Speech #570039021

I believe. before the committee in opposition to this section on the ground. as it was claimed. that it was violative of Article IV of the treaty of December 8. 1894. in reference to the mostfavorednation clause. But surely a mere reference to this treaty clause is a sufficient answer to this objection. The clause in the treaty referring to the mostfavorednation clause reads as follows: It is hereby understood and agreed that Chinese laborers or Chinese of any other class. either permanently or temporarily residing in the United States. shall have for the protection of their persons and property all rights that are given by the laws of the United States to citizens of the mostfavored nation. excepting the right to become naturalized citizens. It will be seen that this clause has no reference whatever to the entry of Chinese into this country. but relates solely to Chinese laborers. or Chinese of any other class. who may be temporarily or permanently residing in the United States. This provision does not attach or in any manner relate to or affect Chinese in their coming to the United States.