Mr. Chairman. I shall oppose this bill in its present form. not because it restricts immigration but because the report filed with it shows that after five years investigation of the great subject. ability to read 40 words is the sole important additional test which would admit or bar a seeker of an American home or citizenship. 1 do not think that requirement should be given the dignity of an epochal advance in legislation. I am not convinced that ability to read. however desirable an accomplishment. is sufficiently important to determine whether a citizen is a desirable or an undesirable. The time is coming when this great Government. seeking to place its stamp of approval or disapproval upon not only him who would come but him who would be permitted to stay. will apply the test of loyalty and characterthe most important evidences of which will not be reading and writing.
Keywords matched
immigration