The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1870-08-13
Problem.

Probably nothing has ever stirred up the people
and press of the United States as the threatened
influx of Chinese, in connection with the expert
ment of introducing them as shoe-makers into
North Adams, Massachusetts,. IF this proves
successful, nothing can prevent the further intro
duction of the same cheap laborers for, analize
the question on it's true merits, and it is simply
one of economy between capital and labor, in
which the former will undoubtedly carry its
point.
Few papers, except in California, where the
question has been so long before the public that
it is now pretty thoroughly understood, take a
broad and liberal view of it. Even the New
York Tribune, a paper which generally is pretty
correct, thinks that some legislative interference
may be necessary to check the threatened in
undation from China apparently forgetting that
the Chinese have us good a right to migrate to
America, as the hundreds of thousands of Irish,
Germans or other Europeans, who annually seek
to better their fortunes in that great and pros
porous country.
Among the few papers that take an enlightened
and sensible view of the subject, is the Pittsburg
Despatch, which offers some suggestions, copied
below, which will carry conviction to every rea-
sonable mind, and are as applicable here 6. in
America or Europe, where the Chinese will soon
show themselves in larger numbers than they
have done, and are destined to become a con-
spicuous element in the great labor systems of
America and Europe:
l.. 1t should be remembered that it does not neces-
sarily follow that the opportunity for labor is utterly
destroyed by the advent of the Cinnamon, even
though they throng here by millions. The intro
duction of the jacquard Loom in Europe, and of
machinery in this country, were at first resisted, be-
cause of the fear that they would deprive the labor
ing classes of employment. But the result shows
that they increased the amount of production, and
did not lessen the opportunities of labor. So the in
fux of Chinese may compel a larger number to be-
come employers as we'll as increase the range of
opportunity for labor.
2. But whether this result is or is not reached, it
cannot be doubted that the C~elestials are coming to
our shores in large numbers as candidates for en-
ployment. Nor will any laws that are likely to be
made prevent. Within two years nearly five thou
sand Cinnamon have returned to their native land,
carrying with them several hundred dollars each,
and full of wonderful accounts of the land of liberty
and gold. Their statements that laborers command
there one dollar q day seem wonderful to those at
home and as a result, families are mortgaged to
obtain the means for one of their number to come to
this country. No laws CAP be enacted which will
prevent emigration where so much earnestness exists.
3. The Chinese care nothing for labor unions or
anything of the kind. They are gregarious, and
when done with their daily tasks, remain together
through the night. unapproaehable by outside in
fuences. They care only to do their work and get
their pay. They are pliable, sharp, yet impassive,
care little for demonstrations that may be made
against them, and will not be likely to join any
labor associations.
4. They are quick to learn, patient to execute.
and will be found capable of adapting themselves to
any employment, not involving an intimate knowl-
edge of the English language. They will there
fore soon be candidates for nearly every form of
mechanical employment, as servants and cooks in
houses, and as laborers ON public works. 1t was
proved while building the Pacific Railroad, that they
were fully equal to laborers of any other nationality
in all respects, and superior in point of docility and
steadiness. They struck once for their money, but
in doing so sat quietly down till their demands were
met.
8. From all this, we think it clear that demonstra-
tons against either their coming, or their being
furnished with employment here, is labor lost. In
alterable facts had as well be accepted. Those who are
striking occasionally and organizing against this form
of cheap labor will do wisely to employ their money in
organizing cooperative institutions where all can
labor, and where there will be no capitalist to realize
the profts-but where all interested will be capitalists
and labOrers, realizing the full result of their toll.