Taft does not stand alone as to this policy among our Chief Executives. When Mr. Cleveland was the President a bill embodying substantially the same literacy test incorporated in this bill. and exactly the same as it appeared in the bill as at first presented to the Senate. was passed by Congress and sent to him. Mr. Cleveland vetoed that bill and on substantially the same ground taken by President Taft. I do not know that the opinion of even two Presidents of the United States. although of different political parties. should have any particular influence on the minds or judgment of Senators. in fact. I think Senators should act on their own judgments on all questions. but I think the fact referred to is entitled to most respectful consideration. It shows. at least. that. so far as the Chief Executives of the country to whom this question has been submitted are concerned. and this without regard to party distinction. they have expressed their disapproval of this socalled literacy test. I quote them as I might quote any man of great personal or official prominence whose judgment ought to weigh with us. But aside front what President Cleveland or President Taft may have thought or said. I take the position that this provision of this billthe literacy testis a radical and most undesirable departure from the established. traditional policy of this Government. I may. of course. be mistaken. but I regard this change in our policy as bad. Mr.
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