Speech #680110613

Now. Mr. Speaker and gentlemen of the House. the primary question is whether or not the great. fundamentally important question of regulating immigration is to be mandled by Congress. this House participating. or whether it is to be by the Executive and foreign powers. This House has been giving imperfect but more or less apt and prompt expression of the public desire for protection against those whose coming does not promise good for the country. Since I have been here I have noticed that opponents of restriction have been moving steadily forward in the effort to get this subject out from the control of Congress and get it into a forum where the Executive and foreign powers would control it. Foreign powers have conflicting interests with ours. No member of the House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization can have failed to recognize the fact that I have seen and feared this movement and sought to combat it. Whether or not any of them have shared in that fear. they know that I have felt it almost from the day I came here. Vitally involved in this question is the question whether our Government will control this problem in its own interests and Its own way. or whether other countries shall have a voice in it. We are asked to have the President say to an Asiatic nation. "We will consult you about how many of your people will conie." When Italy asks the same privilege can we consistently say. "No." Site has asked it. You will find it in am communication from the Italian Goveranent of September 15. 1921. to our State Department. They ire asking the same privilege. Are we t(. say to Japan. " Yes. you have a voice in that question. because of your peculiar sensibilities we will consult your feelings." Italy says that this law discriminates against her and has already asked for the same privilege in discussing the immigration from Italy. How can we go forward like a dignified Nation taking care of our affairs and dealing with all other countries alike. with a realization of the important interests involved. and give to Japan this privilege and not allow it to other nations? Japan. if she asims it. is not merely asking that she be treated as other countries :ire treated.