New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-04-20
Horrors of the C00iic Trade.

The Honolulu ddUertlSeT gives The following
horrible details of the voyage OF San Salvador
ship from Macao TO that port, on the way to
Cailao, Peru, with six hundred and eight COO
lies on board, and the rescue of iorty-three OF
them, who were landed at Honolulu For three
weeks after leaving port the coolies were not
permitted On deck. They were slowed between
decks, in four rows, two amidships and one IN
each wing, a space sixteen Inches wide being
allotted to each individual. After the three
weeks Imprisonment below, under grated
hatchways, the coolies were allowed to come
on deck in gangs of fifty, for one hour, for the
purpose of exercise. The deck was IN charge
of sentries, armed 10 the teeth, besides carry
ing a cato -nine-tails The after part of the
deck was separated from the main deck by bar
ricades, defended by carrOnades Ia order to
get the amount -of exercise necessary IN the
time allotted, the men were compelled 10 move
lively, being melted thereto, from time to time,
with the lash of the cat. Soon after being
allowed to come on deck, some difficulty occur
red between the crew and gang of Chinese,
which resulted in the jumping overheard OF u
number of the coolies-our informant said cigh.
teen. After getting well out into the Pacific,
all hopes Of release from this involuntary bond
age by overpowering the died cut, and the
coolies settled down ia despair. Soon 1t be
came necessary TO allowance them, and they
were given dish, IN which their food and
water were served out to them. After careful
weight and measurement, We find that they
were given one pound OF boiled rice and less
than one pint of water per diem Some OF
them had not been able To spend the advance
paid to them in the barracoon at Macao, and
consequently had a few dollars with them. They
state that when the pangs of thirst became un-
bearable they would hold up dollar through
the gratings and call for water, when pot OF
water would be given them and the money re-
tanned. They were frequently whipped, from
twelve to twenty four stripes being inflicted
each time. The sentres kicked and cuiied them
continually. During the voyage about twenty
five deaths occurred. The mate declared that
at night the stencil from the main hatch was
overpowering. TO use his own language "I on
could not hold your head over the hatch one
minute without vomiting" The condition of
the ship and coolies on their arrival here was
miserable. This we state the authority of
a gentleman who has followed the sea for years
The condition of the forty three who landed
here tells story of nbumanity which appeals
to the sympathy Of every citizen oil Christian
community. On the forenoon Of the 10th nit.
it was rumored that tortyth coolies from
Dolores Ugarte were in a house back o. the old
Liberty Hall premises. Learning this, citi-
zen secured the services of au interpreter, and
proceeded to the premises. The sight presented.
on entering the yard was enough 10 excite the
sympathy and indig s4atOn OF any man. Some
Of the unfortunates were lying in the sun, wait
ing their turn for a washing, unable to move
hand or foot. Others were III the hands Of some
natives, who placed them in tub and poured
water upon them. Some of the parties were
stripped in the presence of the different wit
nesses, and afforded a sight only equaled by the
representations III the American papers Of the
Andersonyile aud Belle Isle prisoners during
the recent rebellion. One had died and was
buried. The poor, emaciated creatures gave
undubitable evidence of mans inhumanity to
man." Twelve were ia the last stages of decay
some with ship fever. Others S.th diarfhea.
Two, at least, had ulcers ia the corners of their
eyes, so far advanced as TO render them blind
for life. The interpreter questioned them re
Sarding the incidents OF the voyage, after
which be asked them if they desired
to return to the ship anl all who could
answered in the negative. Ehey were
then asked if they wished Ia remain on these
islands and the answer was in the Affirmative.
The interpreter was then instructed TO say TO
them that they could remain here; that there
was no law which could compel them 10 return to
the ship. The JOY eyinced by them more than
repays the trouble and annoyance experienced
by the parties who befriend them. Knowing
the excited condition of the Chinese, and OF
the natives who were witnesses TO the suffering
OF the S0Ollts, anu aiSU aware VI tiiN iSopHaSCS
of the agents of the ship. which would be
called into action TO re-consign the poor crea-
lures 10 slavery from which death would be
a happy deliyerance, If they were aware OF the
intended exodus, it was Determined TO take such
steps as would prevent mob or riot. The
leading Chinese were made aware OF the wish
of their countrynen 10 remain here; and they
Immediately repaired to the house where the
coolies were kept, and in short time some
thirty were removed TO different localities.
During the afternoon the remaining twelve were
ones was only determined upon after a full
consideration of existing circumstances. 1t
was thought that they could be made comfort
able elsewhere, and the risk of death was
thought to lie lessened as 90 leave them was
to insure their removal TO the ship, where death
was sure 10 follow. In fact, the captain OF the
slave ship declared that he did not care for the
loss OF these men, as they would have died
before reaching Callao. The parties who in.
teresting themselves III behalf Of the coolies |
were fastened somewhat from the fact that |
the minister of foreign relations and second |
associate justice OF the supreme court were |
seen in close coniab with the agents, and, |
knowing that their sympathies were entirely |
with the master, prompt action was con. |
sidered essential TO success. Until the ship |
had left il was deemed prudent not to betray |
he whereabouts Of the now frcemen. Every
means calculated to promote the comfort of all
md the recovery of the sick was taken which
ould be.