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Alien labor, Chinese--Government policy

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Telegram from Henry Percival Dodge to Elihu Root

Telegram from Henry Percival Dodge to Elihu Root

Henry Percival Dodge informs Secretary of State Root of two occurrences when Chinese railroad workers employed by the Japanese government were discharged from employment and wished to leave Japan. Some were ordered to leave, while others’ requests to leave were denied. It is believed that Ordinance 352 of 1899 gave Japan the authority to act in this way. Dodge will send more details when they become available.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-09-07

Creator(s)

Dodge, Henry Percival, 1870-1936

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Whitelaw Reid

President Roosevelt sends Ambassador Reid an excerpt of a letter from General Leonard Wood expressing the hope that no legislation allowing Chinese labor in any form will ever be passed in the United States. Wood says that British colonies developed by “coolie labor” face problems and have to be defended by “white men brought from somewhere else.” Roosevelt believes that Wood’s assessment is correct.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-01-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George B. Cortelyou

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George B. Cortelyou

President Roosevelt would like the Chinese merchant that he discussed with Secretary of Commerce and Labor Cortelyou to be admitted. The merchant is an associate of Yick Nam Quan, who Roosevelt finds to be honest and intelligent. The merchant has lived in the United States and is returning from China. The law is to restrict Chinese laborers but is written to favor merchants and students. Roosevelt has been uneasy about the many obstacles placed before Chinese merchants and students. He suggests this case could serve as a precedent.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-01-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Charles W. Russell to William H. Taft

Letter from Charles W. Russell to William H. Taft

Acting Attorney General Charles W. Russell has reviewed the agreement that Secretary of War Taft sent to him regarding the hiring of Chinese laborers to work on the construction of the Panama Canal. Russell notes the contract specifies that the laborers will work ten hour days, with additional time to be considered overtime, and clarifies that this clause does not present any issues, as Congress passed an act stating that previous acts limiting the hours of laborers in the United States does not apply to foremen and laborers employed in the construction of the Panama Canal. Further, Russell finds no issue with the provision stipulating that the laborers will be deported from Panama at the conclusion of their contract. Russell concludes that the agreement is “within the ‘authority of the Commission and according to law'”–an opinion with which Attorney General William H. Moody agrees.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-12

Creator(s)

Russell, Charles Wells, 1856-1927

Letter from James Bronson Reynolds to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from James Bronson Reynolds to Theodore Roosevelt

James Bronson Reynolds has returned from a trip to the Philippines, China, and Japan, and is interested in future trade relations with China. He thinks America needs to modify its attitude about “coolie labor” and treat Chinese gentlemen with the same respect Americans receive when in China. Roosevelt’s recent consular changes in China are well-received. Reynolds thanks Roosevelt for his actions related to a ministry of Romania. He is traveling to Europe but hopes to return in time to take part in city campaigns. He has enclosed memoranda including recommendations related to the consular service and China.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-05-16

Creator(s)

Reynolds, James Bronson, 1861-1924