Speech #590161872

We are simply asking that the law may remain as it Is. In many of its features it is extremely prejudicial to us. in many of its features it operates onerously against the South. while it does not operate against the North. because the North can get along without it. And as Senators from that section are unfriendly in their feelings toward the coming in of these immigrants. if we have this opportunity under the present law it may divert from them some of the immigration to which they now so seriously object. But the effect of this provision. as I shall endeavor to show. is to shut that door. so that there will be no diversion in future from the North to the South of this tide of immigration. soie of which we want so far as it embraces a desirable element. and a great deal of which the North wishes to get rid of. Mr. President. when this ruling was madewhen the South realized this opportunity. movements were inaugurated in all of the Southern States where this great dearth of labor prevails. where this great injury is threatening to the industries of the South by reason of the insufficiency of labor. movements were inaugurated for the purpose of pursuing the same plan which had been pursued by the State of South Carolina. not for the purpose of importing contract laborbecause there is no contract labor in the method pursuedbut for the purpose of having presented to the best class of people in Europe desiring to emigrate from those countries the advantages of the Southern States. the opportunities that are there presented for labor to be employed. and the rewards which can be expected if theydo come there and undertake to labor. The newspaper press of the country took it up. communities took it up. conventions were called and conventions met. associations were formed. and. as I stated on yesterday. in my own State there is to meet next week in the town in which I live a large convention of the representatives of the business interests of the State. men engaged in various enterprisescotton milling. the lumber industry. mining. agriculture. and all branches and kinds of- industry to be representdvwith a view to organizing a movement which will enable them to pursue the exact plan which the State of South Carolina has pursued. and under which she has already received some benefit. and under which. if not interfered with. she will receive a great dealmore. Now. there is the situation.