The National tribune., 1896-12-24

native country or some other language, but IN
admissible immigrant over II years Of ago may
bring in with him or send for his wife or parent
or grandparent Or minor child. or gfandchild,
Notwithstanding their inability 70 read and
write"
Mr.. Vest mo. b. moved to make the age Of
admission 16 years, and Mr.. Palmer moved that
it b 81 years The age limit caused ex-
tended debate, Mr.. Lodge Tin charge Of tho
biill opposing any change from IA years.
The Palmer amendment as to q years was
defeated without division. The Vest amend
copied BY Mr.. Lodge and agreed to-
Mr.. Morgan (Ala., d. offered new section
to the bill providing that the exclusion shall
not apply to persons arriving from Cuba.
Mr.. Plat suggested that the section would
be inconsistent with the treaty obligations CIV
ing like rights to all citizens of all countries
Mr.. Chandler said that the same theory as
to accepting Cubans would apply to Armcnians.
Mr. Morgan urged that tho conditions in
Cuba were SO peculiar that We should welcome
the Cubans from the rule of the most tyranni-
cal Government in the world. We should turn
no Cuban hack from our shore. The Senator
said he thought the most favored nation
clause ought to come ont of all treaties, although
he did not believe this exception would affect
any treaty.
Mr. Hoar Mass, r. suggested modification
of the Morgan section giving the Secretary OF
State power to except from exclusion such
persons as may be fleeing from tyranny or the
results Of war.
Mr. Lodge said it would be proper to receive
Cubans pending a settlement of the disorders
on the island, but not to make the exception
permanent in time of peace. Mr.. Hoar there
upon changed his amendment SO as to except
from exclusion "Cubans arriving in the United
States during the continuance of the present
| disorders in Cuba"
Mr. n ~ e n
whole. urging that a test of illteracy would
not insure good citizens from abroad. The
needs of the South and West demanded an In
6ux Of immigrants to aid in the development
of these sections.
After further debate vote was taken on
the Cuban exception and it was adopted--ycas.
Al; nays, g. The negative vote was cast by
Senator's Caffrey, Hill. Lindsay, Palmer, Petit
grew, and Walthall.
Mr.. Call said he would vote for the bill, but
he urged that the country had need for the
hardy and vigorous foreign immigrant to aid
in great projects of development.
Mr. Mills declared that reading and writing
did not constitute good citizenship. The bill
was an extension OF the refnements Of civil
service laws to the immigrants seeking our
| shores. It set aside the democratic spirit OF
our institutions. Mr.. Mills said he would well
come 100000 Germans or Irshmen or Scandi-
navans to Texas.
The new section, as adopted, is as follows:
This act shall not apply to persons arriving
in the United States from any port or place in
the island of Cuba during the continuance of
the present disorder there, provided that such
persons have heretofore been inhabitants Of
that island"
The bill was passcd-52 to 10.
As the measure, passed. is substitute for
the House BILL conference was ordered, with
Messrs. Lodge. Chandler, and Faulkner as con.
ferees on tho part of the Senate.
In the House, the pending question was on
the adoption of the amendment to the Army
appropriation bill to except the Army and Navy
hospital at Hot Springs. Ark. from all benefit