New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-09-14
IMMIGRATION AND COOLIES.

prosperity in the united oCates. Inc Laws
should be carefully considered, especially in
view of the immigration and labor questions IN
the South, and the projects for Introducing
Coolies in that region.
When we were tauntingly told that most OF
the successes Of the National armies IN the
late conflict resulted from the preponderance
given to the North by the hosts of foreigners
settled therein, the allegation was resented
by showing that only is per cent. OF the yolun.
teers were foreign.born--tbat OF this small
portion, nearly one-half were lrish-that the
larger part of the other half were Germans
other nationalities contributing comparatively
little to our military force. Fully 81 per cent.
of the loyal volunteers were thus shown
to have been native-born. But, while this
is strictly true, it does not fully rebut the
statement that the defense OF our nationality
was more largely aided by the effects of the
immigration which has poured into the North
ern States since the establishment of our in
dependence-or say the year 179O-the Ameri-
n-born descendants of early immigrants, as
well as the recent impOrtations, making their
influence felt generally in favor OF the National
Government. Were this country like some OF
the old countries" having no influx OF foreign
ers-had there been no addition to our popula-
ton in this way between 1870 and 1S6O-the
"freen white population of the Union, at the
outbreak of the Rebellion, would have little
exceeded eighteen millions instead of reaching
twenty-seven millions. We are thus indebted
to European immigration for about one-thlrd
of the whole white" American population,
calculating between the periods mentioned.
This vast multitude strengthened the North
almost exclusively, as very few foreigners set
tied in the Southern States. The foreign born
soldiers were, therefore, but small portion OF
the force which immigration" contributed Tor
the contest, directly and indirectly-tor the
descendants of immigrants since 1870 formed a
far larger portion of the national army-mak-
ing. with the foreign-bOrn volunteers, total
of about one-third of the whole military force
of the Government. .--
Southerners and Northerners-men of all
sections and parties-should carefully consider
the important facts connected with cause to
which our country owes such a large share OF
its population and prosperity-and to the con-
tinuance of which we must look for a proper
tionate influence in swelling our population, de-
yelOping our resources, and increasing our gen
oral wealth and strength. through the future
rs in the past. The North and West have
hitherto profited almost exclusively by this
vast tide of life and energy. If the Southern
States, with all their physical advantages,
do not profit by the current of European I'M
migration, what is the reason SOutherners
may well eulogize the attractions of their sun
ny region but can they tell us what it is
that has hitherto repealed, and even yet
measurably repels, instead of inducing, immi-
grafton ththerG Why is it that the current
from Europe sets steadily toward all parts of
the Union, except the South Are the evils
incident to Slavery wholly eradicatedf Many
intelligent SOutherners, seeing the logic OF
history and the current of events seeing
how largely immigration has benefited other
sections of the Union--are it is true, now IA
voring the introduction of the White labor which
they till lately opposed The abolition of Sla-
very removed the greatest barrier against i'm
migration southwark. Several Southern States
and Land Companies have sent agents to Eu-
rope, as well as to the North" to attract set
tiers by the proifered advantages of cheap lands
and profitable crops in mild climate. But
success does not very largely follow their efforts,
az yet Meantime the West and the North
draw undiminished supplies from the swarm
ing hives of Europe; and the rapidly -increas-
ing prosperity of those regions illustrates the
advantages reciprocally accruing to the immi-
grants and to the States and Territories where
they are located.
Immigration of tins character is widely
different from the COOlie movement. which
some Of the SOutherners are now encouraging.
The European immigrants seek homes for
their families, for permanent residence, when
reaching this country. They, or their children,
soon become intermingled with the nativeborn
people of the Republic, with whose fortunes
their happiness and prosperity are indisSOlubly
connected The Colored people also desire per.
manent homes for their families, and are noted
for attachment to localities which might have
been considered hateful to them from their
former slavery. In all civil and political
duties, the White settlers and the negroes
intermingle with the rest of the community
in trying to promote the common welfare,
for the permanent benefit of all classes.
But the Coolies come hitler only for tempo
rdry purposes, TO save enough for returning to
China, and living there on the profits of wages
here. 1t is their wish to return OF be returned
to their native land, dead or alive This coun-
try, instead of being priced as n permanent
home for themselves and families, is considered
mere purgatory, through which to pass quail
fed for enjoyment elsewhere: the Coolies re-
ligiously desiring that their remains shall be
mingled with their native soil, if death prevents
them from revisiting the "Flowery1 Land"
Few women are brought hitler, and they al
most exclusively for prostitution. Whatever
may be the future, when better classes of
Chinese may come among u.s. this is the present