The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-06-07
Chinese EaDOrerS.

III the OallV I1meS OIL thursday we notice
m article under this heading, advocating
the importation of these people as laborers
on the plantations IN Louisiana. 1t saws:
I" Let the number be largely increased, let
it be hundreds of thousands instead of
thousands, and we have little fear ETC.,
etc. We regret that We are not so hopeful
of the results Of Chinese labor on sugar and
cotton plantations as our able contempo-
rary. and we would much prefer seeing the
few that are already here more thoroughly
tested before further extensive importa-
tons are made.
And here we would mildly suggest that
the prosperity of the country lies not so
much in the numbers of laborers as in pro-
ductipenes of the labor. The trouble in the
South since the war has arisen. not so much
for the want of laborerS. but because Of the
unproGuctiyeness Of the labor. The Iaborer
has not been worthy of his hire. He has
not made 4 support for himself. in many
instances, and an increase in numbers Of
such laborcrS would only enhance embar-
raSSment of our section by increasing con-
sumption without 4 corresponding increase
Of production.
The lew experiments that have been
made with the Chinese as plantation labor
ers in Louisiana does not Justify, in our
Judgment, further extensive importation.
The Times. In the article referred to,
while advocating importation, says that
- some planters have been unable to retain
them 1.-THE Chinescl, and in q few instances
they have behaved badly and taithlessly."
That the South needs faithful, productive
labor, there can be no question, but in our
anxiety to obtain it there is danger that we
NAV overlook and underestimate ohjectiona-
bic characteristics in subjects promising to
supply the need. We think that without
all assurance of positive good to the coun-
try. we should be extremely cautious in
increasing the proportion OF sem-barba-
rans. in whom 10 length OF residence and
no amount Of cultivation can contribute to
the social elevation and intellectual advance
men, OF the country. There is something
unnatural and unhealthy in importing q
race Of men with whom our people cannot
affiliate without importing their women
with them. 1t is promising of troubles,
and unless compromising good is equally
the importation Of Chinese promising OF a
compensating good? Ifso, in what respect;
Ii is not proposed by this importation to
add to the social advancement or intellec.
tual wealth of our section.
The sole object is an increase OF the labor
force OF the country, in the sole interest OF
individuals owning large tracts of land, OF
plantations. In this, even were it a sue.
cess, We think the country has compare.
lively little interest. We do not wish to
be understood as opposing the cultivation
of the landed estates OF the. country. Far
from it. We think the country is Ian.
gushing for the want OF cultivation
but the general progress and pros
pcritv require that it be cultivated by
a class of people who are capable Of becom.
ing progressive and public-spirited citizens;
men whose nationality will become incor.
porated IN Americanism-men who Will feel
an interest in the internal wealth, the social
progress, the intellectual advancement, the
onward march of civilization and refine.
mcnt. This is the class Of cultivatorS the
country needs, and without it the cult.
yation of the plantations will contribute
very little to the general prosperity. II
will be answered that we cannot gel
the cultirators indicated. We answer that
they will come in time, if the place is left
open to them. But if the country is flooded
with Cinnamon, a better class of popula.
ton will be kept out. II the money and
effort necessary to import supply of Chi
nese laDorers were spent in the encourage
mcnt and assistance of the immigration
OF the unhappy inhabitants of Aisace and
Lorraine, the efforts would doubtless be
rewarded with lasting good to the country.
We will have more to say on this subject
in our next issue.-Rural Southland.