Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-09-28
CHINESE LABOR.

CHINESE LABOR.
From Washington sdvices OF the zotn
inst we learn that Mr.. C. Koopmanschap,
the Chinese emigration agent, had arrived
ia that city. and would start Immediately
for Memphis on business connected VITO
his emigration project. This gentleman
ia expected to address the Commercial
Convention to assemble at Louisville on
the 10th of October, and will then leave
for China to obtain the required number
of laborers contracted for by people de-
string such assistance in this country.
None but Radicals would charge
Mr. Koopmanschap with the inteu-
ton and design Of entering into
the coolie trade in violation OF
the United States law prohibiting the
introduction of coolies into this country.
The free act Of emigration by the men and
women of China, assisted by some COM
netent person, cannot be construed In
auy meaning Of the law to be in viola
finn of it. The Cinnamon are anxious
to emigrate to America where wages are
high and food plentiful. For, as these
psonle are now forced to live at home
upou the smaIl pittance of three dollars
per month, with cup Of tea and little
rice cruel per day, the description OF
American Eldorado mast be tempting to
them indeed.
We are not inclined to believe the
stories. of Northern manufacture, as to
the Chinese women and men being chased
down and captured aud snrreptitiously
conveyed on board emigraut ssaasls for
this country. The intention in starting
such lies sAoat is to prejudice the great
Northern mind against the scheme OF
Supplying the Southern people with
Iaborers. There is natural envy exist
ing At all times, since the beginning OF
the Government, with the Northern peo-
pie, Of Southern prosperity and financial
independence. These people always re-
xarded it as a prerogstiss of theirs to
look into our home iaternsi Affairs and
to regulate them according to Puritan
notions Of right and wrong. The late
war between the two sections OF the
country sprsng up and grew out OF such
interference, and the thing vii never
cease until we are divided people or
until that race Of men are taught to mind
their own business. 1t is actually
necessary for OR growth, and to again
replace the South on the road of pros
psriiy, that we have better system Of
labor, aud laborers who can be relied on
and will perform faithfully the contract
OF tiIling the Southern fields, Yankee
intelligent labor is all humbug.
When one OF the sDivelling set
begins to talk in that way, just
be sure the fellow desires negro school
with salary of fifteen hundred
dollar attached, the latter being the great
consideration which makes him strong
believer In educated labor. The want Of
knowledge of the American Government
and politics, generally, is the chief re-
commentator Of the Chinese, who care
not for these things, but only to make
money and perform well their agreement
20 labor snd then return to their native
land. The worth of these men as labor.
ers is appreciated by all those who have
given them a fair trial. The Central
Pacific railroad company worked China
men to fine advantage, the evidence Of
which Mr.. Koopmanschap holds in GER
tifcates from the railroad officials to
that effect 1t is reported that this
agent for large number Of the people
South, will start to China about the 4!h
of November, aud return again to Amer
lea in March or April next with g cargo
of ChinsmeI-fve or six thousand in
number. Whatever fears may arise in
the minds of some as to the ultimate
effects upon socisiy and government, by
the introduction of large number of
these people smorg us, we can see no
real cause Of alarm; bat, on the con-
trary, think the experiment worth trying.
We should endeayor. by all means, to re-
store the South again to her former posi-
tion-thst of the first in the producing
world.