Speech #530033245

If these other provisions are to remain in the bill. I believe they could have been improved. I doubt very much whether they will not increase the difficulties which will arise in the enforcement of our laws for the restriction 6f Chinese immigration. I know the Senator from California saysand I agree with him in that matterthat the first clause of section 2 is unwise as now drawn. that the matter of interpreting the word "laborer" or "laborers should not have been undertaken. but should have been left to the courts. or we should have stopped with the provision that this act should apply to both skilled and unskilled manual laborers. and not have undertaken to provide that Chinese employed in certain industries should be considered Chinese laborers. and that even now that the bill should be amended by striking out that latter clause providing that the term "Chinese laborer" shouldbe construed to mean both skilled and unskilled manual laborers. including Chinese employed in mining. fishing. huckstering. peddling. laundrymen. or those engaged in taking. drying. or otherwise preserving shell or other fish -for.home consumption or exportation. Or that we should insert "agriculture and horticulture." and perhaps "lumbering." and some other industries.