are in conflict with great paramount interests. Even then all
possible reasonable means for modifying or changing those obligations
by mutual agreement should be exhausted before resorting to the supreme
right of refusal to comply with them.

These rules have governed the United States in their past intercourse
with other powers as one of the family of nations. I am persuaded that
if Congress can feel that this act violates the faith of the nation as
pledged to China it will concur with me in rejecting this particular
mode of regulating Chinese immigration, and will endeavor to find
another which shall meet the expectations of the people of the United
States without coming in conflict with the rights of China.

The present treaty relations between that power and the United States
spring from an antagonism which arose between our paramount domestic
interests and our previous relations.

The treaty commonly known as the Burlingame treaty conferred upon
Chinese subjects the right of voluntary emigration to the United States
for the purposes of curiosity or trade or as permanent residents, and
was in all respects reciprocal as to citizens of the United States in
China. It gave to the voluntary emigrant coming to the United States
the right to travel there or to reside there, with all the privileges,
immunities, or exemptions enjoyed by the citizens or subjects of the
most favored nation.

Under the operation of this treaty it was found that the institutions
of the United States and the character of its people and their means of
obtaining a livelihood might be seriously affected by the unrestricted
introduction of Chinese labor. Congress attempted to alleviate this
condition by legislation, but the act which it passed proved to be
in violation of our treaty obligations, and, being returned by the
President with his objections, failed to become a law.

Diplomatic relief was then sought. A new treaty was concluded with
China. Without abrogating the Burlingame treaty, it was agreed to modify
it so far that the Government of the United States might regulate,
limit, or suspend the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States
or their residence therein, but that it should not absolutely prohibit
them, and that the limitation or suspension should be reasonable and
should apply only to Chinese who might go to the United States as
laborers, other classes not being included in the limitations. This
treaty is unilateral, not re