Speech #460076269

Thereis no division of judgment as to the evil effects of Chinese in California. The people of that State have as one man pronounced against it. At an election held last September in that State the question of Chinese immigration was submitted to the people. and the record shows that in a vote of more than 160.000 there were but 883 who expressed a willingness to receive them to our shores. This question was submitted by an act of the Legislature in consequence of statements made in Congress. from the pulpit. and in the public press that it was only the vagrant and "hoodlum" element which was raising the cry of opposition. and only selfish demagogues who were taking up and echoing the same. and that the better classes were not opposed to Chinese immigration. Those who have heretofore believed these statements and honestly doubted a unanimity of sentiment among the people of California must now be convinced that they were mistaken. That these statements might be forever silenced. and that none should offer ignorance as an excuse. and that all should know that upon this proposition party lines had been obliterated. and that. horvever much our people might disagree upon other questions. they are a unit in opposition to Chinese immigration. to this end the governor has forwarded to every Senator and Representative in Congress. to the governor of each State and Territory. to the President and VicePresident of the United States. and to each Cabinet officer a certificate of the vote upon this proposition. attested by the great seal of the State. This expression of opinion. so unanimous. coming from a people who have had an experience of thirty years with the Chinese. and deliberately expressed at an election at which each voter could express his opinion without fear or favor. should address itself with great force to the consideration of every one unbiased by prejudice or preconceived opinions. Indeed it seems to me that it should be conclusive. unless we are prepared to dispute the intelligence of that people.