 306 80 95 209 146 85 63 20 158 168 32 21 10 105 71 2231 i 284^ 1£ 146 192 5? 1081 33 lOi 115i 35 269 83 108| 529 135 284 72i 84J 20 140 1601 iM 28 ■ 18 10 146 97 55| 5,923 5,339 f ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 25 Immigration return for month ending Novemher, 1890. ' Exclusive of passengers landed at Moville, 26 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Immigration return for month ending December, 1890. l^"ame of steamer. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. Souls. Adults. Steerage patsengert. Souls. Adults, Majestic City of XowTork. Arizona Aurania Scy thia Lord Gough Catalonia Alaska City of Chester . . . Servia Cephalonia British Prince City of Chicago . . . Cit'v of Berlin Gallia Pavonia Britannic Lord Clive British Princess . . Majestic Germanic Teutonic "Wyoming Sardinian Wisconsin Etr-iria Nova Scotiau Sarnia Caspian Lake Huron Toronto Circassian Oregon Dec. 3 Dec. — Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. — Dec. — Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 9 Dec. 9 Dec. — Dec. — Dec. 29 Dec. 31 Dec. 26 Dec. 23 i Dec. 31 Dec. 31 Dec. 12 Dec. 17 Dec. — Dec. 22 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 4 Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Dec. 6 Dec. 31 Dec. 8 Dec. 31 Total 218 138 74 119 185 65 217 8 43 50 180 213 133 72 115^ 9 8 6 71 18i 49 8 2 38 21 18 5 64 2 180i 64 214 8 41 45 177 936 844 237 592 203 73 80 229 121 458 196 47 436 198 212 76 287 88 51 434 554 1,244 129 329 112 689 48 134 43 15 51 292 34 879 81 2: 571 29| 76 221 112^ 4471 419^ 179 201| 74 273 79 45 43U 538 1,181 123 314 106 67U 42 15 46i 281 1.701 1, 653^ 9,472 Immigration return for month ending January 31, 1891. Name of steamer. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. Steerage passengers. | Souls. Adults. Souls. Adults. ] Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 3 Jan. 4 ,7 an 6 6 8 37 24 23 ^1 35 24 23 7 29 126 162 28 40 168 258 74 74 54 51 240 23 21 69 73 162 162 347 143 42 64 11 3 235 lefl 1 69 37i 58i 11 i 2 229 1 Parisian ........... Servia Nevada Catalonia . . Jan. 8 Jan. 9 Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 13 Jan. 13 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 24 Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Jan. 29 Jan. 29 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Germanic 62 170 9 61 166 8^ City of Chester Lord Gough 20 17 68 13 1 24 24 32 121 208 28 14 35 26 674 11 1 21 116 206 ?^ Cephalonia Adriatic British Prince Circassian "Wisconsin Bothnia Britannic Etruria City of Chicago Sarnia T. Wyoming Caspian Ohio Celtic :..;■ 42 41 Total 1,012 978J 2,666 2, 5171 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 27 Immigration return for month ending February 28, 1891. U'ame of steamer. Pate of arrival. LordCUve ' Tab. 1 Nevada Feb. 2 Gallia Feb. 2 Sardinian* Feb. 2 City of Berlin j Feb. 6 Gterraanic I Feb. 6 Umbria Feb. 7 Aurania Feb. 8 Britisb Princess | Feb. 9 Pavonia I Feb. 10 Lake Ontario Oregon Adriatic Toronto* Polynesian Teutonic City of Chicago " jrvia Wisconsin City of Xew York Catalonia Lord Gough Total. Feb. ]0 Feb. 10 Feb. 14 Feb. 14 Feb. 17 Feb. 18 Feb. 22 Feb, 23 Feb. 23 Feb. 25 Feb. 25 Feb. 26 Cabin passengers. Souls. Adults. 18 41 31 27 68 132 85 3 16 2 44 25 173 32 37 19 92 6 5 856 161 38^ 30^ 26 67 130^ 85 3 14 2 43§ 25 171 30 36^ 4^ 838i Steerage passengers. Souls. 33 25 155 56 180 120 256 •168 41 84 4 30 271 28 55 344 84 157 26 437 58 56 Adults, 30J 24^ 150 155 116^ 252 154 34i 78 4 30 254 25 52i 312 60i 151i 23 405 52i 49i 2,466 * Exclusive of passengers landed at MovUle. Immigration return for month ending March 31, 1891. Name of steamer. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. Soiils. Adults. Steerage passengers. Souls. Adults Btmria Mongolian* Celtic Circassian Miyestic Cephalonia British Prince City of Berlin TJmbria "Wyoming Ohio Aurania Samia* Adriatic Nevada Michigan Lord Clive Teutonic Pavonia City of Chicago ... Sorvia Oregon City of New York. "Wisconsin British Princess. . . Lake Ontario Britannic Etruria Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. 12 Mar. 14 Mar. 16 Mar. 17 Mar. 17 Mar. 18 Mar. 18 Mar. 22 Mar. 22 Mar. 24 Mar. 25 Mar. 25 Mar. 26 Mar. 27 Mar. 27 Mar. 29 Total. 108 26 20 38 187 2 3 19 95 1 137 16 29 67 94 14 3 6 45 138 1,223 103 23§ 20 32 186| 2 3 17 95 22 3 42* 15 33 44 1 131i 14 28 64J 92i 13 3 5i 43i 133 1,171 191 59 90 55 326 52 59 72 226 18 39 216 36 177 62 1 21 319 74 81 142 29 324 19 53 1 95 212 3,049 182i 56J 86J 53^ 303* 50i 51* 68* 215* 15* 31* 208 31 162 56* 21 303* 69 78 132 26* 306* 18 44 1 84* Exclusive of passengers landed at Moville. 28 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Immigration return f(yr month ending April, 1891, JSavae, of steamer. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. Souls. Adults. Steerage passengera. Souls. Adults. Majestic Polynesian City of Berlin Lord Gongh Aurania Vancoii ver Cophalonia Indiana "Wyoming Germanic City of Chester Ombria British Prince Teutonic Carthaginian City of Chicago . . . Ohio Servia Nevada Sarnia City of New York. Pavonia Britannic Etruria Arizona Parisian Loru Clive Scytliia Majestic Total. Apr. 1 Apr. 1 Apr. 3 Apr. 3 Apr. 6 Apr. 6 Apr. 7 Apr. 8 Apr. 9 Apr. 10 Apr. 11 Apr. 11 Apr. 14 Apr. 15 Apr. 16 Apr. 18 Apr. 19 Apr. 19 Apr. 19 Apr. 21 Apr. 22 Apr. 22 Apr. 24 Apr. 25 Apr. 26 Apr. 27 Apr. 28 Apr. 28 Apr. 29 199 21 22 1 79 16 24 126 10 234 4 225 19 60 6 66 26 29 170 37 120 241 58 125 13 286 2,226 196 20J 20 1 75 20^ 118 10 230 4 220i 18| 581 5i 65 24i 2^ 164^ 35^ llli 231i 49i 113 13 277 2,131 297 i 68 i 61 I 33 161 ! 39 114 23 I 31 I 201 i 163 I 312 I 37 I 487 I 56 101 73 225 65 42 502 149 84 234 202 150 54 127 610 4,701 282 61J 59 30| 153 ' 3^ 107 19i1 30 184 149J 289^ 34i 334i 53 93J 62i 198 60^ 40i 459 140 80 210 175J 126* 45 11 5 J 562 4,185 Immigration return for month ending May, 1891. Name of steamer. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. Souls. Adults. Steerage passengers. Souls. Adults. City of Berlin TJnibria Aurania British Princess . . . Catalonia Wisconsin City of Chester Germanic Gallia Alaska Lord Gongh Polynesian Cephalonia Teutonic City of Chicago . . . Lake Superior Servia Sardinian City of New York. Nevada Indiana Toronto Britannic Nova Scotian Bothnia Etruria Arizona Mongolian Lake Huron Samaria British Prince Majestic Pavonia City of Berlin Parisian Aurania Lake Nepigon Oregon Vancouver May May May May May May ]irav May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May May 62 325 135 19 77 41 170 28 300 11 33 63 391 97 50 156 51 439 15 158 18 48 394 83 4 286 94 153 106 176 Total; 4,157 56i 314^ 126^ 17 70i 38i 164 25 262i 8 32 61 389i 91i 48i 151 50i 426 54i 11* 152 16 46 382i 82i 21i 5i 4 277 89 147t 94* 172 152 163 208 61 112 80 183 253 45 292 85 118 356 937 282 . 35 298 146 595 101 105 1 192 42 67 102 298 10 2 74 936 338 178 176 312 2 33 124 7,494 133 139^ 198- 55 108i 61 163 228 40 263 75 96* 312* 846 249* 28 269J 130J 536 92 88* 1 181 33*' 59 93 266i ? 67 866 291 159 155J 279 2 29i 112i 6,718 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 29 Immigration return for month ending June, 1891. Name of steamer. Date of arrival. Cabin passengers. Souls. Adults. Steerage passengers. Souls. Adults. Ohio Scythia Sarnia City of Paris Wyoming Carthaginian Germanic Gallia Umbria Lake Ontario Alaska Circassian Teutonic Lord Clive City of Kicliinond- Lake ^A^inni]>eg-.. Polynesian Servia Cephalonia British Princess . . City of New York. Caspian Wisconsin Britannic Etruria Bothnia. Arizona Sardinian Lake Superior Toronto Lord Gongh Samaria Majestic City of Berlin Umbria Vancouver Mongolian Lake Hurcm Aurania Pavouia Dominion Oregon June June June June June June June June June June June June Jime June June June June June June June June June June June June June Jime Juno June June June Juno June June June June June June June June June June 15 27 19 357 73 19 149 49 96 87 297 48 308 105 1 39 331 151 26 436 36 164 199 512 47 135 115 48 9 23 44 293 186 494 143 19 30 289 170 3 14 26 18 349 70 18 141 46 44 302^ lOBi 1 35i 311i 146^ 426i 35 156i 190 498i 43 131i 113 42 9 21 42i 289 182 481 134 m 29i 275i 66 141 13 601 111 247 87 461 15 319 58 1,198 40 1!)0 6 84 353 389 104 638 54 103 390 78 96 390 134 23 2 70 77 1,015 263 100 87 13 356 280 6 37 128i 1281 12i 570^ 99 223 l^ 445 14 287 56i 1, 091J 37i 168^ 6 73J 320^ 351 95 567 48i 98i 353i 73i 86i 355 124i 66 72 926i 238 92i 82^ 329i 259^ 4 33i Total. 5,661 5,452 8,827 8, 031| RECAPITULATION. Month . 1890. Jniy August September October Noveniber December Steerage passengers. 10, 068 7,710 6,145 5,923 6,659 9,472 Month. 1891. January . . February I March 1 April May June , Total Steerage passengers. 2,666 2,668 3,0t« 4., '^(>l 7,494 8,827 75, 382 30 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. List of passengers from New York to Bremen from July 1, 1890, to June SO, 1891, incluHt NORTHGERMAN LLOYD. Month. 1890. July August September October November December Cabin. 1,823 937 6G0 850 593 711 Steerage. 2,285 1,695 1,574 1,668 1,734 2,123 Month. 1891. January February March April May Julie Total ... Cabin. 624 627 1,060 1,810 2,657 3,022 Steerage. 1,121 1,177 1,5( 1,9: 3,o; 2,4( 15, 374 22, 271 List of steamers and number of steerage passengers from New York to Antwerp from Jul If 1890, to June SO, 1891. RED STAR LLNE. Name of steamer. Date of arrival. Number of souls in steerage. Number in steerage by montluu "Waesland . . . . Pennland Friesland Noordland . . . Rhynland T^'esternland. "Waesland Friesland Noordland . . . Rhynland Westernland. Waesland Friesland Noordland . . . Rhynland Westernland. Waesland Friesland Noordland ... Rhj'nland Westernland. Pennland Friesland Noordland ... Rliynland Westernland. Waesland — July 6 July 10 July 14 July 21 July 28 Aug. 3 Aug. 12 Aug. 16 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25 Nov. 3 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 24 Nov. 29 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 21 Dec. 28 1891. Jan. 11 Jan. 19 Noordland Rhynland Westernland j Jan . 24 Friesland I Feb. 23 Waesland i Feb. 25 Westernland . Noordland Pennland Rhynland Friesland Waesland Noordland Westernland . Pennland Friesland Waesland Rhynland Westernland . Noordland Pennland Friesland Waesland .... Rhynland Westernland Total souls. Mar. 1 Mar. 9 Mar. 19 Mar. 23 Mar. 29 Apr. 5 Apr. 13 Apr. 19 Apr. 28 May 2 May 10 May 18 May 24 May 31 June 5 June 7 June 14 June 22 June 28 124 47 236 178 127 209 99 210 137 147 216 145 293 210 158 172 197 288 309 283 309 194 320 413 240 337 139 145 162 230 141 17 146 109 149 77 160 67 102 85 116 170 142 135 178 123 20 208 191 115 210 7ia 864 815 1,41& 1,12» 537 1581 641 370 748 744 ENFORCEAIENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 31 List of steamers and number of steerage passengers, by months, from July, 1890, to June, 30, 1891. COMPAGXEE Gl5Xf5RALE TRANSATLA]S^TIQUE. Name of steamer. La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La La Gascogne . . . Normauflie.. Bourgogne . . Bretagne Champagne . Xoinianaie.. Bourgogne.. Bretagne — Clianipagne. Xormaiidic.. Bourgogne. . Bri'trtgno- . . Cliainpagne Gascogne ... Bourgogne.. Bretagno Cliain])ngne. Gascogne ... Nornianrlie. Bourgogne ., Charii])agnc Ga-seoguc ... Xonnandie.. Bourgogne. . Bretagne. Gascogne IS'onnandie .. Bourgogne .. J5retagne Cbani])agne . Ga.scfignc N(iniiaii(Ue . . Brctagu.^ .... Champagne . Gascogne Bourgogne .. Bretagne . . . . CIiain])agne . Gascogne.... Norniaudie .. Bourgogne . . Bretagne Gascogne Champagne . Bonrgogue . . Bretagne Ga^sc<)gne Champagne Bourgogne . . Bretagne .. Touraine Gascogne From Havre to New York. Date of sailing from Havre. 1890. July 5 July 12 July 19 Julv 26 Aug. 2 Aug. 9 Aug. 16 Aug. 23 Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Kov. 1 Xov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Total .souls. Dec. Dec. 1891 Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Ai)r. A])r. Apr. Apr. May May May MaV May June June June June Number of steer- age pas- sengers. Number of steerage passen- gers, by months. 374 351 349 463 358 403 481 ,50 483 580 283 656 657 633 601 654 540 434 503 406 363 307 313 278 151 1G3 247 361 203 248 309 428 579 700 690 771 784 673 939 807 849 805 801 753 693 514 427 .534 494 165 600 1,442 2,155 2,008 2,545 2,246 )■ L049 1,226 2,016 2,918 3,400 3,188 1,793 25. 986 From New York to Havre. Date of sailing from New York 1890. July 19 JulV 26 Aug. 2 Aug. 9 Aug. 16 Aug. 23 Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 1891. Jan. 3 Jan. 10 Jan. 17 Jan. 24 Jan. 31 Feb. 7 Feb. 14 Feb. 21 Feb. 28 Mar. 7 Mar. 14 Mar. 21 Mar. 28 Apr. 4 Apr. 11 Apr. 18 Apr. 25 May 2 May 9 May 16 May 23 May 30 June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27 Number of steer- age pas- sengers. 178 265 227 232 140 187 228 252 173 215 204 229 198 170 187 121 209 164 219 285 416 130 84 166 220 122 107 122 113 134 103 97 106 123 89 108 86 152 148 197 112 271 262 249 218 279 301 266 262 308 Number of steerage passen- gers, by months. 1 V 32 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Anchor Line Steamship Company, 7 Bowling Green, New Yorh, November 20, 1891, John B. Weber, Esq., Commissioner of Immigration: Sir: Herewitli we be^c to liand numbers of Italian steerage passengers sliippe from the p 01 1 of New York between July, 1890, and June, 1891, to Mediterranee ports. Henderson Brothers, Per J. M. Name of steamer. Date of sailing. Number of pa senger Columbia. India Elvsia Victoria . . Caledonia. California Italia Columbia . Belftravia Victoria .. Devonia .. Caledonia. Italia - Utf pia Alexandria. Belgravia. July 30.... July 19.... Aujiust... September do Oct. 4 October.. - ...do November. do December. .do ...do 1891. January . . February . -do AlsTitia ' March Anglia j Aj)ril . Assyria ' May .. Caledonia I June.. Total |ft Statistics of the steerage and cabin passengers forwarded, by the Hamburg American Packet Company from July 1, 1890, to June 30, 1891, from America to Europe. NEW YOEK TO HAMBURG. Month. Cabin pas- sengers. Steerage . passengers, Total. July, 1890 August. 1S90... September, 1890 October, 1890... Noveral)er, 1S90 December, 1«90. January, 1891 .. February, 1891 . March, iSOl April, 1891 May, 1891 June, 1891 Total 1,363 519 397 511 471 50 33 48 90 740 1,804 1,902 7,928 1,035 753 664 727 867 624 261 253 289 588 1,196 1,010 8,287 2,398 1,272 1,081 1,238 1,338 674 294 301 379 1,328 3,000 2,912 16. 215 NEW TOEK TO STETTIN. July 1890 1 1 23 12 43 12 August, 1890 October 1890 .. March, 1891 May, 1891 June, 1891 Total 92 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 33 statistics of the steerage and cahin passengers etc. — Continued BALTIMORE TO HAMBUEG. Month. Cabin pas- Steerage sengera. passengers. Total. July, 1890 5 5 1 24 6 3 7 3 3 29 August 1890 11 September. 1890 4 October. 1890 7 May, 1891 3 6 June, 1891 3 Total 14 46 60 PHILADELPHIA TO HAMBUEG. August, 1890 EECAPITTTLATION. Months. Liverpool lines Xorth German Lloyd Co. EedStar Line. French Line. Anchor (Italy) Line. Hamburg Ameri- can Pack- et Co. July August September- October NoAeml)er . December . •Taiiuary ... J ■ i>ruary.. -March April May June Total 10, 068 7,710 6,145 5,923 6,659 9,472 2,666 2,668 3,049 4.701 7,494 8,827 75, 382 2,285 1,695 1,574 1,668 1,734 2,123 1,121 1,177 1,500 1,916 3,016 2,462 712 802 864 815 1,415 1,129 537 158 641 370 748 744 22,271 ,935 443 ,014 844 784 998 796 684 440 406 609 1,279 1, 137 434 233 139 404 646 85 120 14 14 36 179 3,317 687 757 867 624 261 253 301 588 1,242 1,025 8,425 Instructions to ship's doctor, Netherlands- Amei'ican line. To the Surgeon : The surgeons are instructed to be very careful when examining the steerage pas- sengers coming on board, especially with regard to scarlatina, measles, typhoid fever, smallpox, consumption, and all loathsome or contagious diseases. Any case which is suspicious in the slightest degree must be reported at once to the representative of the office and the passenger kept apart for rejection or closer examination, as the case may be. Lunatics, idiots, and cripples are to be treated in the same manner. This, of course, is not to interfere with the Belgian health officers' inspection, but it is to be considered as a further and private measure of protection of the line to meet the United States laws on immigration. The doctor, consequently, has to examine the passengers independently from the Belgian health officer. Antwerp, May 6, 1S91. [A copy of this circular is to be kept on file on board by the captain and the sur- geon.] H. Ex. 37 59 L 34 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. NETHERLANDS AMEBIC AX STEAMSHIP NAVIGATION COMPANY, Instructions for doctor. The following rules are issued by the , and must b<' strictly followed and enforced. . No. . Date . Issuec to Doctor , steamship , who has to return it to the . INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOCTOR. GENERAL RULE. The doctor is, equally with all other officers, subject to the rules and regulationr of the company and is under immediate command of the captain or his substitute He is equal in rank with the chief officer. i * # * * * » • ', EMBARKATION OF PASSENGERS. The doctor is required to be at the gangway w^henever passengers are embarked and will be held responsible if he allows on board any passenger evidently ill, and in the case of westbound steerage passengers, any passenger infirm or over 60 year; of age, or a pregnant woman, if not accompanied l)y her husband. Such passenger, have to be separated and detained until the managers or their representatives, t» whom the doctor must report such cases, shall have decided whether such passenger will be allowed to embark or otherwise. ' NO CHARGE FOR MEDICAL ATTENDANCE. The doctor is required to give proper medical attendance to all on board, passen gerS; officers, and crew, free of charge. i INTERCOURSE. He is required above all to treat the passengers and crew in a humane and kini manner. He should at the same time carefully avoid undue familiarity in his intei course with everyone on board. J?^ REGULAR VISITS. i The doctor shall visit regularly all the sick passengers in the steerage daily at o'clock a. m. and again at 4 o'clock p, m., and at any other time when his service may be required. After every regxilar visit he shall report to the captain. The doctor is required to inspect each immigrant passenger twice daily by haviii the passengers pass before him in single file. If the sea and weather is lair, pa?- them on deck. If the sea is too rough or weather stormy, inspect in the steerau't If the passenger is only seasick the exercise will be beneficial; if from any othe cause, the doctor can best determine the character of the disease by having tb patient pass before him. SANITARY CONDITION OF PASSENGER SPACES. The doctor is responsible for the sanitary condition of the compartments an spaces set apart for the use of passengers. He shall satisfy himself as to the purity of the air and see that proper disinfectaiil are used whenever necessary. He shall recommend the passengers, especially those suffering from seasicknes. to keep as much as possible in the open air. ACCIDENTS. ijllle In case of injuries by accident to a passenger or passengers the doctor shall imni< diately give his surgical attendance. Ho shall also, together with the purser, ii quire into the cause or causes of the accident and make a written report in detail ' his daily journal of the causes of the accident and its character, extent, etc., and sig a written statement together with the purser and as many of the passengers an<1 ere as have been witnesses to the accident. The signature of the injured passenger ( passengers to such statement is of a particular value, if the injured may be consi* ered physically able to judge of the correctness of such statement. This statement should be written out by the ]>urser as soon as the necessary pa ticulars are acquired, and as little time as possible should be allowed to lapse befoj said statement is made up. VACCINATIONS OF WESTBOUND STEERAGE PASSENGERS. Upon a time to be fixed in eousnltation with the captain, and commence imni' diately after leaving port at which the passengers embark. The doctor shall satisJ iil ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 35 himself by examination of all the steerage passengers that they have been success- fully vaccinated. He shall vaccinate those that have never been vaccinated and re- vaccinate those who have not been successfully vaccinated within the last ten years. Should a case of smallpox occur during the voyage, those who are success- fully vaccinated by the doctor before the development will not be detained at the New York quarantine should they be exposed to the disease. Thereupon he shall hand each steerage passenger a certificate of vaccination signed by him. This rule, however, only applies to steerage passengers on the voyage from Europe to the United States of America. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. If a case of contagious or infections disease develops, or a suspicion of such dis- ease arises, it is the doctor's duty to immediately isolate the patient in one of the hospitals and then inform the captain of the steamer. The regular hospitals on deck must alway be preferred. If there are port lights they must not open on the deck ; the rooms should be ventilated from the top or on the side next the sea. The doctor shall either keep the key of such hospital, when oc- cupied, in his possession or intrust the same to one of the ship's crew selected to at- tend such patient, but his special duty shall be to see that both the patient and the attendant have no intercourse with the passengers or crew and are kept strictly isolated. In all these cases the doctor shall confer with the captain as to the proper measures to take. EXTRA NOURISHMENT AND STIMULANTS. For sick people, actually requiring same, any extra nourishment or liquors shall be supplied from the ship's stores without expense to the patients, on a written order iVom tlie doctor. The officers in charge of the ship's stores shall within twenty-four hours after the doctor's requisition tile them with the captain. It is essentially necessary for the doctor to see personally to the proper application of what is so prescribed and supplied. ARRIVAL AT QUARANTINE, NEW YORK HARBOR. On arrival in New York the doctor must be on deck when the health officer of the port 1)oards the steamer oif quarantine, and shall personally receive the health officer, answer allhis questions, andrey)ort to him the cases of sickness, deaths, andbirths that (X curred on board during the trip, and in case of contagious or infectious diseases the doctor shall truthfully report to the health officer the day and hour of his dis- rovery of the disease, the precise time of its admission to hospital, and all the ! pcautions taken to prevent the sx)read of the contagion or infection and tlie con- . t of the affected people with all others on board. He shall assist, if necessary, to the fumigation of the ship. doctor's journal. The doctor shall keep a journal in which he shall record each day the names of tlie sick passengers, their disease, the prescription, medicine, or treatment directed, and such remarks as the case calls for. This journal must be signed each day by the doctor and attested by the signature of the captain, and shall be open to the inspection of the health officer at quarantine. If kept according to instructions the journal will be of great service to the steam- shi[) company in prevening unjust suspicions and wrong conclusions in respect to The management of contagious diseases that develop during the voyage. Such jour- nal, or a duplicate thereof, shall be submitted to the directors or agent of the line, if they so direct, at the completion of each voyage. arrival at THE COMPANY'S PIER AT NEW YORK. On arrival at the pier where the i)assengers are landed, the doctor is required to stay on board as long as there remains a passenger on board, and he is required to acfompany the steerage passengers to the United States barge office or any other rnited States landing bureau for immigrants and report there to the medical officers of the United States Immigration Bureau. In case there is amongst the passengers iiiyone under medical treatment, he shall state to the medical officer of the United -^t ates Immigration Bureau the nature of the disease, its present stage, and the treat- in '-nt applied. After having seen the passengers safely landed and delivered to the United States officials, the doctor shall return to the steamer and report to the captain. 36 I s o o 'i ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 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[For copy of circiilar letter addressed to European consuls by Commissioners see vol. 1, page 6.] CHAS. F. JOHNSON, UNITED STATES CONSUL, HAMBURG. Answers to questions propounded in confidential circular of Special Commission, United States Treasury Department, Hort. Jno. B. Wel)er, Chairman. ] 1. The laws of the German Empire prohibit any promotion of emigration, and as far as I c;in ascertain the steamshij) and other carrying companies in my district make no eflbrts in this direction except the publication of legitimate advertisements of their lines, similar to those published by them in the newspapers of the United- States. 2. No such engagements of contract laborers are made here. 3. This is not done here. 4. I do not think that an examination of intending emigrants by United States consuls would be practicable. In case the emigrants should have to procure certifi- cates from the consuls in whose districts their former home is located, it would make it very expensive for a great many of them, as a visit to the respective consulates would often entail a costly detour from the direct route to the port of embarcation. Besides, there would be great danger that nonobjectionable parties would procure certificates from inland consuls and give them to undesirable emigrants, a practice* which in view of the vast number of eniigrants landing in the United States it would be very diflicult to guard against. The only way to prevent such a fraud would, in/ my opinion, be to examine the parties just before embarkation, surrendering the cer-- tificate to them as they go on board the transatlantic steamer. But when the fact is taken into consideration, that in the year 1890, for instance, 93,013 ])ersons emi-, graied to the United States by way of Hamburg alone, and that most of these were:; only a day or two in Hamburg before they Avere shipped, it becomes obvious that an enormous consular force would be necessary in this city to conduct even the most superficial examination of the emigrants leaving here. Aside from these reasons, I doubt very much if the consuls at any point could get trustworthy information in many of the cases coming under their notice, the interest of parties desiring to rid themselves of objectionable persons by emigration being evidently to conceal the. facts that would lead to their rejection by the consul, while desirable emigrant^ might, on the contrary, meet with great difiiculty in securing the necessary docu- ments from the authorities of their native place. 5. Emigration is certainly not encouraged by the German Government. The em- igration of all parties subject to military duty is forbidden by law. 6. They are sent across the border. 7. The German emigration laws are in force here. I append a copy of the law and the regulations regarding the shipment of emigrants from this port. 8. I tlo not know of any such movement unless the circular issued by the English consul-general at this place to emigrants can be regarded as such. This circular,; printed in the German, Bohemian, and Hebrew languages, is posted in all emigrant^ lodging houses in this city, and warns the emigrants a^gainst going to Great Britain, as they would not be likely to find employment there. I append a copy of this cir- cular.* 9. 1 do not believe that any such cooperation could be secured that would be in the interest of the United States, as no country would be likely to encourage the emigration of desirable parties, while the nonadmission of objectionable immigrants would certainly be more in the interest of the United States than of the country from which they came. Chas. F. Johnson, United States Consul. United States Consulate, Hamburg, October 10, 1891. HUGO M. STARELOFF, UNITED STATES CONSUL, BREMEN, Bremen-, October 3, 1891. To the Chairman of Special Commission, United States Treasuri/ Department : Sir: In compliance with the request of your communication dated July 21, 1891r I have the honor to rexdy to your questions as follows : ' , Question 1. The different ste.imship companies and their agencies and 8ubagencie» try as a matter of their own interest to obtain as many emigrants upon their lists as * See vol. I, page 112 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 39 )ossible. Whether or not they make use of uiilawlul means is a very dijaicult mat- ;er to ascertain. That such have Leen used to some extent we learn once in a while lom newspaper reports. Question 2. I can not tell to what extent contract laborers are covertly engaged 'or exportation to the United States, but I have all reasons to suspect that a great jiany people, especially Polanders, Bohemians, and Hungarians, are engaged under ■ontraet by mining companies, mostly of Pennsylvania. Since I have taken charge jf this consulate 1 have noticed that these people are shipped for the United States n spring and return in autumn. I have recognized the same faces, especially hose of the men under whose supervision they seem to travel. These people do not jimdle any money, nor do they answer any questions to strangers, no matter in ,s hat language th^y are addressed. They seem to follow their leader blindly. There s about one woman to each crew of twelve or eij^hteen men, who, as I am informed, >'. orks and cooks for them at their place of destiny in the United States. It also I ; pens that farmers or manufacturers who have bought a tract of land in the Hi ted Statt'8 for the purpose of settling there have taken over with them a whole •rew of workmen, who partially have been in their employ previous to their emi- gration to the Unite i States. Question 3. Criminals and paupers have been shipped to the United States to my liuowledge by benevolent associations, whose leader, in one case, has been a Govern- ment officer. To what extent this is done I am unable to .tell. Question 4. The most effective system of examination of intending emigrants, I tliink, would be to compel the emigrants to get from their Government authorities a .( rtificate of good conduct and to instruct the steamship companies and their agen- ies and subagencies not to sell a ticket to any emigrant unless he has such certifi- . cate. The Government authorities who would be willing to give to an undesirable I 3itizen a passport in order to get rid of him would hesitate very much to give to the ■ same person a certificate of good citizenship, if aware that said person has been in conflict with the laws of the country. As far as insane persons, idiots, and other lelectives are concerned, I think the present system of examination by the steam- ship surgeons is inade(|uate for the following reasons: With due regard to the the- Drtitical knowledge of the corps of steamship surgeons it is well known that most of them are young and inexperienced men, who consider their position only a tempo- rary one, as their salary is limited and there is no expectation of glory or promotion connected with it, and for an ambitious physician it is only a stepping stone to higher i aims. For this reason they will hardly remain on board of a steamship long enough to ii become thoroughly familiar with the duties and responsibilities imposed upon them. The steamship surgeons at this port examine the emigrants an hour before they leave I the city to go on board the steamer. The value of an examination of 500 to 1,500 fr passengers in as short a time is clear to every experienced physician or layman. i During one winter season I have seen this examination to take place in a large I hall illuminated by one or two lamps and in a temperature of 10 degrees below .' zero. My proposition is, that the United States appoint one or two surgeons at r every port of emigration, whose duty shall be to examine, under the supervision of » the United States consul, all emigrants and reject all idiots, insane persons, and I other defectives, and such afflicted with loathsome or contagious disease, and if there I is the least suspicion from the appearance of any one to be afflicted with consump- I tion or heart disease, to make a close individual examination and reject him if afflicted. The expense of such examinations is nothing compared with the benefit derived therefrom. Question 5. In Germany emigration of able-bodied, desirable citizens is not en- couraged by law, but rather hindered as far as possible, and every obstacle is thrown into their way. The emigrants have to prove that they are not indebted to any one, that all taxes are paid, and that they have strictly complied with the military laws, and by leaving have not violated any contract with other parties. Question 6. Criminals and paupers from other countries are promptly sent back to the country where they came from by the German authorities. Question 7. See inclosed ordinance for regulating the conveyance of ships' passen- gers to transatlantic countries. i Question 8. I do not know. a Question 9. Neither do I know any points in the matter of emigration on which ) the German Government would be likely to cooperate with the United States. ^ It is clear that the German Government is anxious to retain their good and valua- I ble citizens and like to see their invalid ones to depart for other countries, i I have the honor to be, sii', your obedient servant, ' Hugo M. Starkloff, United States Consul, Bremen, 40 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. CONSUL-GENERAL GOLBSCHMIDT, VIENNA. 1. The extent to wliicli emigration to the United States is promoted by steamshij or other carrying companies, or their agents, for the resulting passenger business. Answer. The agents of the steamship companies, who must be licensed by t Government, may propagate their business only in the way of advertisements in the public papers. All agitation and persuasion in favor of emigration has been strictly prohibited by the Government. Business concessions are only granted on the condition that no propaganda must be made to encourage emigration, and the police authorities exercise an effective and strict control ot all matters connected therewith. The propagation of printed pamphlets, etc., designed for the promoting of emigration is prohibited by law. Still some agents of steamship companies, in the province of Galicia especially, have been endeavoring to induce and persuade Austrians to leave their native country. The Wadowice scandal is still fresh in | memory of the people. Heavy punishment was inflicted on the unscrupulous people | connected with it. 2. The extent to which contract laborers are engaged openly or covertly for ex- portation to the United States, through what agencies, and for what classes of em- ployment. Answer. There are no agencies for emigration existing in Austria-Hungary ; the inviting to or encouraging of emigration being prohibited. Persons infringing on that law are severely punished, and a sharp lookout for emigration agents is con- stantly going on. 3. The extent to which criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other defectives, p paupers or persons likely to become a public charge, and i)ersons afflicted with loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases are encouraged or aided to emigrate to the United States in violation of laws, and whether the aid or encouragement is |j| furnished systematically or otherwise, and whether by relatives, societies, commit- tees, or Government authorities. Answer. Emigration is neither encouraged nor aided in this country. In virtue of the emigration act of March 24, 1832, emigration is subject to the permission of the Government authorities. Criminals, insane persons, idiots, sick persons, or per- sons living on public charity can not be compelled to emigrate, if they are Austro- Hungarian subjects; but aliens of that class who become a public charge are not allowed to remain in Austro-Hungarian territory, and are taken either across the frontier by the police or sent to their native countries. The newspapers of thia country are alike willing and patriotic in aiding the Government, by giving pub- licity to any piece of unfavorable information concerning the United States, but all labor is certainly wasted as long as the friends of the would-be eudgrants con- tinue to send from America money to assist them in their undertaking. 4. Whether it would be practical to adopt and apply an effective system of ex- amination of intended emigrants by American consuls or officers under their direc- tion, together with the probable cost of maintaining such a system if adopted. Answer. The proposed measure of consular certificates will never work to ad- vantage; in fact it will prove useless as a check to the undesirable elements of emi- gration, while it will be a burden and hardship to such people as are welcome to our shores. The time and work of a consul should be fully devoted to the commer- cial interests of his country, to protecting American citizens in diatress, and to giv- ing such of his countrymen traveling in Europe, who seek information and enlight- enment on public affairs, his advice and attention. There are a great many things in Europe that we can learn and profit by, and a United States consul has no time to waste on newcomers in the capacity of a detective or emigration agent. The cost of maintaining a system of examination by American consuls would be con- siderable, it requiring at least two extra clerks for each consulate. Great ignorance prevails in Austria in regard to our laws on emigration, especially the recently enacted restrictive laws as to contract laborers, criminals, paupers, and vagrants^ The United States consuls should be authorized to publish ofiBcially in the public press of this Empire a synopsis of those laws which have been passed to prevent the emigration of undesirable elements. The work of surveillance and examina- tion of emigrants must be done at the ports of arrival, in an efiticient but humane manner. 5. Is emigration hindered or encouraged by law or regulation ; and, if so, what classes in respect of age and condition are affected? Answer. Emigration is by no means encouraged in this country; persons liable to military duty, that is young men between the ages of 19 and 33 years, can not law- fully emigrate without special permission being granted them by the (iovernmeut authorities. It is no rare occurrence that such young men, who intend to emigrate without asking permission, are caught at the railroad stations, sent back to their na- tive places and are there punished. During the past year, 400 of such young men were ai^prehended at the Vienna railroad stations, and inany more at the frontier. \0 \ ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 41 6. What disposition is made of alieu criiainals or paupers? Are tbey returned to the country to which they owe allegiance, or sent across the border; and, if so, what are the substantial features of the laws or regulations governing their disposal? Answer. Alien criminal or paupers (tramps) are returned to the country to which they owe allegiance. It rarely happens that Austrian criminals or paupers are aided "by local authorities to leave their country, and I have no knowledge of any deporta- tion of criminals, paupers, or insane persons with or without Government aid. 7. Please furnish also the substantial features of laws regulating emigration or i immigration if any, in the country where you are stationed. Answer. This question has already been answered by the foregoing. 8. Do you know of any systematic or organized movement to divert immigration from European countries to America of any class of immigrants alleged to be ex- ! eluded from their own country f Answer. No. Such a movement would be against the laws of this country. 9. Do you know of any points in the matter of regulatiug and restricting emigra- ! tion, on which the Government of the country in which you live would be likely to cooperate with the United States ? (a) On what point do you think such coopera- tion would be of interest to the United States? (b) On what points, if any, do you think the interests of the United States and the Government of the country in which you live, clash in the matter of emigration? Answer. I hardly think that the emigration from Austria to the United States will j ever be sufficiently controlled by the authorities to benefit our country. The Gov- I emment would be willing to coiiperate with the United States to restrict or if it ' could do so prohibit the emigration of all young men subject to military duty. It would be only too ready to enter into negotiations with us not to grant citizenship to such of their people who escape military duty, but woultl gladly con.sent to the exit of all unsavory elements and incumbrances on society, although every possible method is used to repress emigration in general. The interests of the two countries eeem to clash in this direction. The hardy farmers and the sound laborers are just the emigrants we want to come to America. The way to regulate emigration is, by Btrict surveillance on arrival in our country, but another law may work to advantage which would grant to our Government the right to expel all such persons who are not willing to support the laws and constitution of our country and who conspire against the maintenance of our republican institutions. There is no country in the world, except the United States, whose Government does not reserve for itself the .^ right, either by a decision of the courts or otherwise, to expel an individual who is inot a citizen, and who does not intend to become one and support the laws and con- stitution of our country. Austria is not overpopulated, and as already stated the Government does not favor emigration, while the owners of estates look with great disfavor upon any concerted movement of emigration. Germany's colonial policy tends towards the opening of new territory for its emigration instead of encourage ing the same to settle in the United States or Canada, where they know they would not remain Germans and become producers and consumers of German commodities, but would assimilate sooner or later with the people of those countries. The same feeling is prevailing here, although Austria has no colonies whereto the stream of emigrants could be directed. So far little success has accompanied the attempts of such colonization projects, and the stream will continue its natural western course as it does in our country. The motto: " Go west young man" will surely remain i the same for some time to come in both the continents of Europe and America. i W. H. EDWARDS, CONSUL-GENERAL, BERLIN. Consulate- General of the United States, Berlin, August 19, 1891. Hon. John B. Weber, Chairman (care U. S. consul, Bremen) : Sir: In reply to the request contained in your confidential circular, issued at London on the 21st ultimo, 1 have the honor to report as follows : Answer 1. Emigration from Gernumy to the United States is so largely influenced by special conditions and so materially aft'ected by local and personal considerations, that I can not venture with the data at hand, to express an opinion as to the extent of the influence exerted by emigration agents. It is my opinion that the German emigrants are not so much influenced, or tempted by the highly colored statements and ])lausible circulars of the smooth-tongued emigration agents, as by our climate and the whole social circumstances of the United States of to-day, which are pecul- iarly and highly favorable to the German emigrants. They find with us not only the presence of familiar faces, but they also find themselves at home. The German 42 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. langnaiie is not only spolcen everywhere in tlie United States, biit in no country in the world is German more understood, than with us. The prosperity of the German emigrants in the United States is the secret of the inesent flow of emigration in that direction. As far as I can ascertain, the emigration ngents at present at work in Germany, are mainly engaged in turning the current of emigr;ition in favor of the respective steamships or railway lines whichHhey represent. Answer 2. I am not personally aware that contract laborers are engaged in this district for exportation to the United States, either openly or covertly, to any extent. Answer 3. I am not personally aware that any class of defective persons is sys- tematically encouraged to emigrate to the United States, l>y societies, committees, or Government authorities, in violation of our emigration laws. Answer 4. The determination of all questions touching the physical and financial condition of emigrants should he left to the light of expert knowledge in the United States. There are too many degrees of insanity, too many kinds of disease, too many degrees of infirmity, too many stages of pauperism, to enable us to practically adopt or apply an eflective system of examination of intending emigrants by Ameri- can consuls. Besides it would in most instances be a great hardship to compel in- tending emigrants with the different members of the family to api^ear in person be- fore the consul. If any sort of a process of weeding out the defective and undesir- able emigrants should be adopted or begun under consular inspection it should, in my opinion, be chiefly confined to the examination and authentication of such record evidence as emigrants may be required by law to bring with them to our shores. The method and system of registration required by the laws of this country furnishes to the consul permanent records which contain a stock of xiractical and useful informa- tion which truthfully reveals the character, conduct, and condition of every subject of this Empire. These permanent records, which have an extraordinary scope, are at the disposal of each emigrant and within reach of consular officers, and certainly afi'ord means of research quite beyond the reach of our authorities at home. In- spection by consular officers of this record evidence can be productive of nothing but good. That record evidence may be falsified in isolated cases is not i>ractically important. The form of the certificates or transcripts of records should depend upon the system of registration in vogue at the places of abode of intending emi- grants. Every emigrant should be brought to a fair understanding of the value of' the privileges he seeks before he starts to make a home with us. The best way toi sharpen the sense of the worth of residence in the United States is for us to insist' that the intending emigrants shall take the personal trouble to bring an authenti- cated copy of their records with them. Nothing is more certain to my luind than that every honest industrious German who desires to emigrate to the United States can procure and produce the most satisfactory record evidence as to character, conduct, and occupation. Intending emigrants who are indisposed or unwilling to furnish the record evidence which surrounds them, and which has grown with them since" birth, and which is so full and complete, may well and justly be considered to be either unfit to seriously assume the responsibilities of citizenship with ns or to have black records. However, in the consideration of this subject of consular aid or in- spection it may be well for you to bear in mind that the foreign authorities may re- fuse to extend assistance to consuls to detect criminal and other defective persons and base such refusal on the ground that our laws permit and practically encourage the emigration of foreign subjects in violation of the laws governing military service. Certainly no consular examination or inspection would be signally eti'ective unless the system adopted is upon a basis of hearty cooperation with foreign authorities. The truth is, this whole subject of emigration demands thorough international consideror- tion. Answer 5. If my information is correct, the German authorities did intervene and put a stop t(5 the work of emigration agents who a short time ago were engaged in directing emigrants to Brazil. The German authorities doubtless rejoice at the spread of her congested population, and it is quite natural that the authorities should be well content if those engaged in giving efi"ect to emigration movements should insist that the emigrant class should be brought to realize that success and pros- perity is much easier and much more certain of attainment in the United States than elsewhere in the world. The trade statistics show that the German authorities have not looked without reason for a share in the future general prosperitv of the German emigrants to the United States. The exports from the German i;mpire to the United States have doubled in value in ten years; that is to sav, in 1881 the exports were valued at $52,000,000, whilst in 1891 they were valued at $103,000,000, and I have the best reason for saying that a large proportion of the manufactured merchandise ex- ported to the United States from Germany has followed the prosi)erous German emigrant in his new home. I venture the assertion, therefore, without the data to clearly establish the facts, that, owing to a wise perception, there has been on the part of the German authorities a philosophical abstention from interference with the full liberty of every German subject to emigrate from Germany to the United States Tius without regard to age, clabs, or previous condition. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 43 Answer 6. I inclose, under cover of tLis, translations of tlie following laws of the German Empire which have a hearing npon this suhject: (1) The Imperial German law concerning the right of migiation and residence. (2) The Imperial German law concerning the acquirement and loss of citizenship. (3) Germany's military laws, which include the following: a. Imperial military law. b. Law concerning the militia, c. Control of furloughed persons, d. Obligations toward the armed force in times of peace, e. War obligations. /. Proprietorship of land in the ueighbor- iiood of forts. Answer 7. Same as to 6. Answer 8. Not from personal knowledge. Answer 9. The only practical way to test that matter is to submit the whole sub- ject of emigration to thorough international consideration, and then you will have an opportunity to ascertain from actual experience where or how far other govern- ments would likely clash or cooperate with the United .States npon the general sub- ject of emigration. In my opinion this is an opportune moment to call an inter- national conference upon the subject. Yours, most truly, W. H. Eb^vards, Cons id- General. CONSUL T WELLS, NAPLES, ITALY. To the 7nemher8 Special Commission of the United States Treasury Department : Gentlemen : In accordance with the request contained in your communication I bearing date London, Jnly, 21, 1891, I have the honor to herewith transmit the in- formation I have been able to obtain on the subject of emigration to the United States from the port of Naples. 1. I am advised that while emigration is still free and voluntary, it is not desired by the Italian Government, as of late whole districts have been nearly depopulated of men. thus depriving the army and navy of most useful material, nor is it encour- aged to tlie same extent now by the steamship agencies, for the reason that, although the passeng<'r business is very profitable to the three lines of steamers sailing between Naples and New York, yet, owing to the penalty imposed by the authorities on vessels transporting paupers, diseased, and otherwise undesirable people to the United States, J they do not solicit passengers ijidiscriminately as they formerly did through the ef- forts of hired agents. Two years ago a large number of these agents, for the com- mission which they received on the sale of tickets used every exertion to promote and encourage emigration to the United States regardless of the class or condition ol the persons ship])ed, but since the Italian Government has enacted a law requir- ing each agent to hie a l>ond of 10,000 * lire for the x>roper and lawful performance of his duties, it became necessary for those who could not procure the required security to retire from the business, leaving at this time only ten men on the list of passenger agents or drummers at this port. 2. Regarding contract laborers, none are now engaged, I am informed, for exporta- tion to the United States openly through agencies or padrones, as heretofore. 3. Criminals, insane persons, idiots, and othei defectives, paupers, or persons likely to become a public charge or afflicted with loathsome or contagious disease, are not encouraged or aided to emigrate to the United States, but on the contrary are not permitted to embark by tlie municipal authorities, and no steamer can leave Naples wiihout every emigrant being first inspected by the physician of the port or persons appointed for that purpose. 4. It is extremely doubtful, in my opinion, whether it would be practicable to adopt and apply an effective system of examination of intending emigrants by American consuls or officers under their direction, and the cost and labor of maintaining such a system would be both laborious and expensive, without fully effecting the desired result. When a physician was employed by the United States Government to ex- amine intending emigrants during the cholera epidemic in Naples, he was paid at the rate of $10 per diem. 5. Emigration is neither hindered or encouraged by law or regulation so far as I am informed, but there exists a new regulation which requires every emigrant or the emigration agent in his stead to furnish satisfactory proof to the authorities that he (the emigrant) is able to work and has some means of support until he finds em- ployment. No emigrant can embark for the United States from Naples without a passport from the Italian Government. 6 and 7. Alien criminals or paupers are not returned to the country to which they owe allegiance except under rec(nisition from that country, but are conveyed across the border at the exi:)ense of the local police department, in case the consul who rep- * One lira is valued at about 19 centa. 44 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. resents tlie country to wliicli these persons belong refuses to take charge of them, and as he has no funds in his hands provided by his government for the purpose, he can not afford out of his own pocket to take care of them or send them home, 8. I know of no systematic or organized movement to divert immigration from Eu- ropean countries to America of any cLiss of immigrants alleged to be excluded from their own country. 9. I regret to say that I have been unable to obtain any informaton in relation to any points in the matter of regulating or restricting emigration on which the gov- ernment of the country in which I live, Italy, would be likely to cooperate with the United States. I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, Jno. S. T wells. United States Consul, Naples, Italy. Naples, August 18, 1891. GEORGE S. BATCHELLEE, MINISTER, LISBON, PORTUGAL Question 1. The extent to which emigration to the United States is promoted by steamship or other carrying companies, or their agents, for the resulting passenger business. — Answer. None. Queston 2. The extent to which contract laborers are engaged openly or covertly for exportation to the United States, through what agencies, and for what classes of employment. — Answer. None. Question 3. The extent to which criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other de- feciives — paux)ers or j)crsons likely to become a public charge and persons afflicted with loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases — are encouraged or aided to emi- grate to the United States in violation of our laws, and whether the aid or encour- agement is furnished systematically or otherwise, and whether by relatives, societies, committees, or Government authorities. — Answer. None. Question 4. Whether it would be practicable to adojit and supply an effective system of examination of intending emigrants by American consuls, or officers under their direction, together with the probable cost of maintaining such a system if adopted. — Answer. Impracticable. In connection with this last inquiry, it will be important to ascertain what original official certification will be required to enable consuls to pass upon the eligibility of the intending emigrant, whether detection of contract laborers and criminals will be materially improved, and to what extent, if any, the laws governing military service would prevent emigration of those Avithin the military age by any system of con- sular inspection. (See note accompanying.) Question 5. Is emigration hindered or encouraged by law or regulation, and if BO, what classes in respect of age and condition are affected. — Answer. There are the usual continental regulations as to military service only. Question 6. What disposition is made of alien criminals or paupers? Are they re- turned to the country to which they owe allegiance, or sent across the border, and if so, what are the substantial features of the laws or regulations governing their disposal? — Answer. They are usually expelled from the country by police force. Question 7. Please furnish also the substantial features of laws regulating emigra- tion or immigration, if any, in the country where you are stationed. — Answer. There is no practice of sending criminals or paupers to foreign countries. Emigration is as a rule discouraged, except to the colonies in South Africa and along the African coast to Portugese possessions. Considerable emigration continues to Brazil; very little to the United States. Question 8. Do you know of any systematic or organized movement to divert im- migration from European countries to America of any class of immigrants alleged to be excluded from their own country? — Answer. No. Question 9. Do you know of any points in the matter of regulating and restricting emigration, on which the government of the country in which you live would be likely to cooperate with the United States? — Answer. No. (a) On what points do you think such cooperation would be to the interest of the United States? (See note.) {b) On what points, if any, do you think the interests of the United States and the government of the country in which you live clash in the matter of emigra- tion? — Answer. None. P. S. — This information will be treated as confidential as far as possible. See accompaujang note, Geo. S. Batcheller, Minister Resident, etc. Lisbon, Portugal, September, 1891. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 45 yote accompanying answers to confidential circular of the Treasury commission to in- vestigate in Europe the subject of emigration to the United States, dated London, July £1, 1891. In my judgment it is not advisable to refer the question of fitness or qualification of the emiorant to the consuls. It would be found impracticable to apply a series of fixed rules in individual cases, and each examining functionary would be called upon to exercise a certain discretion which he might not be qualified to apply. Regulations should be applied differently in different countries, and unfortunately for the consular service these functionaries are frequently changed, and it occasion- ally happens that on account of a lack of knowledge of local laws, customs, or lan- guage, or for other obvious reasons, the consular officer is illy qualified for the exer- cise of the semi judicial functions necessarily involved in such special service. Besides, the labor incident to such examinations, especially at ports where there is a large and continuous emigration, would involve a greatly augmented clerical force, including medical experts, etc., and a consequent increase of expense. In fact it would require a repetition in the consular office, on a small scale, of the ma- chinery of the Bureau of Emigration, and landing stations on ports of entry in the United States. But the determination of the fitness of the emigrant to be admitted into the United States should be made at the port of entry. The laws and regulations relating to emigrants destined for the United States should be publislied in the newspapers of every country and notified to every gov- ernment, and especially to the police and customs authorities of every port of em- barkation. A clause should be inserted in every treaty of commerce and navigation with the various powers, to the effect that these laws and regulations should be made known and applied as far as practicable to every emigrant. I would suggest that the laws regulating the admissibility of emigrants should provide that each person on landing should furnish to the United States authorities — 1. A certificate from his home government setting forth his civil and judicial status. These certificates can readily be procured in all continental European coun- tries. They are extracts from the register everywhere existing of what is known as the etat civil and etatjudiciaire of each citizen. In the " Latin countries" those cer- tificates emanate from the police authorities. In some other countries they are fur- nished by the parochial authorities, and in some, I believe, by the clergy. 2. The certificate of birth, acte de naissance. The latter would give the original nationality of the emigrant and his age and parentage, frequently very important elements in determining the fitness of the emigrant, especially for citizenship. In Europe such certificates are almost invariably required to be produced by ap- plicants for appointment in governmental service or by those seeking mercantile or commercial employment. These requirements should also be incorporated into the naturalization laws of the country, as they would furnish sure guides to the magistrate in determining the age and other qualifications of citizenship. They are simple safeguards; they would at once show the age and judicial standing of the emigrant, whether ever convicted of crime, etc., and would be readily furnished by such as are worthy to be incorporated into the population and body politic of the United States. Geo. S. BA.TCHELLER. Legation of the United States, Lisbon, September 2, 1891. CONSUL GADE, CHBISTIANIA, NORWAY, 1. The British steamship lines forwarding emigrants from this port to the United States have promoted emigration, and are probably still doing so, by agents travel- ing in the rural districts and recommending their respective lines. I am unable to state to what extent the emigration has been promoted by such agents, but am in- formed by the official statistics on emigration published here every year that more than one-half of the passage money for the Norwegian emigrants leaving for the United States is prepaid in America. Besides tickets, much money is also sent to friends and relatives who may be willing to emigrate. 2. No contract laborers have to my knowledge been engaged either openly or cov- ertly for exportation to the United States. 3. The Norwegian authorities have, with a very few exceptions, been very careful in not encouraging criminals and paupers to emigrate to the United States ; nor have I ever heard during my long consular career that any societies or committees 46 ENFORCEMEirr OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. have tried to violate the Ameri"pn laws by sending persons likely to become a pni lie charge over to the United Sttites. WHiere cripples or other defectives have pr<] posed going to America to be there supported by their relatives I have alway dissuaded them from doing so. 4. To this question, which is most difficult to answer, I will say that it will hardl be practicable to apply a system of examination of emigrants by the American coi sul in a port like this, whore on an average 10,000 persons, amongst Avhom a coup] of thousands from another country, viz, Sweden, every year emigrate to the Unit© States. The emigrants come here from very remote parts of this large country, an the only way in Avhich the consul could be informed of their morals and other qu^ ities would he by production by the intending eniigrants of certificates from % clergymen in their respectiA'e districts or from the nndersheriUs, all of Avhom woiil likely be uuAvilling to give such certificates. The military laws of Norway, whicl are on the whole very liberal in regard to emigration of persons within the militar age, would, so far as I know, not prevent emigration of such persons by consula inspection. Any person intending to emigrate is bound to appear before the polici authorities at the port of departure, and if liable to military service to produce permission to leave from the military authorities, which is easily granted. 5. Emigration has in this country never been hindered or encouraged by any la^ or regulation, 6. Alien criminals or paupers are sent across the border or at the expense of the Got ernmeut transported to a foreign port in the country to which they belong. Monej expended here for Swedish paupers who are sent back to Sweden is refunded by ti' Swedish Government. 7. In regard to immigration, no laws regulate this matter here. The law of Maj 23, 1863, regulates the size and outfittings of vessels destined to carry passengers t< other parts of the world, and the law of May 22, 1869, gives rules for the control o: transportation of emigrants to other parts of the world. The latter law enacts thai agents selling tickets to emigrants must be authorized by the police authorities anc give a bond for a certain amount. The agent has to make a written contract witl each emigrant, describing the kind of food for the passage. 8. No such movement to divert immigration of any class of immigrants alleged t( be excluded from this country is known here. 9. I am unable to give you any points in the matter of regulating or restrictiii^ emigration on which the Norwegian Government would co()perate with that of th( United States. The Norwegian GoA'ernment does not consider with satisfaction tb large emigration which has for years taken place here, but will in my opinion not fe< be willing to take any measures for restricting it. Gerhard Gade, United States Consul CONSUL STEUABT, ANTWERP, BELGIUM. United States Consulate, Antwerp, September 8, 1891 Hon. John B. Weber, Chairman, memher Special Commission, United States Treasury Department (care of United States Minister, Berlin) Sir: In compliance with the request contained in the circular dated July 21, 189 I have the pleasure to offer the following answers to the questions contained in sai circular and inclose a pamphlet giving the rules governing the transportation emigrants from Belgium. 1, Emigration is affected favorably or unfavorably by steamship companies as th may raise or lower the rates of transportation. 2.- In case anything should bo known in this district as regards the engagement contract laborers for the United States, it will be immediately reported. 3. Criminals, insane persons, and other defectives, paupers, or persons likely to become a public charge, and persons afriicted with loathsome or dangerous conta- gious diseases are in no manner encouraged to "emigrate to the United States from this consular district. 4. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to apply any effective system of exam- ination by consular otiicers, or agents under them, of intending emigrants, 6. Emigrants in this country who have not fulfilled their milita-7 duties are treated as conscripts, not as deserters. They can appoint a person to represent them when lets are drawn for the army ; otherwise they have to present themselves im- ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 47 mediately on their return. It might prohably he a good plan to require intending emigrants to procure from the authorities of their respective districts a certificate showing their character, general condition, occupation, and exemption from military duties. 6. Alien criminals or paupers are put over the border by the police. 7. In answer to this question the inclosed pamphlet is transmitted, giving the rules governing the transportation of emigrants. 8. There is no systemntic or organised movement in this district to divert emi- gration from European countries to America of any class of emigrants. There is very little emigration at all from Belgium, the Belgians as a rule being content in their homes and prefer to remain there. A great many emigrants are passing through here, but they come from other parts of Europe, to avail themselves of the regular steamship lines from this port. I am, sir, yours, truly, John H. Steuart, Consul. CONSUL SCRLEIEB, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND, United States Consulate, Amsterdam, Netherlands, September 19, 1891, Hon Jno. B. Weber, Chairman Special Commission on Emigration, Bremen: Dear Sir: I take pleasure to inclose to you a pamphlet containing the Holland- ish laws on emigration, this botli in the laugnage of this country (Dutch) and in English. The former is on the left of each page and the English on the right. In this you will fiud nearly all tlie questions, on which you desire information in your confidential circular, regulated by law. The secretary of tlie commission on emi- gration, Mr. Van Leiuiing, informed me that the commission enforces these laws as strictly as they can. To questions 1, 2, and 3, I can safely answer that there is no aid or encouragement furnished from any source here to promote emigration to the United States or to any otlier country. Question 4 is, to my understanding, one of great importance. Statistics Avill, no doubt, show you that as far as the native Hollanders Avho emigrate to the United States are concerned no further restriction w ould be required than those at present existing; but Holland is a seaport, and the largest porti(m of the emigrants slip- ping from here are those in transit, and a system of inspection would, no doubt, be of value, provided the United States Government would recjuire emigrants *to pro- cure from the consul nearest their nativity a legitiuiate certificate; this could be as restrictive as our Government would like to have it, and may be in the shape of a passport from the authority of their township aud certified to by the consul; or it may be in the shape of an affidavit, attested to by two respectable citizens known to the consul as such ; but under all circumstances I would strongly recommend that all emigrants should be required, by obligation, either in connection with these certificates, or separately, to al)rogate any aud all protection from their native country from the moment they have landed in the United States. Of course this would necessarily require their protection from our Government while it need not give them the right of citizenship until they have acquired the same according to law. I simply throw out these as suggestions, as neither time nor space will per- mit me to enlarge upon this important subject; but I have no doubt that if these suggestions will strike you favorably you will easily be able to frame this matter in such a way that Congress could enact laws which would hereafter prevent any such diplomatic complications that hav^been brought about in consequence of the New Orleans lynching. To question 5, I will say none whatever, except those who have been drafted to the military, and this only at such time when one would try to leave the country between the time that he has been enlisted to enter the service and the time he must report for duty. To question 6, criminals and paupers are returned to the country where they owe allegiance, if possible. Paupers usually are only sent across the border. Question 7 is explained by the inclosed pamphlet. 8. I can not find anything to answer affirmatively. 9. The Government of the Netherlands is very friendly towards the United States, and I am satisfied that this Government would cooperate with our Government in any measure which would prove an advantage to the United States, and not mate- rially injui'e this country ; with this, I believe, A and C may be considered answered. 48 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. The emiorants which left here during 1890 vrere as follows : Netherlanders 1,288 Swedes Germans - 1, 677 Daues English 583 Americans — French 24 Turkish Belgians 64 Luxemhurger Swiss 100 Finlauders. .. Italians 154 Brazilians . . . Austrians 1, 350 Romanians . . . Hungarians 374 Spaniards Russians 583 Poles 73 Total.. Norwegians 122 I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant. 21 8 6,646 T. M. SCHLEIER, United States Consul, CONSUL WILLIAMS— HAVRE. Consulate of the United States of America, Havre, France, July, 29, 1891, Hon. John B. Weber, CJiairman and Members Special Commission, United States Treasury Department: Gentlemen : In reply to your confidential circular issued from London, July 21, 1891, and in the order of its numbered questions, without writing the same, 1 hav© the honor to report : (1) In no manner, except to attract to their line such persons as have already de- termined to emigrate. This is done by discounts; by offers of free wine, etc. (2) Nothing of the sort ever practiced in France. (3) To no extent whatever. (4) In a recent letter to Dr. Walter Kempster, of your committee, I crudely out- lined my idea as to question No. 4. Being aware that from conferences, examina tions, etc., you Avill be able to modify and improve into a working plan. In general I reiterate and believe consular supervision would be proper ; would be well received both at home and abroad ; could restrict to any desired extent; would be so con- ducted as to be most flexible ; could in its practice be as secret as desired ; would without new law or change be in touch with both the Treasury and the State de- partments; would not seriously interfere with consular work; would not demand new appointees or require a new bureau for supervision; could be dignified, and should be absolute. Let consuls be held to strict account, and an emigrant book, containing age, sex, nationality, and all particulars, with name of consular officer first applied to and who examined the emigrant. Let this book be sent under seal by the master of ship to the commissioner of immigration at the port of entr/ in the United States as a tally. The fee paid consuls may be very small, and yet b» sufficient, and should at least make the system self-supporting. An emigrant who can't afford such reasonable fee is too near pauperism to be desirable. Probably in all the great ports of Europe where the bulk of our immigrants em- bark there would be no trouble in securing resident Americans to make needed medical examinations, and at such ports consular deputies, etc., are in such num bers as to properly attend to emigrant inspection, if so required. A short-form oath might be administered to adult emigrants as to the features of crime, contract labor, etc. Other ideas Avere somewhat fully suggested in my letter as referred to. There is no restriction in France as to her citizens emigrating, ex- cept: First. Minors must produce certified permission from parents or guardians, Second. If men of military age emigrate so as not to respond to the call of their names for service, they are regarded as deserters, and while never extradited, are ar- rested and punished as deserters in case they return to France. Third. Passports into or from France are not required. (5.) Population in France increased but 1^ per cent between 1881 and 1886, which increase fell to half of 1 per cent from 1886 to 1891, and this causes great national alarm and apprehension. Efforts are constant by the French Government to dissuade Frenchmen from emigrating and to persuade such as do emigrate to go to French colonies. The nationalism of citizens also enters as a factor, and the stationary con- dition of the population causes chagrin, and is considered a menace to the future of France. Because of these facts efforts are made to prevent emigration. (6.) AU returned emigrants, those discarded in the United States ports, are returned ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 49 I to their formor place of abode at the expense of the emigration agency, free of ex- pense to the Transatlantic Ship Company. This of itself is a great restriction. (7.) Both unfettered except as above noted. (8.) Not in France. Rumors only as to other states. . (9. ) So far as can be ascertained by the trend of jniblic opinion, from newspapers, parliamentary discussions, from emigration commissioners, ship's agents, and others, the Government of France will cheerfully cooperate in any plan presented by the United States Government. (a) Of none, practically, so far as French emigrants are concerned, such being few in number and generally of desirable character. During the calendar year ending December 31, 1889, only 10,745 Frenchmen emi- f rated, and for the year ending December 31, 1890, only 9,076, and official reports ere say that more than two-thirds of all went to Argentine, hence not more than about 6,000 went to the United States in the two years named. (h) In no respect whatever, as evidently contemplated by the question. France seeks to keep her people within her boundaries, or if not, send them to her colonies. While all emigrating are desirable, and our Government welcomes all such. GENERAL INFORMATION. From an entirely reliable source I learn a most peculiar phase of the emigration jquestion, viz: In certain villages and cities of Switzerland, where labor is poorly paid, the local government donates passage money to certain of the artisans, labor- ers, and farmers as desire to go to the United States. Those so favored are indus- trious and worthy, and not paupers, nor are they so favored because of fear that they otherwise may become a public burden, but solely l)ecanse labor avenues are crowded in Switzerland, the earning of a livelihood most difficult, and with a knowledge of the bettered conditions of labor in the United States, public money is ai>propriated on the sentimental and charitable grounds of improving the lot of the emigrants; and that these thus favored are married and single men, women, and I families of good health and character, none of whom have so far been rejected at S United States ports. Let a plan which may be formulated by your honorable committee be promulgated by the Treasury Department, and reach the consulates through the State Depart- ;ment. Whatever plan is thus developed could be put into operation as early as It January 1, 1892, and if imperfect could be supplemented, changed or abandoned. \ , We are great enough to be a ''law unto ourselves." J So far as the great seaports of Europe and the United States are concerned I be- ilieve any degree of control is easy and simple and certain. I see vastly greater ob- stacles in Mexico and Canada. Since April 1 the French line has taken from Havre about 10,500 third-class, and .in all probably 12,000 emigrants, while tlie Hamburg steamers touching here en route ito New York have, from Havre, taken perhaps 6,000 more, besides the vast number brought from Hamburg. In all, an average of about 1,500 emigrants per week ac- tually leaves Havre for New York. Come and inspect all. I send forms. Your obedient servant, O. F. Williams, United States Consul Havre. [Form No. 1.] Forms suggested for emigrant's certificate. [Issiied at consular station other than port of embarking.] No. of emigrant, 1; where application made, Caen; to whom, H. M. Hordy; date, August 1, 1891; name of emigrant, .Foseph Ricard; sex, male; age, 41; married or (Mngle, married; where born, Honfleur; where emigrating from, Truville; where to embark, Havre; nationality, French; height, 5 feet 11 inches; color or complexion, fair; general appearance, robust; is certificate of mayor as to character annexed, yes; is certificate of doctor as to health who examined annexed, yes. Joseph Ricard. Note. — This certificate will not serve the purpose intended unless it be presented to (;onsul at embarking port within six months of date thereof. [seal.] Henry M. Hordy, United States Consular Agent. Caen, Calvados, France, August I, 1891. H. Ex. 37 60 50 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 1. Let each consular bureau have a registry book, also blauhs in the same form; enter in book and give above '* Form No. 1 " to the emigrant to present to seaport consul, there to be hied. 2. The numbers to run on from year to year at each bureau. 3. The numbers at seaport Tvould (after Njo. 1) be unlike the others and include all originally issued for embarking at that port. 4. Let seaport numbers also run on for years, and so each emigrant will be known, examined, tallied, and checked by his number. [Form No. 2,] Form suggested for emigrants' certificate, [Issued at port of departure for the United States.] " Number of emigrant, 11406; where first certificate issued, Caen; name of emi-* grant, Joseph Ricard; sex, male; age, 41; married or single, married ; height, 5 feet 11 inches; color or complexiou, fair; were c ;rtiticates of mayor and doctor proper! yes; embarking by what ship, Bretagne; date of departure, August 22, 1891; port of destination, New York; final destination in United States, Boston; occupation, | tailor; nationality, French; does emigrant intend to become United States citizen t | yes; value baggage taken, $200; other values taken, $100; value of estate left in Europe, $1,000: has seaport doctor's certiticate to present health? yes; general remarks, personally and favorably known to me. United States consul, Havre. Joseph Ricard. Above signature compared with that on Form No. 1, and believe to be the same. [SEAL.] O. F. Williams, United States Consul, Havre, France, August 20, 1891. Note. — This certificate is not good except for ship and date as entered. 1. Form No. 1 taken up and filed at embarking port, and form No. 2 given emi- grant to show in New York. 2, Form No. 2 issued and duplicate of it and of all others for same ship attached and sent under seal by ship's captain to immigration commissioner for tallying at port of entry. VICE-CONSUL GEOBGIIy STOCKHOLM. United States Consulate, Stockholm, August 11. 1891. Sir: In reply to your circular of 21st ultimo I beg below to render you such answers on the difierent questions as I am able to give: 1. For the most part by the different steamsliip line agents and by relatives; only comparatively few go out from own desire to change and to try the United States. 2. No extent openly. 3. Formerly more, now very little, if at all. No encouragement by the Govern- ment. 4. Depends upon how far reaching the examination should go. Think impractica- ble with any amount of success to examine on this side. The now existing laws in the United States are, in my opinion, the most effective system, and when the ships are bound to bring back such people as are not mentally and pliysically sound and not enabled to work, this will certainly compel their agents to look out. A groat number of interrogatories to the consulate have come forward this year with respect to the effect of the new law, and 1 have no doubt that many doubtful persons have been kept away from going by the replies they liave received from the consulate The consul can, in my opinion, scarcely detect contracts if people wish to conce; them. The Swedish laws prevent young men under military service to emigrai unless special license is given, which, in most cases, however, is granted. The au thorities control this part of the question. 5. Not encouraged in any way. 6. The criminals and paupers belong to the communities where they have been last registered in the parish and chuich records, and are sent there at the expense of said community. e. 1 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 51 7. The Swedisli emigration law is of 4th of June; 1884^ and I beg to send you sepa- rate a copy of the same. 8. No. 9. As the Swedish Government is desirous to keep the good people at home, it is i evident it would not cooperate in any way to promote emigration, but on the other hand I don't think they would pass any restrictive laws save with respect to young men under military service. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, Axel Georgii, United States Fice-Consul. j , Hon. John B. Weber, Chairman Special Commission, United States Treasury Department^ Washington.* P. S. — There is also a new law of 28th January, 1887, about what a man under jmilitary duty has to perform in order to obtain permission to emigrate, and I send a copy of same together with the other law. CONSUL RAWICZ, WARSAW, POLISH RUSSIA. Answers to queries of the Commission investigating European immigration to the United States, with reference to the Kingdom of Poland. 1. This consular district, comprising the ten governments of Russian Poland lying upon the Vistula River, has no seaport in its boundaries, and consequently no emi- grants are conveyed hence on steamships. People ejuigrating from this country generally go to Bremen or Hamburg, as was the case last year, when nearly 10,000 left l*ohiud for Brazil via Bremen, enticed by deceitful promises of the Portuguese and German agencies. A few hundred of these emigrants were brought back this year from Brazil, at the cost of a public subscription made at Warsaw and authorized by government. The Brazilian fever seems now to have abated. Still many work- men without employment seek their way across the Atlantic in search of better earn- ings. Laborers and reasonable people go out for the most part to the United States in yireference to other 2)arts of the American continent. In general, emigration of the rural classes, as well as of Jews, is a leading question and is of daily occurrence in this consular district. 2. No open emigration agencies are tolerated here. Secret agents receiving orders from Germany swarm in the more populous districts, and these agents have lately been prosecuted by the authorities, who have caused them in many instances to be tried and put in jail, 3. No disal>led parties are encouraged by anybody to emigrate to America. The flight of criminals is also rare. People who go out to America are mostly young and healthy; generally they are peasants, artisans, miners and factory laborers, .lews emigrate to a large extent to America with their families, or alone, and after liaving settled down in the States get their families to come over. 4. The laws of this country forbid to entice anybody to emigrate. Nobody is allowed to go abroad without a legal passport, which costs half yearly 15 roubles and can be issued maximum for five years, unless he crosses the border secretly, and then on his return he is liable to fines and penalties, even to deportation to Siberia, according to article 325 of the criminal code, if he has sworn allegiance to a foreign power without his government's permission. People intending to go over to Amer- ica rarely require the vis6 of their passports by this consulate, though since the beginning of the current year this has happened more frequently than before. Ex- amination of intending emigrants by United States consuls would be impracticable in this country. All that might be done w^ould be to instruct consuls in a concise way when to grant the vis6 of passports and in what case to refuse it. 5. The Government here does not encourage emigration ; it rather hinders it, except for Jews, who are supposed to cross the border even without passports, provided thf country gets rid of them. For it must be borne in mind tliat they form nearly one-fifth of the whole population of the Kingdom of Poland, numbering 8,2.50,000 of inhabitants. Young men approaching the age when they are l)0und to military service exjjerience diflficulties in obtaining passports for abroatl. 6. Ejections of aliens are not frequent, and occurs occasionally, only for political * At present in Bremen. 52 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. motives. During- tlie last few years foreign Jews liave been ejected as a rule, though many of them, especially if wealthy, have found means of avoiding the proscription of the law, or have been admitted even to Russian citizenship. 7. Passports of emigration, independently of ordinary passports for abroad, are { conceded by law. But to obtain them involves expense and long formalities. Lately I believe these obstacles have been alleviated, and passports of emigratioD are issued at present by the general-governor of Warsaw without the condition pre- viously required, that the intending emigrant should produce the consent of a for- eign power to receive him into allegiance. 8. No class of people are systematically excluded from this country, and on the other hand no general movement favoring emigration is tolerated. Willful emigrants leave the country as common travelers, or if too poor to take out a passport, cross the border in a clandestine manner. No statistics of such emigrants are kept, nor have any at least been published till now. But it is well known that the border dis- tricts on the Prussian frontier furnish the greatest part of emigrants. It is a com- mon thing, especially in the government of Suvalki, forming the northern boundary of the Kingdom of Poland, that young men go out to the United States only for a time, and, after having earned some hundreds of dollars or more, as the case may be, return to their native village. These men of Lithuanian nationality are gener- ally sober and industrious. 9. The government in this country would, as it seems, be contrary to any general movement of immigration, but would perhaps not be disinclined to make some concessions in that respect as regards Jews. Joseph Rawicz, United States Consul, Warsaw, July 28, 1891. CONSUL WERTREIM, MOSCOW. United States Consulate, Moscow, Septeinh&r 8, 1891, Col. John B. Weber, Chairman Special Commission, United States Treasury Department: (Care U. S. Consulate, Bremen). Dear Sir : I believe that during your visit to Moscow I gave you as complete an- swers as I could possibly obtain upon all questions touching the subject of emi- gration to the United States, and have but little if anything more to add at present. Still in order to meet the requirements of the circular of your Commission I now give you, in a succinct form, such answers as I can to the queries it contains. The laws of the country are opposed to free emigration, so that its promotion by steamship company agents, etc., is not practicable, and for the same reason an ex- amination of intending emigrants by American consular officers or other recog- nized agents in this country could not be effected without creating displeasure to and possibly resulting in a prohibition by the local authorities. In most exceptional cases the consular officer, when applied to, might, provided the intending emigrant is known to him, testify to his eligibility as such, by certifi- cate in semiofficial form. With reference to question No. 6: Alien criminals are subject to the laws of the country, and alien paupers are in most cases relieved or sent home by benevolent societies, formed by their countrymen; the administrative jjowers may, however, at any time get rid of any alien criminal or pauper by sending him across the border, where he is left to shift for himself. All the remaining questions are, I think, disposed of by the more fact that the re- strictions to emigration are numerous, and is by no means a right, as the law does not recognize it to be so. I hope that you and Dr. Kempster will have reached Bremen all well, and wish you both a pleasant journey home. If at any time I can l>e of any use to you here pray let me know. Believe me, deai sir, yours, faithfully, H. Wertheim. ENFOECEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 53 CONSUL-GENERAL CRAWFORD, ST. PETERSBURG. United States Consulate-General, St. Petersburg, September 1, 1891, Hon. John B. Weber, Chairman U. S. Emigration Commission, (Care of U. S. Consulate, Bremen) : Sir : In reply to your coufiflential letter of July 21, 1891, I take pleasnre in com- municating the following opinions relative to the questions propounded therein : 1. Nil. 2. Nil. 3. I find no evidence that any such persons are encouraged by the Government to emigrate to the United States. 4. In my opinion it would be effective, easy of application, and free of material expense to have a consular inspection of all such people as are intending to emigrate to the United States. With the thorough police and military systems in vogue in this country it would be an easy matter and practicable, were such a requirement on the part of the United States made, and the same properly advertised in the Russian press, to learn the personal antecedents, habits, and previous life of appli- cants for admission to the United States. The laws governing military service do not prevent the voluntary escape of subjects thus indebted to this Government. If, however, such peojjle were to apply for a consular certificate, not one of them would be successful, for a notice to the police and military authorities would at a glance bring the reply that such applicants are owing military service and will not be al- lowed to leave. The passport system does not prevent such from leaving the coun- try, as all such would not hesitate to represent that they are going to some town across the border on some business affair. Thus escaped, they do not return, except from their own choice. The question of contract laborers can hardly be said to touch the question of emigration from Russia. The question of criminals and that of persons liable to bec(>me a public charge is vital to the question here. Numbers of such subjects of this Government have a history easy to learn, and which would prevent them from obtaining a consular certificate, as a letter of inquiry sent to the proper authorities of the proper localities would bring an answer making it impos- sible for the consular officer to grant them certificates of admission to the States. .0. Emigration is discouraged by governmental regulations, although it can not thus be i^revented. 6. According to my advices alien paupers and criminals have to make their way among this people the same as Russian subjects. It is not the rule to return them, nor to send them across the border, except in special and extraonlinary cases. 7. This evidence you have already in your possession. 8. I know of no such systematic or organized movement. 9. I have been credibly informed that this Government would gladly cooperate with that of the United States to regulate and restrict the emigration of criminals, paupers, and other persons known here as unworthy subjects. I believe there would be essential points of difference between the two Governments in this great question. CONSUL PIATT, CORK. Consulate of the United States, Cork (Queenstown), August 19, 1891. Answers to questions in circular dated July 21, 1891, numbered according to the questions, respectively: 1. There is no special effort made by steamship companies to encourage emigration to the United States. The emigration here appears to be a natural outflow of the people. The rival companies merely endeavor to secure for their individual lines Avhiit proportion of the emigration they can get. 2. There is no such organization, so far as I am aware, in this country. Numer- ous emigrants, however, go on tickets prepaid by their friends in the United States. 3. Every effort is made by steamship agents to prevent such emigration. I am not aware of any endeavor by public authorities or otherwise to encourage such emigration. 4. I think it would be practicable at this port to apply a system of examination, but it could not be efficiently carried out under a])out $1,.500 or $2,000 per annum for employment of experts. I should suggest a system of certification similar to that of the South Australian Government agencies in Great Britain — see iuclosure — to be visaed by consuls at port of embarkation in any doubtful case. leyl 54 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 5. Ell gratiou is not hindered or encouraged. Formerly it was encouraged poor-lair guardians. 6. Alien paupers are sent to workhouses here, and there is no law by which they can be deported, beiug treated the same as local paupers. Criminal pauper fugi- tives who come here are under the same eati^ory, except where the representatives . of their respective countries claim them under extradition. They would not be in terfered with unless they broke the local laws. 7. Emigration is regulated by the Board of Trade under the passenger act. Immi grants are free to come; they merely come under the customs laws and quarantine : officers. 8. I know of none. 9. I do not. The British Government issues warnings agaiust emigration to any country where their consuls report that it would be dangerous or unfavorable to the welfare of British emigrants to settle. John J. Piatt, Consul. ' United States Consulate at Cork. Form inclosed hy Consul Piatt. [There is no charge to be made for this form. — This half-sheet to be kept by the applicant.] QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT EMIGRATION OFFICES, LONDON. Directions to be observed by persons wanting free or assisted passages to Queens- land; and the conditions on which the passage, when granted, must be understood i to be accepted. DESCRIPTION OF PERSONS ELIGIBJ.E. ^ 1. The Queensland government grant passages to persons eligible as to occupation and passed at the Queensland Government Emigration Office, on the payment per adult of the amount mentioned at the top of first page, two children of twelve months and under twelve years of age counting as one adult. 2. The class of persons eligible are domestic servants, farmers, farm laborers, vine- dressers, laborers, and their families. By '' laborers" is to be understood those whose labour has been connected in some way with the laud, such as farm servants, gar- deners, road-makers, miners, quarrymen, navvies, and the like, and such other per- sons as the agent-general, with the authority of tlie government of the colony, deem eligible. 3. All the adults must be capable of labour. The candidates most acceptable are young married couples without children, iamilies with a large proportion of daugh- ters over 14 years of age, and female domestic servants of good character. 4. The separation of husbands and wives, and of parents from children under 15, will in no case be allowed. 5. Single women can not be taken without their parents, unless they go under the immediate care of some respectable married couple, or are willing to be placed under the care of the person appointed as matron on board the ship. 6. No persons, whether adults or children, can be accepted unless they have been vaccinated or have had the smallpox. 7. No applicant will be accepted without decisive certificates of good character and of efficiency in his professed trade or calling. Certificates of marriage will be required, also extract of the register of birth, or the certificate of baptism, specifying the ac/e, for any children under twelve years, or if these can not be procured, a declaration of age, signed before a magistrate, and witnessed by him; and these must he sent up with tlieform, all the spaces being carefully filled up, exactly in accordance with these directions. Declaration forms for a^e of chil- dren may be obtained at the Queensland Government Emigration Office, Westmin- ster Chambers, 1 Victoria Street, London, but the declaration fonu must not be used except in cases where the register of birth, or certificate of baptism, speci- fying the age, can not be procured. APPLICATION AND APPROVAL. 8. Applications must be made in the form annexed, which must be duly filled up and attested, as explained in the form itself, and then forwarded to the Queensland Government Emigration Office, with an intimation of the probable date it will be convenient for the applicant to embark. The certificates of birth and marriage a» above explained to be sent ivith the form. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 55 9. It must he distiiiclJi/ nnderstood that the filling up the form confers no claim to a passage, unless the candidates are deemed desirable for the colony, and can he accepted con- sistenily with the shipping arrangements at the time the application is made. 10. If approved of, the applicauts will receive a passage as soon as arrangements will admit. But no preparation must on any account he made hy the applicants, either by withdrawing from employment or otherwise, until they have received answers stating that they are accepted, and have also received notice of the ship in which they are to em- hark, and of the time and place of joining her. 11. Should it be found that any of the signatures attached to the certificates are not genuine, or that any other deception is attempted, the application will he re- jected; or should anyone, on pers(mal examination at the port of embarkation, or on board, be discovered to have made any misstatement whatever, with regard to age, trade, or calling, health, &c., such persons will not be allowed to proceed in the ship. To prevent disappointment, therefore, applicants should be very careful to have their trade or calling and ages correctly stated in their application form. SUBSEQUENT PROCEEDINGS. 12. If, after arrival at the port of embarkation of persons receiving these passages, they or any of their family are found not to be in a fit state of health to embark, or have any mental or bodily defect likely to impair their usefulness as laborers, or to have left any of their yoimg children behind, or to have brought with them more children than are mentioned in their application form, they can not be received on board the ship, or if embarked must be landed again, without having any claim for a passage. 13. If any persons fail to attend at the appointed time and place for embarkation, or to proceed in the ship, or are rejected for any of the reasons specified in the pre- ceding directions, they will not be able to claim a passage by any future ship, and the money paid will be forfeited. 14. Provisions and medical attendance will be supplied by the ship. Persons must bring their own clothing, which will be inspected at the port by an officer, and all parties are particularly desired to observe that they will not be allowed to em- bark unless they provide themselves with a sufficient supply for the voyage. The lowest quantity that can be admitted for each adult is as follows : Outfit of clothing. FOR MALES. Two pairs white trousers. One comb and brush. Four towels. Six shirts. Three sheets. Six pairs of stockings. Two warm flannel or Guernsey shirts. Two pairs of shoes. Two complete suits of strong exterior clothing. j warm. One pair slippers. | One pair slippers FOR FEMALES. Two cotton dresses. One comb and brush. Four towels. Six shifts. Three sheets. Two warm and strong flannel petticoats. Six pairs of stockings. Two pairs of shoes. Two strong gowns, one of which must be But for each child, nine shirts or shifts, four warm flannel waistcoats, and one warm cloak or outside coat, six pairs of stockings, two pairs of strong shoes, and two complete suits of exterior clothing are required. SHIP KIT. 15. The articles contained in the subjoined list must be also paid for by persons receiving these passages, but will be sup^ilied to them on their joining the ship. For this purpose they will be required to send up the money named at the top of page 1, to the Queensland Government Emigration Office, on the following scale for each adult : SO shilling kit. 1 bed and pillow. 1 pair blankets (or rug). 1 pair sheets. 1 wash basin. 1 plate. 1 hat and pugaree. 2 drinking mugs. 1 knife and fork. 2 spoons. 3 lbs. marine soap, 2 canvas bags. 1 brush. 56 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. These things, together with the necessary brushes aucl combs, and clothes brushes for cleanliuess, must be provided also hy persons receiving these passages. They must not have less than the above outfit, but the larger the stock of clothing the better for health and comfort during the voyage, which usually lasts two or four mouths, and as the voyagers have always t<» pass through very hot and very cold weather, they should be prepared for both. Two or three colored serge shirts for men, and an extra 8uj)ply of flannel for women and children, are strongly recom- mended. 16. It is desirable that parties should take out with them the necessary tools of their trade. Bulky agricultural implements, however, can not be admitted, on account of their inconvenient size and weight; neither can furniture be received on board. Feather beds are especially prohibited. 17. The whole quantity of baggage for each adult person must not measure more than 20 cubic or solid feet, nor exceed half a ton in weight. It must be divided into two or three boxes, the contents of which must be closely packed, so as to save space in the ship; and the owner's name should be legibly painted thereon in white paint. Large packages and extra baggage will not be taken unless paid for, and then only in case there be room in the ship. 18. Each family will be allowed to take only its own luggage. Any violation of this rule will subject the party to a forfeiture of his passage. 19. On arrival in the colony, all passengers, unless going out under special agree- ment, will be at perfect liberty to engage themselves to anyone willing to employ them, and to make their own bargain for wages. They will be expected strictly to observe on board the regulations framed with a view to their health and comfort. during the voyage. » Letters and applications should be addressed postpaid to the Agent-General for Queensland, Westminster Chambers, 1 Victoria street, London, S. W. Form for single applicant, Queensland. IThere is no charge to be made for this form.] This form, when filled up, is to be separated from the preceding directions and returned by book post, prepaid, directed to the local agent, who will forward it to the agent-general for Queensland, Westminster Chambers, 1 Victoria street, Lon- don, who will forward all selected emigrants in the ships sailing under his direction for Queensland. This paper must be kept clean, and will be returned unless filled up exactly ac- cording to the directions given. Nothing additional must be written on the form; any remarks the applicant wishes to make must be by letter. No erasure or muti- lation must be made. Amount to be paid for statute adults, £ — $. — d. — ? rp-^..] o - ^ Amount to be paid for ship-kits, £ — s. — d. — ^ ■^°^^^' x — s. — a. —. Name of applicant. at List birth- day. Amount to be paid. County where bom. Day and year when bom. State whether vacci- nated or had the smallpox. State relig- ion. Can the appli- cant read and write? Sav"Ye3," or "Ifo," opposite name. Kits. Read. Write. 1. Full postal address for" letters to find you Note.— If changed, make known at once. . • 2. State here what you are. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 57 If the applicant hasi been employed in any- other way than above, state in what way and how long- 4. What is the longest] time you have worked for one employer? i Give his name, occu- 1 jtation, and address.. j 5. Name, address, and oc-' cupation of present employer, and the time the applicant worked for him Name and address o: the minister of the parish in which the applicant resides Has applicant been in the receipt of parish relief; and, if so, for how long Has applicant been outj before to any colony;) and, if so, to which . . . ; Which port in Queens- land does applicant wish to go to I If no special choice, write "Not particular." Applicant will then be landed where la- bour most in demand . Applicants must clearly understand that their contract ticket shows the port to which tlieir passage is arranged for, and that if they de- sire to go to any other \)OTt after- wards tlie expense must be borne by themselves. 10. If applicant has any' relatives or friends in Australia or New Zealand, please state where I do solemnly and sincerely declare that all the above statements are true; that I have carefully read, or have heard read, tlie directions contained in the paper at- tached to this form, and that in applying for a pa.ssage to the colony, I am truly acting in accordance with the spirit of those directions, which I understand to be this: That the privilege of a passage, if granted, will be allowed me on the faith tljat I really belong to the classes named, am of good character, have never been convicted of crime, and that I have never previously resided in any of the Australian Colonies, and that I proceed to Queensland intending to remain there, and not with the view of going to any other colony ; and that in the event of my obtaining a pass- age to the colony, I hereby undertake to remain in Queensland for at least twelve months from the date of my arrival; and I further declare that I have neither paid nor agreed to pay, for the purpose of obtaining a passage, any fee or gratuity what- ever to or for the use of the party through whom this application is made, nor any one else. I also engage to conform to the directions of the appointed officers and to such regulations as may be established for the good government and welfare of all during the voyage; and I pledge myself not to leave the ship until she reaches her destination. Signature of applicant, . N. B. — Any free, assisted, or nominated emigrant who obtains a passage and ar- rives in Queensland with the intentionof immediately proceeding to another colony, will be deemed to be guilty of a misdemeanor, and be liable, on conviction, to twelve months' imprisonment. Leaving or attempting to leave the colony within three months after arrival will be considered as prima facie evidence of the intention. Immigration act, amendment act of 1SS7, Section 4. — Any person who arrives in the colony under the provisions of the seventeenth section of the principal act, or as a 58 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. free, assisted, or nominated immigrant, having- previously resided in any of the Au8-< tralian colonies, shall be liable, on summary' conviction, to a penalty not exceeding! £50, with or without imprisonment for any period not exceeding twelve mouths. ^ It is particularly requested that no one will sign these certificates unless convinced^ of the truth of their statements. ^ \' Certificate to 6e signed ly present or late employer. t I certify that , now residing at , has been employed by myself as . He is comjDetent in that calling, and of good character, and has never to my knowledge been convicted of crime. \ Signature, . ft Residence, . * Post town, . '; Certificate of a physician or surgeon. . ^' I certify that I have examined the above-named applicant, and that I have known as a resident of this i^arish for last years, and that is not riously mutilated or deformed in person, nor has any mental or bodily defect what- ever, or in my opinion altiicted with any disease calculated to shorten life, or to impair physical and mental energy. I certify also that has been vaccinated, and is entirely free from any disease usually considered infectious or contagious, and that is capable of labor in calling. ^ teignature, . f! Residence, . >. The surgeon is particularly requested before signing this, to thoroughly examine the applicant and to make any remarks he may consider necessary, as all emigrants are subject to rejection on arrival at the ship. The surgeon is also requested, whett; signing the form, to state his qualifications. Certificate of either the magistrate or minister of religion in the parish or neighhorhood in which the applicant resides. I certify that I have perused the foregoing statements, and have no reason to doubt their truth. I further certify, to the best of my belief, that the above certifi- cates are authentic, and that the persons whose signatures are affixed to them are worthy- of credit. Signature of the magistrate, . Residence, . * Signature of the minister of religion, . Residence, . CAUTIONS. 1. No payment whatever should be made to any person in respect of application for passages, nor for any papers issued by the agent-general. Local agents have no authority to receive money or to x)romise passages. 2. The filling up of this form confers no claim to a passage. If approved, appli-: cants should not' give up their employment or break up their homes until they re- ceive an order showing when and wliere they are to embark. 3. If this paper contains any false statements or false signatures, the party will not only forfeit his deposit and all claim to a passage, but also render himself liable, under the '^ passengers act," to a penalty of not exceeding £50. 4. If upon arrival at the depot, applicants are found to have any infectious dis- order, or any bodily or mental defect likely to impair their usefulness, or not to have truly stated their case, they will not be embarked or maintained at the public ex- pense, and will forfeit any deposit they may have paid. [Printed on left side of sheet.]— This margin must not be cut away. I; , certify that the applicant has been seen by , and that is in every way eligible, that is of the occupation and age stated, and know the signatures to the certificates to be genuine. Agent, Mr. . Address, . Issued , 18—. Queensland Government Offices, Westminster Chambers, 1 Victoria Street, London, S. W. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 59 VICE-CONSUL GIBSON, GLASGOW. Answers by. William Gibson, United States vice-consul, Glasgow (in the absence of Mr, Consul Brown in America), to circular by emigration commission of July 21, 1891 : 1. So far as I can ascertain only by advertising tbe rates at whicb the steamship companies are prepared to carry passengers from the various towns in Scotland to the different points in the United States. 2. Only one case has ever come under the notice of the consulate. Laborers are certainly not engaged openly for exportation to the United States, and I do not think covertly either, unless perhaps to a very small extent. The case referred to happened about two years ago when four men were engaged for "The Sneed &, Co., Iron Works" of Louisville, Ky., through a gentleman who was then employed in the foundry of John Law & Sons, Glasgow. The men engaged were ornamental molders by trade. The United States attorney at Louisville is now prosecuting the case. 3. I am not aware that in this district or in Scotland there is any encouragement or aid furnished to the classes of persons mentioned in the question to emigrate to the United States in violation of our laws. There are many apparently undesirable emigrants to the United States pass through this city, but they are not Scotch nor from Scotland. They come mainly from the continent. 4. I think it would be practicable to adopt and apply an effective system of exam- ination of intending emigrants by American consuls at a trifling cost to each emi- grant. Mr. Consul Brown has definite views as to the original certification to be required, and I have asked him to communicate his views to the commission. It would not, I think, be unreasonable to require certificates from a previous employer of the em- igrant, from the jiroprietor of the dwelling house that he occupied, and from the local magistrate of his distri(!t. The information from these sources should enable, or at least very materially aid, consuls to pass upon the eligibility of the intending emi- grant. The system would also, I think, help the detection of contract laborers and criminals. There are no laws in this country governing military service. 5. Emigration is encouraged to the British colonies, but there are no laws or reg- ulations either encouraging or hindering emigration to foreign countries. 6. Alien criminals and paupers are not so far as I can learn returned to the coun- try to which they owe allegiance. There are no laws governing their disposal. 7. No laws regulating emigration to foreign countries. 8. No. 9. No. (a) So far as Scotland is concerned such cooperation would not, I think, be in the interest of the United States. (6) I do not think there are any points on which the interests of Scotland and the United States clash in the matter of emigration. CONSUL CATLIN, MUNICH, BAVARIA. Consulate of the United States op America, Munich, August 3, 1891. Hon. Jno. B. Weber, Cliairman Special Commission, United States Treasury Department: Sir: To the copy of printed questions sent to me hy your commission, I send the following answers: 1. I have no knowledge that emigration to the United States is promoted by steam- ehip or other carrying companies. 2. I have no knowledge that any contract laborers are engaged here for exporta- tion to the United States. 3. I do not think that insane persons, idiots, poor persons, or persons afflicted with loathsome or dangerous diseases are encouraged or aided to emigrate to the United States from here by anybody. Sick and incapable persons in Bavaria must be supported, according to Bavarian laws, by the parishes in which they have their home. Very likely some of the par- ishes frequently sliirk this duty. But while I have heard, for instance, of their furnishing incapable persons with hand organs or music boxes and sending them out 60 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. to beg, I have never heard of their furnishing them with a sufficient amount of ready] money for an American journey. According to the hest information at my commandi this is never done. The care of criminals is not quite the same. There is a private society in MunichI organized for the care of discharged criminhls. Its ostensible object is to give the younger men who have served a term in x>rison, and whose good behavior is certi- fied to by the prison authorities, an opportunity for another start in life. This may occasionally involve sending them to some foreign country. It very rarely happens that they are sent far, however, owing to lack of funds. At present, I am told, the funds of the society are very low, and little or nothing is being done. More- over, the criminal class is not large here. The only instance within my knowledge of an attempt by this society to send criminals to the United States happened in 1887. There were four criminals, and some one of them, or a friend, gave the whole matter away to the consul here. The result was that on arriving in New York they were stopped and sent back. 4, 5, 7. To answer these questions would involve a statement and consideration of the laws of the German Empire on the subject. The peculiar laws of Bavaria do not come into question. As I understand it, these laws of the empire are totally opposed to emigration until after the militarj^ age is passed. Section 140 of the Reichs-Straf-Gesetz forbids emigration to avoid military duty without permission under a penalty of imprisonment for a period ranging between a month and a year. The age for military duty is from the seventeenth to the forty- fifth year. Anyone who aids and assists in a like case is lial)le to imprisonment for from three months to three years. According to my information these laws amount to a practical prohibition of emigration until after tlie forty-fiitli year is passed, ex- ^ cei)t in the rare cases Avhere permission is given. If so, I should say there would be a good many difficulties in the way of maintaining a system of consular inspection, or examination. Such a system would require, I should say, the cooperation of Ger- man officials. It would be necessary to have an original certificate of the necessary facts from the mayor or police authorities of the place where the intended emigrant was known. On this, and on seeing and conversing with the person, the consul would have to act, perhaps ; or in a proper case, perhaps, other official information might have to be obtained. All this would necessitate the assit^tance and coopera- tion of certain local officials, and how it could be brought about, in view of the laws ( against emigration, I am not well enough infornuMl to be able to give any opinion. Even if a system of consular examination could be carried out, very likely there would be some want of harmony in the action of the local officials and the consul, owing to the fact that, naturally, the local officials would be anxious to get rid of the bad and keep the good at home, whereas the consul would take the contrary view of the matter. It might result after all in his being obliged to trust more to the evi- dence of his own senses than anything else. Concerning immigration, the law of the empire of June 1, 1870, in regard to ac- quiring citizenship, governs, I believe. Citizenship can be granted to foreigners: (a) If they do not rest under any legal disability according to the laws of their former home. (6) If they lead moral lives, if nothing unfavorable against them is known. (c) If they have their own lodging or find a situation or employment in the place where they intend to settle. (d) If they are able to support themselves and their famdly. 6. Bavarian laws provide that foreigners can be expelled on various grounds. (a) Persons who ask support from a parish. (h) Persons without occupation, if they have no permanent home and are without means. (c) Persons who have been condemned for the various oifenses named in the law. The minister of the interior can also refuse to admit persons to the kingdom and can expel them therefrom in the interest of the public welfare. In Munich itself the objectionable classes are very strictly dealt with by the police authorities. There is a general clearing out at frequent intervals. Persons belonging to other parishes in Bavaria are sent there, those belonging outside of Ba- varia are sent beyond the border. The result is that objectionable characters are rarely seen here. I have never seen an instance of begging in the streets during my residence here of fourteen months. 8, 9. On these points I can not give any information. Respectfully, F. W. Catlin, United States CotisuI. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. VICE-CONSUL BRANDTy MARSEILLES. Replies to questions on the subject of emigration. 61 • United States Consulate, Marseilles, August 3, 1S91. 1 1. The following are the official figures showing the number of emigrants that left Marseilles for the United States during 1890: Destinations. KewTork Philadelphia Chicago Baltimore Kew Orleans San Francisco San Antonio, Tex. Portland Total Number of emigrants. French. Other na- tionalities. 22 4,980 443 62 5,610 : Emigration is not promoted to any great degree by the steamship companies or their agents at this port. There are a few '^emigration agents," but they can not be said to be very active. 2. To my knowledge contract laborers are not engaged here at all, and I have not been able to find traces of any engagements of this description. 3. Insane persons, idiots, and cripples, paupers, and sick persons are not encouraged or aided to emigrate to the United States; on the contrary, I have had direct proof that such persons experience great difiiculty in obtaining passage even as ordinary passengers. As to criminals, it is difficult to give decided information, as those not unfrequently misrepresent themselves. But, knowingly, *e companies and agents would not take them. 4. In seaports it would certainly be possible to apply a system of examination of intending emigrants by American consuls, but whether this system would prove efficacious is difficult to say. It would probably clash with the military laws of the country if done conscientiously and in harmony with the authorities (of the coun- try), but only in cases of persons within the military age. It would be necessary for consuls to insist upon intending emigrants producing their ^'extrait civil, '^ in order to satisfy themselves as to whether applicants were not criminals or other un- desirable characters. The system would prove as a check upon emigration of bad characters, but it could not possibly be absolutely preventive. It could be made necessary, too, for all intending emigrants to produce a medical certificate as well as their " extrait civil," and for the whole to be certified to by the consul, after due examination, charging them a small fee. Thus the system would be self-supporting. 5. Emigration of persons sound in body and mind can hardly be said either to be hindered or encouraged here, but public opinion does not favor emigration of any kind. Emigration is certainly not encouraged in anyway by law or regulation; on the contrary, it seems to me that the laws are decidedly intended to hinder emigra- tion as much as possible. In practice this chiefly affects French subjects; but upon referring to table of emigrants, in answer No. 1, it will be seen that out of a total of 5,672 only 62 were French, the rest being chiefly Italians and Armenians. 6. Alien criminals or paupers, after being punished for any act against the laws, are frequently sent across the border, and for this purpose provided with a card, with the route indicated for them to take. 7-8. Emigration from France is not encouraged by the French authorities, and I know of no systematic movement to divert emigration from France to America. A Frenchman, according to French law, can not acquire naturalization, as recognized officially by France, in America without permission from the French Government, if he wishes to act in accordance with same. Article 17 of the French code civil, modified by the law of June 26, 1889, contains the following paragraph : "Perdent la quality de Frangais: Le Fran?ais naturalist a I'^tranger ou celui qui acquiert sur sa demande la nationalite 6trangere par Feffet de la loi. S^il est encoi-e Boumis aux obligations du service militaire jpour Varm4e active, la naturalisation a Vetranger 62 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. neferaperdrc la qualitcde Frangais que si elk a eU autorisee par le Gouvernement Frangais.*' I have further been informed that if a Frenchman emigrates from France without the authority of his Government, and is not naturalized by the age of 21, he is con- sidered a deserter, and is liable to imprisonment upon returning to France. This has already been put into eifect. Consequently, in order to be on the right side, a Frenchman must either emigrate at the age of 16, in order to be able to be natnral- ized by the age of 21, or else obtain permission from his Government, which is not an easy matter. 9. This question is practically answered by the preceding paragraph; in other words, the French Government does not favor emigration, particularly not of sound persons, and therefore coiiperation between the two Governments ought not to be a difficult matter if once the severe question of military service be overcome. Alex. Brai^dt, United States Vice and Bejauty Consul, CONSUL KELLOGG, STETTIN, Consulate of the United States, Stettin, August, 1891, Sir: In reply to the circular of July 21, permit me to offer for your honorable consideration the following information, which has been gathered from as reliable sources as possible, viz: 1. In 1890 2,500 emigrants were transported by the Hamburg-American Steamship Line, the only passenger line between this port and the United States. As far as can be ascertained, no agents are employed by this line to drum up their passenger business. 2. No contract laborers are engaged here for exportation to the United States. Some years ago a gang of laborers were exported to the Argentine Republic. 3. Those individuals referred to in question No. 3 are not encouraged to emigrate. They are put into institutions provided for them by the local governments. 4. The examination of emigrants leaving this port for the United States is not only practicable, but in view of the large number of Russian Jews now emigrating via Stettin to the United States is highly desirable. The cost of the same could easily be paid out of the fees payable by those examined. Two certificates, coun- tersigned by the United States consul, would cover all points, such as physical, mental, and pecuniary conditions : 1. Certificate stating that the emigrant is pos- sessed of means. This document can in Germany be obtained from the district chairman, gratis. 2. Certificate from a reliable physician at Stettin, and under the supervision of the United States consul, showiiig that the person in question is of sound mind and body and free from contagious diseases of every kind. This certifi- cate would cost the emigrant about live marks. An official fee of $2.50 per capita would cover all expenses excepting office rent at those consulates, such as at Stettin, etc., where no office rent is allowed by the Dejjartment of State. It would be abso- lutely necessary to have one or two rooms for the reception of this class of people. This room rent would cost about $50 per annum, depending of course upon the loca- tion. Last week the steamer Italia, of this port, belonging to the Hamburg-American Line, took on board 1,066 Russian .Jews, all bound for the United States. Since the Russian expulsatory edict this line has transported 6,000 beings of this deplorable class of emigrants. From reliable sources I learn that all who leave via Stettin in- tend remaining in the United States ; many not only had their tickets for New York City, but also railroad tickets to different points in the West. These tickets are mostly provided by a Jew committee here, who receive financial aid from the larger committees in London, Vienna, Paris, and Berlin. These Russian Jews are chiefly small trades people, possessed of little means, are much below the average in physi- cal development, and perfectly indifferent to personal cleanliness. Qne could not help from shuddering at the thought that the United States would soon have to suckle such children. The authorities here have allowed very few of this class of people to remain, fearing that they would become public charges. The military law governing military service are, indeed, rigid, but still it would not inter- fere with consular inspection if properly carried out. As regards the certificate from the Amtsvorsteher, it would eventually be issued by the consul. 6. Emigration is not encouraged. Those persons' who have not served their time m the army are kept under surveillance, and as far as possible are kept at home. The military age is from seventeen to thirty-five years, and is graded into regular ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 63 gervice: three years for those who have not passed what is called the ^^secundarex- aminatiou." Those who have passed this examination serve one year. Next comes the ''reserve force," ''Landwehr," and lastly the ''Landstnrm.'" The essential feature as regards the law governing emigration is found in a condensed form in the within inclosure.* 6. Alien criminals and paupers are allowed to remain here until they receive noti- fication from the police to leave the country. These notifications simply state that the persons therein named are no longer welcome, or, as the German exj)ression puts it, they have made themselves ^' unlieb." No one but the miuisterium knows the literal meaning of the word '' unlieb." In case the parties have no funds with which to leave on, the jiolice authorities furnish them with the necessary means, and are content with sending them across the border. Street begging is prohibited, and all law breakers are unwelcome guests. 7. There are no special laws regulating emigration. The emigration laws are under military control. 8. No. 9. In my opinion the German Government would perhaps be willing to cooperate with our Government as regards those emigrants who have not served in the Ger- man army; the result of such a cooperation would only be detrimental to the United States. It is to be hoped that you will favor this consulate with a visit, as I would be glad to talk over this very important question of emigration to the United States. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, James Kellogg, United States Consul. CONSUL PUGff, PALERMO. Consulate of the United States, Palermo, liahj, Odobcr IS, 1891. To the honorable Chairman and Members of the Special Emigration Commission, Wash- ington, D. C: Gentlemen : Having only within the last few days returned from a two months' leave of absence, during which time your communication of July 21 has lain upon my table, I now hasten to give you such information as I have been able to acquire. It may be stated, however, that prior to the notice of the appointment of your com- iiiisshm I had endeavored to learn all the circumstances of emigration and emigrants from this place, and to that end had addressed certain inquiries to the prefect of Palermo, the qucstore (chief of police), and the agents of various steamship com- panies, but have been unable to learn anything in connection therewith; audit may l)f further stated that all emigrants from Sicily go to Naples by local steamers and there embark for their destinations, and the steamship agents have shielded them- selves behind this fact. riie following is submitted as the best information obtainable from all sources: 1. No inducements are known to be extended by agents of steamship companies * Rides concerning legitimation papers /or tlie German emigrant to follow. rassports or emigration docnmentfl are not absolutely required. Papers serving to identify are suf- fi( idit, as baptismal and marriage certificates, military papers, etc., but under all circumstances a ]).i.-.,sport is j)relorred. Minors, iiiiiles as well as females, under 21 years of age, who are not accompanied bv their parents 01 LMianlians, must briui: a written permission of the latter to emigrate. Tbc siguatiire of father or pnnidian.s shall be cerlilied by local authorities. ,\I ale iMM-sons from 17 years' and over must have a passport to go abroad in case they are not provided ■R itli a certificate of rejection or reserve of the second class. Military men on leave of absence, also such as belong to the reserve, the marine reserve, or to the 1^111(1 (ll■fens(^ of the first call, must show cither a written jiermission of the Landwehr district com- iiKiiul, a foreign i>as3i)ort, or an emigration document. riiose belongiiig to the land defense of the second call (also all discharged after completion of mili- laiy service in tlie army and land defense or practiced reservists after the exi»iration of their reserve lerm of 8ervi( e) do not need any special ])ermit to emigrate except in case of war or imminent danger ot war, but are obliged previous to their leaving for America to notify to that effect the respectTvo military autliorities, and have to shoAv that .such a notice was properly given to him. riie persons formerly belonging to the reserve of the seccmd class lieVetofore arc assigned to Land- pturni of the first call, and as such they do not require a ])ermit to emigrate Just as the Landsturm of tiie second call, or person with rejection documents, but they must show their military :j)apers. JOHANNSEN &. MtJGGE, Repreicntatives of Hamburg American racket Stock Company. 64 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. except tbo aronmcnts indulged in by every agent, of higlier wages, more employ- ment, bettor living, etc., in tbe United States. 2. Contract labor is not engaged openly ; and if covertly, in such manner as has not been detected. 3. The class of persons mentioned in this interrogatory are never aided financially by the Government, nor are they encouraged to emigrate excei^tas they may be facil- itated in ol)taining passports by the authorities. 4. Unquestionably it would be practicable and a most wholesome regulation, in my opinion, to apply a" system of compulsory examinations of intending emigrants by American consuls, and that no emigrant should be permitted to land in the United States in the absence of a consular certificate as to such examination, with approval thereof. The cost of such .system would necessarily vary according to the circum- stances of each consular district. At this place, where the province is large and the people capable of more deception than any other place on earth, it could not be properly done at a less expense than $2,000 per annum. An examination at the con- sulate, except as to age, etc., would rarely be of practical benefits, but should be made by a person employed for the i»urpose, at the homes of intending emigrants, which in this district are largely in the interior. In reality the majority of emigrants from this district are from the rural districts, but they live almost wholly in small towns and hamlets; and from these small towns in the interior emanates a large majority of Sicilian crimes and criminals. Each nitending emigrant must obtain from the iriluitale pcnale (criminal court) of the province in which he lives a certificate that there is no criminal charge against him, which must be presented to the questore (chief of police), who issues to him a passport, and no one is permitted to embark on board ship for emigration in the absence of this passport. The effects of the local requirement as to passports are destroyed by persons pre- senting themselves for certificates under assumed names; the records examined for that name, Jio charge of course found, and the certificate granted, and by this means criminals of the deepest dye obtain certificates as well as those persons whose char- acters are really good. It is also believed that, in order to free the community of notoriously bad characters, the authorities issue such certificates under the assumed name, even thougli the person ajiplying is well known. In this the consular examination is most essential, for the reason that existing lo- cal requirements do not prevent the emigration of criminals, as is unfortunately too well known, and has no effect whatever on the old and decrepit class nor those af- flicted with contagious or loathsome diseases, the latter of which prevails to an alarming extent. The province of Palermo is by far the largest in Sicily, embracing a poi)ulation at the last census of 699,151, all of whom nmst ol)tain certificates at the tribunale in this city, but as the birth of each person is recorded, and if married that certificate is also recorded, each intending emigrant should be required to present his certificate of birth and marriage to the consul, under such regulations as he may prescribe, for the purposes of identification and locating his residence; then the consular employ6 could at (mce go to his place of residence, makinghis investigation there, thus learn- ing the real person and actual character. Then, again, this Avould bring all intending emigrants before the consul, which would disclose all instances of old age, decrepitude, and many of disease which go to make up the ''undesirables." Such examinations throughout the district would be the cause of the expense; but while the Treasury fees collected at this consulate are far in excess of that amount, the question of expense should not be considered for a moment if the desired effects could be realized. 5. Emigration or immigration is only intended to be hindered by the regulations established Avitliin the military age, viz, between the ages of 21 and 39 years. 6. Alien criminals are treated in all respects as resident criminals, while alien l)aupers are unknown ; those who are likely to become paupers never come to this country — the home of pauperism. 7. The i^assport requirement above mentioned is intended to prevent those from emigrating between the ages of 21 and 39 years, but. in anticipation of military service, the passport is never granted to able'-bodied young men between the ages of 15 and 21 years, in order tliat no young man may escape military service. 8. Nothing of the nature of inquiry No. 8 obta'^ins here. 9. The Italian Government would not cooperate with that of the United States in the restriction or regulation of emigration, except in so far as it concerned her able-/ bodied men between the ages of 15 and 39 years, and, as Italy would be unwilling to part with her subjects during the age of man's greatest usefulness as workmen, no reason is known why a cooperative system could be of interest to our Government, and it therefore follows tfrat the interests of the two governments avouM clash for the two essential reasons that Italy would not willingly lose those of her people ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 65 who would make useful citizens iu the United States; aud that she would onl;v con- sent to give up to us such of her subjects as in no event should be permitted to put foot on American soil. I have the honor to be, yours, very truly, Horace C. Pugh, United States Consul. CONSUL SHEPABD, GOTHENBURG. Consulate of the United States of America, Gothenburg, Sweden, August 11, 1801. Hon. Commissioners: I hand you herewith such information and thoughts as I have on the subject of your inquiry in relation to emigration to America, and which I hope may not be found wholly devoid of pertinency and interest. I have purposely avoided mention of Sweden and Gothenburg, and I mean onhj Sweden by "this Kingdom," and "this country," not including Norway, which might perhaps be embraced in the former term. It will be your loss if you do not have an opportunity to see this very beautiful land at tliis time of year. But you undoubtedly uu 479 1871 1872 146, 2G5 151 781 1873 139, 860 91, 239 76,095 - 1874 108, 601 103 348 1875 Emigration from 1876 to 1890, according to researches made by the ministry of agri- culture and commerce. y 1 Permanent Temporary ^®*^' emigration, .emigration. Total. Tear. Permanent iTemporary emigration, emigration. Total. 1876 19, 756 21, 087 18,535 40, 824 37, 934 41,607 65, 748 68, 416 89, 015 78, 126 77, 733 79, 007 81, 967 94, 225 95, 814 100, 685 108, 771 99, 213 96, 268 119, 831 119, 901 135, 832 161, 562 169, 101 1884 58, 049 77, 029 85, 355 127, 748 195, 993 113, 093 104, 733 88, 968 80, 164 82, 474 87, 917 94, 743 105, 319 112, 511 147, 017 157 193 1877 1885 1878 i 1886 167 829 1879 1887 215 665 1880 1888 290 736 188.1 1889 218, 412 217, 244 1882 1890 1883 While the temporary emigration has averaged about 90,000 during the period of twenty-two years, and reached the maximum of 112,511 in 1890, the permanent, or emigration proper, has averaged about 20,000 until 1878, and running to the highest figure, 195,993, in 1888, according to the statements of the syndics (mayors). The provinces which mostly contribute to the temporary emigration are those of Venice, Piedmont, and Lombardy. The permanent, or emigration proper, draws its largest contingent from soutliern Italy, Liguria, or some territories of the province of Cosenza, Potenza, Salerno, Avcillino, Campobasso, and Catanzaro, as w^ell as from some provinces of ui)i)er Italy, whicli also largely contribute to the temporary emi- gration. Emigration from Emilia is insignificant. In Tuscany and Qmbria it is sporadic. None from Sardinia. SEX AND AGE. Emigration of males is larger than that of females and of adults more than of children. In the triennial period of 1888-'90 we find that males constitute from 87 to 90 per cent of the whole temporary emigration and from 65 to 72 per cent of the permanent. Children under 14 constitute from 17 to 25 per cent of the permanent emigration. PROFESSIONS AND TRADES. From the temporary, as well as permanent emigration for 1890, we find that agri- culturists were 90,720, or 47 per cent of the total emigration from 14 years of age and over; general laborers, journeymen, 44,037, i. e., 23 per cent; masons and stonecut- ters, 24,292, i. e., 13 per cent; tradesmen and artisans, 14,255, about 8 per cent. These classes all together give a sum total of 173,304, i. e., 91 per cent of all the emi- grants, men and women, over 14 years of age. The agriculturists relatively give a larger contingent to American immigration than to European States. It is the oppo- site with skilled laborers, such as mason.s, miners, stonecutters, and others who are found ©Yery where on the continent employed in various capacities. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 71 Destinations of emigrants in 1890. Country. Number of emigrants. Per cent. Country. Number of emigrants. Per cent. Austria , 31. 241 6,946 10, 707 29, aio 150 15, 215 842 138 251 380 3,630 1,449 14.47 3.22 4.96 13.58 0.07 7.05 0.39 0.06 0.12 0.18 1.68 0.67 4.8 019 22 25 Switzerland .. .. .A.merica ... . . 926 16, 233 3,334 41,352 3,103 43 Brazil 7.52 Belgium and Holland Germany . . ..... Cliile and Peru 1 54 Republic De la Plata Ar- gentine Republic America (witliout dis- tinction of States) Total for America., Great Britain and Ireland . 19.16 Bussia 1.46 Spain and Portugal Servia, Romania, Greece, 113,018 52. 36 Europe in general with- out distinction of States. Total for Europe... 100, 259 46.45 RETURNED. The following is a list of returned back to Italy during the years 1887-1890, ac- cording to statistics of the minivstry of the navy. Those returned as first and second cabin passengers are not considered as returned emigrants. Tlioy are rather simply tourists or travelers : Year, From Plata. From frazil. From tbe Uuited States. From Peru. 1887 14, 517 19, 998 26, 173 51, 001 317 1,130 3,668 1,619 3,000 6,086 4, 734 2, 859 129 1888 75 1889 101 1890 44 CONSUL-GENERAL BOURN, ROME. Consulate General -of the United States of America, Rome, Italy, July 30, 1S91. Jno. B. Weber, Esq., Chairman of Commission, etc.: (Care of Uuited States Consul at Bremen, Germany. ) Dear Sir: In reply to your confidential circular of the 21st instant, I will say that there is no emigration from the consular district of Rome to the United States, and therefore I can not give you any information under the questions marked 1, 2, d, and 8, 4, I think it practicable to adopt an effective system of examination of intending emigrants by American consuls, and that not only the entire cost of maintaining Bucii a system can be met by fees collected from such intending emigrants, but that the same can be made a source of revenue to the United States su&ieient to pay all the expenses of their emigration bureau. No person can emigrate from Italy by sea without a passport from the Government, which is not granted to those within the military age. The emigration of criminals can be prevented by requiring from each intending emigrant a certificate from the proper judiciary authority that no criminal charge has ever been made against him, A full record is kept in the courts of the criminal condition of every person that has been brought before them. This record is kept both in the place where the charge is made and in the place of the person's birth, 5. The Government of Italy is not favorable to the emigration of Italian subjects and places many obstacles in the way of their emigration, 6, Alien paupera are sent by the police authorities to the nearest border. 7. This informafion has been furnished at various times by the different United States consuls in Italy to the Department of State at Washington. I have none of the laws in my office, 9. As I have before said, the Government of Italy is not favorable to the emigra- 12 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. tion of its subjects, but the extent to which it would be likely to cooperate with the United States, in the matter of regulating and restricting emigration, can only be ascertained by corresijoudeuce with the Government through our diplomatic officers. Very truly yours, Augustus O. Bourn, ^ Consul-General. CONSUL PALMER, DRESDEN, United States Consulate, Dresden, July 31, 1891. Jno. B. We^er, Esq., Chairman Special Commission, United States Treasury Dexyartment: Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of circular letter of your commission dated July 21, 1891. The emigration to the United States from this consular dis- trict, as far as there are any means of obtaining accurate information in regard thereto, is very small, probably not averaging over a couple of hundred people per annum, and they are mostly members of families already established in the United States. Under these circumstances the competition between the carrying compa- nies is reduced to a minimum, and their agents profess to exorcise the closest inspec- tion in all cases, and not to accept applicants where there is any chance of their ber ing returned by the United States authorities. There is no evidence obtainable that improper persons, criminals, et al. are aided by the Government or societies to emigrate to the United States. A system of examinatioa might be adopted by consuls without expense to the Government, and every emigrant be obliged to produce a certilicate signed by a United States consular officer from the district where the emigrant resides, that he had satisfied this officer of his ability to comply with the laws of the United States. Each case would demand special examination, and the consular officer would require sufficient CA'idence before giving the certificate. Emigration is neither encouraged nor hindered by the authorities except in case of those liable to military duty. Alien criminals and paupers arriving in Saxony are usually sent back to the bor- der from whence they came. Any regulations or restrictions of emigration from Saxony would be a matter to be considered by the Imperial authorities at Berlin. I am, sir, very respectfully yours, AuLiCK Palmer, United States Consul. VICE CONSUL VIAL, NICE, Replies to questions on emigration. United States Consulate, Nice, France, . 1. There are in my consular district no direct lines to the United States, and emi- gration is not promoted by any carrying companies. 2. No offioial bureau of emigration is established in the department, and therefore statistical information relating thereto is not obtainable; further, there are no emi- gration agencies through which contract laborers could be engaged openly or covertly for exportation to the United States. 3. After diligent inquiries, I do not lind that criminals, insane persons, idiots, etc., are encouraged or aided to emigrate, either by relatives, societies, or Government authorities. The Government never banishes paupers, insane persons, or idiots. As far as practicable such people are assisted, and when utterly dependent and home- less, are placed in special asylums. As to hardened criminals, they stay, when at large, under the supervision of the police, and after a certain number of convictions, are sent to special criminal settlements, as Guiana, Caledonia, etc. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 73 4. Tliere would be, in my opinion, a very simple way for tlie United States, to se- lect emigrants : It would be not to accept them in the United States ports without a pass- port bearing the vise of the consul of the district they start from. This vise should not be given without stringent inquiries in every resi^ect about the fitness of the emigrant. The cost of these inquiries would not be very large in France, vv^here there are so few emigrants ; but it would perhaps be rather high in some other coun- tries. 5. Emigration is not hindered or encouraged by law or regulation. The French Government interposes no legal obstacles to emigration ; but its influence and spirit are openly against it, except for Algeria or French colonies. 6. Alien criminals or paupers, when excluded from the territory of the Republic by sentences of police courts, and other criminal courts, or by administrative deci- sions, are generally returned to the country to which they owe allegiance. 7. I do not know for my district any special regulations for emigration or immi- gration. As to laws on this subject, the French Government interposes no obstacles for emigration or immigration. 8. There is certainly no systematic movement here to divert immigration from European countries to America of any class of immigrants alleged to be excluded from their own country. 9. Having no direct communication with the French Government, I can not have any idea of the feeling of the said Government on the subject. Alexander Vial, Vice-Consul. COMMERCIAL AGENT LOOMIS, ST. ^TIENNE, Emigration. 1. Emigration from this part of France is not promoted by steamship companies or other interested agencies ; indeed the total emigration of Frenchmen from France to the United States does not exceed 5,000 a year, and that fact alone answers ques- tion 1. As this is a great mining and manufacturing community I would know of it if there were any considerable emigration movement among the laboring classes. 2. The engaging of laborers by contract is probably limited to the demand from Paterson, N. J., of a score of men each year, who are skilled workmen in the silk industries. The skilled workmen who emigrate from this part of France are an ex- cellent class of men and will add to the wealth of the nation. 3. There is no aid given by the authorities in the seven departments composing this district to insane persons, paupers, criminals, or invalids who desire to emi- grate, nor are there any societies for stimulating emigration of either a good or bad character. 4. I deem the plan of consular supervision and certification proposed by Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge in House bill 12209, in its second session of the Fifty-first Congress, both effective and practicable. But in addition to the educational qualification I would require a slight property qualification, as the French Government does, say $40 for adults and $15 for children. The cost of this additional consular service would be determined, of course, by the voliTme of emigration. But I should say that the work could be done well and at a slight expense by simply multiplying con- sular agents, so that the consul could have some one in every commune, of responsi- bility, with whom to correspond. It would be possible to make the French notaries ''corresponding agents" for this class of business, and a notary would supply all the necessary information concerning an intended emigrant for a fee of $1, which the emi- grant could be made to pay. Indeed, all the increased expenses of consular supervi- sion of emigration could easily be placed upon the emigrant himself, and even then he would not be subjected to a tax of more than $5. It is comparatively easy, in most European countries, to learn a man's whole record. 5. The French laws are practically neutral on the subject of encouraging or hinder- ing emigration, but they do not permit agents to make misrepresentations to would-be emigrants. Nos. 6, 7, 8, and 9. I am not prepared to answer those questions. Francis B. Loomis, United States Commercial Agent. ?4 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. VICE-CONSUL OlWONXJUn, COGNAC. United States Consulate, Cognac, France, Juhj 31, 1891. 1. The extent to which emigration to the United States is promoted by steamship or other carrying companies, or their agents,, for the resulting pa.ssenger business. We know that there are a great many ei^igration agencies in Paris, Bor aig a system of inspection at ports of departure for the United States in order to shut out bad emigration. Where such inspection is enforced no consular fees should be con- nected with it. Persons intending to emigrate to the United States from Belgium usually leave from the port of Antwerp. Many Belgians, however, emigrate in the ftrst instance to other European countries, especially to France, and from there to America. The Belgian Government has recently passed a law regulating the manner by which Belgian emigrants shall be treated on railways and steamships while in tran- sit through or from Belgium, but as to the matter of Belgians emigrating, it is en- tirely neutral. So far as I am enabled to learn, emigration is entirely free and vol- untary, and is not stimulated or encouraged by transportation companies, societies, individuals, or associations of any kind at Brussels. I do not think there are any assisted emigrants leaving Brussels for the United States. I have not heard of any attempt to evade our law prohibiting the importa- tion of laborers under contract. It might be possible that contract laborers are sent from this city to the United States, such a contract being a violation of our iaw, it may well be supposed that all relating to it would be conducted with the utmost possible secrecy, and would therefore be very difficult to discover. I am informed that alien criminals and paupers, when found in this city, are at once sent across the border. In order to fully answer the questions contained in your letter of July 21, 1891, it will be necessary to obtain the information from the Government authorities. As a consular officer, I am prohibited from corresponding with the Government of the country in which a diplomatic representative is stationed. Hon. Edwin H. Terrell is the United States minister at Brussels. I am, dear sir, very respectfully yours, Geo. W. Roosevelt, United States Consul. CONSUL JOHNSON, KEEL. United States Consulate, Kehl, September 1, 1891. Hon. John B. Weber, chairman, and member special commission. United States Ti-easury Department: Sir: I beg to submit within inclosed my report on emigration to the United States from Alsace-Lorraine, as required by your confidential dated at London, July 21, 1891. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 77 The questions have been answered as closely as possible. The Government officials decline to give the desired information on several topics, as required in your circular, viz, 4, 7, 8, and 9. Trusting that my report will prove satisfactory, I am, sir^ your ohedient servant, E. JoiLNSON, Consul. Beport on emigration from Alsace-Lorraine to the United States of America, in conformity with request contained in a "confidential letter" of members special commission, United States Treasury Department, dated at London, July 21, 1891. 1. Emigrants for the United States are forwarded by railway to Bremen, Ant- werp, or Havre, by two emigration agents in Strasburg, who have their subagents in several places of the country ; from those ports they are forwarded in steamships of the North German Lloyd, Red Star Line, French emigTation steamship lines, and I others, including lines to Canadian ports. The contracts for passage generally in- \ elude fare to seaports and places of destination in the L^nited States. There are on an average 800 to 1,200 emigrants annually forwarded to America from Alsace-Lor- raine. From the beginning of the year up to date about 226 persons have emigrated to America, with Government certificates of leave, viz, 17 male and 5 female heads of families and 606 single persons. Of, these 37 w^ere under 14, 192 between 14 and 21, 42 were 21 years of age or older (males) ; 20 under 14, 8 from 14 to 21, and 21 were 21 years of age or older (females). It is probable that more persons have emi- grated without certificates of leave or discharge. Statistics of them can not be ob- tained as the latter class generally does not apply to the home emigration agents, but obtain their tickets direct from the respective steamship companies; this does not include passengers in the second class of steamships who emigrate without de- claring their intention to do so. 2. The engagement and forwarding of contract laborers for the United States is prohibited, and would be severely punished by the German authorities if kno-wn. There is no agency known to accept this class of emigrants. 3. Emigration passes are granted by the German authorities, and it is supposed tiiat criminals, insane persons, idiots, paupers, or persons with diseases are not ex- cepted. 4. The supervision of all emigrants should be conducted by the consul in whose district the emigrant resides, as all particulars of him can be got by his mayor, from liis birth until he leaves the country. If the emigrant agents were required by law to produce to the consul a certificate, under the seal of the mayor, the character ;nid other qualifications required by the United States could easily be ascertained through the consul. This way of procuring the most desirable information of all intending emigrants and a required countersigning of the mayor's certificate by the consul would be a check on all illegal emigration to the United States. ' This certifi- cate should be presented and countersigned by the officers of the steamship on which passage is made, the ship to hold the certificate and deliver it, together with the immigrant, to the immigration authorities in the United States, thus affording triple guaranty, viz: (1) The home authorities' certificate, which is countersigned by the consul, ap- proved or rejected. (2) By the emigrant delivering the certificate to the official of the vessel. (3) By the delivery of certificate and immigrant to the authorities in the port of disembarkment in the United States. Thus it will be seen that the responsibility of the emigrant has a commencement and an end, which could be made effective by a law that any vessel entering an American port with emigrants should have this joint certificate of character. To eft'ectually do this, positive instructions should be given to all consular officers not to certify to any emigrant outside of their consular district, for the reason that every consul is capable of procuring the information in his district of tlie standing and fitness of an emigrant to enter our ports. If the emigrant is not of his aistrict he can obtain no positive knowledge of him, and the responsibility then remains with the consul, as it should do. (5) Emigration is not desired, but not directly prevented by the German Govern- ment. (6) Criminals and paupers as a general rule are returned to the country to which they owe allegiance after they have atoned for crimes or offenses committed in Al- sace-Lorraine. (7) The old French laws of July, 1860, concerning emigration are yet in force, according to which nobody is permitted to do any business in this regard without the authorization of the Government of the country. License is required, and the 78 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. amount and quality of security defined by an administrative la^v; also the circnm- stances under which such licenses may be withdrawn, and the responsibilities of emi- \ gration agents. Emigration societies or agents have to give their bail (security) iu| cash, or bonds to the amout of 15,000 to 40,000 francs. Guarantors may be obliged tol pay within two weeks the total amount of their bail, or part of it; if no paymentlj ensues, they can be prosecuted by the minister of the finances. All agents are respon- sible for the actions of their subagents. ATI emigrants must be provided by their agents with a copy of the contract, showing the name of the emigrant, his citizen- ship, the place of his intended destination, and the terms of contract agreed upon. (8.) There is no systematic or organized movement known in Alsace-Lorraine purposing to divert immigration from European countries to America of any class of emigrants. (9.) The difficulties attending the objectionable classes of emigrants to America could only be obviated by the above consular regulations, viz: A certificate of the consul in whose district the person or family lives, as this at once identifies them and makes the steamer responsible for taking the emigrant to America. Criminals, lunatics, idiots, and all undesirable people flock to the seaports for various reasons, and there take a vessel for America, and all vessels that can sell them a ticket and think that they can pass them at our ports readily accept them, and this is naturally encouraged by the authorities in order to rid the country of this scourge. The above-refcrred-to supervision would compel emigrants to procure their papers from their home authorities, thus enabling the consuls to prevent the admission of unde- sirable characters in the United States. The geographical position of consular districts is well known to our consuls-gen- eral, who, I am confident, would second a movement to more positively define the boundaries of districts under their supervision, as frequently questions of this char- acter occur in regard to invoices and other consular business. E. JOHNSON; Consul. United States Consulate, KehlfGermany, September 1, 1891. CONSUL-GENERAL MAXON. Consulate-General of the United States, Frankfort-on -the- Main, August 18, 1891. John B. Weber, Esq., Chairman Special Emigration Commission, U. S. Treasury Department: Dear Sir: I have duly received your confidential circular of July 21, and have hoped that your committee or some part of it might be able to visit Fraukfort, but having heard nothing further from you I conclude that you have found it impracti- cable to pass this way, and therefore submit the following reply to some of the inter- rogatories comprised by your circular : Frankfort is not in any sense an emigration city. It is wealthy and prosperous. The poor form a very small proportion of the population, and such of that class as are really deserving are admirably provided for by the excellent poor system that is in practice here. This being an inland city, there is no gathering here of emigrants for embarkation, and the few persons who actually emigrate irom here to the United States are nearly or all of the better, independent class, who go for business reasons. I can not ascertain that the steamship comi^anies make any undue effort to obtain steerage passengers from this district, and as a matter of fact they obtain very few. All the leading German and Belgian lines have agents here, but their eflbrts are directed much more toward obtaining first and second class passengers and freight than emigrants. Frankfort is not, therefore, a favorable point for obtaining most of the special information that your circular contemplates. But I have been personally a long time in the consular service, as consul at Basle, Switzerland, and Marseilles, in France, where there was a large emigration to the United States, and I have very positive opinions about the necessity and entire feasi- bility of a consular supervision of emigration to our country. The following is, in my opinion, the most obvious and practicable method: Every emigrant before being permitted to land in the United States should be required to present a certificate issued by the Oberburgermeister (mayor) of the village or comumne in which he had last resided, declaring officially when and where the bearer was born j his trade or profession j whether married, or single ; if married, ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 79 hoTv many children and the name, sex, and ago of each; whether or not the bearer has ever been convicted of crime, or whether he or his wife or chiklren have ever received public alms or assistance. The certificate should state that the bearer is in good mental and bodily health, capable of earning a livelihood, and has the permis- sion of the government of which he is a subject. Every emigrant above 18 years of age should "be required to present such a certificate and in case of women it should further declare that the bearer has no illegitimate children and is not a prostitute. Such a certificate issued by the burgomaster, who has the record of every citizen of his village or commune under his hand, should be presented personally by the intending emigrant to the United States consul of the district for verification. If the consul is satisfied with the appearance and credentials of the applicant he will authenticate the signature of the burgomaster or Amtsrichter with his name and official seal. If not satisfied he may specially investigate that particular case, and act in accordance with the facts that he may discover. For this service the consul might be authorized to charge a nominal fee, say $1, which would pay the cost of any special arrangements which might need to be made to meet this additional service. I have no knowledge of any effort being made by local governments in this district to send paupers or criminals to the Unitcul States. I do know, however, that the German Imperial Government is in spirit and principle opposed to the emigration of Its subjects to any country, and I am confident that it would gladly cociperate with our Government by instructing its local ofhcials to exercise thorough vigilance and care in issuing certificates to German citizens who seek to obtain passage (;0 fche United States. This system would, I am confident, work admirably in France, Switzerland, and Germany, where the birth, parentage, and entire career of every citizen are matters of strict public record, and every important fact in a man's life is readily accessible to the otHcers of the city, village, or commune in which he lives. The adoption of such a plan would add something to the labor of United States consuls, but in my opinion every capable and patriotic consul of the United States will gladly under- take such additional labor for the sake of protecting the Republic from the swarm of ignorant, vicious, and undesirable emigrants that Europe has so long poured upon our shores. I am, gentlemeu; very respectfully yours, Frank H. Maxon, Consiil-General. CONSUL GBINNELL, MANCHESTEB. United States Consulate, Manchester, August 31, 1891. Hon. John B, Weber, Chairman Special Commission, U. S. Treasury Department, Bremen: Sir: Referring to your circular of date Ijondon, July 21, and to the valuable hints given me by Hon. Judson N. Cross, of your commission, during his visit to this con- sulatie on the 31st ultimo, I have the honor to inclose — 1. Original letter from Mr. Leach, of the important forwarding firm of Swan & Loach, of Manchester, London, Liverpool, etc. 2. Mr. Jacob Higson's (J. & P. Higson) concise replies to the questions of your cir- cular. To these I need only add that, from nine to ten years' residence in Lancashire and Yorkshire, I am convinced of the not only unobjectionable, but ben eficial character, of the class of emigrants hence to the United States, within the very moderate bounds now existing and current. I am, sir, your obedient servant, William F. Grinnell, United States Consul. A gentleman having in his interests as chief of a firm of civil and mining en- gineers upward of 30,000 workmen in his more or less direct employ, both here and in the United States, and often facilitating their transfer to the latter country, has been so good as to give me, inapersonal interview, full answers to yourqueries, which I epitomize below, seriatim. William F. Grinnell, Consul. 80 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS 1. I have never known the steamship companies to do anything (beyond public advertisement) to promote emigration to the United States. 2. No contract, either openly or covertly. 3. There is no sending of criminals or imbeciles from here. 4. Could with consular inspection, but no need for it here. 5. Neither for the " States." 6. Kept in prison. No. ^ 7. No laws regulating emigration, only to keep steamers in order, properly to feed and lodge emigrants. 8. No. 9. No ; no need. a, &. Emigration to the United States is only influenced by friends on the other Jide. J. H. [Inclosure No. 1.] Manchester, August 19, 1891. \S'M. F. Grinnell, Esq., United States Consul, Manchester : Sir: With reference to the interview you honored me with yesterday and to the circular letter you then showed me, I beg to submit the following remarks upon each of the numbered paragraphs : 1. The steamship companies and their agents promote this business to the best of their ability. 2. No such case has ever come under my notice. Generally the emigrant is one seeking to better his position, and, unless he has friends on the other side, does not know where he is going to settle down. 3. The steamship companies have in their instructions to agents, which are renewed every year, a clause expressly forbidding any persons to be booked who might be- come a burden to the authorities on the other side from any cause, and latterly great stress has been laid on this particular paragraph, and agents have been warned that if the cost of carrying back from the United States of a. rejected emigrant is incurred through their fault tliey will be lield responsible. In addition to this you will bo aware that a doctor, employed by the board of trade, is in attendance upon every vessel carrying passengers before she is cleared, to prevent any one obviously ill attempting the journey. , . Only by having your own representative at every port to inspect the passengers on every ship. 4 a. We can not offer any remarks here. 5. Generally speaking, the Government of this country would rather see emigrants proceeding to our own colonies than to the United States. Seeing that in every post- office in the land a quarterly sheet is displayed giving information in a succinct form about work and wages in our colonies, with a view of directing attention to those lands, I think I may say that our Government, though passive in the matter, does not encourage emigration to the L^nited States. 6. All are admitted and are equally free to leave the Kingdom. 7. Practically there are no laws. 8. This does not apply to England. 9. We can only say that, as there exists a very cordial feeling between the Court of Saint James and the Government at Washington, any representation your Gov- ernment might make would be very carefully considered. I have the honor to be, sir, your very obedient servant, W. H. Leach. CONSUL HEATH, CATANIA. United States Consulate, Catania, July 29, 1891. Mr. Jno. B. Weber, Bremen: Dear Sir: From my consular district there is practically no emigration; the people here are a hard working peasant class, perfectly contented with their position and with no desires for new fields. Perhaps 20 people leave this part of Sicily during the year for the United States, an i they go on board ship at Palermo. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 81 As far as Italj'^ is concerned, the ports of departure for emigrants are practicallj two : Palermo for Sicily and Naples for continental Italy. Tlie ports of dej^arture for emigrants in Europe are all large shii)ping ports, and the consTils at these places could not very well make efficient inspectors, l)ecause they already have sufficient other business to attend to, but at other consulates, where the emigration does not exceed a few hundred persons per annum, the consuls could probably be made efficient inspectors of persons and records. It is my opinion that, to prevent the class of emigrants not wanted from starting on their journey to the United States, inspectors should be appointed to reside in the principal ports pf departure, paid by salaries, not fees. These principal ports of departure in all Europe are less than twenty. To assist matters, the intending emigrant should be made to produce certain evi- dence in writing, filled in and certified to by the town or city authorities. Undoubtedly the steamship companies, and especially the agents on commission, hold out all kinds of flowery inducements to attract passengers, and that probably three-quarters of the emigrants from Italy to the United States are persuaded to emigrate. Yours^ truly, Charles Heath, United States Consul. CONSUL WILLIAMS, ROUEN, FRANCE. Jno. B. "Weber, Esq., Chairman: Sir : Your communication, dated July 21, 1891, reached me by last mail. I hasten to reply that I appreciate fully the important work of your commission and desire to assist to the extent of my power. I believe that reliable answers to your queries can not be obtained otherwise than by my personal inspection of the class of emigrants who enter on shipboard from the port of Bonlogue-sur-Mer, which is in my consular district. I do not feel authorized to visit Boulogne-sur-Mer for this purpose, but felt inclined to call the attention of the Government to it and request permission to do so at the expense of the Government. If you desire this information and feel authorized to thus depute me to obtain it, I will comply with your request. At all events I will do all in my power to obtain the information, but know of no other plan by which I would be able to vouch for its accuracy. Yours respectfully, Chas. p. Williams, United States Consul, Report upon emigration from this consular district. On my return from a visit to my consular district last year, I called the attention of the Department of State to the fact that a considerable emigration from Boulogne- sur-Mer came under my observation, and ask«d for instructions which would enable me to inform myself concerning the character and condition of proposed emigrants. To this request I have received no response. I can therefore give no reply to the questions as to the extent to which criminals, etc., are sent out, as the most careful inquiry by me personally made could not elicit the information. In the dispatch, referred to I stated that a very small proportion of the emigrants were of Frencli origin ; the statistics herein contained bear me out in this assertion. The emigrants are frequently placed on board of the steamship lying in the roads at night, as the ship varies in her hours of touching at this port. French law does not favor emigration nor do French people incline to it. I presume that the more favorable terms offered by the Netherlands-American Steam Navigation Company induced emigrants to take that route. So long as the company was paid and the emigrants gave them no trouble in landing, they cared little about their antecedents or future. It is perfectly practicable to institute a medical examination, as also such inquiry as would lead to the detection of pauper ^nd criminal candidates. Ht Bx, 57 — 05J 82 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. I should consider that this work could not be thoroughly done for less tlian $2 pel head. The percentage of cabin passengers from Boulogne-sur-Mer is very small, so insignificant, in fact, that the entire list could be safely treated as emigrants. The carefully i>repared list of passengers arranged according to nationality hereto i annexed will throw much light on this subj ect. ^ Chas. p. Williams, United States Consul. RouENj France, August 11,1891. August 11. 1891. To the United States Special Commission of Emigration, care of the consul-general of the United States at Paris: Gentlemen: On receipt of the letter of your chairman, followed by that ofth© United States consul-general at Paris, I repaired to Boulogne-sur-Mer, the only port from which emigration to America takes place, and instituted such inquiries as would enable me to give you the desired information. It is necessarily incomplete, but clear in this particular, that the proportion of French emigrants is small, and that the antecedents of the others is past finding out, except by some organized and systematic procedure. I am at your service for all information procurable by me. I will attend you at Paris, if you desire, and I can do so at any time which you might designate. I am, gentlemen, yours, respectfully, Chas. P. Williams, United States Consul. Passengers embarked at Boulogne-sur-Mer, on board tbe steamships of the JS'eerlands- American Company, for New York; Date. l^arae of steamer. Destination. Tonnage, net. Passengers. 1889. New York.... do 2,650 2,223 1,861 2,351 2,266 2,653 2,650 2, 223 ],867 2,361 2,266 2,353 2,650 2, 223 1,867 2, 361 2, 266 2,656 2,650 2,223 1,867 2,361 2, 266 2,653 2,650 2,223 1,867 2,360 2,266 2.653 2.650 2.361 1,867 2, 667 2,653 2,650 2,729 2,361 3,244 30 20 16 July 7 13 P (;alan(l do 45 Rottcrdara Edam do 32 21 do 42 27 Oldam ....do 27 Aug. 4 10 Anistoi'dam do 69 Vpiidam ... . . -.... ............... .. ..do 72 18 P. Caland ....do 69 24 J^otterdam do 67 Sept. 1 7 15 22 29 Oct. 6 ICdam . . ...... . ... ...... .do ... 104 ( )ldam do 89 Amsterdam ....do 79 ....do 65 P Calaud . . do 58 ....do 98 13 Ed am ....do 62 20 Oldam do 71 27 ....do 66 KoT. 2 ....do 43 10 P. Caland..... Rotterdam Edam . do 40 16 ..do 67 24 ....do 98 30 do 63 Dec. 7 ! AmstprfLnm _. do 100 14 Yendam P. Caland Rotterdam 49 25 do 32 28 . do 25 1890. Jan 12 Edam do 55 14 ..do 17 28 Amsterdam do 42 Feb. 8 Rotterdam do 72 16 23 Mar. 4 12 15 23 29 P. Caland do 32 ....do 48 Oldam . . . do 58 do 41 Maasdam do 94 Rotterdam .. ...... ........ do 39 Spaarudam ....do 171 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 83 Date. Name of steamer. Destination. Tonnage, net. Passengers. 1890. Apr. 6 12 P Caland New York ....do 1,847 2, 667 2,650 2,729 2,361 2,948 2,667 1,670 2,429 2,390 2,576 2,172 2,968 2,400 2, 577 2,429 2 490 37 41 20 do 31 do 48 May 4 10 . do 42 Snanrnflam .. . ............ do 13 do 36 25 P f'llaud . . . do 23 June 1 7 do 33 ....do 23 ^1 Ar'i'Tsflnm . .. . .. ..... do 19 15 do 38 21 do 38 29 AV^frkpTiflam ... do 37 July 6 13 do 55 do 56 19 Oldam ...do 36 23 do 2,576 2,172 2,948 2,400 2,577 2,429 2,390 • 2, 576 2,172 1,867 1,994 2,948 2,400 2,577 2,429 2,390 2,576 2,172 2,948 2,400 2,577 2,429 2,390 2,576 2,172 2,400 2,420 2,390 2,576 2,172 2,948 2,400 2,577 2,429 2,390 2,576 2,172 2,948 2, 400 2,577 2,390 2,576 2,429 2,948 2,400 2,172 2,577 2.390 1,770 2,576 2,429 2,948 2,400 2,172 2,390 1,770 2,576 2,429 1,867 2,948 2,400 33 27 do 30 Aug. 3 10 Spaarndnm . . .... ........ ...do 46 ... do 68 17 do 96 24 Amsterdam .. ..- ........ . .do 75 31 Oldam do 122 Sept. 3 do 50 Rotterdam .... ... do 68 11 P Caland ....do 26 18 Znjiinflnm .... .. ...... do 14 18 do 79 21 ...do 75 28 Vetudam ....... .. ... do 191 Oct 5 do 94 12 Oldam ....do 118 17 Ma¥ ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. to be questioned. But an agricultural laborer, or a printer, is not likely to be at- tempting, consciously or unconsciously, an evasion of our laws, etc. Criminals could only, with the utmost difficulty, evade such difficulties as would be presented to them by the above scheme. There is, of course, no British compulsory military service-. 5. The law does not help emigration in England. 6. Alien criminals and j^aupers are confined in the one case, and fed and housed in the other, without regard to nationality. ^ 7. Doubtless the commission will receive full information as to the London emi- gration bureau from the consul-general, and the workings of this bureau represent prettv much all the British legislation upon the subject. 8. No. 9. The matter is not one upon which it is at all likely the United States and Great Britain could formulate a mutually satisfactory treaty; not that interests are spe- cially diverse, but that questions of such delicacy would arise that more harm than good would ensue. The above replies are respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant, LoKLN H. Lathrop, • Consul. CONSUL BRUCE, EBINBURG. United States Consulate, Edinlurg, September 7, 1891. Hon. John B, Weber, Chairman Special Commission, Treasury Department, (Care of United States Consulate, Bremen): Sir: Your circular relating to emigration from this consular district reached the consulate during my leave of absence to Germany. I have given the matter atten- tion since my return, and submit the following answers to the questions, viz: 1. There is no special promotion of emigration to the United States by the British steamship or other carrying companies, or their agents, for the resulting passenger business. Handbooks of information issued by railroad companies and laud agents of various States, Territories, and British colonies, are distributed to prospective emi- grants and others by shipping agents. There is no monetary aid given to promote such emigration. 2. So far as known, there are no contract laborers engaged in this district for ex- portation to the United States. 3. Criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other defectives are not encouraged or aided to emigrate to the United States. On account of the immigration laws of the United States, steamship companies give strict injunctions to their agents regarding the persons to whom they sell passages. 4. As the emigration from this country arises solely from personal enterprise, a system of examination would not appear to be necessary beyond the natural restric- tion of the immigration laws. A list of questions as to health similar to those given by life insurance companies in America might be submitted, and the character of the individual uiight be ascertained through respectable acquaintances. There need be no expense to the Government if the intending emigrant declared to facts relative to himself on oath and the fee for same was regarded as unofficial. There are no re- strictions in Great Britain on the ground of military service. It is probable that the detection of contract laborers, criminals, etc., would be improved. A certificate of two well-known citizens, respectable as to character, should accompany each appli- cation. 5. Emigration is not hiudered by law or regulation in this country. It is abso- lutely free, and is only encouraged in such a manner as set forth in the '^Emigration Statutes and General Handbook" sent herewith ; ^"irft'page 27 for emigration statutes and information relating to Scotland. 6. No disposition is made of alien criminals or paupers. They are not returned to their own country. An alien pauper becomes a charge on the parish within which he is compelled to claim relief. 7. There are no laws regulating immigration in Scotland. The laws aftecting emigration are set forth in the accompanying pamphlet above referred to, entitled ''Emigration Statutes and General Handliook." 8. No. 9. No. The principal promotion of emigration in this country is toward British ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 93 colonies, not toward the United States j and it is known that free voyages are given to induce emigration to Queensland. In addition to the pamphlet entitled '^Emigration Statutes and General Hand- book," referred to in fifth and seventh answers, I also transmit two other pamphlets which may afford general information on the subject. I have the honor to be, yours respectfully, Wallace Bruce, • United States Consul. CONSUL PABTELLO, BUSSELDOBF. Ukited States Consulate, Dusseldorf, October 6, 1891. Hon. John B. Weber, Chairman Special Commission, United States Treasury Department, London: Dear Sir: Your confidential circular of July 21 in regard to emigration, and con- taining a number of questions you request answered, has been received, and reply delayed on account of press of business in this oflice. Even now I have not much time to devote to the answers, but give you such information as I can in a brief con- densed manner. Answers to the questions in order as submitted : No. 1. Emigration is not specially promoted or encouraged in this city; the central point on the Rhine is at Cologne, where regular agencies and emigrant boarding houses are maintained. In this city two of the steamship companies have agencies for the sale of emigrant tickets but aside from the energy on the part of the ticket-seller to make his fees no special encouragement is given. No. 2. Difficult to answer. I think contract labor in the line of iron and steel workers, machinists and specially skilled factory hands are continually sent to our country, but as they know well the law it is done in a quiet manner. I know of one recent case where a San Francisco sugar firm sent to this district for skilled men to operate a sugar refinery on the Pacific coast. No. 3. Done in a quiet way, but unless the matter was thoroughly examined into, facts can not be given; objectionable persons are gotten rid of by giving them a small amount of money (equal to steerage passage) and told to quit the place. Naturally they go direct to the seacoast, and in that way the United States receives a great number of paupers and criminals. No. 4. By all means every emigrant should be required to produce a certificate from an American consul before being allowed to land in the States, it would in a great measure correct the evil and prevent the lauding of persons not desirable. The cost could be met by a fee of 4 marks, charged to the proposed emigrant, and the consul allowed to retain the same to cover expenses of examination, medical and otherwise. It would give a small allowance extra to the consul, but no more than enough to compensate for the extra duty he would have, to perform. In regard to the second part of the inquiry, allow a board of consular officers, presided over by the consul-general, to decide and regulate matters of detail. No. 5. Emigration is not encouraged in Germany by law or regulations of the num- ber that go to our country 90 per cent belong to the lower classes — many at the solici- tation of friends and relatives in the States — others to improve their condition, and a limited number to escape military service. Nos. 6 and 7. I do not know. The office work will not allQW me the time to look up the matter. No. 8. I do not. No. 9. The German Government is very independent upon all such matters, and, I think, would cooperate to a limited degree only. They are very glad to get rid of objectionable characters, and are not displeased at their going to the States, as it removes them a long distance from the country, and in many quiet ways this is en- couraged. There is no doubt but that our population is added to yearly by a very undesirable class of immigrants, and the time has come when it becomes a matter of absolute necessity that the Government of the United States by strict rules, regula- tions, and forms of examination, by both consular officers and officers of our Govern- ment at the ports of entry, should prevent the landing upon our shores of undesirable persons. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. J. Partello, , Consul, 94 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. United States Consulate, Milan, July 29, 1891. Dear Sir : In answer to your circulaiuj have tlie honor to submit the folloTv iug Information relating to emigration from this Consular district in Italy. There are not at present any steamships running directly or indirectly from Milan to the United States. There never has been any aid given here by steamship com- panies to emigrants going to our country. There are no contracts made in Lombardy between American employers and Italian laborers. Those who leave Lombardy for the United States are chiefly inhabitants of tlie mountains, where passages were paid by their relatives in the United States. It may occasionally happen that a local community sends emigrants to the States, so as to be rid of them. This is what is called an extraordinary case and it very seldom occurs. The authorities of Italy do all in their power to retain such unworthy peo- ple at home. There is no aid furnished to emigrants, no matter what their moral char- acter may be. Italy is generally ruled by the richer class, who have no interest in emigration, because the greater the emigration the fewer the laborers, and conse- quently their wages would bo higher. As to the examination of intending emigrants, I think it would be a practicable and a beneficial thing, and might be carried out with very little expense. Official information could easily be obtained of the moral, physical, and mental character of emigrants from the clergy, from the mayors, and from the local officials. The military laws of Italy interfere very materially with persons leaving the country. I also understand that no head of a family can leave without the written permission of his wife. There is no positive law prohibiting emigration, but the trend of all legislation is againsc it. Heads of families, husbands, are very much hindered in many ways, by the difficulties with which tlie authorities have surrounded them. Soldiers who are enrolled in the first category, that is the five-years' men, can not possibly get away. It is much the same with those who are enrolled in the second category, those who are enrolled for less than five years. It is almost impossible for criminals to emigrate, as they must furnish passports to the police. Persons having no X)a8s- ports are liable to be arrested if they attempt to leave the country. I mean, of course, Italian subjects. Criminals who reach here from the United States are, when discovered, inmiediately arrested. The authorities in Italy, I speak particu- larly of Lombardy, have always shown a commendable zeal in bringing to justice criminals who have escaped from our country. The tendency of legislation in Italy is to discourage emigration of persons who have no monej' to take their families with them. The people of Lombardy in the past have emigrated to South America, but since the revolution in that country emigration is now in the direction of the United States. I do not know of any points in the matter of regulating and restricting emigra- tion on which our and the Italian Government could cooperate, except in the points to which allusion has been made in the foregoing pages. I repeat that the Italian authorities do not encourage emigration. They would likely be most happy to co- operate with our Government in restricting the emigration of their people. I do not know of any point where the two Governments clash in this matter. I am, most respectfully, Geo. W. Peffer, United States Consul. Hon. John B. Weber, Chairman of Committee* CONSUL BUBLEE, PRAGUE. Consulate of the United States of America, Frayue, September 26, 1891. Hon. Jno. B. Weber, Chairman Special Commission, U. S. Treasury Department : (Care of United States Consulate, Bremen.) Sir: In the expectation of obtaining some definite information in reference to emi- gration to the United States from Bohemia, I have delayed hitherto my reply to your circular. It has been impossible for me to reach any one here who could or would speak definitely on the subject, and it seems that emigration, though it is con- ENFORCEMENT OF ATJEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 95 eiderable, is not placed under any system or supervision. I visited the department supposed to have charge of emigration from Bohemia, and had a conversation with the chief official. He requested me to send him a written statement of the points I wished to know about, and in due course of time an answer would be given. This I did some two months ago, but have been unable to get a reply. In the course of my conversation with the official referred to, he practically stated that there was no check whatever on emigration. If a person decided to leave Bo- hemia no papers had to be taken out or permission received. A pretense, he said, was made on the frontier of examining all persons crossing and keeping a record of emigrants, but he admitted that this amounted to nothing, and such records were so incomplete as to be of no value. In reply to the questions in your circular 1 submit the following meager informa- tion: 1. Steamships and carrying companies have agents scattered through the country, but these do not directly encourage emigration except by circulars giving days of sailing, rates of fare, etc. 2. The engaging of contract laborers, if done at all, is done covertly, and no cases are to be heard of. 3. Defectives, such as enumerated, are not encouraged or aided to emigrate, if the Government officials, steamship ageuts, and other accessible authorities are to be believed. 4. A system of examination by American consuls appears to me to be the only practical method of getting at real facts about emigration. By exacting a consular certificate from emigrants they must prove to the consul's satisfaction tha'8 of the Special Commission of United States Treasury Department, CONSUL CIBELO MOLINA Y CROS, CARTSAGENA. Consulate op the United States of America, Carthagena, 8th August. 1891. Jno. B. Weber, Esq., (Care of United States Consulate, Bremen^ : Sir : I have been favored with your circular dated London, July 21, 1891. There being no emigration to the United States of America within my consular district, I am sorry I am not able to furnish you with the information you are seeking. There is here simply voluntary emigration of country laborers on a very small scale across to the Algerian ports. The emigration in general is hindered here by the military law to a certain extent, 104 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. viz, men from 15 to 40 years of age are jiot allowed to emigrate unless by previously depositing 2,000 pesetas, which is the sum that may release them from military service, or else those that, after having performed their service, and passing from the first to the second, and further, reserves to produce, previous to attempt ship- ping, a proper certificate from their respective commanders of the corps to Avhich they are attached as having complied with the law. ^ Police inspectors are stationed always at every steamship's agencies during the time of issuing tickets in order to watch all passengers. There are no emigration agencies in this district. Very respectfully, CiRELO Molina y Cros, United States Consul. ¥ COMMERCIAL AGENT EEID, BUNFEBMLINE. United States Commercial Agency, Dunfermline, Scotland, Augusts, 1891. John B. Weber, Esq., Chairman Special Commission, Treasury Department, (Care of U. S. Consul, Bremen) : Sir: In reply to your confidential circular, dated London, .July 21, 1891 (received here July 26), I have the honor to answer its various paragraphs as follows: 1. So far as known, and after careful inquiry, emigration from this consular dis- trict is promoted only by the appointment of agents of known probity and standing, under well-defined and careful instructions, to prevent any infraction of the laws aff"ecting emigration to the United States. These agents are precluded from induc- ing emigration by aid of any kind, or by reduction of ocean or railroad fares, or by sharing with the emigrant the agent's commission. 2. No emigrant is allowed to be booked by any agent of any persons known to be engaged by contract or otherwise to work for any specified period in America, and agents are specially cautioned against accepting such applicant*. 3. I am satisfied that no encouragement of any kind to criminals or defectives to emigrate has ever or is likely ever to be ^iven by the emigrant agencies of this dis- trict. 4. Any consular examination of emigrants to prevent breach of emigration laws could be done here without much additional labor, inasmuch as emigration from here is not caused by congestion, and is not, as a general thing, so much the result of necessity as of choice, iii hope of wider scope and larger remuneration. There is no aggravating poverty. Such examination would be cheerfully given here without increased expense, unless it should be deemed wise to establish a moderate fee there- for, a costless service being, generally, an unrespected one. I venture to think that were emigrants compelled to make oath of their complete eligibility in presence of a consul or other official and in that of a responsible respectable citizen, it would aid in removing the chief evils of the present condition, if such exist. Fraud, how- ever, IS always possible, and a consular certificate should never limit the present careful system of inspection on arrival. 5. No encouragement is given to emigrants to the United States, but is to some of the British Colonies, notably Australia and New Zealand. 6. No such cases have occurred or are possible in this inland district. 7. There are none. • 8. I do not. 9. I believe the British Government would unite in any proper measures to pre- vent improper emigration if any additional guards can be thus given. The following instructions are enforced here by steamboat companies : '' No sick, lame, deformed, or infirm person or persons who are in any way liable to become public burdens can be taken unless security is given, as the subscribers must enter into bonds with the United States and Canadian Governments that such parties shall not become chargeable to the State. Having thus responded to your inquiries, I take the opportunity to say that this district is populated by a generally well-educated and thrifty community, in which there is no special pressure from congestion or poverty to, emigrate. There is no port of debarcation in this district. Emigration from here is through Glasgow, Leith, or Liverpool. I am, sir, your obedient servant, James D. Reid, United States Commercial Agent. The emigration from here is almost solely of miners when wages are low, many ol "whom return when wages risej or of members of miners' families. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 105 CONSUL BYERS, ST. GALL. SWLTZEBLAND. Question 1. The extent to whicli emigration to the United States is promoted by steamship or other carrying comi)anies, or their agents, for the resulting passenger business. — Answer. None at all. Question 2, The extent to which contract laborers are engaged openly or covertly for exportation to the United States, through what agencies, and for what classes of employment. — Answer. Of late years occurs but rarely. Question 3. The extent to which criminals, insane persons, idiots, and other defect- ives — pauijers or persons likely to become a public charge and persons afflicted with loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases — are encouraged or aided to emigrate to the United States in violation of our laws, and whether the aid or encouragement is furnished systematically or otherwise, and whether by relatives, societies, commit- tees, or Government authorities. — Answer. The press opposes in late years and the law really forbids. Question 4. Whether it would be practicable to adopt and apply an effective system of examination of intending emigrants by American consuls, or officers under their direction, together with the probable cost of maintaining such a system if adopted. — Answer. Yes. It is in my opinion the only practicable system. In connection with this last inquiry, it will be important to ascertain what original official certification will be required to enable consuls to pass upon the eligibility of the intending emigrant, whether detection of contract laborers and criminals will be materially improved, and to what extent, if any, the laws governing military service would prevent immigration of those within the military age by any system of consular inspection. Question 5, Is emigration hindered or encouraged by law or regulation? And, if so, what classes in respect of age and condition are aflected? — Answer. No. Question 6. What disposition is made of alien criminals or jJ^iiipers? Are they returned to the country to which they owe allegiance or sent across the border? And if so, what are the substantial features of the laws or regulations governing their disposal? — Answer. Varies in different cantons and communes. Question 7. Please furnish also the substantial features of laws regulating emigra- tion, or immigration, if any, in the country where you are stationed. — Answer. The laws of this canton are not different from the general law of Switzerland bearing on the subject. Question 8. Do you know of any systematic or organized movement to divert im- migration from European countries to America of any class of immigrants alleged to be excluded from their own country? — Answer. No. Question 9. Do you know of any points in the matter of regulating and restrict- ing emigration on which the Government of the country in which you live would be likely to cooperate with the United States? — Answer. I do not. I have answered the questions as nearly as I can under the circumstances. I have been a consul of this post of St. Gall but three mouths, and the situation, as to emi- gration, has changed materially since I was a consul at Ziirioh some years ago. Yours, respectfully, S. H. M. Byeks, United States Consul. CONSUL MALMBOS, DENIA. United States Consulate, Denia, Spain, Awjust 8, 1891, John B. Weber, Esq., Chairman, etc., Bremen: Sir: In answer to your communication, dated London, July 21, 1891, I have to re- port that there is no emigration of any description or class of persons from this con- sular district to the United States, nor is there in this district any public or private corporation or association of pcrsoiis ]>romoting or hindering or desirous of promot- ing or hindering emigration to the United States. Alien criminals are delivered up to foreign authorities only in case an extradition lyreaty exists between Spain and the country to which the alien criminal owes alle- giance. Alien paupers and beggars are sent across the boundaries of any municipality within which they are found by the local authorities. AVhile foreign paupers are within the boundaries of any municipality they have to depend upon private charity, principally upon the charity of the consul of their nationality in case such a consul 106 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. happens to l)e located there. In case there is no snch consul in the place the local authorities, in sending a pauper beyond the corporate limits, will sometimes givehim about 20 cents. This at least is the practice in this consular district, as I am informed by the mayor of the town of Denia. Very respectfully, Oscar Malmros, V Consul. P. S. — I shall try to have this letter forwarded by registered mail, but am doubt- ful whether it can be done at the Denia post-office. 1 CONSUL FLETCHER, GENOA. Consulate of the United States of America, 14 Via Assarotti, Genoa, Septemler 10, 1891. Hon. J. B. Weber, Chairman Immigration Committee (Care of United States consul at Bremen) : Dear Sir : Since the receipt of your confidential circular I have been making strict inquiry regarding immigration from this section of Italy to the United States, but after all my efforts I can not add anything to what I have reported to the State Department in my dispatch No. 124, dated October 26, 1886, and in my dispatch No. 182, dated September 26, 1888, on this subject. The former report will be found on pages 257-260, in a volume, red cover, published in 1887 by the Department of State, entitled '' Emigration and Immigration, 1885-86." I do not know as my dispatcli No. 182 was ever printed, but a copy thereof can be obtained from Hon. William F. Wharton, Assistant Secretary of State. Further, as late as March 18 and May 31, 1890, 1 had correspondence with Hon. Frank L. Dingley, special commissioner of the State Department, on this same subject. On replying to him, as I now do to you, the gentleman came to Genoa and learned from personal investigation that to my re- ports aforesaid nothing new could be added. Although the two dispatches mentioned cover many pages, I can give you a sum- mary very briefly: ''No emigrants have eve7' left this city, either by steamer or by sailing vessel, bound for the United States." * * * '' The departure of such emi- grants takes place only at Naples and Palermo." The above quotations are copied from the chief of police's report to me, for, be it understood, if Italian law is enforced no one can leave a port of Italy unknown to the police. It only remains for me, then, to reply to your interrogatory No. 4. In my opinion it Avould be practicable to adopt and apply an effective system of examination of intending emigrants by othcers under direction of Auicrican consuls ''or by special agents appointed by our Government. The latter, I think, would be more preferable, because they would be individually responsible to the Government and could not cast blame on the easy-going ways or the rigidness of consuls, .whichever the case might be." If this system was adopted it looks to me that it would be satisfactory to foreign governments also, for they nmst see that if the emigrant is passed upon satisfactorily at home he does not run the uncertainty of detention, as under existing regulations, on arrival at* ports in the United States. The emigrant should l)e obliged to meet all the expenses of examination; the amounts charged should be graded according to number of applicants. The second section of interrogatory No. 4 is answered by the following quotation from my dis- patch No. 124, above mentioned : "All natives of Italy are supposed to have passports when they leave the kingdom. To obtain such the applicant must procure from the municipality of his native city or town a certificate of birth, giving therein age, name, and names of petitioner's parents. On this certificate is also added the applicant's liability for, or exemption from, military duty. Further, the court records are examined, and if any misde- meanors are charged against the man, a statement to this effect is forwarded to police headquarters. The petitioner must ijresent his certificate of birth to the local chief of police, and this officer, on examination of all papers in the case, either issues or refuses a passj)ort. Before the individual can sail for a foreign land all his papers are again examined by the police at the port of embarkation. Without a passport, therefore, it seems impossible, except by great cunning, to leave Italy by sea for other countries." From the above language the conclusion can be drawn that the chief of police of ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 107 the native town of tlie iuteiiding emigrant can give the examining officer all infor- mation desired about the candidate for American honors. Could I have received certain answers to certain question asked by me of certain higli authorities in this province, you would not have had to wait so long for thia advice. Yours very respectfully, James Fletcher, United States Consul. DR. CORN'S STATEMENT OF BERLIN JEWISH COMMITTEE WORK. In the body of the report reference is made to the statement of Dr. H. M. Cohn, of Berlin, relative to statistics showing the number and destination of Jews driven from Russia who had been aided by the Jewish committees. He says : '' It is not possible to give you an exact report, but only some partial re- sults based upon numbers aided at Konigsberg, Hamburg, and Stettin, but outside of these so few passenger tickets have been delivered that the numbers at these places give a true picture of the whole movement." Konigsberg is near the Russian frontier and those aided at Hamburg and Stettin embraced the same persons aided at Konigsberg. KONIGSBERG. "From the beginning of July to September 17, 1891, there were 4,309 applicants. Of these 1,148 were refused help, 433 were sent back to Russia, 595 received partial help, 2,133 received passenger tickets. Column A, in the accompanying table, shows the destination of the 595 people who received partial help ; column B of those who received passenger tickets. HAMBURG. " Column C shows destination of the emigrants aided by the Hamburg committee in August, 1891." STETTIN. "Column D shows emigrants dispatched in July; E those for August. Stettin Bends to the United States by special steamers, generally once every month. " The total expenses to the end of September for all these points reached about 1,000,000 marks, but it should be remembered that this takes in the Avhole of Ger- many and those coming to the Austrian frontier as well. As the first cost of the in- stallation of the committees was very high, and railway tickets, medical advice, re- freshments, etc., were to be paid, every emigrant receiving such aid free of cost to themselves, at the outside not more than 600,000 marks have been paid for passenger tickets to the end of September. The greatest number of these tickets were issued for American points, as is shown by the table, but it must be borne in mind also, that in August and September no emigrants could be forwarded to the Argentine Republic, as the arrangements made under Baron Hirsch's plan had not at that time been effected. Now, how^ever, we can send to the Argentine Republic 300 emigrants per week, and this number is to be increased later on. It must be borne in mind also that a number of those who go to America are sent back again. The United Hebrew Charities of New York send back every year from 1,000 to 1,200 Russian emigrants. When this point is taken into consideration it may not be .an exaggeration to say that up to the present time more Russian Jews have been sent back from America to Russia than are sent from Russia to America, so far as the help of our committees ia concerned." * * See Vol. I, page 28, et seq. 108 r:TFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Statement of Dr. H. M. Colin, of Berlin, showing the numher and destination driven from Russia, who were aided by the Jewish committee. KONIGSBERG, JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 17. ion of Jew^ -DestinatioD. Albany Amsterdam Argentine EepuLlic . . Baltimoi'e Belgium Boston Chicago Frankfnrt, Germany. Hamburg, Germany . . Hartford Liverpool London Mancliester New York Philadelpbia Pittsburg IJtica Frontier of Russia . . . Bavaria Bay City Brooklyn Partial help. 284 113 5 . 3 B.— Passen ger tickets. 31 1 7 21 15 933 751 12 2 ■Destination. Christiana Cincinnati Cleveland Columbia Dublin Glasgow Helena, Mont Hirschberg, (Germany Leeds Minneapolis Xasliville New Illo wo Paris Partial B.— Passer help. gerticket> Palestine Quebec Rio de Janeiro Switzerland . . . Washington . . Total. 595 HAMBURG— AUG UST. C. — Destination. New York Chicago Baltimore Boston Montreal Philadelphia.. Quebec Lancaster Portsmouth . . Milwaukee ... Paterson Detroit Svracuse P'ittsbni g . . . . Canton (Oliio). Hamilton Cape Providence . . . New Orleans . "Winnipeg Atlanta Reading Manitoba Whole tickets. One- half tickets. 640 125 172 222 303 238 18 1 2 280 48 (54 90 179 12G 6 One- quarter tickets. C— Destination. St. Louis St. Clair (Michigan) Bristol London Leeds Mancliester Hull Nottingham Grimsby Glasgow Chester Sunderland Edinburg Dublin Dundee Bradford Liverpool Havre Rotterdam Amsterdam Buenos Ayres Total Wliole tickets. 14 2 5 65 14 17 14 4 8 7 2 2 1 1 1 2 16 2 1 13 196 2,152 One- I One- half I quarter tickets, tickets. 3 i 48 I 8 3 8 4 1 934 C— STETTIN. Destination. D.-July. Boston New York... Pittsburg . . . St. Louis Quebec Baltimore . . . Philadelphia 20i 141 4 5 1 3 22^ E.— Au- gust. 11 311 Destination. Chicago i Atlanta I Grand Rapids. I Harrisburg . . . I Scranton ! New Haven . . . i Milwaukee D.— July. 16^ E.— Au- gust. It is to be remembered that Stettin only delivers tickets for special steamers (to America). A. — Konigsberg only gives the numbers of persons. No distinction is made between adults and children. B. — Hamburg mentions the sort of tickets delivered, if whole, half, or quarter tickets (according to age of emigrant). ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 109 Copy of circular sent hy central committee of Jewish aid association to all subordinate com- mittees and referred to in Volume I. Central Committee, 35 Rue de Trevise, Alliance Israelite Universelle, Paris, June 2, 1891. Esteemed Mr. President: You have siisely received our appeal of yesterday. We send you herewith the protocol of resolutions passed. We will send, as soon as possible, the addresses of bankers to whom moneys can be forwarded. Respectfully, ISIDOR LOEB, Secretary, RESOLUTIONS. 1. A meeting shall be speedily called, with as little publicity as possible, in order not to increase emigration. The committees of Berlin, Frankfort, Cologne, Ham- burg, Breslau, and Vienna are requested to send in the names of banking iirms in their cities to which funds may be sent, forthwith. 2. The committee at Konigsberg is requested to enter into communication with the Jewish communities in the interior of Russia in order to assist the needy there and detain them in the country. For this purpose the central committee of the Alliance Israelite Universelle assigns to this committee 60,000 francs. The committee at I'eiiin is requested to cooperate with the committee at Konigsberg. :!. The head committees at Berlin, Vienna, Hamburg, Breslau, and Frankfort are T I (juested to take care of the emigrants who have crossed the border in the follow- ing manner: (a) To speedily sejid those who have means to points where they desire to go, leaving them to follow their own inclinations in that matter. {h) All others shall be assisted and the authorities prevailed upon not to send them back to Russia, trying not to concentrate them in great masses. (c) To ascertain meanwhile the number, age, trade, ability for work of the detained emigrants, with the number in each family, inquiring where the famil}" want to go to, where it has relatives ov friends who will assist them, and send such information with appropriate notices to the head committees at Berlin, Hamburg, and Frank- fort. {d) As far as possible to induce emigrants not able to work to return to Russia, and lassist them to that end. This class will be better off there tlian in a strange land. I 4. Meanwhile the Alliance Israelite Universelle will endeavor to obtain informa- tion about transatlantic republics, especially Argentina, Brazil, and Canada (it is hardly possible to think now of any other country) and take measures to send able- bodied emigrants where conditions are most favorable. All other above-named measures are taken with a view to gain time in order to complete such difficult ar- rangements. 5. As a preliminary step to such final arrangements one or two persons will be sent there to assist the emigrants, to protect them from violence or oppression whiclimay be feared and also to assist them with the good-will of their coreligionists who live there, although in limited numbers. Collections made everywhere will be used for this purpose and the above-named head committees are requested to send us weekly statements, if possible, of their income and expenses. It is hoped that in a month we can commence operations of sending emigrants there. 6. The head committees are requested to send us daily reports of the number of emigrants, their destination, if they paid their own passage, etc. 7. All donations of committees, communities, or individuals must be made to the above-named head committees. P, S. — In the Argentine Republic the above-named officers must speak Spanish; in Brazil, Portuguese ; and in Canada, English. For the time being, shipping of emigrants either to the United States or any other country (except as above mentioned) can not be thought of. LIST OF WAGES AND PRICES OF FOOD AND ROUSE BENT, [Eeferred to in Volume I, p. 105, et seq.] •BUDA-PESTH, HUNGARY.* f Price of wages. — Carpenters, from 1 florin 40 kreutzers to 1 florin 80 kreutzers per * day; bricklayers, from 1 florin 50 kreutzers to 2 florins per day; stone-masons, from 1 florin 60 kreutzers to 2 florins 2.5 kreutzers per day; blacksmiths, from 1 florin 30 ■ 1,000 kreutzers make a florin, equal to about 40 cents of our money; a kilogram is equal to about 2.2 pounds. 110 ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. 1 kreutzers to 1 florin 80 kreiitzers per day; tinsmiths, from 1 florin 30 kreutzers to 2 florins per day; locksmiths, from 1 florin 40 kreutzers to 2 florins 25 kreutzers per , day; laborers, from 85 kreutzers to 1 florin 25 kreutzers per day. The law prohibits 1 a person from pursuing more than one business or vocation. ' Frices of provisions per kilogram. — Beef, 65 to 80 kreutzers ; pork, 65 to 70 kreutzers; potatoes, 5 to 8 kreutzers; flour, 12 to 19 kreiitzers; bread, 14 to 15 kreutzers; sugar, 42 to 46 kreutzers; coff'ee, 1 florin 40 kreutzers to 2 florins 20 kreutzers; tea, 3 florins to 12 florins. The ordinary laborer lives principally upon rye breaa, soup, cheap vegetables, and once or twice a week salt or smoked meats. Boom rent for working class of people. — One room and kitchen, from 100 to 260 florins per year ; two rooms and kitchen, from 160 to 380 florius per year ; three rootus and kitchen, from 360 to 520 florins per year. EPERJES, HUNGARY. Price of wages. — Carpenters, from 1 florin 30 kreutzers to 1 florin 60 kreutzers per day; bricklayers, from 1 florin 40 to 1 florin 80 kreutzers per day; stone-masons, from 1 florin 40 kreutzers to 1 florin 60 kreutzers per day ; blacksmiths, 6 florins per week and board; tinsmiths, from 5 to 7 florins per week and board; locksmiths, from 6 to 8 florins per week and board ; laborers (men), from 1 florin 10 kreutzers to 2 florins per day; laborers (women), from 60 kreutzers to 80 kreutzers per day. Prices of provisions x>€r kilogram. — Beef, from 48 kreutzers to 52 kreutzers; pork, from 52 to 55 kreutzers ; potatoes, 3 kreutzers ; flour, from 13 kreutzers to 19 kreutz- ers; bread, from 6 to 12 kreutzers; sugar, from 42 kreutzers to 44 kreutzers; coffee, from 1 florin 8 kreutzers to 2 florins 2 kreutzers ; tea, from 3 florins to 10 ^orins. Rental of apartments for laboring classes. — One room and kitchen, from 60 to 80 florins per year ; two rooms and kitchen, from 100 to 120 florins per year ; three rooms and kitchen, 150 to 200 florins per year. MUNICH, BAVARIA.* List of wages (reduced to our currency). — Carpenters (per week), from $6 to $7.50; blacksmiths (per week), from $3.75 to $5.25; masons (per week), from $6 to $7.50; tailors (per week), from $3.50 to $3.75; shoemakers (per week), from $3 to $4.25; laborers (per week), fi'om $4.25 to $4.50. Farm laborers per day — men, with board, from 23 to 31 cents ; women, with board, from 15 to 28 cents ; men, without board, from 38 to 47 cents; women, without board, from 23 to 35 cents. In the summer season farm laborers are required to work from 13 to 15 hours per day. Cost of provisions. — Beef, per pound, 17 to 19 cents ; pork, per pound, 16 to 20 cents; coffee, per pound (roasted), 32 to 50 cents; coffee, per pound (unroasted), 29 to 35 cents; tea, per pound, 60 to $1.12; potatoes, per bushel, 37 to 62 cents; beer, per liter, 6^^ cents. CRACOW — GALLICIA. t List of wages. — Rough carpenters, 1 to 1^ guldens per day ; finishing carpenter and cabinet-maker, 1 to 3 guldens per day ; bricklayers, li to If guldens per day ; tin- smiths, 1 to 2 guldens per day; grain-handlers, 1 gulden to 1 gulden 20 kreutzers per day ; laborers, 60 kreutzers to 1 gulden per day ; tirst-class house servants, from 50 to 80 guldens per year, with board aad lodging. Prices of provisions. — Beef, 26 to 30 kreutzers per pound; potatoes, 2 guldens per 100 pounds; rye bread, 7 kreutzers perpound; sugar, 18 kreutzers per pound; coffee, 60 kreutzers to 1 gulden 20 kreutzers per pound; tea, from 75 kreutzers upwards. CONSUL WAMEB, COLOGNE. United States Consulate, Cologne, October 23, 1891. Mr. Walter Kemster, m. d.. Member Special Commission, United States Taeasury Department : In reply to your interrogatories concerning wages and the cost of different articles of food in this consular district, I submit to you the following figures : IVages {per diem). — Masons, in summer, 4 marks ; in winter, 3 marks ;t carpenters, * 10 to 12 hours constitute the work day. + An Austrian gulden is equivalent to a florin. t A mark, containing 100 pfennige, is equal to about 24 cents. ENFORCEMENT OF ALIEN CONTRACT LABOR LAWS. Ill from 2.50 to 4 marks ; locksmitlis, from 2.50 to 3.50 marks ; blacksmiths, from 2.50 to 8.50 marks; day laborers, from 2.20 to 3 marks; farm laborers, without board, 2 marks. Cost of different articles of food. — Rye, 24 marks per 100 kilos ; wheat 23 marks per 100 kilos; oats, 15 marks per 100 kilos; beef meat, 70 pfennige per oue-half kilo; veal, 70 pfennige per one-half kilo ; mutton, 70 pfennige per one-half kilo ; smoked bacon, 80 pfennige per one-half kilo ; salt bacon, 70 pfennige per one-half kilo ; lard, 80 pfen- nige per one-half kilo. Black bread costs about 25 pfennige per kilo. Very respectfully, Wm. D. Wamer, United States Consul, INDEX. ^ Paga Acts, British passenger, extracts from 3 Ag-ents, regulations for, North Atlantic Steam Traffic Company 12 Australian Government, form of, emigrant permit issued by.. 54 Alliance Israelite Universelle, letter from 109 British passenger acts affecting emigration 3 regulations affecting emigration _._ 8, 9 Belgium, laws concerning emigration from 16 defining equipment of ships 18 Batcheller, George S., United States minister to Portugal, letter of 44 Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, statistics from 31 Contagious diseases, regulations concerning Netherlands Steamship Com- pany __ 35 Consuls, U.S., tabulated statement of replies from 36 Consul, U. S., Charles F. Johnson, Hamburg, letter from 38 Hugo M. Starkloff, Bremen, letter from 38 Consul-general, U. S., Julius Goldschmidt, Vienna, letter from 40 W. H.Edwards, Berlin, letter from 41 John S. Twells, Naples, letter from 43 G. Gade, Christiania, letter from 45 John H. Stuart, Antwerp, letter from 46 T. M. Schleier, Amsterdam, letter from 47 Oscar P. Williams, Havre, letter from 48 Consul, vice, U. S., Axel Georgii, Stockholm, letter from 50 Joseph Rawicz, Warsaw, letter from 51 H. Wertheim, Moscow, letter from 52 Consul-general, U. S., John M. Crawford, St. Petersburg, letter from 53 John J. Piatt, Cork, letter from-- __ 53 Consul, vice, U. S., William Gibson. Glasgow, letter from 59 . F. W. Catlin, Munich, letter from 59 Alex. Brandt, Marseilles, letter from.. ___ 61 James Kellogg, Stettin, letter from 62 Horace C. Pugh, Palermo, letter from 63 Charles H. Shepard, Gothenburg, letter from 65 Howard Fox, Falmouth, letter from 67 Horace W. Metcalf, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, letter from. 67 Edmund B. Fairfield, Lyons, letter from 68 William T. Rice, Leghorn, letter from 69 Consul-general, U. S., Augustus O. Bourn, Rome, letter from -._ 71 Auiick Palmer, Dresden, letter from 72 Consul, vice, general, U. S., Alexander Viol, Nice, letter from 72 Commercial Agent Francis B. Loomis, St. Etienne, letter from 73 W. P. Atwell. Roubaix, letter from 75 Consul, U. S., Chas. Grellet, Algiers, letter from 75 Consul, vice, U. S., M. Ordonnaud, Cognac, letter from 74 Consul, U.S., H. D.' Bennett, Nantes, letter from 76 Geo. W. Roosevelt, Brussels, letter from 76 E. Johnson, Kehl, letter from 76 Consul-general, U. S., Frank H. Max on, Frankfort-on-the-Main, letter from 78 Wm. F. Grinnell, Manchester, letter from -. 79 Charles Heath, Catania, letter from 80 CharlesP. Williams, letter from 81 W.D. Warner, Cologne, letter from _. 85 Alton Augier, Rheims, letter from 86 H. F. Merritt, Chemnitz, letter from _. 87 Commercial Agent W. P. Symth, Huddersfield, letter from 87 H. Ex. 37 64 ^^^ 114 INDEX. Pag Consul, U. S., Henry W. Diederich, Leipzig, letter from. 8 Evans Blake, Cref eld, letter from 8 W. J. Black, Nuremberg, letter from 9 L. A. Lathrop, Bristol, letter from '9 Wallace Bruce, Edinburgh, letter from 9 D. J. Partello, Dusseldorf, letter from _ _ 9 E. W Peffer, Milan, letter from --- _ 9 Wm. A. Rublee, Prague, letter from 9 G. G iff ord, Basle, letterfrom 9 Joseph E. Hayden, Breslau, letterfrom 9i R. J. Hamick, Geneva, letter from 9' Louis Gottschalk, Stuttgart, letter from 9; W. Burgess, Tunstall. letter from .__ _ 9i George L. Catlin, Zurich, letter from 9! Consul, vice, U. S., Herman Donner, Helsingfors. letter from _ 10( John B . Osborne , Ghent, letter from 10: Frank Hessenbruch, Barmen, letter from 10! T. M. Newson, Malaga, letterfrom _ 10: R. A.Turner, Cadiz, lett.^r from 10; Cirelo Molina y Cros, Carthagena, letter from ._ lO; Consular Agent James D. Reid, Dunfermline, letter from __ 10' i Consul, U.S., S. H. M. Byers, St. Gall, letter from 10; Oscar Malmros, Denia, letter from 10; James Fletcher, Genoa, letter from ___ lOi Cohn, Dr. H. M., statement of, concerning Jewish emigration 10' Emigrants, Britieh laws concerning transportation of ; i who may sell tickets to, in Great Britain _ {I runner, who may act as, in Great Britain _.__ *' regulations concerning, in Great Britain -._ I ticket, form of. defiued, in Great Britain l: lodgings, regulations concerning, in Great Britain. 1! from Holland, laws governing L tickets sold in Holland, what to contain _ 1^ regulations concerning transit from Holland 1{ Belgium 1( how to be provided for, on ships from Belgium .._ 1^ from Prussia, laws concerning _ II Germany, laws concerning ._ _ _ 11 Emigration statistics, New York to Liverpool ._._ 2] Bremen __ _ 3( Antwerp. 3( Havre. 31 Italy. 3i Hamburg 3^ Stettin 31 Baltimore to Hamburg 3c Philadelphia to Hamburg 3c from Holland .-_ 4^1 permit issued Ly Australian government 54 statistics from Italy, official statement of 7C Boulogne-sur-Mer 82 of Jewish, to America 10^ Form of bond, and license required by steamship pasenger agents, Great Britain — S passenger ticket defined, Great Britain 11 license. White Star Line 13 Germany, laws concerning emigration, from IS who may sell emigrant tickets in 18 police authorities notified when ticket is sold 20 Holland, extracts from emigration laws of _ 13 passage brokers, laws governing 14 Hamburg American Packet Company, emigration statistics of 32 Holland emigration from, statistics of 48 Italy, statistics of return emigration to 32 statistics of emigration from, otlicial. 70 Jewish emigration, statistics concerning.. 108 committee, resolutions of — • -- 109 INDEX. 115 Page. Laws concerning emigration from Holland, extracts from 13 Belgium __. 16 Prussia 19 Laws concerning emigration, extracts from Sweden and Norway 3 Great Britain 3 Laws governing sales of steamship passenger tickets, Great Britain 4 defining punishments for breach of passenger acts. Great Britain... 7 Lodgings, charge for. in Liverpool, now regulated for emigrants 12 Licens^ form of, White Star Line __ 13 Liverpool steamship lines, statistics from __ 21 Letters from United States consuls, tabulated replies of 36 Netherlands- American Steamship Navigation Company, regulations of .. 34 concerning con- tagious dis- eases- 35 North Atlantic Steam Traffic Company, regulations of, for agents... 12 members of 12 North German Lloyd Steamship Company, emigration statistics from 30 Passenger acts. Great Britain 3 tickets , laws concerning sale of, Great Britain 4 form of , defined, Great Britain 11 Prussia, laws of, concerning emigration from 19 sale of tickets to emigrants 19 Regulations British, concerning transportation of emigrants 9 for agents North Atlantic Steam Traffic Company. 12 lodging emigrants 12 concerning transportation of emigrants from Holland. 15 Belgium 17 Prussia 19 Germany 19 Returns , emigration from New York to Liverpool 21 Red Star Line steamships, emigration returns from 30 Returns, emigration from New York to Bremen 30 Antwerp 30 Havre 30 Italy 32 Hamburg. 32 Stettin _ ^.. 32 Baltimore to Hamburg _ 33 Philadelphia to Hamburg. 33 Statistics, emigration, New York to Live rpool 21 Bremen 30 Antwerp 30 Havre 30 Italy 32 Hamburg. 32 Stettin 32 Europe, totals 33 from Boulogne-sur-Mer... 82 Sweden and Norway, laws concerning emigration from 3 Tickets, passensrer, law governing sale of. Great Britain 4 license for sale of, how obtained , Great Britain 5 Ticket-seller's bond, form of, Great Britain 5 license, form of. Great Britain _ _. 5 emigrant, form defined, Great Britain 11 steamship passenger in Holland, defined 14 Tickets, steamship passenger in Holland, who qualified to sell 15 Prussia, who qualified to sell.. 19 Germany, who qualified to sell 19 when sold, agent to notify German police authorities. 20 Tabulated statement of consular, letters on emigration 36 Wages, list of, Buda-Pesth 110 Eperjes, Hungary 110 Munich 111 Cracow. 111 Cologne Ill O t 1 WBi