Speech #720159982

But the gentleman knows our committee held extensive hearings on all bills referred to the committee dealing with general restrictive measures. and among these bills about four proposed the repeal of the hationalorigin provisions. and the gentleman testified very vehemently in support of his own bill on this subject. However. the committee did not find any active desire to report any bill relating to that subject. and those bills are tentatively still pending before the committee for executive action. I wish to add just one more word. as a suggestion to those in favor of immigration restrictions. for whom I have the highest regard. since I respect everybodys opinion. and that is that the obstruction in these minor matters should not be the policy of the restrictionists. On the other hand. they should make every effort to cooperate with the American people to bring about a complete union of these families. and I am sure if it Is then found that further restriction is necessary in view of the restrictive policy of the President of the United States and his administration. the matter could be so adjusted as will bring about a more equitable solution of this vexing problem. The gentleman ffom Washington. Mr. JoaNsoN. spoke of the job of the chairman of the Immigration Committee as not being a sinecure. and I agreed with him. For several months now I had the honor of being chairman of the Immigration Committee. and I wish to thank every member thereof for such cooperation as I have received from them in connection with some of the legislation which our committee was called upon to consider and to report on the floor of the House. . As Congress is about to adjourn for the present session. I can not restrain myself from uttering as my parting words to those of the members of the committee who did not feel with me on the question of uniting of families. "God forgive them. for they know not what they do." and to those who have valiantly and stanchly added their support and encouragement to my work in behalf of the union of families. may I express my sincerest thaiks and wish them godspeed.