Speech #500116121

None in the world. so far as I know. but there was no treaty which gave them a right or invited them to come. or tied the hands of Congress or of the Executive or of any other department of our Government in reference to them. In other words. a good deal has been said in this debate about closing the door against Chinese immigration. I propose to show now who opened the door and who fastened it open after they got it open. The United States of AmericaI read now from the fifth article of the treaty of 1868. negotiated by William H. Seward and Anson Burlingame. The United States of America and the Emperor of China cordially recognize the inherent and inalienable right of man to change his home and allegiance. and also the mutual advantage of free migration and immigration ofWhat? of their citizensThat is. the citizens of the United States and of Chinaand subjects respectively from the one country for the purposes of curiosity. of trade. or as permanent residents. That was the door that was opened for the admission of the Chinese into this country by a treaty right. under a treaty negotiated by Mr. Seward and by Mr.