Speech #580069765

Notwithstanding. Mr. President. that it seems clear to me that all laws now in force on the subject of Chinese exclusion will remain in force even though the treaty of 1894 is finally abrogated on December 7 next. there has been so much doubt expressed on that subject by men whose opinions are entitled to serious consideration. and. like every other controverted legal question. it is doubtful until finally settled by the court of last resort. I am willing to remove any doubts that may exist as to the continuance of the Chineseexclusion laws after December 7 next by voting for section 5 of the bill under consideration and striking out the balance of the bill. I will therefore propose to amend the bill under consideration by striking out sections 6. 7. 8.9. 10. 11. 12. and 13. and by amending section 5 of the bill by striking out. on page 91. in line 14. the words " except as hereinafter specifically provided." As all the sections after section 5 are stricken out by the amendment I propose. it is necessary to make this minor amendment to section 3. because nothing is hereinafter specifically provided.