Speech #630381161

I take it so. At least. no particular class of Immigrants is singled out in his communication. Again. he says: The census returns show conclusively that the importance of Illiteracy among aliens Is overestimated. and that these people are prompt after their arrival to avail of the opportunities which this country affords. While. according to the reports of the Bureau of Immigration. about 25 per cent of the incoming aliens are illiterate. the census showsThe decennial census taken by the Government-. that among the foreignborn people of such States as New York and Massachusetts. where most of the congestion complained of has taken place. the proportion of illiteracy represents only about 13 per cent. Mr. President. that shows to my mind that though 25 per cent of the Immigrants admitted were Illiterate. in a brief time. having the opportunity. they devoted themselves diligently to the work of acquiring the essential rudiments of education. and because of that the percentage of Illiteracy represented in the census returns of immigrants as they came in was reduced one4alf within the census period In the larger States of the Northeast. where. as the Secretary said. the greatest congestion occurs. Mr. President. there are so many things in this bill that have my most hearty approval that I could support it with the greatest pleasure If this gross invasion of our great historical American policy had not been made. I do so wish that the Senators and the Senate would let that pass. That is too bitter a cup to hold to the lips of men who are honest In purpose. sound in mind and body. unexceptionable In their nioral character. full of the impulse of patriotism. and capable of adding something to the industrial activities and growth of our country. It is a bitter cup to offer when we tell them that because of unfortunate and untoward environments and conditions for which they are in no wise to blame they will not be admitted because they are too ignorant. that vice is a certain and sure companion of ignorance. that where a man Is without learning he niust be branded as b scoundrel. � Stillstronger is my objection and protest when such a one as I have described comes asking to partake in some degree of our liberty and opportunities that he is to be denied the b6nefit of a like exception to the literacy test as that granted for religious persecution. He may admit that he is ignorant of bboks. that may become manifest upon a moments examination. but otherwise he comes up to the best staidards you ask for citizenship. Nevertheless. because he is Ignorant of books. you cast him out. and you cast him out even though he is a fugitive. not from crime or its consequences. but from a miserable and intolerable political persecution or because he is put under an oppressive ban solely because he was born Into a certain race of people.