Alien Registration Bill Passes Senate Only to Be Recalled As Senators Continue Protracted Discussion

Hectic immigration developments, including a nearly successful effort of Senator Blease to force through his voluntary alien registration bill, a serious attempt by the restrictionists to seize the pending Mexican immigration bill as an opportunity to precipitate a reopening of the entire question of further immigration restriction and the possibility of a reconsideration of the national origins plan, piled on top of one another in the Senate today and yesterday during the continuation of the immigration discussion.

Senator Norbeck of North Dakota, one of the original opponents of the national origins plan, introduced an amendment, providing for a reduction from two to one and a half percent of the present 1890 census quota basis, to repeal it. Senator Copeland thwarted Senator Blease’s effort to push through the adoption of the alien registration bill without debate. When the measure was reached on the calendar Senator Blease immediately moved its adoption but Senator Copeland’s attention was distracted for the moment and as no one objected the bill passed without dissent.

A few moments later Senator Copeland learned of what had happened and demanded reconsideration which was granted by unanimous vote and the bill was referred back to the calendar where it may be reached for another vote at any time. In the meantime Senator Copeland has announced his intention of addressing the Senate on the bill before it comes up for a vote.

Senator Black, after pressing his amendment to totally suspend immigration for five years beginning next January, withdrew his amendment temporarily in order to accede to the wishes of those who desire to vote on prior amendments offered to repeal the national origins plan and to substitute Congressman Johnson’s Mexican immigration restriction bill.

During the debate, Senator Gould, Committee, announced his opposition