Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-06-11
China and American Politics.

From tho Circular Oneida Cemmunityl.l
1t strikes US that here, in the specula-
ton as to the probable intercourse be-
tween Chinese and Americans, is some-
thing calculated TO make thoughtful peo-
pie pause, and consider what is coming.
This is an impressive spectacle: 400,-.
100000 pagans approaching with out
stretched hands 100000, 900 Christians
the Chinese wall broken down steam
ships and railroads ready to place these
children of the East in any part of New
America. Not long since the papers re-
ported the formation of a company for
the purpose of transporting laborers
from China to the Southern States.
While we were successful in commercial
operations with this nation, selling them
our manufactures and buying their tea
and silk, the relation was satisfactory to
the Wall street statesmen but the sit
uation presents new aspect when China,
with her crowded population and excess
of laborers, seeks " free Intercourse
with us. 1t is said that at the present
time, there are nearly 100000 Chinese
laborers in the new States of the Pacific
coast. At first these simple people were
considered harmless and God-seDd.
All they wanted was work, and they en-
tered readily into the drudgery of the
gold hunters. But already Californiaus
look with troubled countenances upon
the increasing numbers among them of
these strange people. How will these
worshppers Of Buddha affect the future
growth and institutions of the country
Shall they have free suffrage2 Give
them the ballot and they would now hold
the balance of power in many districts.
A gentleman, an old resident Of Califor-
mia, told me that it is becoming an anxious
question with many parents, how to es-
tablish their children in life. If not able
to start them in business, or give them
profession, they are shut out from the
field of honorable labor, because that is
already occupied by the Chinese. AT
first these immigrants were timid, and
submitted to be crowded or plnndered by
lawless adventurers; but they are diff
ferent now. They have learned their
strength, supplied them selves with arms.
and have Joined together in beating of
assailants. Nor are they all simple la.
borers. Their numbers include good
mechanics and successful tradesmen.
When this great food and ebb tide
Of labor from the New and the Old
Worlds meet, what will be the result? ?
Will they combine 20 form new social
compound, or will ono override the
other? Shall we have Buddhist churches
and customs confronting US, or have we
vitality enough to convert and digest the
devotees of that religion into our faith
and practice2 We can not long shut
our eyes to the fact that mighty prob
lens are coming mp for Christian states.
men to solve New England and the
Atlantic States are generally in favor OF
free suffrage, but the new Pacific States,
which stand facing this incoming flood
Of pagans dare not grant it. 1t is not
that they are against liberty. At heart,
they believe in equality of civil rights,
and that it would be turning against the
presiding genius which has led them an
to prosperity, to deny this principle; but
they have come to a spot where they can
not see their way through. Plainly,
something more is necessary than put
ting vote into every mans hand.