The herald., 1893-05-17
THE ABSORBING TOPIC
What Shall We Do With the
V Heather Chinee F?
A Long Session of the Cabinet
on the Subject.
1t Will DevOlve ON Congress to Solve
the Problem.
The Probability OF war with China
Given Some Credence in Naval
Circies-The State Depart
ment Not Alarmed.
By the Associated preas |

WASHINGTON, May 16.--The ChinesA
question occupied the entire attention
of the cabinet at it's meeting today. Be-
fore the cabinet meeting Chief Justice
Fuller, VINO dissentsd from the decision
OF the supreme court, called at the White
House and had q brief talk with the
president. Subsequently the chief just
Ice had an interview with Secretary
Gresham. 1t is understood the conclu-
sion reached by the cabinet was that the
law could not be enforced for the reason
that there was no money available for
the purpose. The act only carries an
appropriation of 100000. Secretary
Carlisle showed that not more than
$4,000 of that sum remained. It Is ea-
timated that it would cost to deport all
the Chinese now in the country who
have not complied with the law more
than 100000 This statement exhib-
tied what one member OF the cabinet
called the utter inability of the govern
ment to give any effect to the law with
out the further action of congress. Un-
der the circumstances, it is understood,
nothing can be done, and 1t is said there
is little II any probability Of the federal
government making any immediate Of
fort to put the law into effect.
One OF the prominent members Of the
cabinent, who is regarded as man OF
great strength of character, made the
broad assertion, after the session was
over, that the law was nothing short of
a political scheme enacted for political
effect. He said, in fact, something about
demagoguery, and intimated that there
had been a general hope among his a5so-
cistes that the court would hold it to be
unconstitutional.
1t is assumed that in the ordinary
course, the supreme court decision, so
soon as the majority Of the members of
the court have determined upon it's ex
act phraseology, win be transmitted TO
the Chinese minister TO be bv him foy
warded to his government. This will
necessarily involve considerable delay,
and congress will probably be again in
session before reply can be made to
the communication.
1t is evident that the administration
is surprised by the decision, and the
situation is very perpfexing With the
constitutionaiity Of the law established,
it is embarrassing not to be able to en-
force it. II, in tbs absence of money for
the expense Of deporting the Chinese,
they would accept the situation and
comply with the law, it would simplify
matters; but the impression is that most
OF them will not do this, but will resist
as long as possible.
As to the expense of enforcing the law,
1t is not by any means sure that If con-
gress were in session money would be
appropriated.
The effects Of the Chinese decision are
far reaching and involve, according to
the view of many diplomats and naval
officers, the severance Of our diplomatic
and commercial relations with the Chi
nese empire. They are firm in the belief
that the Celeatials will retaliate in kind
against the United States in the event
unregistered Chinese are driven indis-
criminately out OF this country.
This is an extreme view Of the situa-
tion, but thatitis not regarded altogether
as an improbability, is evidenced by the
fact that the naval officers are consider
ing the question in connection with the
reorganization OF the American squadron
in Chinese waters. The original plan
was to substitute the steel crui or Balti-
moreAor the wooden ship Lancaster as
the mgship OF the station. 1t is now
thought it may be necessary to keep a
la ge feet in Chinese waters. The con-
sideration of this question is delaying
the settlement OF the question of the
assignment to stations OF the vessels
now composing the naval review fleet.
On the other hand, at the state
department the rumors and surmises of
Chinese retaliation are not given Gre.
dence. Not even an intimation bearing
on the report that the Chinese govern
ment intends to deport American mis-
sionaries and all other citizens OF this
country, has come to the ears OF the
department officials.
w. w. Hockhill, chief clerk of the
state department, who has correspon-
dents in the Chinese diplomatic service,
and also number of American friends
in that country, said he has not heard
word concerning retaliation, and fur
thermore, there iH hardly likelihood
that such action will be considered,
much less taken.
The impression Is quite general that
the administration Will have to allow
the present orders to collectors not to
make arrests, to stand. The final solu-
lion OF the problem would seem to de-
volve on congress and until that body
1t does not appear that the
law can be enforced.
Secretary Carlisle received many tele-
grams today asking tor the suspension
of the operations OF the law for at least
six months. The opinion obtsinable on
the subject in the treasury department
IS that the law is explicit on the point
of having set the 9th of May as the last
lay upon which registration could be
made, and consequently it is beyond the
his limit.
Among the kilograms received by Sec
etary Carlisle was one from the attor-
leys of the Chinese Six Companies,
yho also ask for the suspension Of tho
aw. Treasury officials acquainted with
be record of the Six Companies during
he past three or four years regard this
equest, coming from them, aS rather
in its cool assurance. Uhese