Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-07-14
TgE EXCLUSION ISSUE AGAIN.

THE EXCLUSION ISSUE AGAIN.
II is not easy to see why there should
have been any Misunderstanding OF the
meaning OF President ROosevelt's recent
order in regard to the enforcement of
the Chinese exclusion act. 1t seemed to
be very clear and explicit in its direc-
tons to the immigration authorities, who
were instructed to exercise greater care
IN respect Of those Cinnamon who are
exempt under the law, but to rigidly ex-
clude all laborers. Some, however, hav-
ing given the order a broader interpre-
tation, to which the attention of the pres
ident has been called by representatives
Of organized labor, Mr.. Roosevelt has
again stated his position. This is that
all Chinese laborers shall be excluded, as
required by the law, while those having
properly attested certificates as mer-
chants, students or travellers shall be adj
mitted to this country. In the course Of
the conference with the labor leaders the
president said he was determined that
the diplomatic and consular representa-
tives Of the United States in China
should perform their duties thoroughly
and impartially and that the law as to
the issuance of certificates to the men,
bers of the exempt Chinese classes
should be complied with absolutely.
This should dispose Of the matter so
far as the administration is concerned
and undoubtedly the position of the pres
ident, which was entirely satisfactory to
the representatives of organized labor
who conferred with himS will be very
generally approved. There are some of
our people who would not object to a re-
stricted immigration Of Chinese laborers.
This is indicated in the letter of the pres
ident of the Portland Chamber OF Com
merce TO Mr.. Roosevelt, suggesting the
admission during the next ten years of
a number of male Chinese laborers that
in any one year shall not exceed one
tenth Of one per cent of the population
Of this country. Perhaps there are south
ern planters who would like to obtain
such labor. But the practically universal
sentiment is opposed to the bringing in
of the coolies of China and it is to be OBJ
served that the Chinese government does
not object to their exclusion.
1t is a very different matter, however,
in regard to merchants, students and
travellers, which classes the law exempts
and whose coming here is n benefit to
the country. 1t is manifestly desirable
that Chinese merchants shall investigate
our industrial and commercial condi-
tons. They are far more likely to buy
from us after they have done so and
moreover they return to their country
with information TO be impaired to other
merchants that may be greatly helpful to
our commerce. So as to the other classes
the knowledge they acquire here will be
to our advantage. That has been the ex-
perience and must continue to be. 1t is
keep such persons out of the country.
Rather should we. in our own interest,
welcome them and give them every en-
couragement to Investigate conditions
here. The more familiar they become
with these the more friendly they are
likely to be, and therefore better Gus
toners. We cannot hold their friendship
or win their patronage unless we aban-
don a policy of unjust discrimination
that disregards our own laws.
President Roosevelt has taken the
right position in this matter and will
have the hearty support of a very large
majority of the American people.