Speech #630133067

The economic value of a citizen should be taken into consideration. The foreigner is a producer and a consumer. and he is also thrifty. To chose who say we have too many immigrants now coming let us remind them that a large number return. Canada promotes immigration. In the State of Connecticut. which I have the honor in part to represent. the population is 29.6 per cent foreign. and the men who have adopted that State as a permanent place of abode are among our best citizens. They represent the blood of different countries of Europe. They are industrious. enterprising. lawabiding people. who raise large families. and who become. and whose children become. vital forces in the upbuilding of communities in the Inventive State of Union. They are mindful of the duties of citizenship. In the Nutmeg State. among those who attend the evening schools are to be found a very large percentage of foreign born. .both men and women. and that is true of those against whom complaint seems to be especially directed in the discussions on this floor. They are ambitious in every way to better themselves. They strive by every honorable means to give their children better advantages than those they enjoyed. Some of the foreign born are among our leading business men. and those of the second generation hold a prominent place in many walks Of life. America is recognized the world over as the land of opportunity. the melting pot of all nations. the asylum of the oppressed. where merit Is the measure of men. The foreigner knows that here may be found not only tranquillity. peace. happiness. and general success in life but good government.