The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1869-08-05
CHINESE 1ABoRERs AT THE EAST.

CHINESE LAB0RERs AT THE EAST.
In connection with the Chinese labor ques-
ton, and the visit of Mr.. Koopmanschap in
st. Louis and Memphis to contract to furnish
Chinese laborers, the st. Louis Republican Of
July 18th says:
At present contracts are made in California
at the rates we have specified for twelve
months, the parties contracting for the labor
ers paying, besides the wages, the cost of trans
portation, or importation, and commission to
the contractors who bring the Chinese from
their homes, the latter also paying commits
sion to the same contractor for obtaining them
the employment. Each gang of fifty is accom-
panied by Chinese foreman, who receives the
same wages as the others, who speaks English,
keeps the accounts of the labOrers, deductlng
lost time, adjusting differences and collecting
and distributing wages received, and who su-
perintends and directs them while laboring.
The same arrangements would be made with
the Southern planters, only the time might be
extended to two or five years even, giving
longer period of labor to Offset the increased
cost of importation, and the monthly hire Mr..
Koopmanschap estimates may be reduced to
from fifteen to twenty dollars in currency. In
reply to inquiries, Mr.. X. states that he has
never had any difficulties as to breach of con-
tract upon the part of the Chinese. Engaged
for one year at certain price they labor faith
fully in California and the East Indies for
term of years. He is not, however, prepared
yet to say exactly at what cost they can be OBJ
tanned, as in this the cost of transportation is
no inconsiderable item.
For reasons already given, it is apparent
that the supply cannot be drawn from Califor-
MIA, but must be derived directly from China.
The cost at present Of bringing each individual
to San Francisco is $45, gold. The cost of
transportation of large numbers on the Pacific
Railroad has not been established. MIR. K,
however, believes that the cost to San Fran
cisco can be materially reduced, and after the
Memphis Convention will visit New York to
ascertain exactly what reduction in railroad
rates can be made, and is now confident that
the whole cost of delivery to St. Louis will not
be over 500 in gold, or equal say to 81 so per
month on an engagement for five years. which
must be paid in advance. Satisfied upon this
point, he will proceed at once to China to make
arrangements for any number for which he
may have orders-from 10000 up-employing
his Chinese brokers in every province at the
Celestial new year in February-the period
when labor contracts are entered into there.
| During Mr.. kOopmanschap's visit here he
was desired to supply large manufacturing
establishment with fifty Chinese, which he
offered to do the men to be delivered in Au-
gust or September, and to be paid 81 IS per
day, providing proper guarantees of protection
and payment were given, ard will stop here
on his return trip frem New York to complete
the contract. The provision of protection may
need explanation. In California the Chinese
have been the recipients of much abuse and
many hard knocks from laborers who places
they had taken or whose wages their competi-
ton had reduced. The abuse they laugh at,
but the knocks they desire some one else should
either receive or guard against. To this end
their contracts with their importers include
projections and it is ONLY upon this consdera-
ton and its faithful execution that their labor
can be obtained.