Mr. Speaker.- the whole theory of the legislation recommended in this report is. in my opinion. false. it departs from all the principles upon which restriction of imimigraion has heretofore proceeded. It proposes to exclude immigrants from this country solely because they are laborers. and are therefore likely to invade what is called the American labor field. It is assumed in support of this legislation that the resources of this country are insufficient to support its presentpopulation. or at any rate to support any large addition to it. That is absolutely untrueso untrue as to be ridiculous. I endeavored to demonstrate the fallacy of this proposition in my remarks upon the former conference report on this bill. If the theory of this legislation is correct. then its advocates should go to its logical conclusion and pass laws prohibiting the use of laborsaving inventions and devices that. more than immigration. "invade the labor field." If work. instead of the results of work. is the thing that is needed for the happiness and comfort of the American citizens who. are now suffering privations in enforced idleness. then. instead of presenting this miserable and inadequate subterfuge let us make plenty of work for all by doing away vith the use oi steam and electricity in production and transportation. Have the courage of your convictions. if you are acting on convictions. do away with inventions. and put a stop to all material progress. and you will thus make plenty of work for all. but it will not relieve the distress of the laboring classes so long as monopolies are permitted to limit their opportunities and to strip them of the fruits of their toil. The bill does not represent a correct view of either the evils oppressing labor or the remedies by which they must be relieved. if they are ever relieved. The curse of the American laborer is monopoly. not immigration. . and in this legislation you are proceeding not only upon a false theory. but in a false direction.
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immigrants immigration