I agree thoroughly with the views expressed in this line both by the gentleman from New York and by the gentleman from Missouri . When we get down to it. what is the need of this? Whatever objection there may be to the presence here of certain classes is a question to be remedied by the immigration laws. but we are now discussing the naturalization of those who are here as well as those who may be admitted hereafter. If those who seek -our shores are of a racewe are Willing to intermarry with and are honest and industrious. let them in. no matter what tongue they speak. and if. after being a reasonable time among us. they desire to declare allegiance to our Republic. upon proof of good character and devotion to free government. let them swear allegiance to our flag and take upthe burdens and receive the benefits of American citizenship. no matter whether they read and -write the English or any other anguage or not. Whatever troubles have come to us by immigration. none of them have rested on ignorance of English. but on vice. want of character. and an aversion both to work and to obey the law. I see no good reason to abandon the policy in this respect we have pursued from the beginning of our Government. and hence I shall oppose the adoption of what appears to me as a revival of knownothingism.
Identified stereotypes
Whatever troubles have come to us by immigration, none of them have rested on ignorance of English. but on vice. want of character. and an aversion both to work and to obey the law.