Speech #560080985

There is not any doubt about it. But I am not criticising the committee for moving to insert those words in the bill. I think the amendment proposed by the Senator from Massachusetts should be adopted. because I believe we ought to give the CommissionerGeneral of Immigration large and full power in all this business. subject to the control and supervision of the Secretary of the Treasury. I would myself be willing to have the amendment of the committee stop after the word "Treasury." in line 7. because I do not see the slightest need of the last part of the provision: and under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe for the proper execution of such laws-." That is. the immigration lawsand the investigation and hearing as to the rights of such Chinese and immigrants to admission into the United States. It is a mere reiteration of what is in the statute now: If the Senator from Massachusetts were willing. I should prefer to leave that all out. and leave the clause exactly as it stood. the doubt being solved which has been stated by the Senator from Iowa. but if we are to reenact this provision about rules and regulations and put in special provisions as to "investigation and hearing as to the rights of such Chinese and immigrants to admission into the -United States." which investigation and hearing are already provided for by existing law and already take place under the existing custom. I think the CommissionerGeneral of Immigration. who gives special attention to this subject. should have the privilege. which the Senator from Massachusetts seeks to secure forhim. of writing out the rules and regulations and having them adopted. provided they meet with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. and not be in the condition of having an Assistant Secretary make the rules and regulations and getting them signed by the Secretary of the Treasury. and thus be at a disadvantage in the performance of the function of framing such rules and regulations. Therefore I wish the Senator from iowa would compromise this little question under debate by leaving out all after the word "Treasury." in line 7. and if nof. then I hope the amendment proposed by the Senator from Massachusetts may be adopted.