The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-02-28


at the expense of secret societies, which, for
their own purpose, take advantage Of the in
fuence these women exercise upon the male
population.
OF obstacles are placed in the way of the Chinese
immipration their soiourn being permitted
only in certain localities, their industry limited
to certain trades and they themselves sub
mitted to higher taxes, and many veXatlOus
regulations of the local police. All this is done
with a view to protect the natives against the
greediness, craftiness, and want of principle of
the Chinese.
impediments, the immigration of them is con-
stantly increasing; in the Philippine Islands 1t
is said that the perquisltes derived from tue
Chinese form considerable income for those
functionaries upon whose decision the permis-
sion of remaining in the country depends. At
present the Governments seem to be disposed
TO adopt more liberal policy in this respect;
1t may, therefore be expected that an ever
increasing stream of laborers will spread over
these islands from China, ana open the immense
resources OF the Spanish Colouies, which are at
present almost completely locked up, ana OF
the Dutch possessions, which are only partially
developed. To the Chinese proletaran popula'
tion the Archipelago will soon be of the same,
if not greater, Importance than America is to
this class of Europeans.
In the English settlements OF the Straits, the
immieration of Chinese mas al ways been favored.
They enjoy there a greater degree of esteem,
liberty, aud protection against eXtortton than
in any other country of the world. There is no
fear Of any serious dangers resulting from this
liberty to the colony, since, in such contin-
gency, all classes would unite against the
Chinese.
1t is true that, from time to time, the latter
have already caused some not insignificant
troubles; TOR they constitute State within the
State, all belonging TO secret societies, whose
activity is beyond the control of the Govern
ment. With regard to these Secret Societies,
the Governor in his official report of l858-59
AI.,E ELL WIunW oh
stacle to the discovery OF crimes are the Chinese
Uoeys, or Secret Societies. There is no
doubt that these Societies lend themselves to
obstruct the march of justice.
ut is generally believed that they are ambi.
tious of bringing all criminal cases among their
fellow-countrymen before their own tribunal.
In civil matters their decision is received rather
favorably than otherwise, and according to their
own idea, their claims to decide criminal cases
are equally well founded. There is no doubt
that such tribunals exist, and it is to be feared
that in order to MAINTAIN them and to prevent
people from addressing themselves to our courts
OF justice-and also to weaken the influence of
the 'latter-the Chinese will not recoil before
resorting TO the most violent measures"
The Governor doubts the possibility of roofing
out these Societies, and believes that all mea-
sures taken against them will only tend to make
them more cautious and increase the resistance
they offer. Besides these Hoyes which have
been brought over from China, and are very old,
Secret Societies are continually forming for
wages.
II European is once prescribed by such
Society he can no longer obtain any Chinese
servant, nor will any tradesman thereafter work
tor him. There exist between the different
Societies old quarrels, which have already led
TO bloody strifes, in the year 1854; and even
lately they have occurred on a large scale.
In the Dutch Colonies-in every district
where more than one hundred Chinese reside
one of the most respec table among them is Off
cally appointed as their chief who, in connec-
tion with other assistant officers, also Off
cially appointed and subordinate to him, has to
keep order among the Chinese population, and
is responsible for them to a certain degree.
Recently in Singapore measure has been
adopted which has produced the best effect;
agreeably to the English custom, the most dis.
tlnguished among the Chinese we're appointed
special constables. Should there again be any
disturbances there, the Governor intends not to
dismiss these Chinese from their office as con-
stables until the disturbances are entirely re-
pressed for generally they fill the highest posts
in these Secret Societies.
Up to the present time these riots have been
exclusively limited to the Chinese population,
although not without causing considerable dis
turbance to the public order. But if we con-
slider that this Chinese population Is composed
entirely of the lowest classes, and partly COM
prses the dregs of the Southern provinces of
China: that women are almost entirely wanting
among them and consequently that thev do not
possess the means of establishing family ties;
and lastly, that there does not exist the least
trace OF ponce COntrOl, we can only wonder tnat
serious disturbances so seldom occur.
The reason of this may De the facility with
which these people make living here, and also
the ''seltgoveRnmentn which naturally must
grow up under the influence of free institutions,
in the preservation OF which all are equally
interested.
Among these Chinese some have acquired
great wealth, and are considered among the
most respectable inhabitants Of the city; others
have contributed considerable sums to the
public institutions. The family lire, as tar as it
is possible to take notice of it, especially the
relations between parents and children. forms
one of the most pleasant traits of character oi
the Chinese people.
1t appears, from all that has been said that
the Chinese are inspired with great desire TO
attain political power in the European colonies
There is no doubt but that the Europeans will
know how to prevent this. A greater danger
lies in the possibility of the Chinese acquiring
| supremacy in commerce IN the fitting out O
| ships, and in all the material relations of life
| which would enable them TO weaken the Euro
! pean element in the colonies, and to change
| their whole organization, unless the Europeans
| strive TO paralyZe their influence by using al
the means which their intellectual superiorit,
| affords them.