C. Pollard. manager. The -heading of the editorial is "Restricting immigration." and it reads as follows: For the third time the House of Representatives at Washington -has passed the literacy test.for immigrants. and now the public is curious to know whether for the third time the bill will be vetoed. It is well known that both President Taft and President Wilson vetoed the former bills largely on the ground that. In their estimation. Congress did not reflect public opinioa in the restriction Imposed. But that can no longer be a valid excuse. for there is no doubt that Congress does voice public sentiment. Much has happened since Congress last passed the literacy test. Europe is at wa.r. and that makes a great difference to this country. Events have shown that a very large percentage of Immigrants remain unassimilated. that they are not in full sympathy with American institutions. and that they give to our Government but a qualified allegiance. A nation that fails to assimilate its immigrants suffers from an acute attack of indigestion. This is no fault of the Government. but is due. probably. to too great an influx In a given time of foreigners. It Is in the position of a man who has eaten more than he can digest. When a man thus suffers -he abstains from eating for a time. or eats but sparingly. It is this fact that leads an increased number of American citizens. anxious for the countrys welfare. to ask If It Is not -better to check Immigration for a time. and do it by imposing a literacy test. Under ordinary conditions the question Is important. but It is now of unusual moment in view of the fact that the close of the war will make the immigration problem even more acute than ever. The prospect now is that the end of the war is nearer than seemed possible a few weeks ago. and when it comes it is altogether likely that millions of peasantry and others will seek to escape the burden of crushing taxation by coming to this country. The Uniled States likes to be hospliable. but present conditions make it necessary. judging from congressional action. that the Nation guard Its own safety. Mr. Chairman. these views accord with mine. and I believe it is as clear a presentation as any man could possibly make. And I want to compliment these editors in presenting what seems to me to be the sentiment of the American people upon the present attitude of the Burnett immigration bill.
Identified stereotypes
A very large percentage of immigrants remain unassimilated and are not in full sympathy with American institutions.