Speech #580059876

So it is unnecessary to discuss the Chinese question from the standpoints that culminated in the legslation referred to. The time of the debates is not so remote from the present generation that their recurrence is needed to prick the American instinct of selfpreservation from the yellow peril into activity. The policy of Chinese exclusion has expanded into an American system. and the question now involved is: "Will that system be overthrown unless amendatory legislation is had at the present session of Congress?" A review of treaty and legislative action must convince this body that unless additional legislation is had before Congress adjourns Zivery barrier against Chinese immigration that has been built will be removed on the 7th of December next. and the ports of the country thrown open to the unrestricted coming of the Chinese hordes whose invasion of the United States was arrested twentytwo years ago. The first Chinese treaty that related distinctly to immigration was that of 1868. and was popularly known as the "Burlingame treaty." Anson Burlingame. then the American minister to China. having negotiated the treaty. resigned his position and headed a body of distinguished Chinese who came to the United States to secure its ratification. At that time the perils that lurked in the treaty were not apprehended and the mission was successful. Sections 5 and 6 of that treaty are the conspicuous features of it. They recognize what they term " the inherent and inalienable right of man to change his home and allegiance" and declare for free migration and emigration of American and Chinese citizens and subjects. respectively. from the one country to the other for purposes of curiosity. trade. or permanent sesidence. And they further expressly provide that Chinese subjects coming into the United States shall enjoy the same privileges. immunities. and exemptions in respect to residence as may here be enjoyed by citizens or subjects of the mostfavored nations. This treaty. as all treaties between China and the United States have been. was extraordinary. It was extraordinary in this. that it emphasized the desirability of immigration from the treaty country to the United States. and went to unusual lengths in declaring the care that would be taken of Chinese subjects when they got here. The Chinese made greedy welcome of the opportunity. The great Chinese Six Companies were organized.