Speech #580053116

I disclaim the disposition to criticise the Commissioner of Immigration. Without undertaking to say at whose door the responsibility rests. however. I am certain that the law has not been enforced in the respects covered by the amendment. The law prohibits Chinese persons of enumerated qualities from entering American territory. and seamen such as those now employed on American ships in our oversea trade fall within the prohibition. American ships are in contemplation of law American territory. and notwithstanding this it is true that all the transPacific steamships flying our flag and engaged in the China trade are manned by Chinamen.