Speech #470053212

Section 14 provides that the bill shall become operative ninety days after its passage. and be known as "the passenger act of 1882." Among the elements which have contributed to the unexampled growth of the American Republic. immigTation will always be recognized as the most important and principal factor. Periods daring which European countries have slowly ri sen in their population have been marked by an unprecedented and mihaculous growth on this side of the ocean. owing mainly to the inherited policy of the United States of inducing and fostering this prolific source of general welfare. prosperity. and national strength. If no other inheritage had come to the American people from its revolutionary heroes than the liberal promotion of immigration. that fact alone would have forever placed them high in the esthnation of the world. in the light of modern knowledge. as among the wisest. best. atd most discerning of statesmen who ever pointed the helm of the ship of state toward greatness among the nations of the earth. They made this country the land of constitutional liberty. where the downtrodden and oppressed of other nations may find a refuge front tyranny and enjoy the blessings of freedom. they established political principles for which the best sons of any land could gladly exchange their rights of nativity. they gave back to humanity inherent human rig ts. asking in return only popular attachment to the principles which vouchsafed these rights. a claim that Washington so simply and yet so nobly asserted in the words of his Farewell Address: Citizens. by birth or choice. of a common country. that country has a right to concentrate your affections. To the wonderful resources bestowed by the lavishing hands of generous nature. which in themselves would have made this continent the eagerly sought new field of labor for onr venturesome race. they added the far greater attraction of priceless liberty. the greatest boon to tuanhood.