Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1882-04-20

where suchHmmigrationw was clearly beneficial.
then the Legislation CT the United States under
this power Would be adapted to such circun-
stances. Fef example, there might be a de-
mand for Chinese labor in the South, and a
surplus of such labor in California; then Con-
gresS might legislate in accordance with these
facts. In general, legislation would be in view
of and depend upon the circumstances of the
came necessary. The Chinese Gemmissio m
said this explanation was satisfactory: that
they had not Intended to ask for a draft of
how the power would be exercised. What had
Just been said gave them the explanation
which they wanted. with this entire accord
about to employ and the object of the legisla-
ton which might be had in consequence. the
the Government of China agrees that the Gov
eminent of the United States may regulate,
limit, or suspend such coming or residence,
ton or Suspension shall be reasonable. and
shaHa only to Chinese who may go to the
being included in the limitation. Legislation
taken in regard to Chinese .laborers will be of
such character only as is necessary to enforce
the reg ulation, limitation, or suspension of inn
The first section of the act provides that,
from and after the expiration of sixty DAYS
next after the passage of this act, and until
the expiration of twenty years next after the
passage of this act, the coming of Chinese Ia
ed: and during such suspension it shall not be
lawful for any Chinese Elborer to come, or,
having so come after the expiration of the
said sixty days, to remain within the United
States.
The examination which have made of the
treaty, and of the declarations which its nego-
tiatOrs have left on record of the meaning of
its language, leaves no doubt in my mind that
neither contracting party in concluding the
treaty OF lssO contemplated the passage of an
net prom biting immie 7. ition for twsflty years,
which is nearly a generation, or thought that
such period would be "a reasonable suspen-
sion or limitation, or intended to change the
provisions of the Burlingame treaty to that
extent 1 regard this provision of the act as
a breach of our National faith, and being I'M
views of Congress on this vital point, the hon
or of the country cOnstrains me to return the
act with this objection to its passage.
Deeply convinced of the necessity of some
legislation on this subject, and concurring
fully with Congress with the objects which
are sought to be accomplished, will avail my
other features of the act which, in my opinion,
can be modified to advantage. The classes
the Buriingame e treaty o are entitled to the
privileges, immunities and exemptions ac-
cord to citizens 9a and subjects of the most
many powers which permit their citizens
and subjects to reside within the United
and carry on business Iadsr the
enforced against citizens of the United,
States l think it may be doubted
istration and the taking out of passports.which
are not imposed upon natives can be re-
CURED of the Chinese. Without express ng an
opinion on that point, may invite the atten..
ton of Congress to the fact that the system of
personal registration and passports is undem-
ocratic and hostile to the spirit of our institu-
tons. doubt the wisdom of putting an en-
tering wedge of this kind into our laws. A
nation like the United States, jealous of the
before 1T Incorporates into its : poIity a
system which is fast disappearing in
Europe before the progress of liberal in
how futile such precautions are, and how
easily passports may be borrowed, exchanged,
OF OF even forged by persons intereSted to 90 SO.
port Is the most convenient way for Identify
ing the Chinese entitled TO the protection of
ed whether they ought to be required to regis
ter. It is certainly our duty, under the Bur
lingame treaty, to make their stay in the
United states, and the operation of the general
laws upon Them as nearly like that of our own
citizens as we can consistently with our right
to shut out. laborers. No good purpose is
served in requiring them to register.
My attention has been called by the Chinese
Minister to the fact that the act as it stands
United States of Chinese subjects now residing
in fore gn countries. l think this point may
well clam the attention of Congress in legis-
lating on this subject. L have sad that good
faith requires TO suspend the Immigration
of Chinese laborers for a less period than
y gea a6s o now add ihnt g31a PoGy
course with China is of recent date. Our first
treaty with that power is not yet forty years
and established a great seat of commerce
Oh the Pacific that we may be said to
have broken down the wall which fenced that
ancient monarchy. The Burlingame treaty
followed. Under the spirit which
inspired it many thousand Chinese laborers
TO by her hes
we're largely instrumental in constructing the
which connect the Atlantic and Pa
,ific slopes. The States of the Pacific are full
Of the evidences Of their industry. Enter |
orises profitable to capitalist and TO laborers
IF Caucasian origin would have been DOR |
when it is supposed they are not needed. and |
when it is thought by Congress and by those |
most acquainted with the subject that it is best
however. be other sections of country where |
his species of labor may be simultaneously |
rs of our own race. 1t may be the part OF |
wisdom as wen as good faith to fix the length I
If the experimental period with reference to |
his fact Experience has shown that the |
rade of the East is a key to national wealth |
and influence. The opening of China to the |
~ nnetier i of e ~ ore than VA" the States
If our own Pacific slope. The State of Cali |
'ornia. and It's great maritime ports. especial-
his source. Blessed with an exception.
Il climate, enjoying an unrivaied harbor.
with the riches of the great agricultural and
mining State in its rear, and the wealth |
If the whole Union pouring into 1t over |
is lines of railway San Francisco has |
IN incalculable future if our friendly and |
,micabIe relations with Asia remain unds- |
urbed. 1t needs no argument to show the |
policy which we now propose to adopt must |
have a direct tendency to repel the Oriental |
nations from us and drive their trade and COM |
nerce into more friendly hands. 1t may be /
hat the great and paramount interest of pro- |
ection to our labor from Asiatic competition |
ustides us in the permanent adoption of this |
policy but it is wise in the first place to make
shorter experiment with view of hereafter |
permanently only such features |
Is time and experience may commend.
transmit herewith copies of papers relat- |
ng to the recent treaty which accompanied |
he confidential message of President Hayes |
% the Senate the 10th of January, 1881. and
llsO q copy of the memoranda respecting |
he act herewith returned. which was handed
% the Secretary of State by the Chinese Minis
er in Washington. CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
EXECUTIVE MANSION. WASHINGTON, ID. c.,
til April, 1882. . -.-
MEMORANDUM L.
The time fixed in the bill-namely: twenty |
,ears, is unreasonable, The language of Art.
:, that "laborers shall not be absolutely pro
libifed from coming to the United States. and
hat Suspension shall be reasonable" as well |
IS the negotiations, indicate that brief period
vas intended. The total prohibition of the inn
migration of Chinese labOrers into the United