The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1860-02-09

everything that concerns the suffering poor, will
agree with me, that justice and humanity are
manifest in every arrangemsnt; and that, if il
proves TO be practicable, its influence viii be
felt thonghout the world. -as fa4a
Some time since, Mr.. Austin, an agent of the
British Government arrived here, and, through
the British and French authos tiles here. an ar.
rangement was made with the Governor Gen.
eral of this Province, TO recognise aud ap-
prove of the plan PROPOSED; and proclamation
was issued by the Governor General, announ.
cling the fact that Chinese mandarin was as.
ISOLATED with Mr.. Austin in managing the bust,
ness. A large hong has been rented in the
Western suburbs of this city, in which Mr. Aus.
tin will reside, and where all the business will
be transacted. A paper stating the terms on
which coolies are taken is printed and put up
in all parts of the city. take from this paper
the following outline Of the proposals.
Article LIST states T" that in the English West
Indies there are no slaves that all are entitled
to the protection Of the law that officers are
appointed to protect laborers, and that all are
allowed 10 enjoy their own religion"
Article ID states "that the West Indies are
very much like the province of Canton in
climate and productions"
Article Sd states, those who willingly 60,
and who are accepted, will enter into a con.
tract to labor for Eve years. Twenty dollars,
for an outfit, viii be loaned to each one, which
is to be paid back. The passage money, $75,
will be paid, and clothes and food for the voyage
found. If the coolie labors the full term of FIVE
years, then the passage-money is not to be paid
back"
Article 4,h states "that the wages are fixed
in the contract at 81 per month but if at any
time the coole can get higher wages, the con.
tract can be changed. If he wishes to return
home, or go elsewhere to labor, then the pas
sage-money must be paid back within the FIVE
years. In addition to wages, he is provided
with food, a house, and small garden. In sick
ness, no charge is made for medicine. Seven
and one-half hours are the fixed time for labor
each day. The rest of the time is his own. If
the contract is changed, and higher wages given,
then he must, provide for himself"
Article 9Th provides for paying a portion of
the wages to parents or friends in China. If a
man wishes to take his wife and children, their
passage will be paid $50 allowed the wife for
outfit, and SIS for each child These are not to
be paid back. Houses win be provided for
them, and free schools for the children.
Article 9th provides for sending letters back
and forth without charge.
Article 7th states " that those who wish to go,
and are accepted, shall give their names, resi-
dence, age, DC, &e., to the managing officer,
and they can then return home, or stay in the
officers hong until the ship sails"
Article 9th states " that the hong for receiv-
ing coolies will be open at all times, but that
certain rules for order and cleanliness must be
observed. The coolies can go and come, as
they choose. Two days before sailing, the
English and Chinese officers will go on board
the ship, and examine the accommodations,
provisions, &c. The contracts will then be
signed"
Article 9th states that " after going on board
the ship, the coolies will not be allowed to re-
turn to the shore again."
Article 10th states " that all who wish are
supplied with papers stating the proposals. and
that they are circulated by the mandarins to
prevent deception"
Article llth states that the English and
Chinese officers are at all times ready to hear
any complaint from any of the coolies"
As to the practicabiIity of this scheme,
have no opinion to offer. This must be tested
by time. 1t must have been well considered,
before the British Government would authorize
the arrangements which it has caused to be
made.
What will be the effect on the present system
of kidnapping? If the Spanish Government
does not authorize plan similar to that of the
English, kidnapping must increase; for those
who are willing to go, will take the better offer
of the British, and then the coolie prisons in
Macao, and the irstclass American clippers
employed by the Spaniards, must be filled with
those who have been cheated or stolen from
their homes. Is there not virtue enough in
our rulers to save our flag from the foul stain
with which it is being blighted? X.