Speech #620269329

I would not rise to oppose this legislation. which proposes to exclude from admission to our country those over 16 years of age who can not read or write. I believe it is pertinent to inquire as to what classes of aliens may already be excluded. and for that purpose I want to remind this House that there are already 20 causes of exclusion of persons who may come to this country seeking admission to its shores. I was surprised to find by a cursory reading of the October Immigrant Bulletin. published by the Commissioner General of Immigration. which every one of you can obtain even as I have obtained it. that aliens may be deported because they are idiots. imbeciles. and feebleminded. because they are insane or epileptics: because they are afflicted with tuberculosis. even though it is noncontagious. that aliens may bo deported because they are loathsome or have dangerous contagious diseases. If they are professional beggars or likely to become a public charge. they can be deported. They can also be deported if there is a surgeons certificate of defect. mental or physical. which may affect the aliens ability to earn a living. If they come here as contract laborers. they can be deported. If they come here accompanying aliens who may also be excluded. they can be deported. They can not be admitted if they are under 16 years of age and unaccompanied by a parent. Assisted aliens may be deported. Criminal aliens may be excluded. All polygamists may be excluded. as also anarchists. Prostitutes and females coming for any immoral purpose may be deported. Aliens who procure or attempt to bring in prostitutes or females for any immoral purpose can be excluded. People are not admissible without passports. and those under the provisions of the Chinese exclusion act. as also those supported by proceeds of prostitution. may be deported. Now it is proposed to add to that already extensive list those who may not be able to read and write a given language if they happen to be over 16 years of age. The gentleman from Texas has talked to us most interestingly and eloquently. but he has said nothing that was not said in my own Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1.855.