Speech #470040966

I refer to these two instances in the history of our Goverment only to show that there is no time like the present to deal with an existing evil. however small proportions that evil may have attained. Indifference and procrastination lead only to difficulties and dangers. I therefore feel that there is no better time than the present for the Goverunment to meet squarely and deal definitely and effectively with this question of Chinese immigration and cheap labor. I believe that the Government should meet the question unhesitatingly. and on the very threshold. and not leave it lonaer for our countrymen on the Pacific coast to wrestle with singleEanded and alone. as they have done hitherto. and that we should not hesitate to enact into law a remedy for what. unrestricted. will develop into a condition of things that the people of this country cannot afford. We may as well understand first as last that if this Chinese immigration is to continue unrestricted it will not be confined for any great length of time to California and the Pacific States. but will seek all sections of the country where it can find a foothold. New England. w it s varied and extensive industries scattered through every valley and uipon every hillside. will have no imuunity. Th immense commerce of the great cities of the seaboard must accept it. and those occupying the prairies of the West must in turn adapt themselves to this system of labor.