Husband's Protest

The agitation in the House of Commons over the treatment of British subjects at Ellis Island struck fire from W. W. Husband, U. S. Commissioner of Immigration. He protested, in effect: "The British kick about our immigration department. Instead, they ought to be grateful. The United States is doing a lot for immigrants that it doesn't need to do. Steamship companies bring merchandise and provide warehouses for that merchandise. If they bring immigrants, why shouldn't the companies provide hotels? The companies now pay only the cost of the immigrants' food while detained and (since February 1) 25 cents a day in addition. This does not nearly cover the cost to the Government. On Ellis Island it loses nearly $600,000 a year, and on all its immigration stations about $1,000,000. Besides, the Government has about $5,000,000 invested in Ellis Island, alone. Can't the steamship companies be made to pay the full cost?"

Accordingly, Mr. Husband placed the matter before the Department of Labor's attorney for advice before taking action. Meanwhile the steamship companies, fearing a new burden, point out that the law provides a tax of $8 per capita on immigrants. On the basis of 350,000 immigrants a year this is a return to the Government of $2,800,000--much more than enough to cover the deficit.