Speech #480052989

I must express my great surprise at the character of this debate. as well as the criticisms which have been indulged in by the opponents of this measure. If there is such a thing as legislative estoppel it would certainly apply in this instance. Not once. but repeatedly. within the last few years Congress has expressed itself in favor of restricting Chinese immigration. Not only in Congress. but among the voters and people of this country the question has been exhaustively discussed as one interwoven with the future destiny and welfare of our people. and involving the safety and harmony of our social and political institutions. The voice of the people has been echoed by their Representatives as far back as the second session of the Fortyfifth Congress. I had the honor. as a member of the Committee on Education and Labor. acting under its instructions. to report to this House a resolution requesting the President of the United States "to open correspondence immediately with the Governments of China and Great Britain with a view of securing a change or abrogation of all stipulations in existing treaties which permit the unlimited immigration of Chinese to the United States." This resolution was introduced February 25. 1878. and was accompanied by a report (No. 240). which I append. The House passed that resolution. and this was the first practical step toward the desired legislation. After waiting patiently but in vain fbr some response to this resolution on the part of the executive department. the committee instructed me to introduce a bill. which was done.