Speech #760010901

But I wish to call the attention of the House to this thought: That there is a vast difference between the freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution. and unbridled license of speech as used by the Communists and radicals who do not believe in American principles. I think the time has come in America when. instead of shedding useless tears in favor of those who do not believe in American institutions. we should pay some attention to the great mass of honest citizens who do believe in the Constitution and who do believe in the orderly processes of government. In my judgment. one of the great causes of the spread of subversive doctrines in America has been the loose administration of our immigration laws. I believe in immigration properly regulated. but I do not believe in letting down the bars of immigration so that radicals from foreign countries who believe in every other "ism" but Americanism should be allowed to come to this country and spread their nauseating doctrine of hate. I have every respect for those from foreign lands who came to the United States with the intent of making this country their home. of becoming attached to American institutions and who learn to love the Constitution of the United States and who are willing to become American citizens and do become lawabiding American citizens. For these people I have the utmost respect. but for those who come from foreign soils. unwilling to become citizens of the United States. unwilling to take the constitutional oath as citizens. but who come here for the sole purpose of undermining the principles of our Government. for these people I have the utmost contempt. I think the quicker we put teeth in the immigration laws the better for us. I think the quicker we deport aliens illegally here. the better for America. In other words. if aliens come from foreign soil. unwilling to adapt themselves to American principles and to become lawabiding citizens. let them be sent back to the land of their birth. America has no use for such people. I can honestly state that the Dies investigating committee has done much to alleviate the radical situation in my home city. and the effect of this committees activities. particularly in my home State. has been greatly beneficial and salutary. I am constantly receiving letters. letters by the hundreds. from patriotic citizens of my district. who stress the thought that the United States should free themselves from those radicals who do not believe in our form of government. that those who are here illegally should be deported. that the immigration laws should be greatly strengthened and then rigidly enforced. If we are to preserve the great heritage of American institutions and love of country. then this must be done. otherwise the great sacrifice made by loyal American soldiers who were willing to give their lives for the preservation of the Constitution and the American form of government was in vain. The great majority of Legionnaires. of Spanish War veterans. and of other soldier organizations are preponderantly in favor of the continued investigation by this committee.