Speech #470037293

Upon the ground that it was in violation of the then existing treaty between this country and China. Let us see what he said. I read from his veto message: The lapse of ton years since the negotiation of the Burlingame treaty has exhibited to the notice of the Chinese Government. as well as to our own people. the -working of this experiment of immigration in great numbers of Chinese laborers to this country. and their maintenance here of all the traits of race. religion. man. ners. and customs. habitations. mode of life. segregation here. and the keeping up of the ties of their original home. which stamp them as strangers and sojourners. .and not as incorporated elements of our national life and growth. This experience may naturally suggest the reconsideration of the subject as dealt with by the Bur. lingame treaty. and may properly become the occasion of more direct and circumspeet recognition in renewsd negotiations of the difficulties surrounding this politteal and social problem. Further on he says: I regard the very grave discontents of the people of the Pacific States with the -present working o the Chinese immigration. and their still gaver apprehensions therefrom in the future. as deserving the most serious atten ion of the people of the whole country and a solicitous interest on the part of Congress and the Executive. If this were not my own judgment. the passage of this bill by both Houses -of Congress would impress upon me the seriousness of the situation. when a ina.Jority of the Representatives of the people of the whole country had thought it to justify so serious a measure of relief. The President thereby implied the promise. or held out the induce:ment to the people of the Pacific coast. that when the then existing treaty relations between this country and China should be revised and amended it would be in order to enact other legislation. and such legislation ought to be passed.