Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1888 — HARRISON’S CHINESE RECORD. [ARTICLE]

HARRISON’S CHINESE RECORD.

A Zealous Supporter of the Restriction Hill Just. Passed. The attack made upon Gen. Harrison’s Chinese record during tlie discussion of the restriction bill, led off by Vest in the senate and promptly followed up by Bymuu and others in the house, shows that the Democratic party is hard up for materialout to which- to formulate charges against the Wepu lican candidate. So far as the principle <>f Chinese restriction i concerned, it was settled long ago and with Gen. Harrison's acquiescence. So far as the practice is concerned, that is now settled, for twenty years to come at least, also with his hearty acquiescence. In his speech to the’Decatnr county (Indiana) delegation Aug. laths he said: "We should ‘■protect ottr people'against competition with the products of underpaid labor abroad as well as against the coming to our shores of paupers, laborers under contract, and tls? Chinese." The Chinese question Wassubstantiallv settled long ago so far as this country is concerned. and it is now settled satisfactorily to the Chinese, government. To dig it up now and to hold candidates responsible for any position they haw taken in the past is as absurd as it would lie to revive the old si ivery. issue Gen. Harrison's attitude towards this question is well enough understood and is thoroughly honest and consistent. In the original consideration of the matter of restriction during his term of service in the senate the record will be searched in vain for any evidence that lie publicly defended Chinese immigration or favored the -competition of cheap Chinese labor with American labor. His voice was silent, but his votes were given in Conformity with what he believed was our national duty under tile obligations -of the then existing treaty, and in company with numerous others in l>oth junties. He believed, as they believed, that the pendKgNne#sure which was all right as amahstraet principle and which was for tlie ultimate good of la I tot* and benefit of the country, cottld not f#* enacted without involving the national honesty and violating treaty obligations with the Chinese government. When, however, he found that the treaty was Systematically evaded on the Chinese side he favored restriction. He was forced into his former position by a sense of honor; When that obligation was no longer binding lie at once favored the policy in which he believed. The restriction bill which lias iust passed, and which gives vitality to the new treaty, lias hail no more zealous supporter than Gen. Harrison. The fact that his most ardent defenders against this demagogical attack by the Democratic members were the members from the Pacific slope shows tliat his record is satisfactory* and that those who have suffered the most from Chinese immigration; anil who are the best Qualified to judge, ate tile most contented with his jwsitiun. If they are satisfied no one else has the right to complain. Tlie attack of the Democratic members is not duly mean, contemptible, and absurd, but it as an absolute falsi .- cation of his js wit ion. He is iuit m favor of Chinese immigration and never has been, but like many other good men, tioth Republicans and Democrats, he was opposed many rears ago to any Legislation which would impugn the national credit and honor,— Chicago Tribune.