Speech #520053337

One hundred and ten thousand it is said. but then it was stated by gentlemen in debate here that there are 200.000 Chinamen in this country. I do not know how many there are. but that many Chinese persons must apply to our officers to get a certificate and to prove their right to obtain that certificate. and they must hold it and have it and possess it at all times as an evidence of their right to stay in this country. So we should have one hundred or two hundred thousand people. nearly all men who have to make a living by their daily labor. scattered through our country. mostly employed in the humbler occupations of life. armed with their certificates. liable to be called upon by any collector of customs or his officers. by any internalrevenue collector. by any marshal. by any officer of the United States to show that certificate. and unless he can show it or prove its lossa thing very difficult to be done. for he must make certain proof by one white witness. although very few white men can distinguish Chinamen unless they are acquainted with themhe is liable to be deported abroad to the country from which he came or to China. The burden of proof rests upon him to show that he was here at the time of the passage of this law. He does not stand like an ordinary person presumed to be entitled to all rights and privileges. but he must prove himself the affirmative.