Speech #630133035

I am sure that we would lose sight of one of the most important elements to be considered in determining our action. As I approach the discussion of this measure I do so entirely from an economic standpoint. because I believe we should so consider it. If the present volume of immigration is a national asset instead of a national liability. we certainly should not consider favorably legislation looking to its restriction. But after the consideratiou which I have been able to give to the measure. and after listening to the argunents which have been presented to the committee. I believe. Mr. Chairman. that the course of wisdom and of national prudence lies along the line of the passage of this bill. It is. indeed. a pleasing picture which has been unfolded to us this morning of the great tide of immigration coming to our shores which is to be influenced and affected by contact with our free institutions. rising from childhood to mihood under the influence of American principles and of American government. and were these conditions universal and general so far as the immigrant is concerned. I am sure that our verdict upon this measure would be different. But. Mr. Chairma.. as we follow this tide of immigration. and as we see it coining. like the tread of armed men. through the gateways of our country. and as we see it scattering into regions of this country where conditions portrayed by the gentleman from New York do not exist. we must admit. Mr. Chairman. that this flow of immigration has been largely due to the denmand and to the market furnished by syndicated greed and monoioly. When the history of the past 25 years shall have been written by those who are able to give it impartial consideration and portrayal. the record cf the thousands of lives which have paid the penalty to human selfishness and to human greed upon the altar of this Moloch of monopoly will arise to condemn this generation for not having adopted and passed legislation of this character years ago. Mr.