President. the amendment which is now before the Senate. presented by the junior Senator from Massachusetts. proposes to strike out of the bill the provision prohibiting the employment of Chinamen on vessels holding American registry. That is. in my humble judgment. one of the most important and beneficent provisions of the pending measure. The purpose of this measure. as I understand itthat is. the purpose which seems to have great weight with members of this bodyis to prevent the influx of any very large number of Asiatics into this country. because of the apprehension that they may materially interfere with the employment of our American workingman. In fact. those members of this body who are opposed to the committee bill are largely in favor of the amendment proposed by the Senator from Connecticut. which continues in force the existing law. whereby Chinese immigration is greatly limited and restricted. It is a fact that that is one of the main objects and purposes of this measure and one in which almost all Senators agree. namely. the purpose of excluding Chinainen from competing with our domestic labor. If that be the fact. then it appears to me that this is a most striking illustration of that species of legislation.
Keywords matched
Asiatics immigration