National Republican., 1882-04-17
wha, the Republican Party Promised.

The National Convention of the Re-
publican party, held at Chicago, in 1880,
unanimously adopted platform contain
ing the following plank:
Since the authority to regulate immigration and
intercourse between the United States and foreign
nations rests with the Congress of the United
States and the treaty making power the Republi-
can party, regarding the unrestricted immigration
ofthe Chinese as matter of grave Concernmt Mt
under the exercise of both these powers, would
limit and restrict that immigration by the enact
memt of such just, humane, nnd reasonable laws
and treaties as will produce that result
General Garfield, in his letter of ac-
ceptance, made use Of the following Ian
guage
The doctrines announced by the Chicago con-
vention are not the temporary devices of party
10 attract votes and carry m election; they are
deliberate convictions, resulting from u careful
study Of the spirit Of our institutions, the events
Of our history, and the best impulses Of our pco-
pie. In my judgment, these principles should con-
trol the legislation and administration ofthc Coy
ernment
Upon the Chinese plank in the plat
form thus referred to General Garfield,
in his letter of acceptance, said:
The material interests Of this country, the tradl-
tion Of its settlement, and the sentiment Of our
people have led the Government to offer the widest
hospitality 70 cmigrants who seek our shores
for new and happier homes, willing to share the
burdens as well us the benefits OF our society," an d
intend ing that their posteity shall become an
undistlng gulshaDle part Of our population
Tho recent movement Of the Chimes 10
our Pacific coast partukes but little of the lual-
titles Of such an immigration, either In is pur.
poses or its result II is too much like an .upon.
alton 20 be welcomed without rc-,icllons, too
much like an invasion TO be looked upon without
suicItudc, We cannot allow any form Of scrvile
labor 20 be introduced among us under the guisc
oiimmigr0tion, Recognizing the gravity Of this
subject, the present administration, supp rlcd by
Congress, has sent 10 China a com.
mission Of distinguished citizens for the
purpose ofsocuring such modification oftEe eX-
listing treaty Os viii prevent the evils likely to
arise from the present situation. II Is confidently
believed that these diplomatic negotint ons Will
be successful without the loss ofcommerculn inter-
course between the two powers, which promises q
great increase Of reciprocal trade and the enlarge.
ment Of our markets, Should these efforts fail, 1t
VIII be the duty Of Congress to mitigate the evils
nlresdy felt and prevent their increase by such
restrictions as, without violence or injustice, will
place upon sure foundation the peace Of our
communities, and the freedom and dignity OF
labor
These declarations Of the Republican
National Convention and its presi dental
candidate never met with .remon-
STRANGE in the convention nor during the
campaign. To-day Republican members
Of the House Of Representatives will be
called upon to say whether or not Gen.
eral Garfield was right when he said that
I"The doctrines announced by the Chi
'cago convention are not the temporary
devices Of party TO attract votes and
carry an election"