Speech #500063449

Of course it is not to be supposed that if he inadvertently or carelessly employed any one prohibited by law. though he should perhaps have exercised greater caution. he is to be deprived of his contract. and the bill does not provide that he shall be deprived then of his rights under his contract. but if he willfully does it. if he designedly violates this law. then the contract with the Government will be forfeited. and be will be obliged to appeal to Congress for such equitable adjustment of the amount that may be due him. if he had really conferred great benefit on the country by the substantial discharge of his contract. in order to get what might be equitably allowed him in the judgment of Congress. Now. upon the main question which the Senator raises. whether this sort of legislation is desirable. that of course we shall decide according to our general views. We have indulged in some legislation touching foreigners from the Asiatic shores. and I think the general sentiment of this country is that they should not only be excluded from employment by the public. but also from employment by private individuals. and excluded from the country itself absolutely and totally. And yet I do not know any reason that can be in principle applied to the Mongolian. so far as employment after he is in the ountry is concerned. which we may not properly apply to any other foreigner whatsoever. The principle of legislation by which we exclude foreigners from the occupation of our country. carried to its lull extent. it seems to me. is certainly allcomprehensive of everything that is contained in the provisions of this bill. I do not say that persons of our own race should not be permitted to come hereand become citizens of the United States. but that they should come here for temporary purposes with no design other than for a time to occupy our land and eat up our substance. and then go away and give to foreign countries the advantages which they may have derived from a temporary residence here. is strictly within the argument which has been made from time to time by our friends on the Pacific coast with regard to the Mongolian immigration. It is an argument which if it is good for anything is good for any foreigner. so far as that part of the subject is concerned. Those men who come to this country with the design of becoming residents of the United States can have no difficulty whatever in making their application early and at once. and they will do so. and it is fair to presume that if they come here in good faith they will do so immediately upon their arrival.