Speech #680110570

Speaker. it is not agreeable to a Member to differ with a very large majority of his party associates. as probably I am doing in this instance. but at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that in the vote which I cast I shall be doing that which I deeply believe Is for the best interests of the country. and that I shall express the conviction I have so often declared here that the things of primary importance is to do what may be done without sacrifice of the real welfare of this country. to avoid controversy. and to promote peace and tranquillity so far as this Nation is concerned. and so far as other nations are concerned. My distinguished friend from Tennessee and the gentleman who has just taken his seat. the gentleman from California . have said something about fundamentals. They have discussed this matter as if the sole power of dealing with the subject of immigration rested with the Congress. Of course that is a mistake. If a Massachusetts Senator expressed that view yesterday. he forgot a decision of the Supreme Court. the opinion in which was delivered by a justice who was appointed from Massachusetts. and perhaps other gentlemen entertaining that view forgot a decision in a Federal court by Air. Justice Fields. of California. to the effect that the power to deal with the subject of immigration rests with Congress. but that it also may be exercised under the treatymaking provisions of the Constitution. Therefore. I think the only inquiry that we have to make is whether it is expedient and judicious or not to do what is proposed by this bill. that is to say. to put all of tile provisions of the bill into effect at a very early late.