The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1869-07-29
Information about the Chinese.

Information about the Chinese.
At the recent session of the Immigrant
Labor Convention, held in Memphis, where
the subject of introducing Chinese labor.
ers into this country was fully and
thoroughly discussed, the following letter
from former citizen OF Anderson was
read
New YORK, July 10, 1869.
Gen ". B. Forrest, Memphis:
My Dear Sir: My attention has only
this day been directed to the subject OF a
convention for the immigration of Chinese,
in which you are interested, by Col.
McGivern. This is o matter in which l
feel deep interest.
Lam from the State of South Carolina,
but for several years have resided in the
Sandwich Islands, where | own extensive
lands, and employ Chinese and japanese
laborers.
1 hold commission from His Majesty,
the King of the Sandwich Islands, which
authorizes me to proceed to Asia to pro-
cure laborers and colonists for the islands.
1 spent many years in the East, especially
in the Malay Archipelago. Whilst there,
and in contiguous countries, observed
the working and development of Chinese
colonization. have been making prac-
tical test of my experience in the Sand
wich Islands l have employed different
races and tribes of the Chinese Empire.
1 have employed them to plant sugar, cot
ton and rice also to herd stock, as shep-
herds, as shearers, as boatmcn, carpenters,
| <.ool,c a nj n houcn cnpvopts
is all important to select them in China
in reference to the work required of them.
There are striking differences between
races like Hakas and Punkis, as between
English and Irish Some take readily to
the pow and hoe. Some have great ap-
titude to manage stock. Then you have
sbopkeeping and artisan races.
In consequence of no attention being
paid to selection, there has been great dis
appointment and mischief in Peru, Cuba,
and other countries. We suffered at first
in the Islands for want of thorough, prac-
tcal knowledge. 1t is an easy matter to
order through mercantile house in San
Francisco or Hong Kong cargo of cool
les but when they arrive they may Bit
teri y disappoint you. 1t needs an expo
rcnced personal selection to insure the
obtaining of young, healthy and satisfac-
tory Chinese laborers. would be happy
to assist you in this matter, in connection
with my other duties, being anxious to
contribute to the welfare of NY old be-
loved home, and knowing how important
a. iudicious Chinese immi igration would be
in the development and the restoration of
the South.
have had much to do with japanese,
and they are very desirable class OF la
borcrs. If not quito so energetic as Chi
nese, they arc more docile, and would be-
come desirable coloniSts and permanent
laborers.
We have imported tho coolies into the
Islands at cost Of $40, and contracted
with them for FIVE years at 81 per month,
with board, lodging and medical attend
ance free. l could now import them at
much less cost. | think l could deliver
coolies at San Francisco at $50 a head {;
and l have been talking with Pacific rail
road agents who think they will be ena:
bled to issue immigrant tickets for S75. If
shipped round the Horn, coolies could be
delivered at less cost than by overland,
but it would be much moro desirable TO
paw little more and avoid the long voy-
age. However you would have to con-
slider the possibility of dcsertions by the
overland route. AT the same time must
say that all Chinese / have employed
stick faithfully to their contracts. You
can work fabulous results with Chinese
immigration The mighty reservoir of
labor is ready to flow into your rich lands.
am sorry that some important busi-
ness will prevent my attendance at the
convention on the 18th inst. l expect to
return overland about the 1st of August,
to 90 by steamer to China and Japan.
Should you, General, and the gentlemen
interested with you in the scheme of Chi
neso immigration, wish to communicate
further with me, I could probably make
Il convenient to call at Memphis some
time between the Goth and 9th inst. l
have been some time in Washington, oc-
cupied in reference to reciprocity treaty
with the islands. and return there in
few days, and then proceed on TO South
Carolina to join members of my family
| who return Win me 10 tne isi'huo.
A letter addressed to me, caro- of S. F.
u. Odell, Esq, His Hawaiian Majesty,s
Consul, "a Beaver street, New York, will
receive prompt attention from
Yours, very respectfully,
WALTER NJ. GIBSON,
IL. II. M. Com. Emigration.
MAKING IcE.-The ice factory at Now