Tme Senator from California. Mr. President. asks me in what particular the bill reported by the conferees discriminates in favor of the Pacific coast and against another sectionI will say the Southand then the Senator. before hearing the reply. announced what he considers to be the correct rule as to the exclusion of immigrants. which. of course. does not particularly relate to the inquiry he propounded to me. except in so far as it may be controlled by a general principle and not by the conditions to which his inquiry -is directed. Mr. President. this bill. so far as it relates to the Pacific coast. is distinctively in the interest of the Pacific coast. so far as that interest can be gathered from the attitude of those who so ably represent it upon this floor. In other words. the interest of the Pacific coast. as interpreted and represented by these able and distinguished Senators. is to interpose a barrier between that coast and the Asiatic countries which shall prevent the influx into the States bordering upon the Pacific Ocean and those neighboring to it of a class of population which is deemed by them to be injurious in its general interests and in conflict with the interests of the laboring and mechanic classes of that country. not only so. sir. -but. far more than that. pernicious. and. if not checked. absolutely destructive of the civilization of their country. I do not think I overstate the case when I say that that is the attitude occupied by those Senators and that which is recognized by the country at large. with which we are all in .symlpathy and in the accomplishment of which we are all ready to join with the Senators to protect them against this very great evil. I am not sufficiently familiar with the conditions there to say whether or not this bill will accomplish that purpose. but that is the design of it.
Identified stereotypes
Asiatic immigrants are deemed injurious, in conflict with the interests of the laboring class, pernicious, and destructive of civilization.