The representatives of trade after trade have come here and told us that where formerly hundreds of men were employed the shops are now closed and the men idle. In one case it is 50 per cent. of the hollowware trade that has been absorbed by convict labor. in another case it is 40 per cent. of the matting industry. the coopering industry. or the harness trade. in another case it is 15 per cent. of all the shoe trade of the country. I am bringing this home to you. gentlemen. for the reason that your workmen will tell you the question of protecting free American labor against convict labor is more important than even protecting the home labor against the pauper laborer of Europe or against Chinese labor. You have here a live issue. and I have seized this opportunity of appealing to the patriotism of this House. I appeal to the love which members profess. and I believe nearly all of them honestly feel. for the cause of labor. and ask them to stand by me in securing a day for the consideration of the labor bills still pending in the House.
Identified stereotypes
European laborers are characterized as 'pauper laborers'.