The Irish standard., 1914-03-07

letter to Pioneer Press outlines the
nature of the illiteracy test in the
Burnett immigration bill and the evil
and injustice of applying such test
to immigrants: The immigration bill
passed by the House and now pending
in the Senate will test the consistency
as we'll as the patriotism of the Presi-
dent when it comes to him. It adds
to existing law a new ground for the
exclusion Of immigrants-namely in
ability to read. This so-called literacy
test provision was vetoed by Presi-
dent Cleveland in 1897 and by Presi-
dent Taft in 1913, but it is still being
urged with great insistence by an odd
combination of political forces. The
organized labor leaders urge it in the
hope Of limiting competition among
toilers. Other supporters of the meas
ure apparently urge it lest the impious
spirit Of some foreigner might con.
taminate our sacred institutions. see-
ing evil in every aspect that lies be-
yond their understanding.
Makes Powerful Lobby.
This combination makes a powerful
lobby, because men who suffer from
either external forces or internal fears
are Jealous in seeking relief. The su-
perficial fairness of the test to edu.
Gated men, naturally impatient with
ignorance, made the lobbying of these
Jealous men very effective. All of us
who believe in and love our public
schools are inclined to give instant
approval to any law of this sort with
out considering it's deeper meaning OF
indirect results. This explains the
large vote, 239 to 40, with which
this section of the bill passed the
House. 1t will pass the Senate also,
but what will President Wilson do,
in view OF his campaign speeches and
letters on this subject?
What Wilson Said.
To allay misgivings regarding his
attitude upon the immigration of
Southern Europeans, Mr.. Wilson wrote
letter which was distributed by the
committee. over his signature in every
foreign-born community in the United
States, in which he said:
America has always been proud to
open her gates to every one who loved
liberty and sought opportunity, and
she Will never seek another course
under the guidance of the Democratic
party.
Sound and honest men and women
out of every one Of the great European
stocks, who come Of their own voli
ton and make permanent homes TO,
themselves, are welcome amongst us
No one can Justly criticize our laws
If only those who are sound and hon
est are admitted. Debased men and
men OF unserviceable kind may come
out of any race or stock, but America
mas enriched her genius and made /,
various and universal, as she has re-
newed herself out of the ancient peo
pies from Norway to Italy, and the
rich lands of the Mediterranean. who
have made the literature and histor,
OF the world"
1t is useless to speculate on what
would have been the result of the cleo
ton had Mr.. Wilson taken the mar
row point of view and added literac,
to "soundness" and Honesty" az
necessary qualifications Ito open ou,
gates to any one who loved libert,
and sought opportunity" It might
nave pleased some of the labor untor
leaders who sincerely believe in keen
ing out as many as possible. Mr.
Gompers and Mr.. Morrison believe II
restriction in every form. Others
however, like Louis F. Post, the as
sistant secretary of labor. take tht
other. and. to my mind, sounder view
Opposes Restriction.
AS one who has often proved a req
friend OF labor and labor unions.
earnestly oppose restriction of homes
and sound immigration. 1t is a yer,
significant fact that labor conditions
as well as general business conditions
are better in those states and com
munfties which have had the heayies,
innux OF immigrants. Nowhere II
America are labor conditions 80 hone
less and business 80 dull az in thost
sections Of the country where ther,
are few IT any foreigners. The reaso,
Is obvious. Too many native Amer,