Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Victor Howard Metcalf
President Roosevelt has read Secretary of Commerce and Labor Metcalf’s report about the alleged misconduct of immigrant inspector George C. Triick toward the secretary of the Chinese legation. Although Roosevelt understands there are difficulties in administering the Chinese exclusion laws to make sure the right type of immigrants are in the United States, he does not find Triick’s conduct “justifiable.” Chinese individuals “should no more be molested in this country than any other foreigner.” Roosevelt agrees with Metcalf the best solution is to establish American officials in China to give certification to those coming here, and wonders if such a rule can be established independently of Congress. If new officials are not possible, Roosevelt suggests making an experiment with the consuls. The president closes by insisting Triick’s action was improper, and he should be punished or dismissed. Americans must treat the Chinese how they would like to be treated.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1905-06-12