New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-05-17
ARGUMENTS AGAINST 1HE ACT
THE REV. GILBERT REID MISSIONARY IL
CHINA, THINKS IT WILL CAUSE TROUBLE.


Among the men now in this city who have given
especial attention to the Geary law Is the Rev. Gilbert
Pcd. OF the American Presbyterian Mission at Gilman
Fu China. Mr.. Reid has spent many years in the
Flowery Kingdom and Is familiar with Its Institutions
and the characteristics OF its people. In speaking
yesterday with Tribune reporter. Mr. Red said that
he was surprised at the decision OF the supreme
Court
"The decision he added "secins 10 me TO he CON
trary 10 the constitution. seen in the amendments.
For instance The fourteenth amen Inert guarantees
equal protection all persons The supreme Court has
already decided that that applies rO only 70 citizens.
but TO those who are net yet naturazed. and ARE
living under the jurisdiction OF the United states.
By the Geary bill protection is guaranteed 10 the
,hnaman II he holds certificate OF identification.
when really the constitution itself guarantees
10 him protection OF tie law. whether he has GER
tifcate not. Furthermore, the Punishment for
failure TO have the certificate is deportation or. IN
other words, banshmcnt his seems contrary 90 The
principles OF the country, which say there shall he no
cruel or unusual punishment, But this decision Of
the Supreme Court must be regarded final
But whether constitutional rot" added Mr..
Reid, 1t seems very unnecessary for Congress to
pass lIw which viii abraGale its prior treaties
with China. IT oucht TO bc possible t. secure har-
mony between law enacted by Congress and law
enunciatcd In the treaty. 10th of which are declared
TO be the supreme law Of the land. Is the treaty
Of 1880 China cOurteoIsly g:antcd the rfch 10 the
United States TO restrict and regulate Chimes" i'm
migration but declared that the legisa-
ton should be reasonable AMI should be
reported u the Chinese Government for con
sldcraton. The Chinese Imperial Government.
therefore does advocate full and unrestricted
emigration. Here is favor that is granted and
which thus far has not been granted by any other
nation. We pass a law which Is especially
offensive not only to Chinese aborcrs, coolies high
binders and lanndiymen, but 10 the Emperor and HIS
Ministers OF state. ii IL IT wond be possible
10 secure by treaty and then BY our legislation such
action would restrict the further coming OF Chinese
laborers. and this only is the Ostensibe object OF the
Gcary bill. Why then not this object With
out In addition, giving insult 70 the Chinese people
and race y
at Is certain added the minister, that the
Chinese authorities will not disregard the practical
relations OF this bill 10 their standing nail0n
II highest Court decides that Congress can titus
pass n law, and like the Geary bill. contrary
10 all the past treaties made with China by the United
states then, of course the Emperor Of China has
the same sovereign right 10 issue cdcts which viii
also b. contrary to the treaties made with America
and other Western powers. We Will then find orr
selves dashed by. all the complications Of treaty
revsions. The harm. therefore. Is not only TO the
few Americans In China, the reputation or our
country, but TO all foreign residents In China