I was born in New England. and I know the intention of the measure now before the House and the people back of it. It is not to shut out a few unfortunate people who have been deprived of an opportunity to learn to read in the country. from which they come. It is simply an entering wedge to bring forth other legislation that has for its object the shutting out of immigrants altogether. And the gentleman from Massachu. setts told the truth when he said It was only a question of time. in his opinion. until legislation to wholly restrict immigration ought to be brought forward. The fact is that this is a step in that direction. The argument in favor of this bill does not come from people who know anything about immigrants. It comes from people who have no immigration to their districts whatever. This is a fact. and the further fact is that a lobby represent ing socalled patriotic organizations has been maintained here In Washington for several years working in every direction that they knew how to bring about restrictive legislation. and this bill is a result of it. I know that the libertyloving people of. America are not in favor of this kind of legislation. I know that the thoroughgoing American interested in the progress and prosperity of our Nation is not in sympathy with any such a movement. and I feel certain that when the motives back of this legislation are fully known by the American people there Swill be a protest against it from one end of the country to the other. I represent a district the population of which is made up mostly of immigrants and the children of immigrants. They. are industrious. prosperous. lawabiding citizens. They come here to make this country their home. and they are just as much interested in the general welfare of our country as any other class of our citizens.
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immigrants immigration