Speech #620138133

I have read the statement from the report of the commission. The commission says: There is no basic industry In which they are not largely representedThat is. these unskilled laborers from southeastern Europein which they are not largely represented. and In many cases they compose more than 50 per cent of the total number of persons employed In such industries. I do not think it is a fact that a majority of the miners in any part of the country are illiterate. but I say that. unless we put some check on this immigration. we are feeding into the body of men who are engaged in these basic industriesthe continuance of which is necessary for all other industriesa continual stream of men whose minds are closed to the principles and the sentiments of our American institutions and our American civilization. I think that this consideration is powerful in its persuasion toward the adoption of such a test as it Is now. proposed to strike out from the bill.