Speech #540103248

It attempts simply to impose a sum ostensibly for revenue. but in fact for something else. and violates every just principle of legislation. If Senators want to increase the revenues of the country bills can be introduced for that purpose. having for their direct and principal object the raising of revenue. If Senators desire to restrict immigration there are ample methods by which to do it. If they desire to prevent all immigration an amendment can be made to this bill for that purpose. Again. tie amendment is defended upon the high groundthe high and lofty ground. if I may use that wordof protection. It is the principle of protection run mad that you are to seize hold of this subject of immigration. which should be treated upon higher and different grounds than that which would regulate the question of protection. You are to take hold of it and use it for the purpose of giving a monopoly to certain ships that sail across the Atldntic. and upon that ground you are to place substantially the entire immigration of the country. Mr. President. where does this lead? If we are to protect American shipping by this discrimination. why limit it to the tendollar matter? Why not provide that there shall be no immigration at all. except by those who come over in American ships? That is the bold. that is the manly way of reaching the point desired to be reached. But it is proposed to take hold of the taxing power of the Government and do indirectly what they have not the courage to do directly. .