Mr. Speaker. it seems tome contrary to the policy of America to impose this tax. I concede that under this bill the tax is not to be imposed directly on the immigrant. but upon the vessel which brings him to our shores. But after all the tax must be collected from the immigrant. The imposition of such a tax is not only unAmerican but is in conflict with our past policy. When the decision of the Supreme Court denying to the State of New York. or any other State. this power which New York had sought to exercise. was rendered. I think the sentiment of the country was that the decision was not only a proper assertion of the constitutional authority of the Government but a decision that did honor to the humane sentiment of the American people. My friend from New York [Mr. Cox] has suggested that this tax is necessary in order to protect immigrants from the impositions .whichwould otherwise be practiced upon them by the disreputable people who collect in agreat city like New York. But from the conduct of the different voluntary societies of that city. I believe this danger need not be apprehended.
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