3842. IMMIGRATION, Regulation of.—
The American governments are censured
for permitting this species of servitude[Indenture],
which lays the foundation of the
happiness of these people. But what should
these governments do? Pay the passage of
all who choose to go into their country?
They are not able; nor, were they able. do
they think the purchase worth the price?
Should they exclude these people from their
shores? Those who know their situations in
Europe and America would not say that this
is the alternative which humanity dictates. It
is said that these people are deceived by those
who carry them over. But this is done in
Europe. How can the American governments
prevent it? * * * The individuals are generally
satisfied in America with their adventure,
and very few of them wish not to
have made it. I must add that the Congress
have nothing to do with this matter. It belongs
to the legislatures of the several States.—
To M. de Meunier. Washington ed. ix, 255.
Ford ed., iv, 160.
(P.
1786)
