Ben Franklin Letter |
| In the early 21st century there is a big concern over illegal immigration. Back in the 18th century there was a concern over immigration also. |
| Of course, I have had similar feelings about all the Spanish instructions in 2012 on many items to accommodate the influx of so many people from Spanish speaking countries. |
| Below is a letter by Ben Franklin that made me smile as I think about a bright 1750 German immigrant physician, Dr. Johannes Palm, who was an ancestor of mine. |
| He came legally. He even founded a town. Maybe in 1753 the German immigrants that Franklin met were not as educated as my ancestor. |
| Benjamin Franklin letter to friend Peter Collinson - May 9, 1753 |
| Those that come hither [German immigrants] are generally of the most ignorant stupid sort of their own Nation…. Not being used to Liberty, they know not how to make a modest use of it… I remember when they modestly declined intermeddling in our Elections, but now they come in droves, and carry all before them… They begin of late to make all their Bonds and other legal Writings in their own Language…and I suppose in a few years [interpreters] will be also necessary in the Assembly, to tell one half of our Legislators what the other half say; in short unless the stream of their importation could be turned from this to other Colonies…they will soon so outnumber us, that all the advantages we have will not [be] …able to preserve our language, and even our Government will become precarious. |
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