Page:Immigration and the Commissioners of Emigration of the state of New York.djvu/129

Rh feared or thought their pecuniary interests affected, the opposition did not since extend beyond acts of inferior but continued annoyance, originating with those who had formerly profited by taking advantage of the ignorance of the newly arrived and friendless strangers. As stated in a preceding chapter, during the first year of the working of the institution several hundred emigrant runners, unable to follow this business any longer in New York, left for California. When those who remained here discovered that by applying to the law or by threatening and abusing they could not undo what the Act of April 13, 1855, had brought about, they in the end either disappeared or submitted to the new state of things.

A successful experience of fifteen years has now confirmed the utility of the establishment at Castle Garden. The able and efficient Superintendent, Mr. John A. Kennedy, who first organized that department, discharged the duties of his station until June, 1860, when he accepted the appointment of Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police. He was succeeded by the present Superintendent, Mr. Bernard Casserly, who has most efficiently performed the duties of his office. It has contributed largely to the success of Castle Garden that the services of two very able executive officers were secured, that during the whole time of its existence only one change has taken place in the highest executive office, and that consequently uniformity and regularity in the service could be maintained.

A description of the several departments, among which the various duties are divided, will give an idea how business has been and is now carried on at Castle Garden.

I. The Boarding Department.—On arrival at the Quarantine Station (six miles below the city), every vessel bringing emigrant passengers is boarded by an officer of this department, stationed there for the purpose, who ascertains the number of passengers, the deaths, if any, during the voyage, and the amount and character of sickness, examines the condition of the vessel in respect to cleanliness, and receives complaints, of which he makes report to the General Agent and Superintendent at Castle Garden; he remains on board the ship during her passage up the Bay, to see