Speech #640068134

Such. Mr. Chairman. is the effect of the immigration which we seek to reduce by the literacy test. I know of no greater danger to our institutions than that which comes from having these great masses of illiterates crowding into our cities in such a way that we can not assimilate nor can we improve them. The fact that In the years gone by many excellent people have come to this country who could not read or write is no argument against applying the literacy test now. for the reason that conditions are altogether different. In the early days of this Republic immigrants did not come here in such vast nunbers. nor did they congregate in the large cities so exclusively. They lived under better conditions. and it was easier for them to rise than now. In New York and Chicago there are colonies and localities almost entirely inhabited by one race of foreigners. so extensive and numerous that few of our cities of 50 years ago would have equaled them in population. It is true that the literacy test does not exclude the anarchist. but it is among illiterate communities that anarchism develops. that the criminal classes find protection. that immorality flourishes. It is in such communities that we find the blackhand societies. the organizations of gunmen. and those who denounce our Government and are ready to spit on our flag. This is why we need the literacy test. We must have it. not only to maintain American standards of living but to maintain the Government itself. My colleague has offered an amendment which attempts to make provision for an examination as to the character and fitness of those who are rejected on account of the literacy test. As I understand it. he would permit evidence In the form of affidavits to be offered to some one of our consuls showing the good character of the person rejected on account of the literacy test. and if our officials were satisfied with the evidence the emigrant might be permitted to take passage to this country and enter it. With all deference to my colleague. who has doubtless prepared this amendment with a great deal -of care. it does not seem to me to be practicable. The gentleman from New York and my colleague say that there ought to be no objection. because the matter is to be decided upon by testimony that is satisfactory to some official of our Government.