American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-11-08
THE CHINESE EMIGRATION BILL.

IHE CHlNENE EMlG GiAIlUN BILL.
Tile San francisco Herald says
"The long expected bill to discourage
the emigration of Chinese to this State
has been introduced into the Assembly.
1t provides that no passengers incapa-
bic of becoming citizens shall be landed
at any other parts than those of San
Francisco, Humboldt, Monterey, and
San Diego.-That the Governor shall
appoint three additional commissioners
of Emigration for tho parts named
one for each except San Francisco,-
for which there is one already appoint
ed; and that tho said commissioners
shall receive from the commanders of
vessels the sum of one hundred dollars
each for every such passenger. That
in the event of a refusal to pay the said
sum, the commissioners shall commence
suit against the ship master, and that
it shall constitute Il lien upon the YES
sci. That if any such passengers shall
be landed at any part excepting those
specified, the master, owner or con.
signee of the vessel shall be deemed
guilty of felony, and on conviction
thereof be fined not less than ten nor
more than forty thousand dollars--or
imprisonment in the State Prison not
less than two nor more than ten years,
or by both such fine and impris-
onmcnt. 1t is generally understood
that the sole object Of the bill is to dis
courage the emigration of the Celcs-
tials!" .....
B5~ Wonder if Colestials proper from
the upper country would not be just as
much objected to, and little more,
than ours by the framer of this Bill &
all his affiliations in California;. |
cannot conceive why the Chinese sho'd
be specially singled out, degraded, op-
posed andproscribcd. They are alaw-
abiding, quiet and industrious people
wealthy, learned and most polite! l
should like to see an exhibition of all
the reasons that have led to this cruel
and oppressive course of introduction in
California. / must acknowledge that
my feelings and judgment too lean al
together to the other side; and as | am
in the habit of patronizing the opposi-
tion line, [ shall be excused in yolun-
tcering my services to plead the cause
of the Chinese on all suitable occasions.
And to this end am making arrange
ments to be heard monthly by at least
10000 of the most intelligent read
crs of both Europe and America. ..
[ beg leave to call the attention Of
my readers to the above-"CHINEsE
EMIGRATION BILL. L".-Bad-worsc-
worst! Last year $50, now $100.!-
Just consider the principle of this Bill;
how unchristian and inhospitable. We
wish to Christianize the Chinese and
have appointed Missionaries to Cali
fornia to do so; but behold, this bill
prohibits their coming, knocks this
prospect in the head there, and must
tend to excite in them an unconuucr-
able aversion both to Christians and
their religion. And who will be ac-
countable for this at the great day.
Just consider the practical policy of
this blh While the policy of our gem
cral government is "to retain what has
been gained and make advances in the
enlargement of our intercourse with
China as fast as practicable, lis not
this bill a direct intcrdict to the policy
Of the General Government? Or can
the anomaly be reconcilcd Of advanc-
ing in China and retrogading in Cali
fornia? Are We willing that the Chi
ncse shall pass such law concerning
foreigners, and single out The Amcri-
cans upon whom it shall take special
effect? Yet this would be just and
right in retaliation according to the
law of nations! Would it not?
just consider the bearings Of this
bill, in connection with other dcgrada-
tons, upon the feelings of my Celestial
friends and ncighbors, which must be
outraged! Upon the commercial inter
course between the two countries, =
which must be greatly impcded and up
on the just and proper feelings Of all
my dislntcrcsted readers who must de-
sire to see the Chinese elevated, chris
tianized and placed on an equal foot.
ing with their highest equals in Europe
and America.
| plead their claims to q better treat
mont from the liberal genius of our in
stitutions, and their fostering care O.
vcr the people Of all nations who have
chosen to take shelter under our wing!
From the politeness and courtesy with
which they treat as who live among
them in their own country. An officer
100 miles from Canton in the country
"treated us" says on American Mis-
sionary, with as much respect as he