But I thought proper to discuss one branch of the subject tonight. and leave the general features of the bill. as well as the general system and the policy to be pursued by the Government. to a more thoroug.h discussion by those who shall follow me. It must be borne in mind at the outset that we are now entering upon a policy. just after having passed the one hundredth year of our national existence. which has heretofore been unknown to our system and to our legislation. It has been the universal sentiment of our people heretofore that our doors were open to the immigration of all people. that we invited people from all other lands and climes to find homes upon our shores. and that we would not only protect them but give them homes among us and clothe them with the garb of American citizenship. that all persons were cordially invited to come to this model Republic. It must not be forgotten that our Republic bore a prominent and conspicuous part in opening up traffic. trade. and commerce with the Empire of China in the first instance. and that it was one of our own citizens who did much to bring into close relations the people of that empire with those of our own Republic. In dealing with this subject. therefore. it is necessary to find some basis on which to stand and upon which the policy as directed or sought to be directed by this bill may be safely anchored.
Keywords matched
immigration