I wish in about two minutes to state to the Senate the reasons. In the first place. the whole number of male persons in Massachusetts over the age of twentyone who by the census of 1870 were found to be unable to write were 30.920 white males and 822 colored persons. In my judgment and belief. not onetenth of those persons were natives of the State or naturalized citizens. I have frequently made the statement to persons well acquainted with the Massachusetts community. and of course our State is not an exception to the States which adjoin it ix any direction. that I never knew a native of Massachusetts of sound mind who did not know how to read and write. I make that statement here. and I think the experience of other persons who are familiar with that community will confirm me. as I dare say my friend before me [Mr.
Identified stereotypes
Assuming that almost all illiterate people are immigrants.