Speech #470037372

I would not be understood to approve of all the provisions of this Senate bill. which has been substituted therefor. and which. in my judgment. contains some very objectionable features. Some of its provisions are in violation of our treaty obligations. in violation of good faith with the Chinese Government. and in violation of oar honor as a nation. It is clearly the right of everynation to placelimitations upon immigration to the country over which it has jurisdiction and control. If there were any doubt as to the existence of this right under the law of nations. in this case the United States and Chinahave declared through the solemnities of the treaty entered into between the two nations in 1881. that whenever in the opinion of this Government the coining of Chinese laborers to this country or their residence therein affects or threatens to affect the interests of this country this Governmient may regnlate. limit. or suspend such coming or residence.