Speech #630381154

I wish to read an excerpt from his message. He says: But I.can not make up my mind to sign a bill which in Its chief provisionviolates a principle that ought. In my opinion. to be upheld in dealing with our immigration. I refer to the literacy test. He then refers to a communication addressed to him by the then Secretary of Commerce. Mr. Nagel. and I desire to read one or two brief extracts from that communication. Secretary Nagel said: My observation leads me to the conclusion that. so far as the merits of the Individual immigrant are concerned the test is altogether overestimated. The people who come from the countries named are frequently illiterate because opportunities have been denied them. The oppression with which these people have to contend In modern times Is not religious. Here the Secretary of Commerce agrees with the Senator from South Carolina. The oppression with which these people have to contend In modern times Is not religious. lut it consists of a denial of the opportunity to acquire reading and writing. Frequently the attempt to learn to read and write the language of the particular people is discouraged by the Government. and these immigrants In coming to our shores are really striving to free. themselves from the conditions under which they have been compelled to live.