Before enlarging the immigration quotas we had better provide registration for aliens, those now here or continually pressing for admission, and establish our examination boards abroad, to make sure of desirables only.  By the examination abroad we could end the pathos at our ports, when men and women find our doors closed, after long voyages and wasted savings, because they are unfit for admission It would be kindlier and safer to tell them before they embark.

Our program of admission and treatment of immigrants is very intimately related to the educational policy of the Republic With illiteracy estimated at front two-tenths of 1 per cent to less than 2 per cent in 10 of the foremost nations of Europe it rivets our attention to it serious problem when we are reminded of a 6 per cent illiteracy in the United States.  The figures are based on the test which defines an Illiterate as one having no schooling whatever.  Remembering the wide freedom of our public schools with compulsory attendance in many States in the Union, one is convinced that much of our excessive illiteracy comes to us from abroad, and the education of the immigrant becomes it requisite to his Americanization.  It must be done if he is fittingly to exercise the duties as well as enjoy the privileges of American citizenship.  Here is revealed the special field for Federal cooperation in furthering education.

From the very beginning public education has been left mainly in the hands of the States.  So far as schooling youth is concerned the policy has been justified, because no responsibility can be so effective as that of the local community alive to its task.  I believe in the cooperation of the national authority to stimulate, encourage, and broaden the work of the local authorities.  But it is the especial obligation of the Federal Government to devise means and effectively assist in the education of the newcomer from foreign lands, so that the level of American education may be made the highest that is humanly possible.

Closely related to this problem of education is the abolition of child labor.  Twice Congress has attempted the correction of the evils incident to child employment.  The decision of the Supreme Court has put this problem outside the proper domain of Federal regulation until the Constitution is so amended as to give the Congress indubitable authority.  I recommend the submission of such an amendment.

We have two schools of thought relating to amendment of the Constitution.  One need not be committed to the belief that amendment is weakening the fundamental law, or that excessive amendment is essential to meet every ephemeral whim.  We ought to amend to meet the demands of the people when sanctioned by deliberate public opinion.