The Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1869-1872, 1870-08-31
Importation and Immigr.tion.

We observe from the press that Mr.. Fitch
continues to talk about the Chinese in very
disrespectful language; but it is noticed that
in all his remarks he limits his opposition to
the importation Of coolies. The distinction
is not 80 finely drawn that it deceives any
thinking man. though il is possible that there
are some needless men who have given little
or no thought to the subject. who may be
misied by tine al edptaRdum generalities which
conceal the real thoughts of the speaker.
There is vast difference between the i'm
portdtion and the immigration OF Chinese.
Many of the leading Republican papers con-
tinue to oppose any opposition to the subjects
of the Celestial Empir,. The extreme ground
that any of their papers or speakers dare as
sumo in opposition is involved in this denun-
citation Of coolie importation. This ''impor-
tatiou" simply excludes Chinese who have
placed themselves under obligations to cap
italists in China for the payment of their pas
sage money. Inasmuch as the contracts for
service for the payment of their ocean fare
were rendered imperative by a statute of
Congress, as far back as 1908, confirmed by
more recent legislation to the same effect,
this so-cnlled importation" really amounts
to very little, if anything. When the Chinaman
arrives in San Francisco, and has had six
months time in which to pay to the company
the expenses of his trip, he is to all intents n
free man. He is one of the great horde Of
Cinnamon which we find competing with
white labor in almost all departments and va
rieties of industry. The white man who
in III THE
knows nor cares how the Chinamau came
here, or how he paid his passage money. He
finds him here, and he suffers from his pres
ence. Mr.. Fitch's system does not actually
diminish the Chinese immigration to the
number of one soul. When practically APP
piled it is found a myth-an ingenious, plaus-
IDLE veil to cover the old idea of protection to
the Chinese bait to catch gudgeons and
fools until after the election
If the Chinese inllcl All injury to the coun-
try, as those politicians admit, there is but
one remedy-which is to remove the evil. !
The Cinnamon are coming here; put a stop to |
that immigration. The Cinnamon are here;
order them out Of the country. The Burlin- |
game treaty protects them here, and pro-
tects them in coming. Repeal that treaty, |
Enter into new treaty, if necessary, and de- |
fine anew the privileges of each nation in the |
others country. This is a plain, speedy, ef- |
fectual remedy for the evil. Opposition to |
Chinese importation" effects nothing. 1t |
rights nothing that is wrong; secures nothing |
that is right 1t is merely an evasion of the |
subject. There can be no substantial abate-
ment of this Chinese plague which is not
founded in an unequivocal, Diet .rmined oppo
sition to Chinese immigration ia toto.
That We have not Inisstated the position of
the Radicals on this point, we republish the
celebrated Cooks resolution which was first
adopted by the Radical Central Cammittec of .
California, which has formed the basis of the
arguments of the Radical organs on this |
coast:
Resolved, That while the people of the |
uhOte lcOrId are inrited to come rs voluntary |
freemen to shnre with us the protection OF |
our land and our tree institutions, aud in the |
wonderful advantages of our land, il j. |
against the gcnius of the age to bring them |
here an bonds Tor a term of years, or even |
months; that the traffic in bOHdSmen is degrad- |
ing to labor, and will not be tolerated by |
treemen, and must be checked in its inception |
by prompt action on the part of the represent |
tatives OF the people.
There is nothing in the resolution against
the immigration of Chinese. This talk about
"bondsmen" is all fustian Of the first water.
1t has nothing to do with the question of this
cheap, degrading and degraded Chinese labor,
which has become the curse of this coast,
and, unless checked soon will be of the en-
tire country. To earnest, thoughtful men,
this cheap John" opposition is simply dis
gushing. As cheat, it is too miserable an
attempt to affect the mind of any man who
carries any brains in his head, or has any re.
spect for the worth and dignity of American
labor.
Politics ~ SAN Francisco. The Republi.
Cans of San Francisco, dispairing of success,
have sneaked behind so-called taxpayers