LS as president signed “Benj. Harrison,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 10.5, Executive Mansion letterhead, May 12, 1892. Letter to Rev. S. L. Baldwin of New York on the subject of Chinese immigration. In part: “I do not know that there was any objection to the use you made of my previous letter. The correspondent of the Herald called upon me for an authorization to you to give it to the public, but I declined. You readily understand that any public expression by me upon the question should be official if any is made and that, therefore, my letter to you was marked ‘Personal’ as this one is. Of course you are right in saying that we do not treat any other people as we do the Chinese. That was equally true of the treaty as of the law. The treaty proceeded upon the ground that the conditions were peculiar to the Chinese population; and I think we must all admit that. I cannot believe, with a friendly administration of the law, that many, if any, Chinamen who have been here long enough to be entitled to remain will have difficulty establishing that fact.” In a handwritten postscript Harrison adds, “P.S. Your hand letter received. I adhere with view that the letter should remain private. If any statement is to be published I would prepare it more carefully.” Second integral page professionally inlaid into a slightly larger sheet. In fine condition.
As a senator, Harrison had gone against his party and opposed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 as he believed it violated existing treaties with China. He maintained this position at the beginning of his presidential campaign but was soon swayed by advisors who warned that it could cost him the nomination. This letter dates to one week after President Harrison signed the Geary Act into law, which renewed and expanded the policies of Chinese exclusion and required Chinese immigrants to register for certificates proving their legal entry and residency. Considering the immigration controversies that continue to exist in today’s United States, this is an insightful and surprisingly relevant letter. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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