Speech #520151373

Mr. Speaker. in addition to the time so generously yielded to me by my friend from Massachusetts . my colleague on the committee has yielded to me the unexpired portion of his time. * I am quite certain that a very grave misunderstanding exists as to the scope and effect of the pending measure. The last Congress passed near its close an elaborate and carefully considered immigration act. By the provisions of this measure all classes of people deemed objectionable were excluded from our shores. These objectionable classes were clearly enumerated.. and severe penalties were imposed for all infringements of the law. This act has been in existence for a brief season only. and its operations. up to a comparatively short time ago. have been very largely. and of necessity. of an experimental character. The principal purpose of the measure under consideration is to bring about. if possible. a more perfect enforcement of the spirit of the existing law. The act of 1890 provides for an examination of immigrants by our governmental agents at the ports of destination only. It has been demonstrated by the experiences gained since the passage of the act of 1890 that great embarrassment arises in deferring this examination until the arrival at the ports of this country. In many instances persons who were embraced within the inhibited classes have been furnished transportation to our shores. Examination here has demonstrated the fact that they were not proper persons to be received among us under the provisions of existing law. and in many instances they have been returned to their own country and our authorities have meanwhile been subjected to annoyance and the Government put to expense by reason of the conditions 1 have stated. The measure under discussion makes provision for the examination and listing of intending immigrants at the ports of embarkation. and the enactment of the measure is intended to secure the active cotperation of steamship companies and their agents with our Government officials in fully carrying out the provisions of the law. My friend from Maine and the gentleman from Alabama have both objected that the bill reported by the committee amounts to nothing. that it is a mere empty form of words. and that it will be barren of accomplishment so far as results are concerned. I submit.