Such a proposition runs counter to every idea that I have ever entertained of the relations borne by our people to the people of the balance of the world. and. if adopted into law. would falsify a record which. in my estimation. constitutes one of our countrys chiefest beauties and glories. I am not unmindful. I hope. of the advantages of mental cultivation in those who are or may become domiciled in our midst. whether native or foreign born. but to say that those only who have some degree of education in letters may land on our shores is. in my judgment. to exalt an important. but not indispensable. incident into the position of an essential and overruling factor. The essential factors in the problem of immigration. as I view it. are those of health and virtue. Given these and any man or woman is desirable as a resident. and may in course of time become a useful and valuable citizen. I am so impressed with the impolicy of the proposed legislation. and with its departure from the broad and liberal spirit which has hitherto guided our legislation on the subject. that I can not forbear to express my astonishment that it should be gravely and seriously pressed in either branch of the National Congress.
Keywords matched
immigration foreign born