Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1879-02-26
TIE CHINESE QUEsTToN.


President Hayes has not yet signed the
Chinese restriction ball, which has been grave.
" discussed IN several cabinet meetings. Il
is SAID the President is much embarrassed as
to his duty. The bin passed both houses OF
congress by large majorities. Hayes does
not desire to shAe the popular de
sire to restrict Chinese immigra-
ton. But he maintains that the
treaty with China stands in the way, and
that the policy of discriminating between the
races Of men TO impose restrictions or disa-
bilities upon one, not imposed upon others,
is contrary to the spirit of our institutions
and the age. Should he take this course he
will not only oppose the rnsi0rities in con-
gress, but will run the risk Of arousing a Bit
ter feeling if not decided hostility, among
the mass OF our citizens In the States and
Territories on the Pacific side of the CONT
nent. We see already Indications Of a popu-
lar storm through an apprehension that be
may veto the bill. The New York Star takes
the position that the humanitarian argu-
ment is urged vigorously on this side Of
the continent by the same classes Of Republi-
cans who, on like ground, forced the negro
question into national politics and brought on
the late civil war. These are, for the most
part, the preachers, those theorists who main
tain the inherent right to equality of al the
races of men, and the politicians, who make
such theory the stepping-stoue to power.
Still, in the division in congress on tie Chi
nese restriction bill, some of the old Radical
Republicans voted for the measure. O5her
opponents of the bill appear 10 BE- alarmed
about losing a considerable portion Of our
trade with China and the privileges our citi-
zens now eDjoy in that country. But the
people OF the Pacific coast, who have by far
the greatest trade with Chine, SIRE not
alarmed. At all events they consider tie
evils and danger Of free Chinese immigrati1uo OF
more Consequence than anything else. And we
must say, in all fairness, that, as they are
most concerned IN this question, and as the
people.of the eastern States and other parts
OF the country are not iDjUriously affected by
Chinese immigration, our citizens of the Pa
citc coast should have most to say IN the
matter. One thing Is certain: II the Presl-
dent should sign tLe restriction bill, the gov
Isn't would be placed in q strange atti-
tude. A few years ago everybody was clam
orous for Chinese immigration. Meetings
were held here IN Memphis for the purpose
Of inducing Chinese immigration and to sup
plant colored labor with cheap Chinese labor.
The late George w. Gift was sent to China
for the purpose Of engaging Chinese labor
The eastern States, who were carrying on
profitable tea trade, llam0rcJ for a treaty
Of commerce with that country. They
induced the government to send
Mr.. Burlingame' as minister from this
country to make a treaty with the emperor
Of China to effect this purpose. The treaty
was made, placing China upon as favorable
commercial relations to tins country as any
other nation. Our navy was sent there to
open Chinese ports, and q lucrative trade
soon sprang up IN favor of the eastern States.
Now it is proposed to restrict emigration,
without the least regard to the treaty. This
Is an important question, and is creating
profound interest throughout the country.
We publish IN another column Of the aP-
PEAL the views Of Governor H9raG0 Seymour
on Chinese immigration, which, like every
thing that emauatcs from this philosopher!
statesman, viii be found calm, broad, thought
ful and comprehensive. 1t will be seen that
Governor Seymour does not discuss the re-
striction bin which recently passed congress. !
He, however, shows that if we can prohibit |
the importation of Africans, we certainly /
have the power to exclude the Chinese. We /
cannot see how the Republicans can consist /
emily oppose Chinese immigration. Pro /
tossing love and admiration for the broadest 4
OF man, without distinction OF