JOHN DAVIS, Acting Secretary to Sidney Everett, August 18, 1884

No. 130. Mr. Davis to Mr. Everett.

Sir: With reference to your dispatch No 313, of the 28th ultimo, requesting information as to the regulations concerning pauper emigrants landing in this country, I have to inclose herewith a copy of a communication which I have received from the secretary of the board of commissioners of emigration at New York, in response to my inquiries on behalf of your legation. It is thought that the letter in question will furnish you with all the information you desire.

I am, &c.,

That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby charged with the duty of executing the provisions of this act, and with supervision over the business of immigration to the United States, and for that purpose he shall have power to enter into contracts with such State commission, board, or officers as may be designated for that purpose by the governor of any State to take charge of the local affairs of immigration in the ports within said State, and to provide for the support and relief of such immigrants therein landing as may fall into distress or need public aid, under the rules and regulations to be prescribed by said secretary; and it shall be the duty of such State commission, board, or officers so designated to examine into the condition of passengers arriving at the ports within such State in any ship or vessel, and for that purpose all or any of such commissioners or officers, or such person or persons as they shall appoint, shall be authorized to go on board of and through any such ship or vessel; and if on such examination there shall be found among such passengers any convict, lunatic, idiot, or any person unable to take care of himself or herself without becoming a public charge, they shall report the same in writing to the collector of such port, and such persons shall not be permitted to land.