Mr. Draper to Mr. Day.
Borne, Italy, June 22, 1898.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Italian Government desires an extension, to the United States consuls at Genoa and Palermo, of order No. 19, of May 27 last, to Mr. Byington, consul at Naples, in reference to emigrant inspections. These inspections up to date, according to Mr. Byington, are as follows:
- First. Inspection of passports and papers by the Italian authorities This is to make sure that the men emigrating have the right to leave Italy; that none of the emigrants has a criminal record, and that they have a sufficient amount of money so as not to arrive in the United States as paupers.
- Second. Inspection of the ship made by the Italian authorities, during which a representative of the United States consul is present to see that only the proper number of emigrants are allowed to embark so as to avoid overcrowding, and to make sure that the sanitary conditions for this number are all right.
- Third. Inspection under the direction of the United States consul—hitherto, but not now, made by unofficial persons appointed by the consul, and being the particular inspection which the Italian Government complained of as incompetent. This seems to have been intended to prevent the carrying on board of food (which might decay), or of other objectionable articles, in the emigrant’s baggage. Connected with this baggage examination was a cursory medical inspection conducted by nonmedical persons who have rejected such people as had the external appearance of contagious disease.
How important this medical inspection, not made by a medical officer, may be I am not prepared to judge, but the consul at Naples, Mr. Byington, thinks it highly necessary. From my point of view, I should say that if a medical inspection were required, as it may be at certain times, it would be wiser to have a medical officer detailed for the purpose at ports like Naples where the amount of emigration is large.
As to the inspection of baggage, mentioned under the third head, I believe that if the consul general at Rome, Mr. De Castro, were authorized to visit Naples, Genoa, and Palermo, with his expenses paid (which would not be large) and with authority to regulate the inspection, in accordance with the instructions of the Department and after conference with the Italian authorities, the results would be valuable, far beyond the cost attending such visits. At any rate a uniformity of system could be established, and a thorough understanding with the Italian officials might be arrived at.
I am, etc.,