age and is the parent
or grandparent of a qualified immigrant over 21 years of age and capable
of supporting such parent or grandparent may accompany such immigrant,
or such a parent or grandparent may be sent for and come to join the
family of a child or grandchild over 21 years of age similarly qualified
and capable, and a wife or minor child not so able to read and write may
accompany or be sent for and come and join the husband or parent
similarly qualified and capable.

A radical departure from our national policy relating to immigration is
here presented. Heretofore we have welcomed all who came to us from
other lands except those whose moral or physical condition or history
threatened danger to our national welfare and safety. Relying upon the
zealous watchfulness of our people to prevent injury to our political
and social fabric, we have encouraged those coming from foreign
countries to cast their lot with us and join in the development of our
vast domain, securing in return a share in the blessings of American
citizenship.

A century's stupendous growth, largely due to the assimilation and
thrift of millions of sturdy and patriotic adopted citizens, attests the
success of this generous and free-handed policy which, while guarding
the people's interests, exacts from our immigrants only physical and
moral soundness and a willingness and ability to work.

A contemplation of the grand results of this policy can not fail to
arouse a sentiment in its defense, for however it might have been
regarded as an original proposition and viewed as an experiment its
accomplishments are such that if it is to be uprooted at this late day
its disadvantages should be plainly apparent and the substitute adopted
should be just and adequate, free from uncertainties, and guarded
against difficult or oppressive administration.

It is not claimed, I 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
undesirable. The time is quite within recent memory when the same thing
was said of immigrants who, with their descendants, are now numbered
among our best citizens.

It is said that too many immigrants settle in our cities, thus
dangerously increasing their idle and vicious population. This is
certainly a disadvantage. It can not be shown, however, that it affects
all