Speech #470037332

Be. sir. like many of us. as I did myself. came up from the lowest walks of life. and hm had sympathy with the laboringmen of this country. and if I had never had the honor of his personal acquaintance I would still have known as well as I do now that it was impossible for him ever to ha ve written -such an infamous letter as that. And what was it made the country think that letter was so infamous ? What is in the letter but what is advocated by every man who is in favor of Chinese immigration into this country ? The sentiments expressed in the "Morey letter 1 are absolutely and unqualifiedly the sentiments of those who believe that it is right to bring here millions of cooly slaves that their labor may be brctught into competition with and their society insult the respectable people of .this country. Now. Mr. Speaker. what did our late President do ? After ho had been nominated for President. in hisletter of acceptance. in obedience and in regard to the platform of the Republican party. he says: The material interests of this country. the traditions of its settlenient and the sentiment of our people have led the Government to offer the widest Lospitalityto immigrants who seek our shores for newand happierhomes. willing I a share the burdens as well as the benefits of our societyHow well. Mr. Speaker. he know the sentiments and tie cliaracteristice of the people about whom he was writingwilling to share the burdens as well as the benefits of our society. and intend. ing that their posterity shall become an undistinguishable part of ou Fopulation. The recent movement of the Chinese to our Pacific coast partakes bu lttle of the qualities of such immigration. either In its purposes or its results. it is too much like an importation to he welcomed without restriction. too much like an invasion to be looked upon without solicitude. We cannot consent to allow any form of seirvile labor to be introduced among us under the guise of immigration. Recognizing the gravity of this subject the present administration. supported by Congress. has sent to China a commission of distinguished citizens for the purpose of securing such a modification of the existing treaty as will prevent the evils likely to arise from the present situation. It is confident y believed that thee s) diplomatio negotiations will be successful withont the loss of commercial intercoersobetween the two powers which promises a great increase of reciprocal trade and the enlargement of our markets.