Speech #500120183

I answer that by saying that there is in my hand an act passed by Congress in 1884. the first section of which I shall read. which does exclude the introduction originally of Chinese: That from and after the passage of this act. and until the expiration of ten years next after the passage of this act. the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States be. and the same is hereby. suspended. and during such suspension it shall not be lawful for any Chinese laborer to come from any foreign port or place. or having so come to remain within the United States. So there was and is upon the statutebook a complete. an efficient. and a thorough provision for the exclusion of Chinese when they first attempt to come. In that act. however. in accordance with the treaty made by President Arthur. there was a provision that those who came here and went away might return. That is the way the law stood. and that is the way the law stands now. When this proposed act was passed by the House of Representatives they found that the first or original immigration of a Chinese laborer was absolutely prohibited by law.