Mr. Speaker. there is unquestionably a strong sentiment among a large number of people in this country that this measure should prevail. These people are actuated by the very highest ideals. they are among our very best citizens and sincerely believe that the immigrant coming to this country who can not read or write is a menace to our institutions. I respect their views. and if I could bring myself to agree with them. I would gladly vote today to override the Presidents veto. This country was settled by Immigrants. Our forefathers came here that they might enjoy freedom of speech. freedom of religion. and have an opportunity to work out their own and their childrens happiness. I am heartily In favor of keeping out the undesirable alien. and when this measure was under consideration voted for it with the literacy test eliminated. I regret sincerely that it did not pass in that shape. It would have been a stronger and better measure than the one now in force. Much has been said today of the attitude of labor on this important question. and it has been argued that the coming to this country of large numbers of Immigrants has tended to decrease the earning capacity of the American citizen. My observation in the great city of New York. where we have to meet and work out this problem. is entirely contrary to that view. I have been a close observer of labor conditions in the city and State of New York and of the wages paid there.
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Immigrants who cannot read or write are portrayed as a menace to our institutions.