Speech #620267220

I say the American Federation of Labor. with more than 2.000 delegates in convention. demand the educational test. a money test. an increased head tax. and the abolition of the Distribution Bureau in the Department of Commerce and Labor. The Farmers Union. with a membership of 3.000.000. demand it. the National G&ange. the Farmers National Congress. the Junior Order of American Mechanics. with a membership of over 400.000. demand it. and I deny the statement that this patriotic organization is antiCatholic or antireligious. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. the Order of Railroad Conductors. the Trainmens Association. and the Patriotic Sons of Americapractically every labor organization and every patriotic organizationboth political parties. Democratic and Republican. are on record demanding this legislation. Mr. Chairman. prior to 1.883. 2.7 per cent of our foreign immigrants were illiterates. Today 33 per cent are illiterates. Out of 1.500.000 immigrants from Italy S00.000. or 54 per cent. are illiterates. How many of them seek American citizenship under our naturalization laws? Practically none.