Speech #630424266

Mr. Speaker. I believe this literacy test will restrict immigration. to an extent which I am informed will probably be 300.000 a year. though I do not regard it as the best measure that could have been desired. When the bill was under consideration in the House I offered an amendment which would permit a man otherwise eligible. when accompanied by a wife or minor children to enter though he could not read or write. Such a modification of the measure would in very large degree remove the objections to the literacy test. But. sir. as soon as it becomes known that immigrants must be able to read. those who have it in mind to emigrate to this country will know in advance of the date of their sailing sufficiently long. to acquire the meager ability to read.. prescribed in this bill. Restriction as a necessary selfprotection Is already our firmly established policy of selfprotection. What then is the protection sought by this bill? It is twofold. Unrestricted immigration would open .the doors and put American labor in sidebyside competition with Ignorant hordes that have been coming in and will continue to come in. and would continue the absurd policy of pretending to protect American labor against foreignmade goods. while the foreign workman is permitted to come in. bringing with him his foreign habits of living. and would continue the ruinous policy of admitting hundreds of thousands of men who come here without any Intention of citizenship. to work here for a season. and carry his earnings home with him. The literacy test would go far to avoid the present danger that great masses of ignorant and illiterate people coming here. unfamiliar with the language and habits of the American people. naturally follow thecounsel and advice of adroit and educated fellow countrymen who come here. who make their contracts for them and live upon them and find in these illiterate masses a fertile field for the propaganda of anarchy and the destruction of property and the overthrow of all constitutional government. This is one of the most important reasons. in my opinion. why the bill should pass. notwithstanding the veto of the President. and I shall so vote.