Speech #470034334

I have had an earnest desire to support this bill for the reason that I feel that I nust pay attention to the voice of those gentlemen who live where the Chinese mostly come. and whose voice seems to be almost unanimous against their presence. In listening to the discussion. I have not been able to raise in my own mind any doubt about the power of Congress to restrict. to regulate. or to suspend the immigration of the Chinese. hence I have voted for all amendments that seemed to me to be within the spirit of the treaty. but there is a broad distinction in my mind between suspending immigration and prohibiting it. "Suspend" has a meaning much more limited than "prohibit." and the very terms of the treaty with China. aswell as the discussion with referonce to the treaty. show that the Chinese people understood the difference between the terms "suspend" and "prohibit." It does seem to nie that a proposition to prohibit this immigration for twenty years. in the face of a stipulation in the treaty that the suspension. regulation. or restriction shall be reasonable. is one that ought notto be entertained by a faithkeeping people. Twenty years is the whole active life of almost any man. I believe in the old law books twentyfive years is called a life. and this is a proposition to prohibit this immigration during the life of the present generation. Can we do it in good faith. in the face of a stipulation that we will suspend only. not prohibit. and that all our legislation shall be reasonable? With my understanding of what is right. with my understanding of what is my duty in my endeavor to keep good faith with those with whom my country makes treaties.