Abuses Among Immigrant Passengers in Steerage - 1910

This article examines the harsh and abusive conditions faced by steerage passengers in 1910, including overcrowding, unsanitary environments, poor quality food, and physical and verbal abuse. It highlights the findings of a congressional commission's investigation and the need for reforms in immigrant travel conditions.

The Big Ship's Purser, Charging Into a Steerage Crowd of Men, Women and Children, Knocking them Right and Left. The day was bright, and the shutter set at one-fifteenth of a second, when Mr. Brandenburg took this picture as the ship lay motionless at Gibrattar. The blurred places and the bare outline of the officer's figure shows his speed and force. This photograph was used in evidence before the Presidential Immigrant Inquiry Commission and also before the North German Lloyd management in New York, previous to wholesale reforms made in the handling of third-class/steerage passengers. Leslie's Monthly Magazine, May 1904. GGA Image ID # 1462d69d4a

Abuses among immigrant passengers who come to this country through the ports of New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, have recently been the subject of a "silent" inspection by immigrant officers connected with the department of commerce and labor.

Immigrant Commissioner Daniel J. Keefe, in his next annual report to Congress, will have a number of interesting things to say, urging reforms in the service.

A few years ago the immigration commission appointed by Congress to thoroughly investigate conditions among the immigrants, especially about steerage passengers, disclosed a number of alleged abuses.

Women agents were employed, as well as men inspectors, who made trips from Europe in the steerage to study conditions at close range.

In part, June report, which is regarded as confidential, will contain convincing proof that the conditions of the steerage quarters of the great trans-Atlantic vessels are as severe an arraignment of conditions as was the first chapter in the history of immigration, affecting the "white slave" traffic.

Attempted attacks on immigrant women and girls have not been remedied; unclean and unsanitary conditions in the steerage are as prevalent today as formerly; scant and unpalatable foods are still served, and wanton and repeated insults, mentioned in past inspections by women agents of the immigration commission, continue without abatement.

These few evils mentioned in the report of the commission have in no measure been remedied, seemingly given the fact that there is at present no law, actively enforced, which makes the steamship companies responsible for the conditions.

Conclusion

The 1910 report reveals severe abuse and neglect of steerage passengers, with unsanitary conditions, insufficient and poor-quality food, and widespread harassment. Despite investigative efforts, many of these issues remained unresolved due to a lack of enforceable regulations. The findings underscored the necessity for legislative reforms to protect immigrant passengers.

Key points

• 🛳️ Harsh Conditions: Overcrowded, unsanitary environments.
• 🍽️ Poor Quality Food: Insufficient and unpalatable meals.
• 🚨 Abuse and Neglect: Physical and verbal harassment.
• 📊 Investigation: Congressional commission revealed widespread issues.
• 📜 Regulatory Gaps: Lack of enforceable laws for steamship companies.
• 🏛️ Need for Reforms: Highlighted the necessity for legislative changes.
• 🚢 First-Hand Accounts: Reports from women agents and inspectors.
• 📉 Unresolved Issues: Many problems persisted despite investigations.
• 🌐 Impact on Immigration: Affected perceptions and policies on immigrant travel.
• 📚 Historical Context: Part of broader immigration and travel history.

Summary

1. Harsh Living Conditions: Steerage passengers experienced overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with little regard for their well-being.
2. Food Quality: Meals provided were often insufficient and of poor quality, contributing to health issues.
3. Physical and Verbal Abuse: Passengers, especially women and children, faced harassment and abuse from ship staff.
4. Investigative Reports: Findings from the congressional commission and immigrant officers revealed significant abuse.
5. Regulatory Shortcomings: The lack of enforceable regulations allowed steamship companies to neglect passenger welfare.
6. Need for Legislative Reforms: The report emphasized the urgent need for laws to protect steerage passengers.
7. Role of Women Inspectors: Women agents provided critical insights into the conditions faced by female immigrants.
8. Persisting Issues: Despite investigations, many abuses continued unabated.
9. Impact on Immigration Policy: The findings influenced subsequent immigration and travel policies.
10. Historical Significance: The report is a vital part of understanding early 20th-century immigration experiences.

"Abuses Among Immigrant Passengers," in The Evening Standard, Ogden, Utah, Thursday, October 6, 1910, Page 2, Column 2.