Speech #630393521

What I have endeavored to do. and what I shall continue to do in the future. is to vote according to my conscience and my best belief. and with a view to the best interests of my country. Everyone in this House knows that I am opposed to the literacy. test in this bill. and that I havedone all in my power to bring about its rejection. but my opposition was in the open. it was fair. I am against the literacy test because. I consider iti unAmerican. but I will not try to defeat It by voting for another amendment which is as greht an outrage. but which has thet advantage of having 8.000.000 people here on the ground towage- active opposition toit. I realize that the adoption of this amendment would not only place many a Member In a very embarrassing position and compel him to vote against theentire measure. but it would tend to make more sure a veto 6f. the bill. Y would not be guilty of bringing about the defeat of the ehtire bill. or even ofthe literacy test. by such methods as the amendment under consideration would employ. I would not fight the literacytestat the expense of a race which has already suffered enough. Mr.