Against an appropriation of this kind by Congress it may be said that it isabad precedent. possibly an unconstitutional measure. and that other and feeble objection. a reward for idleness. You knowyorselves. you who are listening tome tonight. that there are thousands and hundreds of thousands of men in thisland who would bowilling to labor if they could only find employment. Other unfortunate poor land upon your shores daily by thousands. most of them immigrants. driven from home in despair. and really the objects of pity and commiseration. They are here. there is no alternative left but to give them our care and protection. Those of them who have not the means to reach the great West must remain in our crowded cities. and in too many instances their habits become vicious and they are a load upon the State. And yet these very men. if we give them some aid. in order that they may make a permanent home upon our great unpeopled domain.will become good citizens and industrious men. and fill the rank and file of our armies when occasion shall demand their service. The policy of our Government has been for a hundred years to throw wide open our gates to immigrants. It has been a wise and just policy. It should not be changed.
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immigrants