Speech #470040967

I supposed. and the people of the country believed. when this plank was placed in the 11epublican platform at Chicago. that it was something more than empty declamation or a mere subterfuge to catch the votes of the Pacific States. that. on the contrary. it was the wellconsidered and welldetermined policy of the Republican party on this subject. And this belief was confirmed. if confirmation was needed. when James A. Garfield. in is admirable letter of acceptance. used this enmphatic lneguage: The material interests of this cmutry. the traditions of its sottlenaent and the sentiment of our people have led the Government to offer the whiest hospitality to immigrants who seek out shores for new and happier holaes. willing to share time burdens as well as the benefits of our society.. nd intendig that lheir posterity slhallbecoaien undistiiaguislable part of oulr lieialatioii. The recent movement ofthe Chinese to onr Pacific coast partakes but little of the qualities of such immigration. either in its purposes or its resultsn. It is too much like an importation to be welcomed without restriction. too much like an invasion to lh looked upali without solicitude. We cannot consent to allow any foam of servile labor to be introduced among us nder the guise of immigration R~ecogirimag the gravity Nof this subject the present administration. sapported by Congress. has seat to GCina a commission of distinguished citizens for thme purpose of securin. such a modiication of the existing treaty as will prevent the evils likely to anlse froa tIhe preseat situation. It is confidently believed that these diplomatic negotiations will be successful without the loss of commercial intercourse between tie two powea which promises a great increase of reciprocal trade saad i le enlargementof oar markets. Should thse efforts fail it will he the duty of Congress to mitigate the evils already felt and prevent their increase by such restrictions as without vie. lhnes or injaistice will place upon a sme foundation the peace of our communities and the freedom and digaity of labor. . Such were the emphatic words of General Garfield when Ie accepted the Republica noanination for President. "It is too much like an importation to be welcomed without restriction . too much like an invasion to be looked upon without solicitude. We cannot consent to allow any form of servile labor to be introduced among as uler the guise of immigration." And this is precisely what the pending bill has to say on the subject. The Republican party was called into existence and organized to resist the aggressions of slavery and the carrying of degraded labor into the new Territories. In all its grand history it has never failed to respond to the appeals of the oppressed. neither has it ever failed to recognize the great truth that dignity of labor. coupled with universal intelligence of its people. is the bedrock upon which all governments of the people can alone securely rest.