Believing. therefore. that this extension is a mere trifling with the purpose of the law and will not be complied with. we believe it should be earnestly opposed now. But. sir. aside from the misguided humanitarian purpose. this seemingly innocent legislation involves considerations of grave moment for this Congress and for the country: First. It attaeks the rights and privileges of free American labor from contact and competition with foreign slave or coolie labor. Secondly. It indirectly recognizes and indorses the arbitrary. illegal. and unwarranted interference of the Executive and the Executive Departments of the Government in the orderly execution of the laws of Congress.