Speech #600134545

Besides. Mr. President. there is no problem of more vital interest to the American people. or one more urgently calling for solution. than the problem of immigration. The subject embraces not only the constant importation of hordes of illiterate. unassimilable. and undesirable citizens from the cesspools of Europe. but it embraces the invasion of the Pacific slope by the yellow man from the Orient as well. Whatever may be the feelings excited in us when we consider the two classes. whether they be feelings of admiration or disgust and loathing. still the ultimate effect upon the peace. morality. and homogeneity of our race will be the same from each class if the importation is unchecked. IIe must. indeed. be an optimist with childlike faith who can contemplate the situation without concern for the future of our country. now menaced on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The problem is one which. like Banquos ghost. will not down. no matter how much we may desire to repress or shun it. But it should be approached with the calmest judgment. the highest patriotism. and the most enlightened statesmanship. and. as the Senator from Nevada well says. "No question involving such important considerations as race homogeneity and domestic industrial peace can safely be turned over to diplomacy." It will be recalled that the Congress of the United States. on account of a disagreement between the two Houses on the enactment of an immigration restriction bill that would tend to solve the problem. inserted a provision in the immigration act. for the appointment of a commission of nine. composed of three Senators. three Representatives. and three laymen. to be appointed by the President. for the purpose of making an investigation. in the United States and abroad. of the subject of immigration with a view of determining what the conditions are and with a view of determining what legislation should be enacted. This commission was appointed two years ago. The provision which created the board required that a report should be made to Congress. It will be recalled. too. that this commission is practically unlimited as to the amount it may spend. and is unlimited as to the nunber of persons it may employ in its service. Whether or not the provision creating this immigration commission was enacted for the purpose of sidetracking and preventing needed legislation. as some have asserted. Is not for me to say. Such a suggestion would serve no good purpose at this time.