The subject of restricting immigration commenced by the organization of immigration committees in the two Houses some eight years ago. It was soon found to be a subject of delicacy to secure the passage of laws restricting immigration. There was always the danger that the subject would run into party politics. and the moment any immigration bill was suggested that seemed likely to encounter party opposition. of course that. bill was doomed. because no one party could pass an immigration bill. What has been the result of these eight years of agitation? Simply this: There have been passed two administration bills. the act of March 3. 1891. and the act of March 3. 1893. They have made the administration of the existing exclusions of immigrants more strict and rigid. but have not added to the existing exclusions except in one particular. and that a nominal one. In one of the two laws the word "polygamists" was added. but. with that exception. the existing laws do not exclude any class of immigrants that was not excluded eight years ago when these committees were constituted and the agitation upon this subject began. The reason is that everybody who has investigated the subject. everybody who has taken part in framing legislation on the subject. has felt that it was necessary to have substantial unanimity in order to put any law upon this subject upon the statute book. So that we now. for the first time. approach the question of adding to the existing exclusion. and public sentiment and the efforts of the advocates of legislation have been directed toward an illiteracy test.
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