For example, there might be a demand for
Chinese labor in the South and a surplus of such labor in California,
and Congress might legislate in accordance with these facts. In general
the legislation would be in view of and depend upon the circumstances
of the situation at the moment such legislation became necessary. The
Chinese 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.
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