Speech #620139119

I put it to Senators before me today. which of the two would you prefer to see. a less rapid progress of the development of American industries or a more rapid rise in the comforts and conveniences of the American laborer? That is. if it were necessary to develop in a lesser degree our American industries. if by so doing. without detriment to the country at large. we could. in justice and fairness. increase the comforts and conveniences of those who labor? If you vote to open wide the door to foreign immigration into this country. you vote to supplant. beyond a doubt. American labor. with foreign labor for the benefit of American capital. If you vote to restrict immigration. you vote to increase the demand for American labor. to increase the opportunities to it for better living and better homes. It is not a question with me as to what section is benefited or what section is not benefited. It is a question with me. Shall the marvelous resources of this country yet undeveloped be left for American citizenship to develop and to receive the benefits of the wealth that they produce. or. by throwing wide our doors to the overteeming millions of foreigners. bring them In competition with American labor? It is a significant fact that only 1.4 per cent of all the immigrants who come are possessed of such wealth and education as to make them competitors in the professional and higher branches of American industry. If we are to open the door to immigrant labor. let es open the door to foreign capitalto those who can come here and .offer opportunities to American boys and American girls in the development of American resources with foreign capital. rather than let American capital in its greed and avarice bring in foreigners in competition with the boys and girls of this country to the detriment of our citizenship and to the benefit of the already overrich. overgreedy. and overselfish under our protective system. I do not think there is a question as to how the Senate should vote on a proposition to reinstate the illiteracy test and any other legal test that will restrict this influx.