The Flagstaff sun-democrat., 1897-03-11

largely due to the assimilation and thrift of millions of sturdy and patriotic adopted citi- zens attestS the success of this generous and free-handed policy which, while guarding the peoples interest, exacts from our immi- grants only physical and moral soundness and a willingness and ability to work.
 It is claimed, believe, that the time has come for the further restriction of immigration on the ground that an excess of population overcrowds our land It Is said. however. that the quality of recent immigration is undesir- nble, for the time is quite within recent mcm- ory when the same thing was said of immi- grants who, with their descendants, are now numbered among our best citizens
 The claim is also made that the influx of foreign laborers deprives of the opportunity to work those who are better fitted than they to privileges of earning their own livelihood by daily toll An unfortunate condition is cer- tainly presented when any man who is willing to labor is unemployed. But so far as this condition now exists among our people. it must be conceded to be a result of phenomenal enterprises n which ,apor i l factor W..l .H9 alyeat ot s.talal and wholesome tiUaLHiHI .nd groHom.c n1,arumeata. policies aal a c.4- s.Iue-t cIc1G1.grme Go tae activity 1t cape l'.I. the ui.;oIr.usa Ul unemployed lnur should 1 -rrat .s. 1f 5t lrue- us r.ueuieG it .t continues its NH.-.4l ruuscI I.Drr1s wI,3 us r0 r.a1g IaH ,utuga aG. -rat.oa to lur cities Hf foreign aNsTrrs and tH I.p.n.e tle .lry, 1f
 4.ae already here. fu fhu meantime .hl.c mg-. wiling and best entitled ought to h. HH.s tl secure Che 4lgaataees Oi egtt work a. laars is tu ,,v.
 It is proposed by the bill under consideration to meet the alleged difficulties Of the situation by establishing an educational test by which the right of the foreigner to make his home with us shall be determined. Its general scheme Is to prohibit from admission to our country all immigrants physically capable and over l6 years who cannot read and write the English language" The best reason that could be given for this radical restriction of immigra- tion was the necessity of protecting our popu- lation against degeneration and saving our national peace and quiet from imported turbulence and disorder. cannot believe that we would be pro- tected against these evils by limiting immi- grafton to those who can read and write in any language 25 words of our constitution. In my opinion 1t is infinitely more safe to admit Il hundred thousand immigrants who, though unable to read and write, seek among us only a home and opportunity to work, than to admit one of those unruly agitators who cannot only read and write, but delight in arouslnc by infiammatory speech the illiterate and peacefully inclined to discontent and tumult Violence and disorder do not origi- nate with lliterate laborers. They are rather the victims of educated agitators. The ability to read and write as required in this bill and of itself, affords. in my opinion, a misleading test of contented industry and supplies unsatisfac- tory evidence of desirable citizenship or proper apprehension of the benefits of our in- stitutions.
 careful examination of this bill has con- vnced me that for the reasons given, and others not specifically stated, Its provisions are un- necessarily harsh and oppressive, and that it's defects in construction would cause vexation and its operation would result in harm to our citizens.