Speech #620267025

Here is the further statemeat that Mr. Gompers made: The illiteracy test advocated by the American Federation of Labor was added to the bill and passed by the Senate. The head tax for immigrants was increased from $4 to $5. The bill was then referred to the House Committee o1 Immigration where. after prolonged consideration. it was decided. on June 6. to strike out several important features. Many conflicting opinions developed In the House on the advisability of giving the amended measure consideration during the session. Many futile efforts were made to have the bill called up in the House. the general cause given being that other committees held the calendar ahead of the Immigration Committee. Efforts were made to obtain a special rule from tile Rules Committee so that the bill could be then brought before the House. on. JouIN L. BUINETT. chairman of the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. made vigorous endeavors to obtain action. and in response to his request before the Committee on Ruies. ie finally secured the positive proposition that a special rule would be reported early In December of the next session of Congress. Earnestly I urge our organizations to bring the subject matter of thils bill to the attention of their hlepresentatives and emphasize the request for an early passage of this reasonable regulation or restriction of immigration. Now. Mr.