The Washington times., 1902-04-06
Representatives Split on
Question of Drastic or
Moderate Restriction.
THE BILL IN THE SENATE
Prominent Leaders in Upper Body OBJ
ject to Stringent Measures-Discussed
Yesterday in Both Houses - Senator
Fairbanks Defends Bill.

The House discussed the Chinese exclu-
sion bill again yesterday and reached an
agreement to take vote on the measure
tomorrow. Thus far in the two days de-
bate upon the proposition to prohibit
Cinnamon from coming to America and
| making their homes here. no voice has
been raised in protest against the dig
elimination against the natives Of the
Celestial Empire. but a great deal has
man. He has been roundly scored on both
sides of the chamber. and not one friend
has arisen to. defend his cause.
The nearest approach to a kind word
| in favor of the Celestial was uttered yes
terday by Representative Hooker. who
argued for the re-enactment of the exist
ing Chinese exclusion law. and said our
scrupuIously observed. He favored exclu-
sion. however.
Will Pass With Small Opposition.
The indications are that the measure
will be passed without half dozen dis
senting votes. If indeed there is that num-
ber cast against it.
The principal question at issue is
whether the bill reported by the majority
OF the committee or the minority substi
tute shall pass. The minority bill is that
drafted by the Pacific Coast Representa-
tives and fathered by Mr.. Kahn, Of San
Francisco.
Mr.. Clark CDem., MOI proposes to offer
a number of amendments to the commit
tees bill making more stringent provis-
ions for exclusion. In event Of their fall
ure, he will endeavor to secure the pas
sage of the substitute proposition
The minority bill has been generally
supported by the Democrats and the Re-
publican members from the Pacific States.
The slightly milder measure. reported by
the majority. is favored generally by the
Republicans.
The discussion was opened yesterday by
Mr.. often (Rep.. Wis.,. member Of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, in sup
port of the c6mmittees bill. He was fol-
lowed by Mr.. Brick (Rep-, Ind-) along the
same line.
Mr. Brick said the exclusion Of the Chi
nese was based upon the principle OF SELF
preservation. without an ignoble or self
ish sentiment. 1t was intended to pro-
tect American labor from Chinese coolies.
Of Congress and the American people.
General Hooker followed. Mr.. Lloyd
CDem, MOI and Mr.. Kern (Dem.. ILL
favored the stricter provisions OF the
minority report. especially that prohibit
Ing steamship companies flying the Amer
ican flag from employing Chinese labor.
Mr.. Cochran Causes Smile.
Mr.. Cochran Dem. MOI, while discuss
ing the minority report, created consid-
erable amusement by a slip which threw
the House into an uproar Of laughter
He was telling how the Chinese in the
larger cities of the country live.
You go into an underground room"
said the Missouri representative, "and
YOU see around the walls numerous
shelves You think for a moment you are
in a library. Now, in each one OF these
little holes an Irishman sleeps"
Mr.. Cochran did not realize what he
had said until he was interrupted by an
outburst of laughter. Then he corrected
himself by saying. II don't mean Irish
man, but Chinaman-"
The discussion was closed by Mr..
Green Dem., Pa in general speech
upon the characteristics of the Chinese.
Mostly, these characteristics. he assert
ed were such as Americans Stunned.
and the possession of which rendered
them menace to the people Of any coun-
try into which they were permitted to
enter THE yellow peril is a real one to
the United States," said Mr.. Green. "and
the way to meet it is to pass the bill
before the House."