Speech #630373827

Mr. President. I shall cordially support the motion of the Senator from South Carolina when he makes it. because I should be delighted to see the immigration bill considered and acted upon at this session of Ccngress. There has not been an hour since the .Congress met When it *would have failed to give me pleasure to vote for thatmeasure. I am for it. and I am stronger for it now than I was 12 months ago. The more I think about it. the more I consider it. the more I study the illiteracy or the literacy clause. whichever it Is called. the more I am satisfied that that is perhaps the only way we have to protect this country against a great flood of men unprepared to be assimilated by our poeple. I am not opposed to Immigration. I am glad to see those prepared to join with us to carry with us our burdens come among us and enjoy our privileges. but I think it only fair that as we seek to train. at least with commonschool education. our own boys and girls we should require some educational qualifications from those who come from other countries. It is scarcely fair to our country to carry the burden as itis carried now. I know It Is claimed that we will not keep out the criminals. that we will not keep out the objectionables. by this literacy test. It is difficult to obtain any plan that accomplishes it thoroughly. It is almost Impossible to devise a way that would bring about complete success. The best plan that has been found. I think. Is the literacy test. Unless we have heard from the House in the meantime. and the House has acted upon the currency bills and the warehouse bill. so that we can perfect them and pass them. unless we have those measures before us ready to act. I shall support with great pleasure. the motion of the Senator from South Carolina. I hope this Congress. at any rate. will not adjourn next winter until we have made law. substantially as It is now written. the immigration bill. I take this occasion to say these few words in its behalf. because. under our rules. when the motion is made to take it up. that motion is not debatable. I present my views in favoi of that motion in advance in order that Senators may have the benefit. if it Is a benefit to them. of knowing the importance of voting for the measure when it is presented.