"Students of the immigration problem do not sufficiently observe the influences--in fact, the immigrant may not himself be conscious of them--which year after year tend to adjust his habits of thought and his political views and actions to his new environment. Freedom of suffrage, educational advantages, improved industrial conditions, the dignity of citizenship, equal laws, protection of property--all these nourish in him an increasing respect for the American system; and we have reason to believe that, under proper legislation, the combined influence of all these will in the long run fully neutralize the distinctly unfavorable results of future immigration." [Sidenote: Solution by Combined Forces] With this we are in accord, provided the Christian people of America can be brought to see and do their whole duty by the aliens. The solution of the problem demands the combined forces of our educational, social, political, and evangelical life. In that solution is involved the destiny of ultimate America. QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTER VII AIM: TO REALIZE THE EFFECT OF IMMIGRATION UPON THE NATIONAL CHARACTER AND OUR INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPROVING CONDITIONS I. _Reasons for Concern._ I. * Do you think that immigration makes a very serious problem for the United States? Why? Mention others who think differently. Why do you not agree with them? 2. * Are there any foreigners in your neighborhood? What are they and what can you do for them? 3. Do these immigrants long retain their foreign aspect and ways? In what respects do they change most quickly? 4. What does Professor Mayo-Smith say about keeping American ideals intact? Must Protestant Christianity be guarded? II. _Threatening Changes._ 5. In what respects has immigration since 1820 introduced un-American standards? 6. * Have the average character and the plane of living of the immigrants been raised or lowered by their coming here? Same as to wages? As to intelligence? 7. * How are our public schools affected? Is there any menace to our school system? Can we provide compulsory education for all the children? III. _Other Effects._ 8. Do these new Americans learn to use the ballot rightly? Can they learn? 9. Does their coming make genuine Christianity more or less prominent in the national life? What effect does it have on Sunday observance? Does it lessen or increase lawbreaking? IV. _National Bulwarks._ 10. What are the safeguards pointed out by Professor Boyesen? By ex-President Seelye? 11. How can Socialism be met? 12. * Will anything but Christianity effectively guard our institutions? 13. How far will material improvements help to uplift and assimilate the newcomers? 14. Do the children learn patriotism from their new country? Do they keep it when grown up?