Mr. Chairman. we read that in Sparta the Helots purchased their admission to citizenship by service to the country in the field of battle. Here the immigrant has been the Helot who has purchased admission to our citizenship for himself and his children by more valuable service to the country in the field of industry. I He has maintained. if indeed he has not established. the conditions under which the high wages paid to American mechanics have been the wonder and the inspiration of mankind. I put to the gentleman from Alabama a case which shows conclusively that we could not pay the wages which the mechanics now enjoy if it were not for that supply of cheap labor that comes to our shores every year.
Identified stereotypes
Immigrants are described as Helots who purchase citizenship through service in industry.