Chairman. I agree with every word that has been said by the gentleman from Iowa. and I go a great deal further. I think the immigyation question is the most serious question before this country. but I believe that this tax of $1.50 will not keep one single immigrant out of the United States of America. I do believe that this tax of $1.50 on persons coming from Toronto to Rochester is a mere incumbrance of trade. and at the same time it will not keep out one immigrant. desirable or undesirable. Let this committee do what they should do. if they want to check immigration. and have some means by which they can do so .without requiring a tax of $1.50. What does that amount to in the way of keeping an undesirable immigrant from coming in? To prevent this undesirable class of immigrants coming in you must provide some other means than this tax. I say that this provision of a $1.50 tax on every passenger will not stop a single one from coming in. You simply have a provision which. if enforced. may be annoying. and interfere with legitimate trade between Canada and the United States. and will no more stop the tide of immigration than it will stop the tide of the Atlantic Ocean. So do not let my friend divert us from the question. which is a proper questioir to be decided here. Let him bring in an amendment by which immigrants will be turned back. and I will join with him. but when it comes to a mere annoying trade provision which. if enforced. will create incalculable annoyance to business and will not stop one immigrant coming in here. I see no reason for it. There is no reason for foolish legislation because we can not got wise legislation.
Keywords matched
undesirable immigrant immigrants immigration immigrant