EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 8, 1888_.
_To the Senate_:
A copy of the following resolution, passed by the Senate on the 1st day
of the present month, was delivered to me on the 3d instant:
_Resolved_, That in view of the difficulties and embarrassments
that have attended the regulation of the immigration of Chinese laborers
to the United States under the limitations of our treaties with China,
the President of the United States be requested to negotiate a treaty
with the Emperor of China containing a provision that no Chinese laborer
shall enter the United States.
The importance of the subject referred to in this resolution has by no
means been overlooked by the executive branch of the Government, charged
under the Constitution with the formulation of treaties with foreign
countries.
Negotiation with the Emperor of China for a treaty such as is mentioned
in said resolution was commenced many months ago and has been since
continued. The progress of the negotiation thus inaugurated has
heretofore been freely communicated to such members of the Senate and of
its Committee on Foreign Relations as sought information concerning the
same. It is, however, with much gratification that I deem myself now
justified in expressing to the Senate, in response to its resolution,
the hope and expectation that a treaty will soon be concluded concerning
the immigration of Chinese laborers which will meet the wants of our
people and the approbation of the body to which it will be submitted for
confirmation.