Speech #530032653

But I would have nolawwhich in spiritand in language has for its object the defeating of the purpose of naturalization. and which would swamp us with a population prevented by law from be"coming citizens. without interest in the country or its institutions. and without the feeling of allegiance which comes with citizenship. Let me say to the gentleman from Maine that I believe in excluding. by wise and just legislation. such elements of immigration as after mature deliberation we shall determine are injurious to our body politic. but I believe in excluding them at the very threshold. And I believe further that our present immigration laws. if honestly enforced. will answer the purpose. I believe. on the other hand. that the best interests of the country require that to those whom we admit to residence the road to citizenship should be smoothened instead of impeded. so that if the time should come again when a call is made upon the citizens of this commonwealth. a call for the highest sacrifice which man can makeblood and lifethere should be few persons within our borders who do not owe allegiance to our Government. our Constitution. and our flag. Let me state in addition that chief among those whom I would exclude. both from residence and citizenship. is that class of immigrant for whose advent the grasping greed of the nativebo n mine owner and manufacturer is responsible. I would exclude the contract laborers. imported in masses: irrespective of quality. with sole regard for the cheapness of their labor. imported for the one purpose of putting more money in the plethoric purses of American monopolists. But let me return for a moment to the provisions of this bill. In the concluding remarks of his report the gentleman from Alabama says: "The name American citizen should be esteemed as was that of a Roman. when Rome was the mistress of the world." I applaud that sentiment. 1 adopt it. and honor the proud spirit which caused it to be penned.