I have been in this House for 20 years. but never within my recollection has it been attempted to pass a bill of this magnitude without the .House of Representatives asserting its rights in at least preserving a chance to discuss and amend it. Yet we are confronted here with a parliamentary situation which requires this important measure to lbe acted upon without a chance for amendment. without a chance to discuss it. You are increasing the head tax from $4 to $5. and you think the steamship companies are to pay that. Nothing of the kind. The steamship companies will put it onto the immigrant. and taking a dollar from that poor man at a time when he needs it more than ever in all his life is like taking a nickel from the eyes of a blind man. Yet you insist on filching it from his pockets in spite of the fact that the immigrant fund is already overfloiving with "blood money". collected in the same heartless manner. Furthermore. you require a certificate of character from all immigrants coming from countries issuing such certificates. There may now be but one or two of such countries. but this new American statute will be incentive to all European countries to immediately pass laws stipulating. in effect. .that certificates of character may be issued to those they want to get rid of and withheld from all those whom the authorities wish to stay at home. To this class belong. among others. all the young men subject to military duty. and thus the very flower of European manhood. the most desirable of all immigrants. will be prevented from coming to our shores. I venture the prediction. Mr.
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immigrants head tax immigrant