Page:American Diplomacy in the Orient - Foster (1903).djvu/313

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CHINESE IMMIGRATION AND EXCLUSION
289

point of morals they were far inferior to the European or Aryan race, and in brain capacity as well. It was admitted, however, that the Chinese merchants were honorable in their dealings.

It appeared from the evidence that they did not desire to become citizens nor to possess the ballot; and that to give the latter to them would practically destroy republican institutions on the Pacific coast, as they would be controlled by their "head-men," who would sell their votes, and that they had no comprehension of any form of government but despotism. It was also stated that they had a quasi government among themselves, independent of American laws, authorizing punishment of offenders against Chinese customs, even to the taking of life.

The committee recommended that measures be adopted by the executive looking to a modification of the existing treaty with China, confining it to strictly commercial purposes, and that Congress legislate to restrain the great influx of Asiatics. It was not believed that either of these measures would be looked upon with disfavor by China. But whether so or not, a duty was owing to the Pacific States, which were suffering under a terrible scourge, and were patiently waiting for relief from Congress.

Senator Morton, having died before reaching Washington, was not a participant in the concluding conferences at which the report of the committee was completed. From his strong personality, his great influence in Congress, and his powers of debate, it was fair to presume that, his life being spared, if he had not been