Joint resolution No. 8, 1895.-Recognizing " in the constant influx of an ignorant and vicious class of immigrants a great and growing evil, highly injurious to American workingmen and dangerous to American institutions, the legislature recommends that Congress enact some law to correct the evil.

Joint resolution No. 44, 1897.-The unsatisfactory conditions existing among laboring men, resulting in low wages and lack of employment, are largely due to the continued tide of immigration bringing pauper labor of Europe into competition with intelligent and skilled labor of America; therefore, the legislature recommends the enactment of a law by Congress for the limitation of immigration.

IMMIGRATION AND ALIEN LAWS.

ACT OF 1778.

[Pennsylvania State Laws, 1778, ch. 792, p. 461.]

AN ACT For making valid the title of lands held under persons born out of the allegiance of the Crown of Great Britain, and who have died, not having been naturalized.

Whereas the many advantages to be derived from the settling of a new and fertile country, under a Government more free than some of those of the European States, induced many persons, not born in allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain, to settle in Pennsylvania while it remained subject to that Crown, and confiding in the justice and equity of the then Government, and assurances given by the late William Penn, esquire, laid out their money in lands and improved the same with great industry, and have thereby acquired a just and equitable title thereto, and many of them died not having been naturalized, whereby their titles in the law were defective and the attempt of the legislature under the said Government to remedy the inconveniences and hardships arising thereby to the heirs, devisees, and assigns of such persons have, through the rigid policy of Great Britain, been rendered ineffectual and abortive: For remedy whereof, Be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted, That the heirs, devisees, and assigns of persons born out of allegiance of the Crown of Great Britain, and who have removed to this or any of the adjoining States for the purpose of settling, and who have died not having been naturalized, shall hold their estates, respectively, as if such persons, so having died, and not having been naturalized, had been born in allegiance to the said Crown of Great Britain, or had been naturalized by law in due form made and enacted for that purpose, any law, usage, or custom to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. Passed August 31, 1778.

ACT OF 1807.

[Pennsylvania State Laws, 1807, ch. 2737, p. 362.]

AN ACT To enable aliens in certain cases to purchase and hold real estate within this Commonwealth.

Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in general assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same:

SECTION 1. That from and after the passing of this act, it shall and may be lawful for any alien or aliens, actually resident within this Commonwealth, and not being the subject or subjects of some sovereign state or power, which is or shall be at the time or times of such purchase or purchases at war with the United States of America to purchase lands, tenements, and heriditaments within this Commonwealth, and to have and to hold the same in fee simple, or for any lesser estate as fully to all intents and purposes as any natural-born citizen or citizens may or can do: Provided always, That such alien or aliens shall previously to such purchase or purchases declare his or their intention to become a citizen or citizens of the United States, agreeably to any law of the United States at the time in force upon that subject: And provided also, That no such alien or aliens shall be competent to purchase and hold more than five hundred acres until he or they shall actually become a citizen or citizens of the United States.

ACT OF 1811.

[Pennsylvania State Laws, 1811, ch. 3324, p. 211.]

AN ACT To remedy defects in the titles to real estate purchased by certain emigrants within this Commonwealth during the time they were aliens.

Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in general assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same:

SECTION 1. That all purchases of real estate made by emigrants resident within this Commonwealth previous to declaring their intentions to become citizens of the United States, and who since purchasing the same have been naturalized, in conformity with the laws of the United States on that subject, shall be as valid to all intents and purposes, and shall be construed to vest the title to the said real estate in the purchasers as fully and absolutely as if they had been citizens at the time they purchased the same.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That in all cases where aliens have purchased real estate within this Commonwealth and have sold the same to citizens of the United States, the said sales shall be valid to all intents and purposes, and shall be construed to vest the title to the said real estate in the citizens aforesaid, as fully and effectually as if the said aliens had been citizens at the time of purchasing the same.

Passed March 29, 1811.

ACT OF 1814.

[Pennsylvania State Laws, 1814, ch. 3907, p. 178.]

A SUPPLEMENT To an act entitled "An act to remedy defects in the titles of real estate purchased by certain emigrants within this Commonwealth during the time they were aliens."

Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in general assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same:

SECTION 1. That all the provisions of the act entitled "An act to remedy defects in the titles of real estate purchased by certain emigrants within this Commonwealth during the time they were aliens," passed the 20th day of March, 1811, be, and the same are hereby, extended to all purchases, contracts, and sales made since the passing of said act.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That it shall be lawful for any alien who, on the 18th day of June, 1812, resided, and has since continued to reside, in this State, and who is a subject of any sovereign, state, or nation at war with the United States, after having filed, according to law, a declaration of his intention to become a citizen of the United States, to receive, hold, and convey any lands and tenements within this Commonwealth not exceeding in quantity two hundred acres, nor in value twenty thousand dollars, as fully, to all intents and purposes, as a citizen of the United States can do.

Passed March 22, 1814.

ACT OF 1844.

[Pennsylvania State Laws, 1844, No. 192, p. 274.]

A FURTHER SUPPLEMENT To an act entitled "An act to enable aliens to purchase and hold real estate in this Commonwealth."

Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in general assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same:

SECTION 1. That all purchases of lands, tenements, and hereditaments within this Commonwealth, not exceeding two thousand acres. heretofore made by any alien or aliens, and in all cases where such alien or aliens shall have inherited the same by descent or otherwise, the title of such alien or aliens is hereby confirmed; and it shall be lawful for such alien or aliens to hold the same as fully and to all intents and purposes as any citizen of the United States could or might do: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall in anywise affect or impair the vested rights of any individual or individuals.

SEC. 2. In all cases where aliens have purchased real estate within this Commonwealth, and have sold the same to citizens of the United States, the said sales shall be valid to all intents and purposes and shall be construed to vest the title to the said real estate in the citizens aforesaid as fully and effectually as if the said aliens had been citizens at the time of purchasing the same.

Approved, April 16, 1844.

ACT OF 1874.

[Pennsylvania Laws, 1874, Appendix, 1872, No. 217, p. 328.]

AN ACT To incorporate the American Immigration and Land Company. Be it enacted, &c., That Richard Church, Edward M. Clymer, Amos N. Meylert, Max Goepp, and G. H. Goundie, and their associates and successors, are hereby created a body politic and corporate, by the name, style, and title of the American Immigration and Land Company, and by that name shall have succession and may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, defend and be defended in all courts of law and equity, and may make and use a common seal. SEC. 2. That the objects, purposes, and powers of this corporation are hereby declared to be as follows, namely: To stimulate, promote, and encourage immigration to the United States by a systematic diffusion throughout Europe of reliable information relating to the various sections of the United States, the various interests and industries thereof, the character, capabilities, resources, attractions, and advantages of all unsettled or unoccupied lands of the several States and Terrorities, and of each separate State and locality; to aid and assist immigrants in the selection of and settlement upon such lands as they may desire, and to guarantee the titles of said lands; to aid individual immigrants and colonies, in every proper and effective manner, in providing the necessary means for transporting them, their baggage, chattels, and effects cheaply and speedily from Europe to the place of their final destination, caring for them and protecting them and their effects while en route against imposition and fraud, and securing to them all their legal rights and privileges; to assist them to establish themselves in the various branches of industry and to act as their general and financial agents, and said corporation may act as the agent of any corporation or company or of any person or persons for the lease, sale, or settlement of lands, the transportation of passengers, baggage, chattels, and effects, or for such other service as may be beneficial to immigrants or immigration.

SEC. 3. That the capital stock of said corporation shall be two hundred thousand dollars, divided into two thousand shares of one hundred dollars each, which shall be called in and paid in such payments or instalments as the board of directors of said company may require and under such regulations as the company may adopt, and the said capital stock may be increased, from time to time, if deemed necessary by the stockholders to carry out the objects and purposes of the corporation: Provided, Said increase of stock shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars.

SEC. 4. The corporators named in this act shall meet at such time and place as a majority of them shall agree upon, and shall open books for subscription to the capital stock of the company; and when the capital stock is fully subscribed the stockholders shall meet and organize the company by an election of the board of directors from among the stockhloders to consist of not less than seven nor more than thirteen, to serve until others are elected or chosen under the provisions of the by-laws of the company; the board of directors shall be elected annually, from among the stockholders, and shall

have the general charge of the management of the business and affairs of the company; they shall elect a president from among their number, and shall elect or appoint a treasurer, secretary, and all other officers and agents of the company; they shall make by-laws. not inconsistent with the laws of this State, for the regulation of the affairs of the company and for the issue and transfer of the stock, which by-laws shall be subject to the approval of the stockholders.

SEC. 5. That said company may establish offices and agencies for the transaction of their business in such States and Territories and at such cities and towns as they may deem necessary.

Approved, April 4, A. D. 1872.

RESOLUTION OF 1878.

[Pennsylvania Laws, 1878, No. 14, p. 223.-Extract from the journal.]

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

May 2, 1878. Whereas numerous petitions have been presented by citizens of this Commonwealth, and especially from the mining and manufacturing districts thereof, urging such action by the legislature as will tend to relieve the great distress prevailing therein; and it being of vital importance that labor should be provided for those who are willing to work; and

Whereas the increase of laborers during the rebellion and since, the overproduction of our manufactured materials and mining resources, and subsequent financial stringency over which the State of Pennsylvania has no control, and for the evils resulting from the same she is unable to furnish the much-needed relief in her legislative, judicial, or executive capacity; and

Whereas to this end legitimate enterprises, which create a demand for the products of our mills, mines, and factories, should be encouraged, especially where they are national in their character, and while aiding the people will develop new wealth and increase the revenues of the country: Therefore, be it

Resolved, That the house of representatives (the senate concurring) would most earnestly and respectfully recommend that our Senators and Representatives in Congress devise a means of aiding and encouraging the immediate building of the Texas Pacific Railroad and any other needed national improvement, consistent with prudent economy and protection to our national interest.

Resolved further, That we recommend that they adopt some practical plan and furnish the necessary means by which a portion of the surplus labor of the country may be settled on the public domains and assisted until such times as they can be self-sustaining, and that we earnestly protest against any change at the present time of the tariff laws of the nation.