Mr. Gresham to Mr. Tsui Kwo Yin.
Washington, August 19, 1893.
Sir: I have had the honor to receive your note of the 8th instant, in which you advert to the gratifying fact that no ill effects have followed the apprehensions felt last May respecting the treatment of Americans in China and Chinese in the United States, and express satisfaction at the part both have played toward maintaining the kindly spirit that should prevail. I naturally share your satisfaction, and trust that this experience will be a strengthening proof of the readiness with which popular feeling will yield to temperate counsels when international interests are touched.
With regard to the hope you express that the Geary law be brought forthwith to the attention of the Congress, the President does not regard the moment opportune. Congress has been convened in special session to deal with the serious financial stress that affects the country, and it is not the President’s desire to distract the attention of members from this urgent business by the submission of other measures.
[Page 254]As I have heretofore had occasion to say to you, I have reason to believe that the Geary act will be modified at the next regular session of Congress, and I see no ground for your apprehension lest a postponement of action thereon will bring about violations of good order to the injury of the Chinese residents in this country.
On the contrary, the last few months have fortified my belief that the people of this country are disposed to leave the whole question to Congress, where it belongs, instead of resorting to harsh or unlawful means against the Chinese; and I am sure that, on your return to your own country, you will bear witness to this temperate sentiment.
Accept, etc.,