Speech #440059025

President. I was strongly impressed with the statements made by the Senator from California and the Senator from Oregon some time ago in regard to the extent and character and effects of Chinese inindgration. But as this resolution looks to a treaty which is somewhat in violation of the traditions and the policy of this country in regard to foreign immigration. I would say to the Senator from California and to the other Senators from the Pacific coast that I am satisfied the Executive will not act. I am satisfied this Senate will not act. except upon the fullest information in regard to that matter. We havebeen toldof the action of politicaleonventions. I understand the republican convention wentno further than to give perhaps apledge for an investigation into the character and effects of Chiese immigration. I suggest to my friend from California that the right way to get hold of this tbhingand without doing it I think he will never accomplish any resultwill be for Congress to appoint a committee or commission with power to hivestigate the character. the extent. the effect. and probable consequences of Chinese immigration. Let us have full information on the subject. I do not doubt the statements made in the Senators speech or in that of the Senator from Oregon. But the country will not act upon that . they will want a full and complete investigation of this matter before we make a treaty the object of which is to cut off in whole or in part immigration from any foreign country. If this immigration is of the kind described by the Senators. if its effects are such as theyhave told us. if it has become solarge as theypredict. threatening to overwhelm the whole Pacific coast. let that fact be established in a way to impress itself upon the whole country. and then the Governnet will take action. But I suggest to my friend from California that he will never get a treaty made and never get a treaty ratified until the true character of the whole utestion is so fully exposed and sq fully established that the Government and the people will be willing to act upon the matter. There is hardly time this morning. but I believe I will offer a substitute for this resolution. asking Congress to ap point a commission or committee with power to examine this wholematter and make a report at a future time.