The air at that time was vocal with jealousy of the General Government on the part of the various States. but the framers of that instrument recognized the fact that these United States would. in Gods good time. grow from the small beginning until it should have attained to the great institutions we have now. and that the Constitution should be flexible. adapted to the wants of a great as well as of a small nation. At that time they were but thirteen feeble colonies. There were no questions of immigration pending at that time. no influx of foreign population. no racial questions presented tothe American people. There was absolutely no occasion at that time for the adoption of any law of this character. no question as to the freedom or purity in elections. It was only after that time when these conditions became changed. whenwehad a vast horde of immigrants of all degrees of ignorance as well as intelligence. when the race problem was precipitated in the South. which had lost its battle in the arena of arms. sought by indirect means to accomplish the same purpose. these laws became absolutely essential. Let us examine on this point some of the items of history which have come down to us. The real condition of affairs after the war.
Identified stereotypes
The speaker refers to a 'vast horde of immigrants of all degrees of ignorance'.