Speech #680075673

I would be the first to admit that Japan has the absolute right to declare on what terms foreigners shall be admitted to work in her country. or to own land In her country. or to become citizens of her country. America has and must insist upon the same right. The people of California were right in insisting that the Japanese should not come thither i mass. that there should be no Influx of laborers. or agricultural workers. or small tradesmenin short. no mass settlement or immigration. Omitting other observations along the same line. President Roosevelt continues with certain discussions in respect to the checking of the coming of Japanese laborers into California or other parts of the United States. and he says: After a good deal of discussion. we came to an entirely satisfactory conclusion. The obnoxious school legislation was abandoned. and I secured an arrangement with Japan under which the Japanese themselves prevented any emigration to our country of their laboring people. it being distinctly understood that if there wasI beg Senators who have proper concern for our understandings or treaties to note what President Roosevelt here saysIt being distinctly understood that if there was such emilgratlon tie United States would at once pass an exclusion law. It was. of course. inflitely better that the Japanese should stop their own people from coning rather than that we should have to stop them . but it was necessary for us to hold this power in reserve. Then President Roosevelt speaks of the treaty of 1911. 1 said yesterday and I say now. and I think our Secretary of State must realize the force of what I now say. as all Senators will.