Ralph Waldo Emerson writing in 1824  China is a “disgustful...booby nation,” its civilization “a besotted perversity,” its people distinguished by “their cheerless... stupidity.”

Burlingame Treaty between China and the United States, 1868  “The United States of America and the Emperor of China cordially recognize the inherent and inalienable right of man to change his home and his allegiance, and also the mutual advantage of the free migration and emigration of their citizens and subjects, respectively, from one country to the other for purposes of curiosity, of trade, or as permanent residents.”

Thomas Nast Political Cartoon November 20, 1869

Henry Lucker, President of National Labor Congress, 1869  “The recent attempts of unprincipled and interested parties opt revive the infamous Coolie trade, which is, essentially a revival of the slave system is one which demands our earnest and serious consideration. It is a question that effects (sic) all classes of society. While we do not wish to array ourselves against legitimate or voluntary emigration, it must not be forgotten that there is a vast difference in the states of the voluntary emigrant and the imported coolie.” p. 36

Denis Kearney Rally, 1878  The Pacific Coast is “cursed with parasites from China” and “used as a weapon by the grinding, grasping capitalists... to oppress the poor laboring men... But let me tell you here to-night, that the laboring men of California... have captured the State, and they are going to take care of the Asiatic leper.”

Fifteen Passenger Bill, ships entering Us may not have more than 15 Chinese on-board, 1879  Passes House of Representatives, 155 to 72  Democrats:  Republicans:  Passes Senate,  Democrats:  Republicans:  Vetoed by Rutherford B. Hayes because it violated the Burlingame Treaty: “the very grave discontents of the people of the Pacific States... deserve the most serious attention of the people of the whole country.”

Republican Party Platform, 1879  “ Regarding the unrestricted immigration of the Chinese as a matter of grave conernment... the Republican party... would limit and restrict that immigration by the enactment of such just, humane and reasonable laws and treaties as will produce that result.” p. 188

Democrat Party Platform, 1879  “No more Chinese immigration except for travel, education and foreign commerce, and that even carefully guarded.”

Chicago Times, 1879  “The Chinese (issue) is not the burning question throughout the union that it is in California.” p. 202

Morey Letter, October 18, 1879 Dear Sir, Yours in relation to the Chinese problem came duly to hand. I take it that the question of employees in only a question of private and corporate economy, and individuals or companys (sic) have the right to buy labor where they can get it cheapest. We have a treaty with the Chinese Government, which should be religiously kept until its provisions are abrogated by the action of the general Government, and I am not prepared to say that it should be abrogated, until our great manufacturing and corporate interests are conserved I the matter of labor. Very truly yours, J.A. Garfield, p 204

Angell Treaty, November 17, 1880  “ Whenever in the opinion of the Government of the United States, the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States, or their residence therein, affects or threatens to affect the interests of that country, or to endanger the good order of the said country or of any locality within the territory thereof, the Government of China agrees that the Government of the United States may regulate, limit or suspend such coming or residence, but may not absolutely prohibit it. The limitations or suspension shall be reasonable and shall apply only to Chinese who may go to the United States as laborers, other classes not included in the limitations.”

Chinese Exclusion Act, 1882 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United states of America in Congress assemble, that from and after the expiration of ninety days next after the passage of this act, and until the expiration of ten years next after the passage of this act, the coming of Chinese laborers to the United Sates be, and the same is hereby, suspended; and during such suspension it shall not be lawful for any Chinese laborer to come, or having so come after the expiration of said ninety days, to remain within the United States.