Speech #550053030

I am more concerned about the condition and prosperity of our own people than I am about the people of Cuba. as much as I sympathize with them in their troubles. We ought to pass laws here which are for the good of our own countrymen. We have been endeaving to pass a law restichtng immigration. We go so far as to put i an educational qualification for foreign immigrants. and not to admit to our shore as a resident a person who can not read or write. Now. if we should recognize the belligerency of Cuba. and should become involved in a war with Spain. we would not only have the expense and the horrors of a war. but at the same time we would admit to citizenship and to naturalization the inhabitants of Cuba. and thereby gain a large number of very undesirable citizens as a part of our population. As I said before. however.Iam more concerned about the condition of myown country. and that condition should attract our atentien. You say that people are strving in Cuba. that they are suffering on account of privations and want and the condition of war that prevails.