Speech #570043299

By the treaty of 1868 everybody could come from China to the United States who wanted to come. just as persons from other countries with which we had treaties of peace and amity. By the treaty of 1880. however. it was provided that we might regulate. limit. or suspend. and we promptly proceeded to suspend absolutely. although the treaty itself said while we had the right to suspend we should not absolutely prohibit even Chinese laborers. Now. then. in view of the fact that it was within the contemplation of the parties that there should be legislation of a modifying character with respect to Chinese immigration. it was foreseen that there might be hardships imposed in connection with the enactment and enforcement of such legislation. and therefore it was provided as follows: The high contracting powers having agreed up on the foregoing articles. whenever the Government of the United States shall adopt legislative measures in accordance therewith. such measures will be communicated to the Government of China. If the measures as enacted are found to work hardship upon the subjects of China. the Chinese minister at Washington may bring the matter to the notice of the Secretary of State of the United States-