Speech #730070064

I am in accord with this investigation as I believe that by going into the situation. and this committee being sent to the border where they may obtain firsthand information of just how the smuggling is taking place. we can come back here next January and pass a law that will be so airtight that never again will this situation prevail. I hope that I am not misunderstood in the plea that I am making here today. I have no score against lawabiding citizenswhether they be Mexicans or whatever nationalitywho have lived in my district for many years and who have done everything possible to keep the respect of their fellow man. nor have I any malice toward residents of my district who. although they have shown no inclination to become naturalized citizens. have lived in our territory long enough to pass the status of being classified as "floaters." I am pleading for a square deal for residents and citizens of my district who have shown by their faith. by their hope. and by their charity that they mean to live up to the laws of their Government and the wishes of their fellow man. I am pleading for these people regardless of color. creed. and nationality. against the outlawry of those who might stoop to gain a pittance from smuggling in undesirable aliens who. once within the confines of such thickly populated manufacturing districts such as I represent. take the daily bread from the widow and her orphan. the industry from the father and his family. and deprive the Government of the just tax to pay for the protection of law and order. I hope that all of my colleagues in Congress will see the situation in the same light as we. the Members of Congress who come from the heavy populated or manufacturing districts of this great Nation. The thing that is uppermost in my mind is for the protection of the workingmen in this country whether they be foreign born or American. and whether or not they are fully naturalized citizens of this great Nation. It is my ambition to help my people to again build up this country to the standard which it attained in 1921. when the price of labor was adequate enough so that the worker had a bank account and could enjoy not only the necessities of life but also some of the pleasures. And last. but not least. to send his children to school to receive a fair education. which would equip them mentally to combat some of the situations in this life and better equip them for good positions.