Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1888 — HARRISON AND THE CHINESE. [ARTICLE]

HARRISON AND THE CHINESE.

■fc/l •* ■ » ■ _ - -. m • His PotUton fuxt Be meats Hnyo Bs«o Ehsmeleul)' Mbiepreientsd. < i The statement that Benjamin Harrison, while a memlwr of the senate, favored tho ]>oUcy of allowing unrestricted im(nigrffliou of Chinese laborers to this country is a downright lio. Misrepresentation and slander, the ancient v/eaixine of maliciouß Democracy, having failed for lack of material in tfio upright, honorable life of the Republican candidate, the falsehood mill has been started, an<l a false meaning att&cliod to his voto upon the Chinese immigration bill, which was anacteuin 1882. A lie like this must of course bo stamped upon at once, for otherwise it might wrongfully prejudice many voters against Mr. Harrison; and “mark! how plain a tale" will destroy these venders of campaign falsehoods. As early os 1880' the Burlingame treaty was-felt by men of all parties to have boon a mistake. It was negotiated under a misconception, aud tho Chinese problem, uncontemplated at„, the time of its execution, was felt to be a new factor, impairing the validity of the original internalioual agreement. -Xi) reetify the uneonseionablo agree, ment by which the United States was being flooded with a degenerate race, tho Chinese restriction bill Was proposed. In other words, having been beaten in a blind frado, it was proposed that the United States, being the stronger party, should violate its treaty obligations with China without going through the diplomatic formalities which Should precede tho rescinding of the treaty. President Arthur, Benjamin Harrison and hosts of othora felt that such a course was inconsistent with the dignity aud honor of our republic. As senator, Mr. Harrison consequently voted agtdnst the bill, not beqpuso he disapproved of its object, but simply because ho wished to keep inviolate the treaty obligations of our country. His own words bear witness to tho truth of this statement. “Will you,” lio asked, addressing the supporters of the measure, '‘persist in passing this law and trampling upon our treaty obligations if you find that it is inconsistent with the existing treaty?” And to this question the advocates of tho bill did not dare make answer. No other course was open to a man who believed tho object sought to be attained Could be best brought about by diplomacy. Ills view was shared by President Arthur, who vetoed tho twenty year bill and 'only reluctantly signed tho ten year restriction. ’President Cleveland and Secretary Bayard aro of tho-samo opinion, as .is shown by the new Chinese treaty,' which they have negotiated to cure the evil to which Benjamin Harrison objected. Tho question is at rest now, but many believe that our country was guilty of a breach of treaty obligation in accomplishing by law what should have been the task of diplomacy. Tho problem, however, was a grave one, and we cut a gordiau knot by force. The Press has always been heart and soul opposed to the immigration of the hordes of Asiatic outcasts, who "bring ruin and desolation wherever they enter into competition with honest wopkiugmen. Their habits contaminate the men of the country, and their miserable competition destroys tho legitimate profits of labor.’ Bonjamift ••Harrison is opposed to tho immigration of Chinese laborers. He would have them stay in the land which Las. suffered them to so degenerate. That he voted as ho did i's evidence of a high minded regard for the honor of his coun--i.ry; jujd —not, of ftny ccnsent to tllO coa- - thmed' existence Of tilts* fegnided raceTn ; our free aud happy country.—-Now York Press.