speak English, and of the individuals in the United States ten years or over, all of the Germans and over 85 per cent of the individuals of every other foreign race except the Lithuanians can speak English. The following table shows, by age at time of coming to the United States and race, the percentage of foreign-born male employees who speak English: TABLE 78.-Per cent of foreign-born male employees who speak English, by age at time of coming to the United States and race. (STUDY OF EMPLOYEES.) [This table includes only non-English-speaking races with 100 or more males reporting. The total, how ever, is for all non-English-speaking races.] a Not computed, owing to small number involved. From the above table it appears that 99 per cent of all foreignborn male employees who came to the United States when under 14 years of age can speak English, as compared with 74.7 per cent of those who came here when 14 or over. A larger proportion of the Dutch, Germans, Swedes, and Poles who came to the United States when under 14 years of age than of those who came here when 14 years old or over are able to speak English. Owing to the smallness of the number involved the percentage has not been com puted for Lithuanian employees who came here when under 14 The proportion of employees who came here when 14 or over who speak English is largest for the Germans, Swedes, and Dutch, in the order mentioned, and smallest for the Poles. The following table shows, by years in the United States and race, the percentage of foreign-born male employees who speak English: TABLE 79.—Per cent of foreign-born male employees who speak English, by years in the United States and race. (STUDY OF EMPLOYEES.) [By years in the United States is meant years since first arrival in the United States. This table includes only non-English-speaking races with 100 or more males reporting. The total, however, is for all ne English-speaking races.] The foregoing table shows that 42.8 per cent of foreign-born male employees who have been in the United States less than five years can speak English, as compared with 77.7 per cent of those who have been here from five to nine years, and 93.8 per cent of those who have been here ten years or over. With added years of residence in the United States, all of the races for which percentages are given, with the exception of the Lithuanians, show an increase in the proportion of employees who are able to speak English. Of the Lithuanians, a slightly smaller proportion of those who have been here ten years or over than of those who have been here from five to nine years can speak English. GENERAL PROGRESS OF IMMIGRANTS IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. Marked progress has been made by the Dutch (Hollanders), Poles, Swedes, and Lithuanians, and, in fact, by most of the races in the locality. The Dutch (Hollanders) are found at the heads of large business houses, in the professions, in politics-a former mayor of the city was a Dutchman-and as skilled mechanics. They are opposed to labor organizations and secret societies of all kinds. The fact that Grand Rapids has never experienced any labor troubles worth mentioning is largely due to the influence of the Dutch portion of the population. The Dutch alone have about 40 churches in the city, which are well attended. The Poles living in the community are, as a whole, of a very high degree of capability. They are good, steady workmen, who are striving to become masters of their trades and to go forward. To own their homes is an important aim with the Poles in the city; and the president of one of the largest building and loan associations in the State remarks that he has noticed that Poles always pay their debts punctually. This same man further states that of the families left destitute in the district about 90 per cent are American or Irish. The other races, notably the Dutch and Poles, make provisions for their families so that in case of the death of the head of the family they will not become a charge on the public. AMERICANIZATION. All of the races which have been in Grand Rapids for any length of time are well Americanized. The Poles and Dutch who have entered the city since 1890 have made decided progress toward Americanization, and are in all instances well accustomed to American institutions. Among the more recent immigrants, such as the Syrians, Lithuanians, and Russians, there is a noticeable tendency to adopt local customs, and it will be only a matter of time before they are Americanized. The interest displayed in civic affairs by all immigrant races is pronounced, and the municipal government often includes a number of immigrants among its officials. 48296- -VOL 15-11-35 |