Speech #680080987

In fact. if this measure had been in force and properly administered. the taxpayers of Ohio would have been saved this $34.000 a year on the maintenance of feebleminded alone. The bill is selective in principle. That is. the intended immigrant must present himself. his passport. and a sworn statement as to his personal and family history and his physical condition to the American consul. This officer has authority to pass upon the qualification of the intending immigrant. If after investigation the immigrant appears admissable. a vis6 certificate is issued to him. A heavy penalty is imposed upon steamship companies for bringing to our shores an immigrant who is not admissible. Only 10 per cent of the certificates may be issued in any one month. and the certificates issued must be used within two months. This insures an even flow through Ellis Island and other ports of entry for the entire year. No longer will lie who came ons a slower still) be compelled to turn back because more fortunate countrymen selected faster vessels and filled the quota. No longer will there be a jam of humanity at Ellis Island the first part of each month. The counting is done befor the immigrants start. but the final examination will be a thorough and careful one on American soil by American Public Health doctors and immigration inspectors surrounded by American influences. Let me read to you a letter I received from the Federal grand jury at Toledo. Ohio: We. the undersigned members of the Federal grand jury of the western division of the northern district of Ohio. do respectfully petition and implore you to urge upon Congress that it restrict and stabilize our immigration law. That to make the matter more effective we desire for your records the following resolutions: " Whereas as members of the Federal grand jury required by law to hear and investigale into the alleged crimes in the northern district of Ohio. and "Whereas in doing so we are compelled to leave peaceful pursuits and our homes. and "Whereas we find that among the Federal charges a large majority of such charges are brought against the foreign element of our population: Therefore be it "Resolved. That the Congress of the United States act properly and promptly in bringing relief by the proper regulation to our immigration law. That in our laor and work before the Federal court we are shocked by the number. quality. and character of foreign defendants charged with disobedience to our laws and institutions. They are with us. they are here.