Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-04-06
AGAINST TEE CHINESE TREATY.
PRECEDENT Eamnsl Gempsrs Urges the Sen
ass TO Refuse to RatiIy the Aisnsure-

President Eamnal 6ompers Urges the SEN
ats TO Refuse to Ratify the MEASURE
NEW YoRK, April 5.-A copy Of the
following letter has been addressed to
Vice President Adlai E. Stevenson by
Samuel Gompers, President of the
American Federation Of Labor, protest.
ing against the ratification OF the pro-
posed Chinese treaty.
New YORK, April 4, 1894.
Hon. Adldi E. Stevenson, Vics Prest-
dcRt of the United States, Senate Cham
Der, Washington, ID C.:
DEAR SIR:-The newspapers OF the
country publish what purports to be
the text OF treaty negotiated by the
Secretary of State OF the United States,
and the Minister OF the Chinese En-
pire. 1t is further stated that this
treaty has been fsvorably reported TO
the Senate in executive session with
out amendments. Neither this report
nor the published statement has been
denied and every indication points to
their trustworthiness, and my col.
leagues OF the American Federation OF
Labor, as we'll as myself, assume that
to be true. To say
THAT WE ARE SURPRISED
and distressed that the administration
of our country should negotiate
the treaty Of the character
named, especially surrendering to
the government OF China rights which
have been struggling for and achieved,
is, TO say the least, putting 1t mildly.
The Scott exclusion act and the Geary
law were not passed in response TO a
maudlin sentiment nor 3 national antip-
athy. They became laws at the earn
est demand Of the toiling masses OF our
country.
1t is needless here to discuss the i'm
possibility Of the amRlgamation or as
stimulation of the Chinese in America
with our people. That has, been so
clearly demonstrated as 10 need no
eiucidation at my hands.
l am sure that no Senator will need
be convinced that II the provisions OF
the Scott and Geary laws have, in q
measure, been successfully evaded and
violated by the Chinese in consequence
OF the elasticity Of their consclences
and their disregard for any oath or
affirmation, which they will
HAVE NO DIFFICULTY
to prove that they have lawful wives,
children or parents in the United
States, or property therein in the value
OF 81, 600 or debts of like amount. In
fact the Safeguards OF the present law
by which the American people can be
protected against the whole invasion Of
Chinese laborers are swept aside by this
proposed treaty.
At the present an awful droblem con-
fronts us. The appalling sight is wit
messed by millions OF our fellow men
and women actually idle and literally
without the means OF sustaining life. II
at any other time the food gates OF i'm
migration should be opened, certainly
in the presence Of such an awful crisis,
wisdom, patriotism, craftsmanship and
humanity forbids the step.
The proposed treaty mas been nego-
tiated in darkness and secrecy. The
people are not aware that their rights
are about TO be invaded and
THEIR INTERESTS DESTROYED,
or we would witness such an expression
of determination on their part that
would cause the Senate 10 pause before
this new blight is placed upon them.
In the name of more than half mil
lion of organized working men and wo-
men of America, l enter my most SOL
emn protest against the ratification OF
the treaty by your honorable body, and
earnestly hope it will be regarded.
Asking that you will submit this pro-
test 10 the Senate, have the honor 20
remain,
Yours very respectfully,
SAMUEL GOMPERs,
President American Federation Of
LalOr.