Speech #630424069

We should not forget our duty to open the door of hope to every sincere. honest man. whether he knows how to read or write. We should not pass this bill. for its enactment anto law clearly places lettered scoudrelism above untutored industry and virtue. The action of President Wilson in vetoing this blill and the action of President Cleveland and President Taft in vetoing Immigration bills containing the same indefensible. unAmerican provisions included In this bill has been and will be commended and approved everywhere by those having a proper conception of American Ideals and American aspirations. In returning the immigration bill without his approval President Cleveland. in his message to the House of Representatives on March 2. i897. has well said in reference to the literacy test contained in the bill. the following which In every way applies to the bill we are now considering: A radical departure from our national policy relating to immigrants is here presented. Heretofore we have welcomed all who came to us from other lands. except those whose moral or physical condition or history threatened danger to our national welfare and safety. Rtelying upon the zealous watchfulness of our people to prevent injury to our political and social fabric we have encouraged these coming from foreign countries to east .thelir lot. with us and ioin in the development of our vast domain. securing In return a share in the blessings of A~merican the peoples interests. exacts from our immigrants only physical and moral soundness and a willingness and. ability to work. A contemplation of the grand results of this policy can not fail to rouse a sentiment in its defense. for however it might have been regarded as an original proposition and viewed as an experiment. its accomplishments are sueh that if It Is to be uprooted at this late day its disadvantages should be plainly apparent and the substitute adopted should be Just and adequate. free from uncertainties. and guardedl against dillcult or oppressive administration. The policy and purpose of this bill are indefensible. It is niore afraid of illiterate fathers than It Is gratified by their. educated children. The last census reports clearly show that the smallest proportion of illiterates Is found in this country among the children of our immigrants. Among children of 10 to 14 years of age born of our native white stock.44 in 1.000 can not write. Among the children of our immigrants of the same age only 9 in 1.000 can not write. This bill looks in a nearsighted way. very narrowly at the present. and is blinded to the future. It means well. but It acts without foresight or reason. Because the literacy test contained in this bill is neither a test of moral character nor a test of intelligence I shall vote against the bill. Because I am not blinded to the fact that the literate children of illiterate immigrants have done many million fold more good for this Nation than any harm that has come to it from immigrants who \vere unable to read or write I shall vote against this bill. Because the bill In several of its provisions is unreasonable. unfair. and unAmerican I am opposed to it. and I hope the action of this House will defeat its objectional provisions.