Speech #630424180

Boston. Mass. DARn Si: We are advised that you are circularizing Members of Congress. urging them " that the future success of the Democratic Party in Massachusetts as well as throughout the country would be greatly endangered by the refusal of Democratic Members of Congress to sustain the Presidents veto of the immigration bill. and that the dictates of humanity. the high ideals of American fairness and justness. as well as party contingency. require that every Democratic Member shall vote to sustain the President." In view of the passage of the immigration bill. both in the House and in the Senate. by a substantial majority. it would seem that your conclusion that the future success of the Democratic Party depends upon sustaining the conclusion of the President Is not well founded. We have within a few days past sent out letters to Congressmen and Senators in behalf of our 45.000 members throughout the United States urging that the immigration bill be passed over the Presidents veto. We believe that we are qualified to speak with authority and knowledge upon the disastrous effect of free trade In labor. which has now left this country with a bread line of monstrous proportions in all the industrial centers of this country. It has not been considered that the high Ideals of American fairness and justness as been invaded by the qualifications along educational lines required to pass civilservice examinations. and thereby curtail the opportunities for employment of those unable to reach civilservice standards. Politicians have found it necessary to reduce through the civilservice plan the number of applicants for employment within the gift of political organizations or political officials. It Is not inconsistent with fair play to humanity and justice if the workers of this country seek the slightest protection which might be afforded. by the literacy test contained in the bill vetoed by President Wilson. The workers of this country have to share opportunities for employment with a large foreign element. when there are two or three men looking for one Job. ]Xt is very easy to note -that the influences behind Opposition to this bill comes from large interests. who appear to believe that there must be an unlimited opportunity to secure workers. regardless of the conpensation they are to receive. The significant statement of Mr.