Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-09-04
PRESIDENTIAL ruMRLrNG.

CIeveland's Latest Gymnastie Effort in
the Political Arena.
Copyright 1888, Byte California Associated Pre,s.;
WASHINGTON, September 3d-The unex-
pected introduction and immediate passage,
without reference to a committee, of Bill
SCOTS bill to prohibit Chinese laborers
from coming to this country, created SEN
sation second only to- the Presidents re-
taliatory message on the subject of the
Canadian fisheries. In this last move on
the political chessboard Cleveland's fine
hand was plainly seen. Scott knows no
more about the Chinese question than a
hog knows about Latin. The bill was
written upon the coarse paper used at the
State Department for the transmission of
instructions to Foreign Ministers, and as it
was penned this morning before coming to
the Capital, ali question as to the real au-
thorship of the bill was set at rest.
Prior to the negotiation of the present
treaty, which report says has been rejected
by the Chinese Government, President
Cleveland and Secretary Bayard opposed
the bills introduced by Senator Mitchell
and Representatives FELTON,, Morrow and
Henley because they were in eontraven-
ton of the existing treaty stipulations.
They would not consent to any legislation
which, TO use Secretary Bayard's language,
violated solemn treaty obligations " The
absolute prohibition of incoming Chinese
laborers was the object sought to be OBJ
tanned by the Pacific coast Representatives
in Congress, but the Administration de-
clares that this could be properly accom-
plished by the negotiation of a new treaty,
and that any legislation in conflict with
the existing treaty need not expect the Ex-
ecutive approval.
10
Committee ON Foreign Affairs accordingly
smothered the restriction bills introduced
by the California representatives. When
appeals for relief became so strong that
! they could no longer be ignored. Secretary
Bayard negotiated new treaty with the
Chinese Minister which, until amended by
the Senate, was believed to be utterly
worthless TO accomplish the purpose
sought, and respecting which, after it was
amended ahd law was enacted to carry its
provisions into effect was generally regard
ed by the Pacific Coast politicians as an alb
solute failure.
The Administration bill, passed by the
House to-day on the strength OF the
j report from London that the new
treaty had been rejected by the I'm
/ perial Government, put to shame every
effort or pretense of Secretary Bayard and
the President that no legislation in contra
! vention of the existing treaty would be
| approved. Scott's bill rides rough shod
over the provisions of the present treaty
with China, and, while il is in line with
the demands of the people of the Pacific
| coast, it clearly shows that the President
| turned much loftier and more hazardous
handspring than when he abandoned his
| portion on the fisheries question and came
forth with his retaliatory message to Con-
gress.
The BILL it will be observed. only applies
| to laborers. 1t contains no provisions
against the immigration of merchants - So
called nor travellers for pleasure, nor does
| it attempt to guard against the incoming of
Chinese from British Columbia, Canada or
Mexico.
Inquiry at the State Department late this
afternoon shows that no official informa-
| tion has yet been received there of the re-
! lection of the treaty by the Chinese Gov
| ernment. Should it, by any chance, trans
| pire that the Chinese Government had not
| rejected the new treaty, Scott's bill would
| place the Administration in a very uncom-
Portable position, as China will look upon
| the proposed legislation as an act of direct
hostility, and will, in any event, now refuse
to ratity the treaty.
| PLAYING IT Low DOWN.
[CoPyight. 1885, By The California associated Press
| WASHINGTON, September 3d.-It is re-
| ported tonight that the President received
the confirmation of the news from London
on Saturday, respecting the rejection of the
| treaty, but kept it 20 himself until the bill
! 10 ha saA ~ 1,a I1.-