We have endeavored to exclude Chinese. and there are but a hundred and six or a hundred and seven thousand Chinese now in the United States. Yet it is proposed to acquire territory which contains a Chinese and Japanese population amounting to over 40.000 souls. It would not be beyond the truth to say that the Chinese and Japanese population which would thus be added to that of the United States equals twofifths of the Mongolians within our borders. The people whom I in part represent have for years been striving to exclude this competition. and a few misguided individuals in different parts of our country have. because of the prevalence of a determined sentiment antagonistic to Chinese attempted to drive them away by violence. So dangerous to society had their presence become that both nations reached the conclusion that it was essential that Chinese immigration should be prohibited. When we reflect that such has been our legislation and such our history. without a break in the continuity of the story. it is manifest that it would be utterly inconsistent and even iniquitous to absorb the very elements against whose presence we have so long and so earnestly contended. Why should we invite those whom we have driven away? Will the Chinamen from Hawaii be any better than the Chinamen who have come from Hongkong? The Japanese population of the islands is not of an exalted character. It is a coolie population. It is a population formed of the very lowest class of Japanese subjects. and yet Senators tell me that they are willing to bring within this Republic a serf contribution wholly incapacitated for intelligent government. The claim made by the present Republic of Hawaii. if it is such. is that all save the selected few are not fit to vote. and the argument of ir.
Identified stereotypes
The Japanese population of the islands is not of an exalted character. It is a coolie population. It is a population formed of the very lowest class of Japanese subjects.