Speech #470041579

I see no reason why it shoud be stricken out. because it would seem the word "laborer" is not broad enough to cover what is intended. mnd that definition does include all that is intended to be included in the bill. It is also proposed to strike out the seventeenth section. The object of the seventeenth section is simplyto prevent the Chinese from becoming naturalized citizens of the United States. Now. it is well underst3od under the law that Chinese cannot become naturalized citizens. In 1866. when the Senator from Massachusetts (Charles Sumner) reported a bill to amend the naturalization laws by striking out the word "white." an amendment was inserted which made it apply only to white male citizens above the age of twentyone and persons of African nativity and descent. and therefore by implication excluded the Asiatics. I see no reason why this House should desire to put itself upon record as in favor of striking out of this bill the seventeenth section. which follows the law and declares the judgment of American Representatives that the Chinese are unfit to become naturalized citizens of the United States. I would like to have answered in detail some of the arguments made in opposition to this bill by gentlemen who have preceded me. There is the gentleman from Massachusetts. and I respect him very highly for the kindness he has always shown me on this floor. but I must say that I do not understand where he got the idea that the party of the Pacific coast were the "left wing of the Republican party.