I think those fundamental principles are so well known. that the average -man knows them. but I shall be glad to enlighten the gentleman out. in the lobby some time. The first indication of the unreliability and uncertainty of the basis of determination as provided in the nationalorigins clause was the postponement of its operation until July 1. 1927. in order that the quotas might be established. In order to regulate immigration up to the going into effect of the nationalorigins clause it was provided in the 1924 act "that the annual quota of any nationality shall be 2 percent of the number of foreignborn individuals of such nationality resident in continental United States as determined by the United States census of 1890. but the minimum quota of any nationality shall be 100." This. like the nationalorigins clause. only governed quota countries. The practical operation of the present law meant that 164.000 immigrants constituted 2. percent of. our foreignborn population as of 1890. and were allotted among the several Euro-. pean countries in accordance with the terms of this provision. Whether one believes in the policy of restrictive immigration or not. there is no question but what the original provision is at least definite and certain in its theory and operation. While the nationalorigins clause is certain as to the number of immigrants admissible each year from Europe. which is 153.000. every other provision thereof is unreliable. uncertain. and therefore inequitable. This would be particularly so in its operation. if it ever goes into effect. I want to call to the attention of the Members that in accordance with the provisions of the nationalorigins clause the Secretaries of State.
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