Speech #530184551

I refer to the " Cherokee Tobacco Case" (11 Wall.. 616). the "HeadMoney Case" (112 U. S. R~ep.. 580). and to the late "Chinese Deportation Cases." In the treaty involved in the latter case we were dealing with a great and powerful nation. with whom the treatymaking power had solemnly contracted and agreed that certain privileges should be guaranteed to the citizens of China. yet when public sentiment became aroused against the Chinese and the people determined that their presence here without any intention of accepting citizenship was inmcal to our institutions and demoralizing to labor. Congress passed the "Geary law." which in effect annulled a part of the treaty with the Chinese. There is no question about the Congress of the United States having the power to abrogate a treaty with a foreign nation. much less a treaty with the Indians. a majority of whom are American citizens. and all of whom are under the jurisdiction of the United States.