The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-01-07
Senator Thornton on the Immigration Bill

Congressional Record, Dec. 81, 1914, page 1851
l shall vote for the literacy section of the
bill which has been previously approved by
both houses of Congress, because believe
that eindiscriminateimmig that has
been coming to this country during the last
ten or fifteen years should be restricted
until we can better assimilate or American
ize those who have come in such large
numbers in the time Ihave mentioned.
Therefore believing that the best inter-
ests of this country demand a restriction of
foreign immigration, I am in favor Of the
literacy test because that operates as re-
strction to some extent, and think the
restriction can properly be applied to il
literates.
1t is true that iIliteracy does not neces-
sarily imply lack of morality or the desire
to be law breaker.
! 1t is also true that illiteracy naturally
tends to prevent a foreigner from acquir-
ing proper conception of American insti-
tutions as soon as a literate could acquire
| it.
1t is also true that the illiterates on &C
count of their ignorancecan be mere easily
influenced in the direction OF lawlessness
by designing men and also more readily
influenced by political demagogues.
Every one who has looked into the mat
ter of this large foreign immigration during
the time have mentioned knows or ought
to know that the two principal causes induc-
ing it were the efforts Of foreign steamship
companies and the American employers of
cheap labor, each working for their own
selfish interests.
indebted FORTS development to the immigra-
hot bop in
times; but that was an immigration of
different nature from the immigration
which has been largely coming of late
years and devoted itself to other pursuits
than the present kind of immigration does.
The fact that in former times and under
) different conditions in this country, un-
restricted immigration was permitted, is no
argument in favor of permitting unrestrict-
ed immigration.
While | feel a natural sympathy for
aliens who hope to better their condition
by coming to this country, | do not recog-
nize that this country is under any obliga-
ton to admit foreigners to its privileges
just because these foreigners wish to enjoy
those privileges.
Still less is this country under any obi
cation to admit them if their admittance
might have a tendency to injuriously affect
, the we'll being of her own citizens.
| consider that my first duty is to my
own country, and propose to discharge it
according to my best Judgment, without
regard to the possible political effect on
myself or on the party with which l am
identified.
, regret that the amendments to the lit
eracy test which have been voted on this
morning have been defeated by the Senate.
3 They were amendments for which l voted
! and for which | stand. Nevertheless, be-
cause they have been voted down, is no
reason why should be justified in voting
against the literacy test, which in my
judgment embodies generally wise pro-
vision of law.
Especially is this s6when the sentiment
\ of the Senate very clearly shows that the
t.. literacy test will be sustained, no matter
: whether l vote for or against it. also feel
Q some comfort in the fact that in my judg-
ment, the Jews in those countries of Europe
, for whom these amendments were particu
y larly intended, will not after the conclusion
of the present European war, suffer the
) persecution in the future which they have
suffered in the past, no matter what side
!; may be victorious at its termination.