The Public Record
Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, serving two non-consecutive terms from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in New Jersey and is known for his commitment to honesty and integrity in government. Cleveland's presidency was marked by his opposition to high tariffs and his efforts to reform the civil service system, which earned him a reputation as a champion of the common man.
When we consider these provisions of the bill in connection with our long northern frontier and the boundaries of our States and Territories, often but an imaginary line separating them from the British dominions, and recall the friendly…
The ability to read and write, as required in this bill, in and of itself affords, in my opinion, a misleading test of contented industry and supplies unsatisfactory evidence of desirable citizenship or a proper apprehension of the…
Though it seems to be clear that the consul-general should have professional aid in such investigation, that matter, together with the selection of the particular persons to act with him, properly devolves upon my successor in office.
A radical departure from our national policy relating to immigration is here presented.
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.
I have not thought it compatible with the public interest that the correspondence referred to in the resolution should be communicated pending the public and exhaustive investigation about to be instituted.
This requirement proceeds upon the assumption that the foreign relatives coming here are in every case, by reason of poverty, liable to become a public charge unless the immigrant is capable of their support.
To the Senate:I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the Senate of February 24, 1897, a report from the Secretary of State, in relation to the claim of M. A. Cheek against the Siamese Government, with accompanying papers.
A careful examination of this bill has convinced me that for the reasons given and others not specifically stated its provisions are unnecessarily harsh and oppressive.
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.
In my opinion, it is infinitely more safe to admit a 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 and enemies of…
Politicians like Grover Cleveland
