And looking to the good of our people as the best way of working out our part in the great plan of human progress. we have heretofore so legislated. with reference to the conditions attending our national development. as to prevent hurtful competitions. and we must continue to do so unless we are willing to become mere hewers of wood and drawers of water for some betterequipped rival. If there could be substantial equality of conditions. then free and unrestricted commerce would be possible. and would follow as effect follows cause. But if the nations are to be brought to substantial equality in this respect. the movement should be upward and not downward. forward and not backward. up from the low wages of pauper labor to the fair wages of independent. selfrespecting. intelligent labor. If the restrictions we have placed upon foreign commerce for the protection of our industries and our labor be removed. will the movement be upward or downward? The crowded millions of Europe are standing by the shores of the Atlantic. with a surplus of everything but food. waiting to throw their wares upon our rich market and realize returns that will bring to them plentier and cheaper food and the comforts which their poverty has heretofore denied them. and they will win the market. as the cheapest producers they will take possesion of our market and hold it. unless we cheapen our productions to their standard.
Identified stereotypes
Portraying the 'crowded millions of Europe' as a threat to the American market.