Speech #500119521

I am talking somewhat at large. but not more widely than is necessary to present the status that we are now in for our action and the action here proposed. It is perhaps debatable whether this proposed legislation is an abrogation of the treaty or only a violation of it to be accounted for in damages. or it may be an abrogation which thus removes the fabric of all our treaties. or it may be an abrogation which will not carry down all the treaties unless the justifiable conduct of China shall itself carry them down by denunciation. All I ask is that the bill shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. and I should like to have that deliberation. that inspection beforehand that will need to enforce itself upon this Government. and upon this Senate. and upon this people hereafter for all the j eople of the United States who agree with Senators on the other side and Senators on this side. and agree with me. that Chinese immigration must be absolutely exterminated so far and so fast as can be done according to the principles of law and duty. I am not of the opinion that we should assume an attitude toward this great and friendly nation of China that is inconsistent with true relations of good neighborhood and of public peace.