The Portland daily press., 1888-10-02

are detrimental to the moral and physical
health of its people, must be regarded as a
recognized canon of international law and in
terc0urse. China herself has not descended
from this doctrine, but has, by the express
sions to which have referred, led us conf
IDENTIFY to rely upon such action on her part
in cooperation with us as would enforce the
exclusion of Chinese laborers from our coun-
try. This cooperation has not, however,
been accorded us.
Thus, from the unexpected and disap-
pointing refusal of the Chinese government
to confirm the acts of its authorized agent
and to carry into effect an international
agreement, the main feature Of which was
voluntarily presented by that government
for our acceptance and which has been the
subject of long and careful deliberati0n, an
emergency has arisen in which the govern
ment OF the United States is called on to act
in self-defence by the exercise of its legisla-
tive power. | cannot but regard the ex-
pressed demand on the part Of China for a
termination and renewed discussion of
the topics so covered by mutual treaty stipu-
lations as an indefinite postp0nement and
practical abandonment of the objects we
have in view, to which the government Of
China may justly be considered as
pledged.
The facts and circumstances which l have
narrated lead me in the performance OF what
seems to be my duty. TO join Congress in
dealing legislatively with the question Of the
exclusion of Chinese laborers In lieu OF fur
ther attempt to adjust it by International
agreement. But, while thus exercising our
undoubted rights in the interest of our peo-
pie and for the general welfare OF our 60 un-
try, justice and fairness seem to require that
some provisions should be made by act or
joint resolution, under which such Chinese
laborers as shall actually have
embarked on their return to the
this day approved and are now on their way,
may be permitted to land, provided they have
duly and lawfully obtained and shall present
certificates heretofore issued, permitting
them to return in accordance with the pro-
visions of the existing law. Nor should our
cause us to refuse the offer we have
made to idemnify such Chinese subjects as
have suffered damage through violence in re-
mote and comparatively unsettled parts Of
our country. at the hands of lawless men.
Therefore, I recommend that, without ac-
knowledging legal liability therefor, but be-
cause ii was stipulated in the treaty which
has failed to take effect and in spirit Of
humanity befittiDg our nation, there be ap-
propriated the sum of S276,6 6,619.75, payable to
the Chinese minister at this capital on behalf
of his government, as full indemnity for all
losses and injuries sustained by Chinese sub
iects in the manner and under the circum-
stances mentioned.
Executive Mansion, Oct. /, 1888.
httO GCStotdttCtt
Remarks by Senators Stewart and Dolph
after the message was read in the Senate in
dicate that there will be opposition to
the additional legislation respecting Chinese
on their way to this country, on the ground
that similar legislation has been tried before
with the effect of giving admission to others
than those for whom it was intended.
The News In Frisco.
SAN Francisco, Oct. 1.-The news of
President Cleveland's approval of the Chi
nese exclusion bill was received here today
with marked interest. The Chinese mani
tested considerable excitement. The princi-
pie subject of discussion here is as to what
effect the measure will have on several thou
sand Chinese who have arrived here within
the past year and have been landed by the
federal courts upon writs of habeas corpus
and are out on bail awaiting examination
and also ON 1000 more Chinese who are now
on their way to this port. Collector Hager
expressed himself today as being doubtful of
the bilPs effectiveness. He says If the
courts continue to land Chinese on writs of
habeas corpus and allow them on our soil on
bail, he will abrogate any kind of restriction
by Congress.