Horace F. Page
Horace Francis Page (October 20, 1833 – August 23, 1890) was an American lawyer and politician who represented California in the United States House of Representatives for five terms between 1873 and 1883. He is perhaps best known for the Page Act of 1875 which began the racial prohibitions against Asian, primarily Chinese, immigration. Page was among a faction of congressmen who openly used racist ideas to defend their positions. Page introduced the Chinese Exclusion Act to the House. When arguing for a ban on the immigration of Chinese laborers, he sought to win support from those who believed in white racial superiority, telling his fellow members that "there is not a member upon this floor... who believes that the coming of the African race... was a blessing to us or to the African himself."
Horace Francis Page | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 2nd district | |
| In office March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1883 | |
| Preceded by | Aaron A. Sargent |
| Succeeded by | James Budd |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Horace Francis Page October 20, 1833 Medina, New York |
| Died | August 23, 1890 (aged 56) San Francisco, California |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | U.S. |
| Profession | Attorney |