Speech #520120743

The action of President Lincoln had about as quieting an effect upon the parties who claimed that the General Government was assuming too much power as did the remarks of Andrew Jackson when certain parties assumed the same position with reference to the General Government. If any one has any doubts as to the right of the General Government under the Constitution to prevent the invasion of a pestilence that may desolate our land. we will assume the right to act to prevent such a calamity under the law of selfpreservation. I think we should be very careful in our legislation upon the subject of quarantine in a way to interfere with immigration. The subject is the most important of any question we have had before Congress during this session. The large immigration to our country since its organization has materially added to our population and prosperity. Had ouF population been confined to the natural increase. we probably would not have over onethird of our present population. Our wealth would be limited in proportion. The vast migration that has made it possible for us to level the mountains and fill the valleys. creating many iron highways from the Atlantic to the Pacific. encouraging people to make homes in regions which were formerly considered uninhabitable by reason of their great distance from marketsthese great thoroughfares crossing our continent in various latitudes hold out inducements and encouragement to people of distant nations. from the frozen regions of the north to the equator. to make themselves homes within our borders. The golden fields of grain which border the railroads crossing the continent satisfy the passing stranger that it is a desirable ladid. the extensive herds of cattle and sheep that cover the surrouunding mountains and plains in such numbers that they can scarcely be counted. testify to the fact that we are a great nationmade so. to a great extent. by the efforts and enterprise of the immigrants from foreign lands. The great industries and enterprises of our country that command the admiration of the people of the civilized world could not have been accomplished without the constant additions that have been made to our population by immigration from foreign In consideration of the great benefits we have derived from [mmigration to our shores it behooves us to be careful in legislating on the subject. Persons who at one time were per and humble mmigrants have occupied some of the most exalted positions in ur Government. serving with distinguished ability in the field nd in the councils of the nation. Having great confidence in the good judgment of Mr.