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-µnder these conditions, that is, the utter inequality of this
to be not only unwise, but an outrage upon the social and mate-
treaty, its injustice to the American p~ople, the violation by the
rial interests of the whole nation. I quote it:
C~il].ese of its most essential pm~isi~ns, to the injury of our
Cordially recognizes the inherent and inalienable right of man ~o change
h~s home and allegiance and also the mutual advantages of the migration mq1~al sentiment~, anq industries, 'Ye should not :p.esitate to abro-
and emigration of their citizens and subjects, respectively, fro in the one coim- g'.':'tQ this treaty ~nd pr';)serve our civilization, our in~titutions,
try to tlie other for purposes of curiosity, of trade, or as permanent1;esidents.
and people.
The advantages of this section have almost wholly inured to
· yVhy should ~ve at this time hesitate to exclude? We have
the benefit of the Chinese; but, conceding the principle, is not already in the p~ssage of the Scott law aprogated a portion of
the right to prevent for cause inherent? Otherwise it would be l
illogical arid absurd. the treaty, and it has be<;m so decided by ~he highest judicial
tribunal in the land.
This article also contains a proviso that certain laws shall be
Mr. Presiden.t, :my objection to the pending bill is that it is
passed by both the contracting powers concerning the forced im-
practically a reenactment of the present law, which h~s not and
migration of coolies and making it a penal offe:hse, viz:
can not answer the end for which it was intendeq. Its only prac-
For a citizen of the United States or Chinese subject to take Chinese sub-
jects either to the United States or any other foreign country, or, for a tioal effect has oeen to turµ the tide of this immigration frqm an
Chinese subject or citizen <:>f the United Statt:ls to take citizens of the United American line Qf steamers to Saµ franc:j.sco to a British line of
States to China or to any other foreign country, without their free and vol-
untary consent, respectively. steamers to Yictqria, British Colu:rnbia, where the Canaqian
Government receives $50 a head for their reception and t4e
In pursuance of which the United States enacted str1ngent
United States gains tlie Chinaman all the same, as it is a noto-
laws for the carrying out of that provision. China, however,
rious fact that their numbers liave increased but sl:j_gµtly in Can-
has utterly failed and neglected to pass such a law or to take any
ada, and that the:y have come over our 3,000 miles of nqrthern
effective steps to prevent emigration under contract and by com-
border practically whenever they desired. And this measure
pulsion, and it is a well-known fact that there are many instances
provides no protection against that illegal invasion. The cost
where this provision has been ignored; where Chinese subjects
of policing that distance to prevent their incoming renders it
have been sold for a certain period to labor, and . soine for vilest
impossible.
purposes, have been compelled to emigrate and fulfill their con-
tract. I think it is within the truth to say that 50 per cent of The substitute which I have offered contains a provision for a
those here came in violation of this article and of our contract- system of registration of those now in the country which might
labor law. (I have a copy of a contract, authenticated by a min- he practicable and accomplish the desired end. It certainly is
ister of the gospel, which I would append to my remarks were it worth a trial.
not too indecent for publication.) It perpetrates no indignity or hardship upon those now in this
China has committed a flagrant violation of this most impor- country and entitled to remain, if they are honest. But it will
tant provision of the treaty. probably prevent the illeg~l incoming of others by collusion and
Article 6 in effect providei3, that ,vhile "the United States false oaths.
grants to the Chinese the right of access, of travel, trade, or perma- I also object to the pending bill as it reenacts the " merchant"
nent residence," in any and all parts of our country, without re- clause, ~hich provides for the return of this supposetl class by
I striction, China only grants to the citizens of the United States certificate.
simply the right to reside in certain ooaports beyond the precincts This provision of the law has proved a fruiM'ul source d fmuc.
392 .. ;, ' . . i .. . . · ' , ' ' . '
of which they ai·e not permitted to go under pains ahd penalties.
392