Immigration is discussed from a somewhat unusual angle in an article entitled “Back to the Ditches” in The Baltimore Sun, which says:

“Hundred percenters, Nordics and scions of our fine old families, sooner or later will be interested in the fact that foreign unskilled laborers are departing from these exclusive shores in much greater numbers than they are arriving under the two per cent quota immigration laws.

According to figures announced by the National Industrial Conference Board, during the first ten months of the law’s operation there entered the country 27,908 immigrants. During the same period 44,750 left, giving an actual loss of 16,842 for the ten months.

On the face of it that looks be a victory for the hundred percenters, Nordic blondes and scions of our fine old families. America certainly is going to be for Americans at that rate. But before the cheering wakes the echoes among the rocks and rills, deep woods and templed hills—it might be well for the pale-faced patriots to be sure they are reconciled to horny hands of toil.

When Tony and Mike and Ole have left America for Americans they are leaving not only the blue skies and pleasant vales but innumerable picks and shovels that must be swung and flipped if sewers are to be laid, streets and roads mended and railroad rights of way maintained.

Who is going to do the dirty work when the brunettes of Southern Europe go home to live in affluence and leave the blondes with nobody to dominate but more of their kind?

If any one thing is certain, it is that all of us can’t be gang bosses. Nor can there be a cessation of all forms of unskilled labor. That is the broad base of the industrial pyramid which has been the privilege of the Nordics to shin up with grace and agility, leaving the olive ants to bend their backs under the load.

But climbing will be more difficult when there is competition of Nordic against Nordic and increasing shortages of imported labor make it necessary for industry to draw upon native stock for pick swingers and shovel slingers.

That may have its benefits to society, however. After swinging a pick all day the Nordic will be less likely—to carry a torch all night.”

The Milwaukee Leader, Milwaukee, WI, July 1, 1925