The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1876-09-02
Communicated
Chinese in the United States and on
These Islands.

That there is much bitterness Of feeling in Cali
fornia against the Chinese, there is abundant
evidence. In this hostility both the governor Of
the State and the mayor of San Francisco partici-
pate. There are those in the State who, If per-
mitted, would get up a crusade, and drive every
Chinaman from the land; and a large number
perhaps a majority, are unwilling that more should
come into the State.
The cause of this hatred is evident. In construct
ing railroads, working mines and factories, and in
various other ways, the Chinese were competing
with other laborers. They not only worked at a
cheaper rate, but owing to their numbers, the
supply of laborers was greater than the demand.
The Irish, who are noted for the use Of the spade,
took the alarm. The Chinese we're injuring their
craft. and, if allowed to come into the country in
such swarms, they would leave them nothing TO do.
The bad feeling extended to mechanics and others;
and politicians took advantage OF it to promote
their schemes. In order to obtain the votes of
the disafected, they would lend their influence to
any measures that might be taken to prevent the
further immigration Of the Chinese. Had the
Chinese become citizens of the country. a class of
politicians would have espoused their cause for the
sake Of their votes; but as they are aliens, they
have few friends, and mostly of those who are
governed by higher principles than party considera-
tions. As the Chinese have found no patron among
the Americans to undertake their cause, the
Presidents of the six companies Of San Francisco
have addressed q memorial to the President of the
United States in behalf of their countrymen. They
set forth THAT it has always been the settled
policy of the United States to welcome immigration
from all countries, without let or hindrance; p
that the treaty which is in force between the United
States and China makes as special mention of the
rights of Chinese here as of Americans there; g.
that for years American steamers have been inviting
the Chinese to come hither, until 80, 900 are here,
of whom 10000 are in California, and half that
number in San Francisco; and, that these Chinese
immigrants have, for the most part, been peaceable
and laE-abiding; have, in some instances, as in the
case of railroads on the Pacific coast, performed
needed and most important work for the public
benefit, not displacing white laborers, but simply
multiplying the industrial resources of the country;
thus while b~enedting themselves, giving satisfaction
to others, and enriehing the State; 5-that they
have in ne way desired, or attempted to interfere
with the established order of things in politics, or
religion, but while opening no whisky saloons to
harm others. they have promptly paid their duties.
taxes, rents, and debts.
Then they mention 6 that heretofore, about the
time Of State or general elections, certain political
agitators have been accustomed to stir up an excite
ment against the Chinese, which has generally
subsidized as soon as the elections,-and so the pur-
pose Of the movement-had passed by. But at the
present time, they say, that an intense and bitter
feeling against the Chinese who are here, and against
further Chinese immigration has been sought to be
awakened by a party led on by his Honor the Mayor
of San Francisco, and abetted by his Excellency the
Governor Of California, who have arranged q great
public meeting, adopted an address and resolutions
against Chinese immigration, and appointed a
of three TO wait upon President Grant,
present him with an address, and push before him
the view Of the subject which this hostile party
entertains."
The memorialists go on to notice and answer the
charges which their enemies have urged against
them. These We do not propose to set before our
readers at the present time. We msy do SO ere long
if interest enough in the subject is felt to warrant
it.
And there is a feeling OF hostility springing mp at
these islands against the Chinese. On sugar and
rice plantations they are competing with the natives.
this competition there is little complaint at