We are today in the throes of the most terrible reaction and readjustment that this country has ever experienced in my menmory. and I remember as a boy the readjustment subsequent to the Civil War. My distinguished colleague from New York in his remarks was disposed to emphasize the defects of our Americanization work. but with all its defects. which are obvious. the opponents of tiis bill should remember that it proposes to minimize the aggravation of that condition which would result from the opening of our doors. The gentleman from Illinois presented. as an offset to the employment situation. that if it were true that wages were declining. if it were true that there is unemployment in the United States. that those coming to our shores might return. but the fact is that they would not return to the wardesolated and socially disorganized countries of Europe. but would be well content. and no doubt supremely happy. to work for a wage of onehalf or less the American standard and account it a good living wage when measured by their lower standards of living. and these immigrants would displace our own laborers and inevitably degrade our high standards of life heretofore maintained by the American laborer. Nor is it pertinent to this subject for gentlemen to assert that there is no surplus of farm labor. for gentlemen should know. if they are informed upon the subject. that the labor coming is not adapted to the farm. It seldom seeks agricultural employment.
Identified stereotypes
Immigrants are willing to work for lower wages and degrade American standards of living.