Ellis Island Interpreter2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY
Sunday, September 3, 1916A1
Inside Ellis Island: Who Makes the Cut?With Ellis Island
rejection rates at a record high, find out why so many immigrants
are being denied the right to live in our countryEvery day, between
5,000 and 10,000 people on average pass through the immigration
station on Ellis Island. Some of them leave the island after mere
days, on to their new lives. But some stay behind for weeks on end.
Who are these people? Why are they still there? The answers to
these questions reflect an unexpected variable in the system, a
variable that determines the immigrations status of hundreds of
people.Immigrants arriving at the island are tagged with
information from their ships registry. They then join lines leading
into legal and medical inspections. They can be sent to any of the
hospitals and buildings on the island, from the Main Hospital to
the Psychopathic Ward to the Contagious Disease Hospital and
Isolation Wards. The doctors there are on the watch for diseases
such as trachoma, tuberculosis, or diphtheria. Anyone found to have
one of these can be detained for weeks.Anyone else is sent to the
inspectors, who have the power to send home those prohibited by law
from entering, such as criminals, paupers, and the insane. They
also have the power to detain anyone whom they determine is likely
to become a public charge, the definition of which is left to the
official. The island officials also reported in 1892 that any woman
traveling alone who was not immediately met by a man could be
deported. This is not a law, and yet it can still result in the
deportation of innocents. The fates of thousands of people per day
rest in the hands of the individual opinions and prejudices of
these workers. Or of others.According to an article written by the
New York Times in 1911, two women were detained at the Cont. on Pg.
A4
Life Where You Live: A Journey Into New Yorks TenementsTenements
are one of the only affordable living establishments for immigrants
in the large cities in the United States, primarily New York,
Boston, and Chicago. In fact, the Lower East Side of Manhattan in
New York has the largest immigrant population of anywhere in the
world, and is also one of the most densely populated places in the
world (1,300,257 people per square mile). Eastern European Jews are
commonly found in these structures. It has been discovered that
tenements are dangerous places for people to live. They are small,
cramped apartments with no discernable safety features. Why do
people still live in these apartments? We recently had the
opportunity to go speak with tenement residents and to investigate
a tenement.Tenements are small, low-rise structures that are five
to seven stories high. Each floor has four units, with a community
bathroom and stairwell. Each unit has a bedroom, living room, and
parlor, and each room has a bedroom, Cont. on Pg. A4Typical Jewish
Russian family arriving through Ellis Island.European NewsIn the
beginning of August of 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on
Serbia, following with Germany and Russia declaring war on each
other as well. Then, a few days later, on August 4th, President
Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the neutrality of the United States,
meaning that the U.S. would play no role in the war and have no
affiliation with any side. Now, almost a year later, on August 27,
1916, Romania has entered this Great War by declaring war on
Austria-Hungary. Romanian troops Cont. on Pg. A5
Struggles of a Russian JewFrom 1881 to 1914, approximately
1,749,000 Jews migrated from Russia to the United States. Among the
Chinese, Italian, Mexican, and Scandinavian immigrants, they are
treated as one, having their pasts forgotten, leaving their cramped
tenement homes and low paying jobs as their identity. The New York
Times said in 1901, Taking the Jewish [population] of those in
Russia or of Russian parentage [in New York] and would give 396,605
[people]... However, to them, they always will remember the
discrimination and Cont. on Pg. A3
Nativists Claim Prohibition Needed to Curb Drunken
ImmigrantsReform movements are currently gaining popularity in our
nation, but one that rises to the forefront is the temperance
movement. The temperance movement is attempting to reduce national
consumption of alcohol in an effort to save the nation from alcohol
related problems. However, this movement has an unforeseen
prejudice against immigrants. As immigration has increased.
Nativism has become as popular as reform. It manifests itself here
in a seemingly beneficial movement. Leaders of temperance groups
such as The Anti-Saloon League say that they wish to create a safer
nation for all. In reality, what they want is a safer nation for
themselves. Immigrants are seen mainly as supporters of alcohol. A
New York Times article from 1886 entitled Pitfalls for Immigrants,
states that most of the saloons in the city are established
especially for immigrants. The leaders of the temperance movement
fear that a culture that supports drinking, which some immigrants
possess, will poison the country. These leaders see businesses that
sell alcohol as promoters of vice, and immigrants as their patrons.
As the number of saloons in this country has increased, many have
indeed resorted to introducing gambling and prostitution in order
to turn a profit.According to the New York Times, many in France
feel that their alcohol consumption is sapping the strength of the
country. France is currently estimated to drink 129,000,000 liters
of alcohol per year total. Supporters of American temperance
believe that if businesses selling alcohol are eliminated, as well
as their immigrant customers, they can make the nation sober
without encountering this issue.Nativism invades many aspects of
American life. But to have it invade a well-meaning philosophy with
the intention for improving life shows the depth to which
immigrants are still not considered. By Mae Gilligan2 Ellis Island,
New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916A2
Political Machines ReportFor immigrants that have just come to
America, political machines are often the answer to their problems.
What are these so-called political machines and what do they do for
immigrants? Political machines were created when their leaders
noticed that the government does too little for its people. Due to
the fact that the government wasnt providing the resources
necessary for its citizens, especially to immigrants and the rest
of the lower class, associations were created so that people that
needed help were given what they needed. People that sought help
from these organizations were given what they wanted, and were only
asked for one thing in return: a favor. This system is incredibly
successful because while people keep on being cared for, the things
they are asked for in return are favors such as voting for the
leaders in elections, so that they can rise to power and help more
people. Tammany Hall is an example of a very successful political
machine in New York city, headed by William Tweed, otherwise known
as Boss Tweed. The money that Tammany Hall received was put into
the creation of public jobs, which as a result helped the local
economy. Now, why should you become involved with these political
machines? Political machines are a very big help to immigrants that
have just arrived in America, giving jobs for those who cannot find
any, providing resource necessities for people that are in shortage
of them, supporting small businesses, and providing legal
assistance. Political machines can make newly arrived immigrants
adjust to their new life in America and settle in comfortably. By
Sofia Muoz
Letters to the Editor:Uncle Sam, What Are You Saying?Dear
Editor,Last Sunday, I was attacked. Attacked by the slander and
lies that you published in your Dear Uncle Sam section. That piece
is supposed to give advice to struggling readers on how be more
American. All I see is a load of horse dung!When you told Timid
Teddy to not question the authority of your bosses. You said they
know what is best for you and the company, and even if things seem
unfair, remember that they have your best interests in mind. What?
I came to America for the promise of success, money, and a better
life for my kids, not to keep my mouth shut and my head down while
some fat corporate slob makes millions off the back-breaking labor
I do for just $3 a week.Obviously, the real Uncle Sam isnt replying
to these letters, because the Uncle Sam I know wouldnt take that.
He would say to stand up and fight for your rights as a laborer.
Join a union. Go on strike. Make sure you get the payment you
deserve. But dont lie down and let your boss treat you so harshly.
I demand that you stop writing such terrible advice in your column,
for the good of your readers that use that to
succeed.Sincerely,Peeved Patterson
Life of a Russian Jew
(Cont. from A1) oppression they lived under in Russia, the risks
they took to come to the United States, and the family they left
behind.
Life got progressively worse, starting with the passing of the
Statute Concerning the Organization of the Jews in 1804 by
Alexander II, forcing the Russian Jews out of their homes and
forcing them to take certain jobs. Then, young Russian Jews are
forced to join the military at a young age for at least 25 years.
They are forced away from the capital, and are put in separate
schools to teach them Christian ideals. Naturally, after this, Jews
in Russia are angry at Alexander II, but that anger turns to fear
when he is murdered, and the Jews are blamed for his death.
This caused the era of pogroms, a Russian word meaning to wreak
havoc, to demolish violently. New laws were passed, restricting
them from owning property, getting civil service jobs, and forcing
them to follow the Christian religion. The pogroms then get worse,
killing over 1,000 people and injuring several thousand. Thousands
are displaced from their cities, and they are restricted from
leaving Russia for other countries. This causes risky, illegal
border-crossing, with the majority of the migrants heading to the
United States.
One of these cases is Boris Gorb, a 17 year-old Jewish boy who
migrated from Russia to the United States in 1905, who learned upon
arriving in the U.S. that his father had been shot protecting his
15 year old sister, Dora. About the pogroms in Russia, Gorb told
the New York Times, Thousands of Jews had been killed in
Ekaterinoslav since these massacres commenced October 31. During
the first few days our family escaped. On the night of October 23 a
mob of 500 men surrounded our house and broke open the doors. They
ransacked the house from top to bottom and destroyed everything
they could not carry away When I was finally taken out of prison to
go to court and receive my sentence, I managed to escape to come to
the country.
This is just one of the many incredible stories that follow
immigrants into their new, American lives. By Jake
Foley-KeeneFriendliest Immigrant CitiesSo, you have just immigrated
to the United States. You figure life would be much easier if you
knew where to settle. Heres where we help. The following are
recommended cities for immigrants to settle in:
Eastern EuropeansNew York: The city is best for those who want
to work in clothing factories. Many work or live with others who
speak the same language and have similar customs as others.Chicago:
An industrial Midwestern city, Chicago is a good choice if you want
to work in meat processing plants or textile factories. Chicago is
also home to the countrys largest population of Polish
immigrants.
Southern EuropeansPittsburgh: The city is home to the largest
number of steel mills in the country, good for any immigrant who
wants to work in the steel industry. Charleston, West Virginia: A
smaller city near many coal mines, Charleston is exemplary for
those used to the mining life back home.
Northern EuropeansDuluth, Minnesota: Duluth is an admirable
location for Scandinavians because of a similar climate to
Scandinavian countries.Milwaukee: Milwaukee has the largest beer
industry in the United States, and is a perfect place for
Germans
If you want to be a farmer...Wichita: The city is a good place
to settle because there is farmland all around it.Oklahoma City: To
the west of the city, there is nothing but open farmland to
claim.
Whether or not you settle in these cities or the countryside,
you are sure to find something to please you wherever you end up.
By Alexander Dacy
Milwaukee is home to the USs largest beer industry, as well as a
large German population.
European News(Cont. from A1) entered into the Austro-Hungarian
Empire through the province of Transylvania. Europe is in turmoil
due to the World War, but because the U.S. has chosen not to become
involved in the war, we are safe from the dangers it might cause.
More news regarding the war that has captivated the war will be
reported on this newspaper, as well as other news from your home
country. By Sofia Muoz
2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916A
Ellis Island Rejection(Cont. from A1) Island because someone on
their boat had sent a cablegram to the station complaining that one
of the women was a suspicious person. She was, in fact, an
American-born citizen, a respected social worker. The person who
sent the cablegram was never found, and yet the Island detained two
innocent people on their authority. According to Commissioner of
Immigration William Williams, he is in favor of good immigration as
strongly as [he] oppose[s] bad immigration. Then why, Commissioner,
are you letting the bad interfere with the good? Many laws
explicitly prohibit certain people from entering the country. In
1875, the United States forbade prostitutes and criminals from
entering the country. The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882.
In 1903 a federal law was passed excluding people with physical and
mental disabilities, or children arriving without adults. However,
the government must insure the no person who is not specifically
mentioned in these laws be denied entry. America is the New World.
Shouldn't it be open to everyone? By Mae Gilligan
How Andrew Carnegie Became the Richest Immigrant in
AmericaAndrew Carnegie is one of the richest men in the US. He is
also a first generation Scottish immigrant that came to America as
a poor young boy working for his family like so many people that
come through Ellis Island are today. How did he rise up from
nothing to become the industrial genius he is today? He remembered
his roots.When Carnegie first came to America, he moved to
Pennsylvania with his family and got a job working as a bobbin boy,
working 12 hours a day in a cotton mill. Every cent he earned went
to support his family. Sound familiar?Carnegies situation resembled
that of many our own readers, people who must work long hours for
low pay to make a living. People who are so poor that some nights
they must go to sleep hungry. Carnegie was just like many of us
were today, until he was given a chance.Carnegie's big break came
in the form of a few stocks as a reward for his hard work from his
new boss, at a telegraph company. Carnegie continued to play the
stock market and succeed, becoming the owner of several large
railroad and steel companies. However, he didnt get married until
after his mother died, insisting she was the only woman in his
life. He continued supporting her until she died, and even after he
named his daughter after her.Carnegie believed firmly in sharing
his wealth, and once said, The man who dies rich, dies disgraced.
He donated millions of dollars to schools and libraries around the
world, including funding the construction of a library in his
hometown, Dunfermline, Scotland. Throughout his life, Carnegie
looked after the people and places he cared for with a passion. He
always cared for the poor and underappreciated masses that he once
belonged to, and he never stood down when it can to defending the
things he loved. This philosophy served him well as he grew to be
the single most successful immigrant in American history. Carnegie
is a great man who taught us all that in order to rise from
nothing, you must remember where you started. By Hank
GrobergTenement Life(Cont. from A1) living room, and parlor, and
each room has outside windows due to the Tenement House Act of 1879
requiring them to do so. This popular style of tenement building is
called the dumbbell tenement, and is the shape of most New York
City tenements today.While initially thought to be effective, this
style of tenement has caused more harm than good. Fires are a
common hazard in tenements, and each tenement generally has to deal
with at least one tenement fire every so often. Due to the crowded
conditions, disease was also apparent. In 1849 alone, a cholera
epidemic killed around 5,000 people in the Lower East Side, largely
due to the crowding in the area. The poor children in these
tenements also asked for or stole money, joined gangs, or devoted
their lives to prostitution, as exemplified in Stephen Cranes 1893
short story Maggie: A Girl of the Streets.Many steps have recently
been taken to improve tenement conditions, such as the New York
State Tenement House Act, passed in 1901. Jacob Riis helped begin
this charge for reform in 1890 by writing his book How the Other
Half Lives to show the astonishing issues with tenements. Most of
the residents agreed that their life is better than it was back
home. However,more still needs to be done regarding tenement
quality. Our lives are much better here, but the tenements need to
be a better temporary staying place so we can have an even more
positive stay here in America. By Alexander Dacy
Dear Uncle SamDear Uncle Sam,
I am a Russian Jew living in the Lower East Side. I fell in love
with a girl who works at my shirtwaist factory and lives in a
tenement across the street. However, she is an Italian Roman
Catholic, and neither my friends nor my family approve of our
relationship. I want to ask her to marry me but I dont want to go
against the wishes of my companions. On the other side, I cant
picture my life without her. Please help me!Sincerely,Lost in
Love
Dear LIL,
You live in America now. Religion is still an important part of
life, but your life should come first. If you truly love her, and
if, and only if, she feels the same way, you should get married.
This is an important life decision, and you need to choose your
American life over the beliefs of the church.From,Uncle Sam
Why You Need a Settlement HouseSettlement houses were created in
impoverished neighborhoods to help aid the incoming immigrant
community in large cities, providing them with resources to help
them settle in. They were created as a welfare organization that
also helped combat juvenile delinquency by providing the youth
living in slums with different recreational activities and options.
The facilities also provided many recreational facilities for the
needy children of many immigrant families. Now, why should you go
to a settlement house? The abundance of products and services that
are offered at the settlement house can greatly help your
accommodation of the U.S. Examples of the different resources an
immigrant can get are: English lessons A day nursery Gymnasium
Meeting and recreation rooms Music school Theater Social service
center Medical and social And much more!Find your local settlement
house to take advantage of the abundance of resources and services
they can provide for you and your family, and make your new life in
the United States as successful as possible! By Sofia MuozWelcome
to America
Labor Union LifeOne of the largest, if not the largest, reform
movements currently is factory reform, the push for better hours,
pay, and better safety. This charge is led by labor unions, such as
the American Federation of Labor (AFL), who organize workers to
demand shorter work days, better pay, and safer and more ethical
conditions. Labor unions help organize strikes and meetings all
around the country. The Unions would seem like perfect, unstoppable
forces, helping laborers like the low-paid immigrants coming to the
U.S. However, this is not the case.Many believe unions to be
ineffective and unfair.N.F. Thompson said before the Industrial
Commission that unions are unfair and that they, "...inaugurate a
sympathy strike that will embrace all classes of labor, simply to
redress the grievances or right the wrongs of one class, however
remotely located or however unjust may be the demands of that
class."Others disagree saying that the employers are not able to
handle the desires of an entire group of people. Rev. Dr. Louis
Albert Banks said, "... the employer may be made up of ten or a
score or a hundred thousand men, scattered all over the country,
who never see the men at work in their factories, and are utterly
removed from all sympathizing and personal touch." Employers
heavily disapprove of the formation of unions. They try to stop
them by forbidding union meetings, firing Union Organizers, forcing
new employees to sign "yellow dog" contracts, in which workers
promised never to join a union or participate in a strike, refusing
to bargain collectively when strikes did occur, refusing to
recognize unions as their workers' legitimate representatives.
However, in recent times, labor unions like the AFL have found
success in their strikes, and employers have accepted more and more
unions, bringing many to the conclusion that unions will be
dominant in future times. By Jake Foley-Keene