Speech #640068112

ir. Chairmnan. I presume that most. at least. of those who have voted to support the literacy test did so with a great deal of mental reservation. I have not talked with any one favoring it regarding the matter - who -did not wish that some better test might be applied even for exclusioiary purposes only. They take the literacy test as the Immigration Comanilssion.took it. as merely an exclisionary test.in lieu of something better. believing that too many foreigners are coming to this country. I have no doubt whatever that there is not a iman onl the floor of the House who would not. if lie were to decide and if a pers6n aPplied for admission to citizenship in this country. allow that person to come if it could be shown that he would become a lawabiding. useful. and industrious citizen of the United States. That is the test that we now apply when we naturalize foreigners. and that is the test that every man applies in his own jsidgmuent as to good citizenship. ..There are many cases. not altogether imaginary by. any means. many of them having come under the observation of Members of this House. where men in every way desirable. and women as well. such as should be allowed to come to this country. where persons will be excluded by the literacy test. but who. nevertheless. MARcHt 27. would become useful members of society and useful citizens of our Nation if admitted. The amendment which I present provides that such may be allowed to come. under the severest initiatory test on the other side of the water. conducted by our consular agents there. I provide that the prospective immigrant must show affirmatively all of those things that should in reason be applied as a test foradmission for good citizenship. It certainly seems to me that anyone. no matter what his position may be regarding this bill. would desire to have his records squared upon those terms. that he may not be subjected to the criticism of being narrow. of having voted for a test which is unAmerican in principle. of having supported a proposition which is admittedly selfish. which Is apparently unjust. and which can not be defended except as a merely exclusionary provision. It seems to me that many* of these who have supported this proposition upon the floor ought to be glad to make his attitude at least excusable.