In a series of resolutions passed in the aftermath of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the legislature condemned "the transmission to our shores of felons and paupers" on March 6, 1956. While recognizing as brothers "those foreigners who, from love of liberty, hatred of oppression, have sought asylum in our midst," the legislature went on to assert that the rate of immigration was greater than "can be conveniently absorbed by the native population." Therefore it declared its conviction that there should be "a radical revision and modification of the laws regulating immigration and naturalization."
Coin purse, c. 1845. This purse was owned by Martin Schmidt (1821-1913). Martin was a German tanner and leatherworker who immigrated to Louisville from Hesse in 1848. According to his family, this was one of the items he brought with him to the United States. Donated by Martin F. Schmidt, 2001.3.5. Also a Silhouette of Margaret Herrman Schmidt (1826-1900). Margaret was born in Marburg, Hesse, Germany. She arrived in the United States in August of 1848. She married fellow German immigrant Martin Schmidt in1850 at Bucksmith Gardens in Louisville.Donated by Martin F. Schmidt, 2001.3.11. Kentucky Historical Society Collections.
