When we consider this question carefully. we should bear in mind that we owe something to our own States. We should bear in mind the fact that California. and Oregon. and Washington are bound hand and foot. Those States. owing to the language of our Constitution. can pass nolaw in reference to immigration. They can pass no law discriminating against the vices of the Chinamen. for it has been held by the Supreme Court of the United States that a statute restricting the immigration of the Chinese to California was unconstitutional and void. and it has also been held that the Chinamen in San Francisco are under the protection of the fourteenth amendment while they are there. under its fullest protection. so the native has no redress. When these States of the golden West. which are thus enchained and powerless. and compelled to inaction within their own legislative and judicial forums by the very terms of the Federal compactwhen these States call to us in their extremity. shall they appeal in vain? I trust not. gentlemen. and I am determined that at least one Eastern voice shall echo back their cry and respond in tones of assistance. There is only one thing more. in conclusion. To fully and properly discuss this subject would require many minutes longer. I desire to say to you Republicans. remember how much depends on the assertion and maintenance of the control over immigration. according to your view. and remember it in your line of policy. in reference to this question. Follow your great Senator from Ohio. who said in 1888: Upon that question. the immigration of Chinese labor. I am in full accord with the general sentiment of the Senate. and of theHouse of Representatives. and of the people of the United States. and there is no doubt a concurrent sentiment that we should prohibit races so distinct. so alien. so different in habits. civilization. religion. and character from ours from coming to our country. I say to the Democrats: Is not the interest of citizen labor as dear to you now. today. as it was on the eve of the Presidential election of 1888?
Identified stereotypes
Chinamen are associated with vices and are seen as a threat to the native population.