Speech #530010987

If China has requested such an extension of time. if China or any other power on the part of the Chinese has given any assurance that they will register. if there is any evidence that the Six Companies will permit the Chinese laborers to register. then such a proposition is worthy of the consideration of Congress. but if China has not requested an extension of time. if the Government has no assurance that if an extension is given the Chinese Six Companies will allow Chinese laborers to register. then the bill is not worthy of the consideration of the Government. There should certainly be no repeal or modification of a law simply because certain aliens refuse to comply with it. and under the circumstances the favorable consideration of such a measure by Congress would be inconsistent with the dignity of the Government. It seems to me that if further time is to be granted. and the Chinese in this country who have not complied with the Geary law are not to be deported. now after the law has been defied by the Chinese Six Companies. a request for that purpose should come from the Chinese Government. and our Government should have some assurance that the law will be complied with if further time is granted for registry.