and Croatians, lies in indistinguishable proximity to Magyar dot. There is the consolation, however, that even this imperfection reflects a real phenomenon. For, in the places of destination themselves, as well as on the map, it is hard to tell one variety of Austro-Hugarian or Russian from another, fiercely as they hold to their unlikeness, and deeply as they resent their indiscriminate classification as one people. Thus, in Pennsylvania, while a Lithuanian would die with shame at being mistaken for a Pole, both together, with all the rest of the newcomers, even the perfectly distinct South Italians, are lumped together as "Huns" by the older inhabitants.
The above, however, is but a statistical skeleton, useful only in helping to co-ordinate the concrete, vital detail which succeeding writers will give regarding each people separately.
Economic StratificationThe present writer in clos ing will risk just one generalization which, it is hoped, the special accounts of the others will bear out, that in the case of the new immigration we shall see a repeti tion of the story of the old immigration we are so familiar with. First comes the ignorant and poor, but industrious peasant, the young man, alone, without wife or family. For a few years he works and saves, living according to a "standard of life" which shocks his older established neighbors, and, we may guess, would often shock his own people at home. At first he makes plans for going back, regards himself as a temporary sojourner, sends his savings home, and perhaps goes back himself. But he usually returns to this country, with a wife. America has now become his home, savings are invested here, land is bought, and a little house built. The growing children are educated in American schools, learn American ways, and forcibly elevate the "standard of life" of the family. The second generation, in the fervor of its enthusiasm for change and progress becomes turbulent, unruly and is despaired of. Out of the chaos, however, emerges a third generation, of creditable character, from whom much may be expected. Our Austrian, Hungarian and Russian newcomers are still in the first and second stages and there seems no good reason why they should not pull through successfully to the third.
But in that endeavor we can either help or materially hinder them, according to our treatment of them, as employees, as producers, as fellow citizens. The employer who reaps his profits from their labor, the consumer who enjoys the product of their labor, the general public which will feel the results of neglect of this raw material of citizenship, cannot afford to treat these peoples as a species of lower animal, unless they wish to perpetuate and foster a lower human type. America, for her own sake, owes to the immigrant not only the opportunities for "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" that she promises to every man, but a sympathetic appreciation of his humanity, and an intelligent assistance in developing it.
The Bohemian National Hymn, My Fatherland
Where is my home?
Where is my home?
Waters thro' its meads are streaming,
Mounts with rustling woods are teeming.
Vales are bright with flowrets rare,
Oh, earth's Eden, thou are fair!
Land of beauty, dear Bohemia,
Thou art my home, my fatherland!
Thou art my home, my fatherland!
Where is my home?
Where is my home?
By the Towers of God 'tis bounded;
By the noblest sons surrounded;
True and light of heart are they,
Firm and bold in deadly fray,
Offspring grand of dear Bohemia,
Thou art my home, my fatherland!
Thou art my home, my fatherland!
—From the Chicago University Settlement Song Book.
