Mr. President. much that has been said by the Senator from Utah is quite apropos of a bill now on the calendar. the bill S. 4092. providing for the admission into the United States of certain refugees from near eastern countries. If it were not so late in the day. and if there was a somewhat larger attendance of the Senate. I would be tempted to ask unanimous consent for the present consideration of the bill. But because of those conditions I shall not ask it. I hope Senators will give their attention to the bill. with the view on my part of moving its consideration at the earliest - practicable time. I wish to say with reference to the bill as it is now before the Senate. that it is for the relief of Armenian refugees to this country. The original bill introduced by the Senator from New Hampshire provided for tile relief of all refugees of whatsoever nationality or racial group that might come from Turkish territory or territory occupied by Turkish troops or Turkish civilian population. and who had been compelled to flee from their homes on account of Turkish outrages. But the Committee on Immigration modified the bill so as to make it apply to Armenians alone. In their inquiry into the subject they found that the Armenians as a race were of that high character so well described by the Senator from Utah. Indeed. Madison Grant. in his book entitled " The Passing of a Great Race." pauses to pay a high tribute to the Armenian people and to their excellent qualities. In addition to what the Commissioner General of Immigration estimates might be between 5.000 mid 6.000 refugees. the bill provides for the admission of 25.000 homeless or orphan Armenian children. in both instances timis country to be safeguarded against any adults or children becomtng charges. It seenis to me that the United States has at least the responsibility of doing that much for the relief of those people.
Keywords matched
Immigration refugees