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An epidemic of stowaways lasting for some 2 or 3 weeks occurred at this port, when one or more were delivered at this station each day. They were all persons likely to become public charges, in addition to arriving as stowaways, and most of them were excluded as such.

No Chinese or Japanese arrived at this port as stowaways during the year.

ESCAPES OF ALIENS FROM VESSELS AND STATIONS-EXCLUSIVE OF SEAMEN.

There were no escapes from the detention quarters during the year. Two aliens escaped from vessels. One was held on primary examination and written notice was served on the master to deliver him at the station for examination before the board of special inquiry. The alien escaped before delivery could be made, and has not been apprehended. Notice has been served under rule 28-a, which has not been acknowledged by the company involved to date.

One Chinese stowaway excluded by the board of special inquiry at Tampa Fla., subsequently arrived on board the vessel at this port and escaped. He was later apprehended at a fishing camp near Grand Isle, La., and finally deported under departmental warrant.

No Japanese escaped at this port during the year.

Ships officers, guards, and watchmen have performed their duties well at this port during the year, as evidenced by the few escapes registered under this heading.

FINANCIAL AFFAIRS.

Head tax amounting to $19, 856 was collected. The total of fines assessed during the year was $3,930 in addition to which, cases involving $3,430 in fines are now pending. The allotment for the year was $13,000; disbursements were $15,051.44.

CHINESE CASES BEFORE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS AND COURTS.

There has been, so far as this office can determine, little change in the personnel of the Chinese residents of New Orleans and other cities and towns within this district during the past fiscal year, and smuggling operations during the war were reduced to a minimum.

Only two cases were developed within this district during the year in which it was found necessary to file complaints before United Stated commissioners. In one instance the commissioner ordered the defendant deported; an appeal was taken to the district court, and the case is still pending. In the other case a hearing before the commissioner has not been held, the defendant now being at liberty under bond in the sum of $1,000.

WRITS OF HABEAS CORPUS.

Seven writs of habeas corpus were sustained and 2 dismissed. Only 1 of the 9 cases arose in the past year. The two cases dismissed were those Flavia Chiacchio and Dolores Eufemia Castranova, who were held under departmental warrant in connection with the case of Giuseppe Rossi. Flavia Chiacchio was deported and Dolores Eufemia Castranova married an American citizen. Six others cases involved Chinese who were discharged by the district court, in which cases the Attorney General directed that no appeal be taken.

The remaining case was that of Laura Jobin, an alien who had been denied admission. The court sustained the writ in her case, on the ground that she was not apprised of her right to be represented by counsel before the board. While the bureau was averse to the case going to the court of appeals, the Attorney General directed that an appeal be taken, with the outcome that the circuit court sustained the decision of the lower court.

WHITE SLAVE MATTERS.

No systematic investigation or check of resident immoral alien women and girls has been made during the past year. Limited force and more pressing matters have made it impossible to conduct investigations under this heading, which it must be admitted should have been made throughout the district, in cooperation with the general vice crusade conducted by other departments of the Government and State and municipal officials and private organizations. Great good has undoubtedly been accomplished by the combined efforts throughout the country, but so far as this district is concerned, immoral alien women and girls who may be unlawfully resident within the country were not singled out for the institution of proceedings looking to their deportation.

As soon as conditions are favorable a general investigation will be made.

CONTRACT LABOR.

There has been no section-24 man assigned to duty in this district since the declaration of war.

Other officers of the service have made investigations, and in several instances aliens have been granted hearing wherein they were shown to have entered the country in violation of section 5 of the act and their deportation was ordered by the department. In a few instances, aliens applying for admission were excluded as contract laborers. These cases have not been numerous, notwithstanding the vigilance of primary inspection officers.

The most interesting case under this heading arose in connection with 26 seamen who were employed on the dredge Captain Houston, at Habana, Cuba, for service on the dredge at New Orleans in cutting the Industrial Canal. All the aliens involved in this case either reshipped foreign or were returned to Cuba at the expense of the dredging company.

MEDICAL WORK.

For the first time in the history of the station, it is thought, two Public Health surgeons were assigned to this port during the greater portion of the year. Arrangements having been perfected and medical examinations for the Immigration Service being made by surgeons at the quarantine station so reduced the work at New Orleans proper that the Surgeon General considered it no longer necessary to assign two surgeons at this port, and Surg. Muller was duly relieved of duty in April, 1919.

On October 7, 1918, the first case of Spanish influenza appeared in the detention quarters. From that date until December 13, when the epidemic was stamped out, Surg. Scott treated 30 cases, four of which developed pneumonia. Some of the patients proved very difficult, while others yielded readily to treatment. That the 30 cases were treated without the loss of a patient is a splendid achievement, when it is recalled that the death rate throughout the country during the epidemic was very high.

Under the new arrangement most of the aliens arriving at this port are medically examined for this service by surgeons located at the quarantine station. Those passed at quarantine without medical examination are examined on arrival here. The vigilance of the surgeons is commendable. Their examinations are so thorough that it is next to impossible for a diseased alien to escape detection. As an evidence of the thoroughness with which their work is done, it may be stated that 522 alien seamen arrived during the year in respect of whom medical certificates were issued. Of the seamen certified, 458 were ordered to the marine hospital for treatment, and 64 were ordered to this station. Subsequently 120 were transferred from the hospital to this station for completion of cure.

The rigid examination conducted by medical officers under rule 10 has proved of great advantage so far as the port of New Orleans is concerned, in that a material decrease in venereal disease aboard ships is perceptible. Masters of vessels seem to realize the advantage gained by the operation of the terms of the rule and are very much pleased by the results accomplished.

Another encouraging fact in connection with the operation or enforcement of rule 10 is noted in the attitude of the seamen involved. Having come to realize that the terms of the rule are such that its operation works altogether to their advantage and protection; they are no longer antagonistic and are anxious to avail themselves of the benefits to be gained by the full enforcement of the rule.

It is a pleasure to record the work of Surg. Scott and others assisting him from time to time. The medical work at this port has greatly increased, and the efficiency of the medical officers is evidenced by the results shown. The importance of the work can not be overestimated, and it is very gratifying to be able to refer with pride to the results accomplished.

SMUGGLING.

Within recent months it was discovered that aliens were being secretly landed at this port from vessels arriving from Cuba. Several cases were uncovered wherein aliens admitted that they had succeeded in landing without being discovered, by the aid of members of the crew. In no instance could the identity of the crewmen involved be determined, the aliens apprehended claiming to be unable to describe them or to furnish their names. The matter was brought to the attention of agents of the vessels and an investigation developed that officers of the ships involved had no knowledge of the smuggling being done by the crewmen. Agents of the vessels have now arranged to prevent the further use of their ships unlawfully by employing guards while the ships are docked in Habana. The prompt discovery of the unlawful landing of aliens as

above pointed out has seemingly had a good effect and it is believed that all ships' masters are now more careful and cause their vessels to be searched before sailing for this port.

It is not believed that any attempt has been made to smuggle Chinese aliens through this port during the past year. Conditions have not been favorable for unlawful traffic of that character, but with the return of peace there are some indications that an attempt at reorganization of Chinese smuggling forces is about to be made by those heretofore identified with such operations from Mexico. There has been but little opportunity for contraband Chinese to enter this country from the Mexican Republic during the war, and it is thought that many who have been forced to remain in that country for the past four years will make an energetic attempt to reach the United States as soon as communicating lines and relay stations can be established. It is understood that a direct line from Hongkong to Mexico will bring thousands of coolies to the Mexican Republic, in addition to those who will enter through other countries in transit, and it is believed that normal conditions will bring a persistent flow of contraband Chinese through any and every possible outlet from Mexico.

It is well known that Cuba has received many Chinese during the past few years. Recently 10,000 additional Chinese have been contracted for, 250 of which number recently passed through the United States in transit to that island. Shipments will continue steadily upon the arrival of vessels from Hongkong at San Francisco until the entire number contracted for is delivered at Habana. It is understood that these coolies enter Cuba upon presentation of merchant or student certificates as a means of getting around the Cuban exclusion law. There is every reason to believe that thousands of those entering Cuba would prefer to stop in this country and that many of them stand ready to embrace any opportunity that may offer them a chance to smuggle into the United States. Officers in this district have been directed to be ever on the alert and promptly report any information they may obtain indicating that any attempt has been or will be made to use this port or any point on the coast within this district through which to introduce Chinese into the country unlawfully.

INVESTIGATIONS.

Investigations were conducted in 50 warrant cases, in 37 naturalization cases, and in 6 other matters. Under the head of Chinese investigations, were handled the cases of 3 applicants for admission, and 28 for preinvestigation of status. In the latter, favorable recommendations were made in the cases of 15 merchants and 8 natives, and adverse recommendations as to 2 of the former class and 3 of the latter. Two investigations were made in connection with applications for duplicate certificates of identity, and 2 to determine lawful residence in the United States of Chinese persons. Five investigations were conducted in Chinese warrant cases, 2 of which were in connection with cases arising in other districts.

STATION AND EQUIPMENT.

The condition of the station and equipment is satisfactory, after making due allowance for normal deterioration due to time and constant use.

No improvements are being made at present other than ordinary emergency repairs made by the general mechanics from day to day, to which is due the present satisfactory condition of the reservation.

All buildings, the runway to dock, and the iron fence inclosing the reservation should be painted as soon as possible. All buildings, including runway, are in need of general repairs, and should be placed in first class condition before the coming winter. The workshop is badly in need of a new roof, and the dock, which was destroyed by fire in 1917, should be rebuilt in part. In order to go through the coming winter, certain changes must be made in the boiler room. On account of the difficulty heretofore experienced in obtaining coal for the station, and for reasons of economy, it is desired to change from coal to oil for heating the buildings. All matters referred to under this heading were presented for the Bureau's consideration some time ago, with the result that Civil Engineer Howell, of the Ellis Island Office, was detailed and came here for a general inspection, report and recommendation covering the needs of the station, and it is hoped that his work may be followed by some definite move to make the repairs needed.

On August 6, September 9 and 28, 1918, a total of 31 alien enemies were delivered here from the Canal Zone and were held in the detention quarters at the expense of the Department of Justice until December 26, 1918, and thereafter at the expense of the War Department until January 28, 1919, on which date they were returned to Panama on the transport Kilpatrick.

During the year 72 aliens were delivered here from other districts for detention, pending arrangements for their deportation. Of the number delivered, 64 have been deported, and there are still in the detention quarters 8 awaiting deportation.

During the year a total of 726 aliens were held in the detention quarters for greater or lesser periods of time, as the circumstances in each case might require for various

causes.

PERSONNEL.

At present there are 32 officers and employees connected with the service in this district. Of the 14 officers, one stationed at Baton Rouge, La., is of the excepted class. Of the 18 employees, one is of the excepted class.

Since the reorganization made in the force in this district, July 6, 1918, commendable harmony and cooperation have existed throughout the personnel at all times. Arduous duties have been performed by all without complaint, and the service as a result has become popular with all Government officials of other departments, with whom it has cooperated at all times, and also with the shipping interests of the port, and the public generally.

This report would be incomplete under this heading without referring to the dissatisfaction of practically all officers and employees within this district as a result of inadequate salaries paid by the bureau. The ever advancing cost of the necessities of life constitutes a steady drain upon the salaries of the employees, and they are finding it daily more difficult to meet the actual needs of their families and live within their means. If the bureau hopes to retain within the service or secure additional force qualified to produce the most satisfactory results in the enforcement of the immigration law, it is believed that the salary scale must be raised.

Under the present conditions it is highly probable that some of the most valuable officers and employees connected with the service in this district may resign to accept more profitable employment in other fields of endeavor, unless arrangements are made by this service to pay them approximately the salaries they will be able to obtain in private positions.

The work of the officers and employees during the past year has been of a high order of excellence, and only words of commendation can be employed in describing their efforts. The results accomplished have been achieved by them, and it is a pleasure to attest their industry and loyalty and to accord to them the credit that is their due.

Throughout the year this service has cooperated with officials of the Department of Justice and military and naval intelligence officers, with most satisfactory results to all interested.

ANARCHISTS.

The situation in this district with regard to anarchistic activities seems to be most favorable. No untoward acts have been committed, and it is not believed that many anarchists have located within the district. Anarchists are not prevalent in the Southern States, and their acts of violence appear to be confined to the more congested sections of the country.

SEAMEN-RULE 10.

Rule 10 has proved very satisfactory in its operation at this port.

Some complaint has been made by consular representatives and agents of steamship lines on account of the removal of diseased alien seamen who can not be cured in time to rejoin the ship prior to sailing. Some consular representatives are not authorized to incur expense on account of seamen, except under certain specified circumstances, and masters, contending that the seaman is able and willing to return to the ship and depart thereon, claim that it is unjust to restrain the alien at the expense of the vessel. Instances of this character do not occur with great frequency, but when such questions arise they are more or less annoying to all concerned. It is thought that if subdivision 5 of rule 10 could be amended so as to permit diseased alien seamen to depart on the vessel on which they arrived in all cases in which departure can be permitted without further endangering the health of the alien or unnecessarily subjecting others of the crew of the vessel to the danger of contracting disease, with the understanding that such seaman is not to be brought back to the United States in a diseased condition, the results contemplated by the act would be obtained and all cause for complaint on the part of masters, agents, and consular representatives would be removed.

A total of 63,959 seamen have been examined on board ships arriving from foreign ports within this district during the fiscal year just closed. Of that number, 607 were certified as being afflicted with loathsome, dangerous, or contagious diseases. At no time in the history of the service at this port has the work in connection with alien seamen proved quite so satisfactory. The results accomplished have been unusually

beneficial not only to the seamen involved but, it is thought, to the general public, and as pointed out in the comments heretofore made under the subhead "Work of medical officers," the beneficial results have become so apparent that masters of vessels, agents, and owners, and the seamen now look with favor upon the efforts being made by this service to improve health conditions on board ships.

PASSPORT-PERMIT WORK.

The following was accomplished in connection with the enforcement of the passport regulations of the State Department:

Applications of aliens to depart from the United States to the number of 1,452 were received, 1,413 were granted, 28 were refused, and 11 applications are now pending; 325 aliens in transit through the United States were examined and recorded; 192 citizens were given identity cards for travel to the insular possessions; 6 applications of alien enemies were transmitted to the State Department; and 451 passports presented by arriving citizens were taken up for cancellation.

INSPECTOR IN CHARGE, DISTRICT NO. 9, COMPRISING SO MUCH OF TEXAS AS IS CONTIGUOUS TO GALVESTON.

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APPLICATIONS.

The practical cessation of immigration due to war conditions, referred to in previous reports, has continued during the past fiscal year. Vessels entering ports in this district are engaged almost exclusively in carrying freight, and arrivals of alien passengers are infrequent. The total number of arrivals during the past year, including American citizens and nonstatistical aliens, was but 483. An effort was made during the year by the Ward Steamship Line to establish regular freight and passenger service between Texas City (across the bay from Galveston) and Habana, Vera Cruz, Tampico, and Progreso, but because of the scarcity of vessels and the greater demand for them elsewhere, passenger service was almost immediately discontinued. There is, however, an imperative need of passenger service between Galveston and Mexican ports, and it is believed that same will be permanently established in the near future. Incoming passengers continue to arrive singly or in very small parties on tramp steamers, private yachts, tugs, and even oil barges. These vessels are frequently destined to small out-of-the-way ports and arrive at unusual hours. While the work connected with the inspection of arriving immigrant aliens has been reduced to an absolute minimum in this district, carrying with it a corresponding reduction of the force of officers and employees, this is very largely counterbalanced by the increased work in the handling of seamen under the somewhat drastic act of February 5, 1917. In addition to this, there are still unusual complications in connection with deportation cases, caused, of course, by existing conditions; a very large amount of cooperative work with other branches of the Government service, made necessary by the war; and the additional burden of handling the matter of permits for aliens to depart from the United States. Thus it will be seen that instead of an actual reduction of work, which might have been expected in view of the very great reduction in immigration, there has in reality been an increase, both as regards the duties performed and the amount of work accomplished.

Ninety-one aliens were admitted and 10 debarred in the past year. were Japanese.

DEPORTATIONS (EXPULSIONS).

None of these

Three hundred and thirty-one new cases were considered, in 177 of which investigations were conducted; 60 warrants of arrest were applied for, and 36 warrants of deportation were executed. None of the aliens involved in warrant proceedings were Chinese, but 6 Japanese cases which remained over from last year were appropriately acted upon. This office holds warrants of deportation for 44 aliens who are serving penal sentences, and who will be deported upon their release.

SEAMEN.

During the year 1,456 American vessels from foreign ports and vessels of foreign registry arrived at ports in this district, an increase of 26.17 per cent over the previous year. In this connection it is interesting to note that American vessels form 64.83 per

139446°-19-22

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