crime to allow him to proceed in ignorance of conditions in the United States. The groundwork of future citizenship should be laid the moment his status changes from that of an alien immigrant seeking admission to that of an admitted alien. The difference between the form of government of the country from whence he came and that of the country he enters should be made plain to him. The ideals of American life should be explained to him. His status as one entering upon a probationary period before citizenship is conferred should be minutely detailed to him. The difference between his standing as one subject to the rule of a single individual known as a sovereign and that of a citizen of the United States in which capacity he is no longer a subject, but may stand as one sovereign among millions of equals, should be impressed upon the immigrant's mind the day he lands; and no matter whether the tide of immigration flows in increased or restricted volume, no matter though laws restricting immigration be passed, the duty of the Government to safeguard American institutions, so far as beginning to educate the immigrant at the threshold of our country, is apparent.

REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DIVISION.

A representative of the division should be selected from the staff of officials at each immigration station to take charge of the literature of the division, and impress upon each admitted immigrant the necessity and the duty of studying carefully the publications given to him.

The uncertainty prevailing in the United States to-day regarding the thought and probable future action of the foreign-born residents of the United States is largely due to the fact that no effort was made in the past to begin their education in the fundamentals of American citizenship on the date of their admission to this country.

NUMBER ADMITTED IN 1919.

In the official year which ended June 30, 1919, there were 141,132 alien immigrants, and 95,889 nonimmigrant aliens admitted to the United States, a total of 237,021 persons to whom information concerning the principles of American citizenship could have been given. As compared with former years the number admitted last year may appear insignificant, but when consideration is given to the fact that 141,132 persons could have taken the first step toward -American citizenship under proper influences and direction, it is to be regretted that a fund sufficient to carry out a program such as indicated had not been appropriated. It is suggested that the bureau include in its estimates a request for an appropriation to cover the expense incident to the prosecution of so important an undertaking.

RULE 17 A.

The number ordered released under this rule by the department

was 154.

Those who secured employment on being released under this rule was 83. The savings of the 83 so released amounted, on the average, to about $150 each.

The operation of the rule with full explanation is elaborated on in the report of the Commissioner General and as a consequence extended reference to it is not necessary.

CONCLUSION.

On receipt of the data from the various States on which to base the publications provided for in the law creating the division, the work of distribution will be undertaken at each of the immigration stations.

A detailed report of the routine work of the division is not deemed necessary; such information as may be required can be given as called for.

While the Division of Information makes no recommendations, it strongly urges that steps be taken to secure the passage, by the Congress, of an appropriation sufficient to print and distribute the publications specifically indicated in the statute under which the division operates.

T. V. POWDERLY, Chief of Division of Information.

HON. A. CAMINETTI,
Commissioner General.

APPENDIX III

REPORT ON SEAMEN'S WORK

265

APPENDIX III.

REPORT ON SEAMEN'S WORK.

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION,
Washington, June 30, 1919.

SIR: The following report of the work of the special representative of the Bureau of Immigration on seamen's work for the fiscal year 1919 is submitted herewith.

The past year has furnished ample confirmation of the views so often expressed by the bureau that the provisions of the immigration law and regulations affecting seamen could be reasonably enforced at the ports of the United States in such a manner as not to interfere with the operation of the seamen's act or foreign commerce and at the same time cure an evil practice extensively followed, under which aliens who are diseased, criminals, or otherwise inadmissible would be taken aboard vessels at foreign ports ostensibly as seamen and on arriving in United States ports would desert and remain in the country.

After a year's experience with the enforcement of the provisions of original rule 10 of the immigration regulations, the bureau recognized the necessity of making changes in the regulations, to meet the unforeseen conditions arising from the United States becoming a party to the World War and to conform with the United States Supreme Court's decision in the case of Scharrenberg v. Dollar Steamship Co.

It was no ordinary undertaking to frame a rule that, while sustaining the requirements of the immigration act, would at the same time recognize the demands of the seamen's act, the espionage act, and the various other war measures involving activities on the part of the Treasury Department, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the military intelligence branch of the War Department, and the naval intelligence branch of the Navy Department. After the new draft of rule 10 had been approved by the Secretary and copies mailed to commissioners and inspectors in charge at the various seaports throughout the country with instructions to have the same become effective May 10, 1918, the special representative was detailed by the bureau to supervise the work of unifying and improving the enforcement of the amended rule. All the seaports on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and the Gulf and Great Lakes ports were visited and conferences held with commissioners, assistant commissioners, inspectors in charge and their subordinates, and medical officers in charge and their assistants relative to handling of the seamen under the provisions of rule 10 as amended. The special representative was very much impressed with the interest manifested by all those officials who participated in the conferences. It was particularly gratifying to hear the favorable comments passed upon the new rule and the spirit of cooperation evinced by all concerned.