I know. Mr. Chairman. that the literacy test is not a perfect test. No law -is perfect. Individuals. who are all fallible. create and make the laws. and we can not expect perfection out of imperfection. The best thought of the Nation seems to have evolved the literacy test as -equitable. just. and fair. On account of the continuous flow of immigrants to this Nation. Congress. a few years ago. appointed a -commission to make a thorough investigation and determine whether or not it was necessary that immigration be restricted. This commission. after years of study and travel. decided that immigration should be restricted. and recommended the following methods of restriction: The exclusion of those unable to read or write some language. The limitations of the number of each race arriving each year to a certain percentage of the average of that race arriving during a given period of years. The exclusion of unskilled laborers. unaccompanied by wives or families. The limitation of the number of immigrants arriving annually at any port. The mhaterial increase in the amount of money required to be In the possession of the immigrant at the port of arrival. The material increase of the head tax. The levy of the head tax so as to make a marked discrimination in favor of men with families. A large majority of the commission favored the readingandwriting test as wise and effective.
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