Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-01-04
CHINESE RESTRICTION.

A year ago it was reported officially that
Secretary Bayard was negotiating with
China, through its Minister at Washing
ton for a modification of our treaties with
that nation, with a view to making more
effective the restriction laws of this Gov
ernment. That negotiation unquestion-
ably served to make Congress less solicit
Gus to legislate concerning restriction.
Word now comes from the President him
self, that the negotiations were abruptly
broken off last spring by the Minister, who,
without any explanation abruptly left
Washington, in the midst of the CORE
spondence. The inference is that China is
disinclined to consider the subject further
But the President expresses the intention
to have negotiations opened up anew. He
may meet with no better success. The
Chinese Government has of late mani
tested disposition to let matters rest
where they are, and not to second any
activity looking to restriction of the emil
6ANbApAA "a Abo chblNNto W JIG tililtu SHUTS.
Mr.. Mitchell on tire 18th of December
introduced bill in the Senate to abrogate
the treaties with China, and that measure
therefore becomes Of special interest The
bill is very long one. 1t proposes abro-
CATION so far as the treaties permit the
coming Of Chinese to the United States,
and the repeal of the Acts permitting such
immigration, and to prohibit the coming
of Chinese excepting only diplomatic, con-
sular and other officers.
The preamble recites that the indiscrim-
mate influx of Chinese is"pernicious to the
peace, domestic tranquility and general
welfare" of this Government The bill
after declaring the abrogation, proceeds tc
prohibit the incoming of more Chinese, OF
the returning of those who leave the
United States. 1t provides severe punish
ment for the masters of vessels who bring
Chinese. Those Chinese entitled under
the Act to enter are to be certified by the
Chinese or other Government from which
they come, and great particularly is re-
quired IN these certificates, and they are
to be the sole evidence to establish the
right of entry into the United States
1t Is made penal offense to forge certifi.
Gates, or to substitute any other name for
the one Originally written in the certifi-
cate. Shipmasters are to report to Col
iectors Of American ports, their lists Of
Chinese passengers prior to their landing
The Collectors are to examine the certifi.
Gates prior to landing, and establish the
identity Of their owners. Punishment is
provided for those who aid Chinese to
come into the country in violation of the
raw. Where Chinese are found unlaw-
fully in the country they are to be re.
moved at the cost of this Government and
all peace officers to that end are to be in.
vested with the authority of United
States Marshal. 1t is provided that nc
Court of any State or of the United States
shall admit Chinese to citizenship. 1t is a
drastic measure and it is improbable that
it will pass, but it may serve to give us
such legislation as the situation demands
and possibly to lead the proposed negotia-
lions for modification Of the Chinese treat
les to some definite satisfactory results.