The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1915-01-29


character. their purposes. or their
natural capacity.
Restrictions like these adopted
earlier in our history as nation.
would very materially have altered
the course and cooled the humane ar
doris of our politics. The right of
political asylum has brought to this
country many a man of noble char
acter and elevated purpose who was
marked as an outlaw in his own less
avored land, and who has yet be-
come an ornament to our citizenship
and to our public councils.
THE children and compatriots OF
these illustrious Americans must
stand amazed to see the representa-
tives of their nation now resolved, in
the fuilness Of our national strength,
and at the maturity of our great in
stitutions, to risk turning such men
back from our shores without test of
quality or purpose. 1t Is difficult for
me to believe that the full effect of
this feature of the bill was realized
when it was framed and adopted, and
it is impossible for me to assent to
1t in the form. which it is here cast.
RADICAL CHANGE.
THE hteracy test and the tests and
restrictions which accompany it, con-
stitute an even more radical change
in the policy of the nation. Hitherto
we have generously kept our doors
open to all who were not untitled by
reason of disease or incapacity for
self support or such personal records
and antecedents as were likely to
make them a menace to our peace
and order or to the wholesome and es-
sential relationships of life. In this
bill 1t Is proposed to turn away from
tests Of character and Of quality, and
to impose tests which exclude and re-
strict; for the new tests here en-
bodied are not tests of quality or CT
character or of personal fitness, but
tests OF opportunity. Those who come
seeking opportunity are not to be adj
mitted unless they have already had
one of the chief of the opportunities
they seek-the opportunity of educa-
ton.
IF the people of this country have
made up their minds to limit the
number Of immigrants by arbitrary
tests and so reverse the policy of all
the generations Of Americans that
have gone before them, 1t is their
right to do so. i am their servant
and have no license to stand in their
way But I do not believe that they
have. respectfully submit that no
one can quote their mandate to that
effect. Has any political party ever
avowed a policy OF restriction in this
fundamental matter, gone to the coun-
try on 1t, and been recommissioned
to control its legislation? Does this
bill rest upon the conscious and uni
versal assent and desire of the Amer
lean people? I doubt it. It Is be-
cause doubt 1t that make bold to
dissent from 1t. / am willing to abide
by the verdict, but not until 1t has
been rendered. Let the platforms of
parties speak out upon this policy and
the people pronounce their wish. The
matter is too fundamental to be set
tied otherwise.
II have no pride of opinion on this
question. / am not foolish enough
to profess to know the wishes and
ideals of America better than the body
of her chosen representatives know
them. only want instruction direct
from those whose fortunes, with ours
and all mems. are involved"
EVOKED APPLAUSE.
Other business in the house was
suspended while the presidents veto
message was read. 1t evoked applause
on the Democratic side and from some
Republicans.
"At the proper time" said Repre-
sentative Burnett, 81 shall move
reconsideration of the vote by which
the bill passed the house and that 1t
be passed over the presidents veto"
The message was referred to the
immigration committee, from which
Chairman Burnett said he would ask
to have a report to the house one
week from today. The veto will not
come before the senate until it has
been acted on in the house.