The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1892-09-28
FOREIGN IMMIGRATION.

There is no expression in Mr.. CLEyE-
LANDS letter of acceptance which could
easily be improved, so clearly and to the
point does he state every proposition
touched upon. And how well he covers
the ground which ought to be traversed in
such paperl One of the questions agi-
tating this country, and which is really
formidable, is that relating to foreign in
migration. Tho matter enters into the
moral status of the public, as well as into
the great labor problem which affects
everybody, and it is discussed by states
men and political economists with deep
earnestness. Mr. CLEVELAND tersely
states the correct attitude of the right
thinking American people when he says:
Generous hospitality prompts US TO welcome
the worthy and industrious of ali lands to
homes and citizenship among US. This is not
violated, however, by careful and reasonable
regulation for the protection Of public health,
nor does it justify reception of immigrants
who have no appreciation OF our institutions
and whose presence among US is a menace to
peace and good order.
That brief sentence expresses it all.
Parties resolve against immigration. with
American policy and sentiment that their
resolutions imply. Demagogues shout
against making this country the dumping
ground for Europe, but do not discrim-
mate between desirable and undesirable
foreigners. The United States began with
an invitation to tia downtrodden and OPP
pressed of ell nations to come to America,
to make this their home, TO enjoy liberty
under the folds of the stars and stripes
in short, to become American citizens and
part of the great community going to make
mp the republic. That was humane; 1t was
republican in the best sense OF the word.
Nothing has yet occurred to suggest the
wisdom or adyissbility of the withdrawal
of the invitation or change OF the national
policy declared at the outset. In the ordi
nary course of events it will be q century
yet before the ''crowding" Of which the
politicians talk will be felt. 1t win be
more than century before the resources
of the country are thought to be taxed for
the maintenance of the population. and the
intelligent citizen viii seriously consider
the propriety Of closing our ports against
worthy men of other lands who want
to dwell within the boundaries OF
the American republic. That our
immigration policy was not wrong
at the commencement and is not wrong to-
day is abundantly proven by the fact that
in many OF the states large percentage of
the population is foreign born, and these
people are among the better classes of citi-
zens. The census shows that in some of
| hp DN RI hxra orr of ha -hOr
are very nearly equal in number to the
nsrive-born, and those states are classed as
the most law-abiding and progressive in
the republic Here in Utah, where the
| foreign born element forms considerable
portion of the community. nobody would
think of chasing those who have come
from abroad as unworthy the privileges
and benefits Of American citizenship or
as in any sense threat to the institutions
of the country. On the contrary the for
eign-born OF our people are found in all the
walks of life and are source OF wealth
and prosperity. There is no occasion for
the withdrawal of that generous hospital
ity which prompts us to welcome the worthy
and industrious of sll lands to homes and
citizenship among u.s." Only for the rejec-
tion of the unworthy and vicious, the idlers
and the criminals, and those who do not
assimilate with Americans should laws be
enacted and enforced, the honest, indus
-trious and liberty-loving people of other
countries being made welcome to our shores
as during the century OF the republics
existence. MIR. CLEVELAND has clearly
stated the position of true Democrats in
this matter, aud it is the position of true
Americans.