Speech #680075835

Mr. President. I am sure the Senator from Kansas. who is so noted for his frankness and honesty. would not wish to have a false Impression prevail regarding the real facts relating to tile physical health and the mental health of immigrants. There is no doubt at all that in times past when the gates were open and everybody could come in there was such carelessness at the gates of admission that many persons did come into the country who soon landed In almshouses or in other institutions. particularly in institutions for the feebleminded and asylums for the insane. But that was not the fault of the fact that we were having immigration. but the trouble was that we did not have proper inspection of the immigrants at the ports of admission. I myself have witnessed the admission of hundreds of immigrants where It seemed to me the only standard required was the possession of two feet and two hands and the absence of any visible skin disease. I have had occasion to discover that many immigrants who have been permitted to enler this country were vermin infested. but that was due to the fact that at quarantine there were not men of the Public Health Service in sufficient numbers to take care of the large numhers who were seeking admission at that time. Under tile present restriction of immigraion such things can not happen. I am here to say that in my judgment the persons who are now received into the United Stats. that the persons who do succeed in entering through the port of New York. are mentally and physically qualified for citizenship in this country. I agree with the Senator from Kansas that tihe sentiment in this country is in favor of restriction of immigration. Our people would not consent to free aind unlimited immigration. but no matter whether the bill pending in the Senate shall pass. or whether the bill pending in the House shall become a law. there is so great a restriction thaL the number of admissions into this country next year wil be half tile admissions this year. So we are proposing a great restriction of Immigration. But. Senators. when we seek to exclude those who come from eastern Europe. from Russia and Poland. and when we seek to exclude those coming from southern Europe. particularly from Italy. we are seeking to exclude from our country men and women who are qualified in every sense for American citizenship. and who have become in our country among the very best of our citizens.