Speech #670004343

We hear and read constantly about "Americanization." Existing conditions have brought the thoughtful American citizen to a very earnest consideration of this question. and a general public demand has arisen for some practical solution. Bills are now pending in Congress. and others will no doubt be introduced. calling for niany millions in appropriations from the F ederal Treasury to carry on the work of Americanization by cooperative action by the Federal Government with the publicschool systems of the several States. In my judgment. the Committee oil Immigration can offer a solution of this question. in so far as the foreign element is concerned. and that such solution can be reached without any further charges on the Federal Treasury. I do not believe that a condition now exists. or will ever exist. to justify any measure that may eventually lead to control of the publicschool systems in the various States by the Federal Government. Participation by the National Government with appropriations from its Treasury will eventually lead largely. if not completely. to such control. In speaking of appropriations for public highways in his niessage to Congress of April 12 the President said: Large Federal outlay demands a Federal voice in the program of expenditure. Few will dispute tme correctness of that proposition. and yet it must carry with it a Federal voice and finally Federal control of the program of procedure and execution.. If the Committee on Immigration call devise some practical means of carrying on the work of Americanization of aliens without demanding appropriations from the National Treasury and without endangering the publicschool systems of the various States and cities by Federal interference and control. it will have to its credit constructive legislation that should win the approval and applause of the entire country. Another phase of this problem. which is now a live question before the public. is the proposal of the present Commissioner General of Immigration to divert immigrants to the farms. The entire country has become intensely interested in this program. If it can be successfully worked out. lasting good will be accomplisied for the United States and for her immigrant population. Here I venture to suggest that it is not necessary in connection with this program to open wide the gates for a new influx of foreigners.- In this work of assimilation and distribution there is already a full supply in our cities and congested centers to meet all agricultural demands if they can be induced to go to the farms and become a permanent part of our agricultural industry. It will not add much to the situation to make a tenporary farm laborer out of the immigrant and it is hardly possible to make a farmer out of al immigrant or anyone else overnight. Placing a man on a farm does not make a farmer out of him. I believe it is practicable and feasible. however. to induce a portion of the present population now congested in the great centers to go to the agricultural districts. provided there is some practical way offered by which they may become home owners and proprietors of the farlns on which they are to live.