XXIV
THE IMMIGRATION PROBLEM
of the special reports of its experts. The writers are
not advocates, but interpreters of facts. They are
not members of any league for the restriction of
immigrants or for the encouragement of a more lib
eral policy toward immigration. Until about the time
the investigation was completed, they had not formu
lated in their own minds any definite policy which
they believed the Government should follow. Such
opinions as they have exprest in this volume are the
result of careful deliberation following study of the
facts gathered by the Commission.
If any person is inclined to differ from the judg
ments in this volume, it is suggested that he examine
carefully the data in an unprejudiced spirit before he
condemns the conclusions. The attempt has been
made to furnish in either the text or the appendices
enough material to enable the reader to form an in
dependent opinion. But, if the material presented
seems insufficient, the reader is referred to the de
tailed reports of the Immigration Commission, where
the original material is presented in such form that a
careful student may reach an independent judgment.
On a question of so profound importance to the wel
fare of the country it is hoped that many citizens will
attempt through careful study to reach a sound con
clusion.
The authors wish to acknowledge their indebted
ness to Miss Elizabeth A. Hyde for her editorial sug
gestions and her assistance in reading proofs.
J- W. J.
W. J. L.
December, 1911.