e commissioners said this explanation was satisfactory; that they
had not intended to ask for a draft of any special act, but for some
general idea how the power would be exercised. What had just been said
gave them the explanation which they wanted.

With this entire accord as to the meaning of the words they were about
to employ and the object of the legislation which might be had in
consequence, the parties signed the treaty, in Article I of which--

The Government of China agrees that the Government of the United
States may regulate, limit, or suspend such coming or residence, but
may not absolutely prohibit it. The limitation or suspension shall
be reasonable, and shall apply only to Chinese who may go to the
United States as laborers, other classes not being included in the
limitations. Legislation taken in regard to Chinese laborers will be
of such a character only as is necessary to enforce the regulation,
limitation, or suspension of immigration.

The first section of the act provides that--

From and after the expiration of sixty days next after the passage
of this act, and until the expiration of twenty years next after the
passage of this act, the coming of Chinese laborers be, and the same
is hereby, suspended; and during such suspension it shall not be
lawful for any Chinese laborer to come, or, having so come after the
expiration of said sixty days, to remain within the United States.

The examination which I have made of the treaty and of the declarations
which its negotiators have left on record of the meaning of its language
leaves no doubt in my mind that neither contracting party in concluding
the treaty of 1880 contemplated the passage of an act prohibiting
immigration for twenty years, which is nearly a generation, or thought
that such a period would be a reasonable suspension or limitation, or
intended to change the provisions of the Burlingame treaty to that
extent. I regard this provision of the act as a breach of our national
faith, and being unable to bring myself in harmony with the views of
Congress on this vital point the honor of the country constrains me to
return the act with this objection to its passage.

Deeply convinced of the necessity of some legislation on this subject,
and concurring fully with Congress in many of the objects which are
sought to be accomplished, I avail myself of the opportunity to point
out some other features of the present