Speech #600134597

B- Reynolds. appointed by the President February 24. 1906. whose report is in the hands I of the Department of Commerce and Labor. and by such able. fearless investigators as Marcus Braun. whose findings of enormous smuggling were published in part by the CommissionerGeneral in his annual report for 1907. Claytons total salary and allowances for the month of March. 1908. were $1.025. made up of $20 per diem compensation. $8 per diem hotel allowance. and over $5 per diem traveling expenses. There are many and apparently wellfounded complaints as to the lax enforcement of such restriction laws as we now have which are intended to prohibit the importation of undesirable aliens. There are complaints that the existing laws are inadequate. yet time light so much desired and the suggestions so impatiently awaited. have not been forthcoming. The resolution we are considering seeks to bring forth at an early day a report from this commission. That the existing conditions are viewed with alarm by thoughtful men. men who have the welfare of our country at heart. must be obvious to all. The action of state legislatures. immigration conferences. national and state farmers unions. patriotic societies. commercial clubs. newspapers. and all other organizations. societies. and representatives of public opinion. show most conclusively that the subject is a live one and one demanding attention. Certainly the agricultural elements of the South and West are alive to the situation and are calling in no uncertain tones that something be done to check the influx. Listen to the demand. if you please. of the representatives of two millions of farmers assembled in national convention: Rcsolrcd. That the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America. in national convention assembled. at Iemphis. Ten.. this 8th day of January. 1908. and representing two millions of farmers. urge upon Congress the immediate abolition of the federal bureau of distribution and the speedy enactment of laws substantially excluding the present enormous alien influx. by means of an increased head tax. a money requirement. tic illiteracy test. and other measures. and that we call ulon our public and especially our state officials. to prevent the agricultural sections from becoming a dumping ground for foreign immigration. Of the same tenor are the resolutions passed in June. 1907. by the last National Council Junior Order United American Mechanics. representing thousands of patriotic workingmen. To the same effect and equally as strong are the resolutions passed by the American Federation of Labor at its last annual convention at.Denver.