Grover Cleveland Authorizes a Proclamation

GROVER CLEVELAND (1837-1908) President of the United States. Document Signed, “Grover Cleveland,” as President. One page, 8” x 9 7/8”. Washington. November 7, 1885. The document reads: “I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to my proclamation dated this day, and signed by me, and for so doing this shall be his warrant. Grover Cleveland ” The proclamation referred to in our document ordered violent mobs of anti-Chinese protestors in the Washington territory to disperse under threat of action by the United States Military. While anti-Chinese riots occurred in both the Washington and Oregon territories throughout 1885 and 1886, Cleveland’s proclamation was signed under the shadow of a recent violent riot in Tacoma, during which the city’s mayor and police force led a mob that forcibly ejected Chinese settlers from the city. Very Fine.