Speech #630387539

A short time ago in the tariff bill we undertook to incorporate a provision discriminating in favor of American ships. When it came to put it into operation we were confronted by the objections of foreign countries based upon our treaties. Similar objection will undoubtedly be made to this amendment under what is commonly designated as " the faverednation clause." The result of that objection would not be that immigrants from other countries would be admitted because those from Belgium are admitted. but the result would be that the amendment would not be enforced. it would be. as I have said. a perfect dead letter. If there is a real intention to accomplish the object set out in the amendment. and a general provision such as that whih I have just proposed is adopted. which is applicable to any country in the world coming within those general terms. no such objection could be made by a foreign country under a treaty. and it could be put into effect. I aim not particularly concerned about this amendment. but I do think. if we are going to undertake to extend the benefit of asylum to the Belgians. we ought to do it in an effective way. There is no more difficulty in determining who is entitled to admission into this country under this proposed amendment than there is to determine who is entitled under half a dozen. other provisions of the bill such as deal with the immigrants mental condition* his ability to earn a living. whether or not he is liable to become a public charge. or whether or not he is psychopathically inferior. or something of that kind which the bill provides. The convention between the United States and various other countries entitled " Convention respecting the rights and duties of neutral powers and persons in war on land." which was ratified by the United States on February 23. 1909. being translated contains a list of the signatories to it. and the first one that I notice in the English translation is "His Majesty the German Emperor. King of Prussia." and the second one is the " President of the United States of America." So that .the United States of America. being one of the great signatories of the convention. has a very substantial ground for making a violation of it one of the subjects to be considered in its immigration laws and in determining the qualification of aliens for admission to this country. Article 1 of this convention is in the following language: The territory of neutral powers is inviolable. Article 2 is in the following language: Belligerents are forbidden to move troops or convoys of either munitions of war or supplies across the territory of a neutral power.