Speech #540129673

I do not know whether the Canadian laborer or the Mexican laborer or any laborer who may come into the United States with a view of bettering his condition and returning to his own country would be required to be able to read and write or not. The section is distressingly uncertain on that point. and possibly a construction may be given it that would make it read as I will suggest: That hereafter it shall be unlawful for any male alien not able to read the English language. or some other language. to become a citizen of the United States or to make his declaration before the proper court of his intention to become a citizen of the United States. I am not able to determine in my own mind exactly whether that requirement would be imposed upon an alien laborer cofming into the United States to work at some mechanical trade or manual labor or not. But I have said that in my judgment the provision found in the fourth section is without precedent in the legislation of any civilized country in the world. I make that broad statement subject to the right of any Senator to suggest where a similar law can be found or where a similar provision of law can be found.