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Governor Smith States Views on Immigration and Ideals of Liberty

August 23, 1928
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(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

His views on the questions of immigration and hoerly under the law were expressed by Governor Alfred E. Smith, Democratic nominee for the Presidency of the United States, in his address accepting the nomination, delivered last night at the State Capitol here.

On immigration, Governor Smith stated: “During all of our national life the freedom of entry to the country has been extended to the millions who desired to take advantage of the freedom and the opportunities offered by America. The rugged qualities of our immigrants have helped to develop our country and their children have taken their places high in the annals of American history.

“Every race has made its contribution to the betterment of America. While I stand squarely on our platform declaration that the laws which limit immigration must be preserved in full force and effect, I am heartily in favor of removing from the immigration law the harsh provision which separates families. and I am opposed to the principle of restriction based upon the figures of immigrant population contained in a census thirty-eight years old. I believe this is designed to discriminate agains certain nationalities, and is an unwise policy. It is in no way essential to a continuance of the restriction advocated in our platform.”

The question of religious tolerance was not dircetly discussed by the nominees. His reference to the subject came under the head of “Reviving National Ideals,” on which subject he said:

“Because I believe in the idealism of the party of Jefferson. Cleveland, and Wilson, my administration will be rooted in liberty under the law; liberty that means freedom to the individual to follow his own will so long as he does not harm his neighbor; the same high moral purpose in our conduct as a nation that actuates the conduct of the God-fearing man and woman; that equality of opportunity which lays the foundation for wholesome family life and opens up the outlook for the betterment of the lives of our children.”

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