President. was based upon the idea. which I thought a very mistaken one indeed. that by bringing the Chinaman in contact with American civilization and American institutions. the Ethiopian would change his skin and the leopard his spots. that they would widen up into our civilization and become convertible elements in our social fabric. as well as proper factors under certain conditions even in our political institutions. This Burlingame treaty was heralded through the Christian world as opening really the doors of salvation to the whole Chinese people. A great many preachers argued strenuously. and I hope then with great effect (but it turned out that they were mistaken about it). in favor of the proposition that if we would allow free. unobstructed immigration of the Chinese into this land. and allow them to assume here all the privileges of citizenship which belong to residence and domicile. they would incorporate themselves into our church establishments. that they would take up from us the spirit of Christianity. and would carry it abroad across the Pacific Ocean. and that the banner ot the Cross would be planted upon the plains of China by Chinese hands. That was a very beautiful picture. and very attractive and charming to the American people. and I regret deeply. sir. that it has not been realized. But they got over there among the Oregonians and the Californians and the Indians and the Mexicans. and they took to the American idea of moneymaking. if they did not have it before they came. and the Chinaman began to lay up treasure. not in heaven. but on earth." the same like a Melican man." as my friend from North Carolina very humorously suggests.
Identified stereotypes
Generalization about Chinese immigrants' supposed conversion to Christianity and assimilation into American society.