2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916

A1

Ellis Island Interpreter

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 country
Every 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

Tenements
Tenements 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.

2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916

Tenements are small, lowseven stories high. Each floor
community bathroom and
stairwell. Each unit has a
bedroom, living room, and
parlor, and each room has a
bedroom, Cont. on Pg. A4

Struggles of
a Russian
Jew

A1
rise structures that are five to
has four units, with a

European News

Typical Jewish Russian family arriving through Ellis

Island.

From 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

In 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

2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916

A2

Nativists Claim Prohibition Needed to Curb

Drunken Immigrants
Reform 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 Gilligan

2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916

Political Machines Report

For 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

2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916

Life of a Russian Jew

factories. Chicago is also home to the countrys largest

population of Polish immigrants.

(Cont. from A1) oppression they lived under in Russia, the

Southern Europeans
risks they took to come to the United States, and the family they
Pittsburgh: The city is home to the largest number of steel mills
left behind.
in the country, good for any immigrant who wants to work in
the steel industry.
Life got progressively worse, starting with the passing of the
Charleston, West Virginia: A smaller city near many coal mines,
Statute Concerning the Organization of the Jews in 1804 by
Charleston is exemplary for those used to the mining life back
Alexander II, forcing the Russian Jews out of their homes and home.
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.
Northern Europeans
They are forced away from the capital, and are put in separate
Duluth, Minnesota: Duluth is an admirable location for
schools to teach them Christian ideals. Naturally, after this,
Scandinavians because of a similar climate to Scandinavian
Jews in Russia are angry at Alexander II, but that anger turns to
countries.
fear when he is murdered, and the Jews are blamed for his
Milwaukee: Milwaukee has the largest beer industry in the
death.
United States, and is a perfect place for Germans
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.

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

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 FoleyKeene

Friendliest Immigrant Cities

So, 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 Europeans
New 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

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

2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916

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, 1916

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 America
Andrew 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 Groberg

Tenement 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,

2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916

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

2 Ellis Island, New York City, NY Sunday, September 3, 1916

Dear Uncle Sam

Dear Uncle Sam,

Why You Need a Settlement

House

Settlement 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
Dear LIL,
U.S.
Examples of the different resources an immigrant can get are:
You live in America now. Religion is still an important part of

English lessons
life, but your life should come first. If you truly love her, and if,

A day nursery
and only if, she feels the same way, you should get married.

Gymnasium
This is an important life decision, and you need to choose your

Meeting and recreation rooms

American life over the beliefs of the church.

Music school
From,

Theater

Social service center

Uncle Sam

Medical and social

And much more!

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

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 Muoz

Welcome to America

Labor Union Life

One 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