Speech #570044898

I will never favor a law that will directly or indirectly degrade the American wageearner nor put him in competition with Chinese labor. I heartily favor the exclusion of Chinese labor from the United States. but I claim the right to judge of the methods by which this exclusion shall be made efficient. Because I do not favor the committee bill is no evidence that I oppose Chinese exclusion. The best way to help American labor is not by words and declarations. but by doing something in its behalf. by extending our trade and commerce. protecting American industries. building up American interests on sea and land. and thereby providing employment for our people willing to work. I feel constrained to say this much on the subject of labor. because the attempt has been made to create the impression that only those who support this bill are the friends of the wageearner. which is not true.