Speech #610081258

Speaker. it is with -considerable reluctance that I take the floor of the House to discuss briefly the pending bill. The subjectmatter contained in this bill. so far as it deals with the socalled "whiteslave traffic." is not a pelasant subJect for contemplation or consideration. much less for discussion. However. as I am a member of the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. and therefore had something to do with the preparation of the bill. I feel it my duty. however unpleasant it may be. to briefly discuss the merits of the bill and the imperative necessity for its enactment into law. The proposition before the House Is one to amend an act entitled "An act to regulate the immigration of aliens into the United States." approved February 20. 1907. The purpose of the amendment is to deal a death blow to the "whiteslave traffic." which has assumed large proportions and is exerting an evil influence upon our country. The Importation and harboring of alien women and girls for immoral purposes is not only the most pitiful and the most revolting phase of the immigration question. but is a violation of the immigration law and of the treaty made with the European powers. The Committee on Immigration and Naturalization is indebted to the special committee of the Immigration Commission. which committee made a thorough investigation of the "whiteslave traffic." for facts gathered and compiled upon which this legislation is based. The disclosures made by the investigation of the Immigration Commisison are so wicked. inhuman. and revolting that they have shocked the moral sense of the American people. and justify the most stringent legislation it is possible for Congress to enact for the suppression of the business and the punishment of those engaged in it. The work of the commission served a twofold purpose. in that it not only furnished Congress with facts sufficient to warrant drastic legislation. but it also furnished a great deal of evidence used In the conviction and punishment of many engaged in this detestable traffic. The investigation covered not all. but many of the larger cities of the country. and resulted in the finding of sufficient YLV--34 evidence to show that the traffic is carried on in all our large cities.