The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1885-10-02
THE CHINESE MATTER.

The most important question being con-
sidered to-day by the people Of the North
west-where It has assumed an unusual
vitality In the past thirty days-is that rela-
ting to the employment Of Chinese. 1t
seemed unfortunate that incidental to the
Rock Springs massacre and the Oregon coal
mines outrages, the question OF absolving
Montana Of the Chinese infection should
have been precipitated. We confess to have
had apprehensions Of the result; for It 10 not
always that the better judgment Of the
wisest heads, in organizations or out, pre-
walls In periods Of excitement and intensified
public feeling. But the result, as indicated
by expression In the mass meeting In Butte
on Wednesday evening, at which some 1000
or 5000 people were present, and addressed
by Hon. George r. Borie, Capt. Wyman,
Col. J. G. G. Thornton, and J. II. Duffy,
Esq, and IS expressed in the resolutions
adopted, renders 1t rather . qualification that
In the crisis the most potential labor organi-
cation In Montana-the Knights of Labor
has expressed itself. II Is q declaration of
public sentiment against q race of people
that have no sympathy or assimilation with
any American institution, whose every char
acteristic, save that Of industry, Is repulsive,
whose presence under reciprocal treaty rights
Is endured under protest Of the better judg-
ment against commercial advantages; but 1t
Is, withal, SO honorable in Its respect for ell
human and legal rights they possess, so Dig
nified, manly and law abiding, In view of the
a. ~E~----- -~Pr"s V'VI Vur
Northwest, that we are glad at this juncture
/ he most important mining camp In Montana
has expressed itself on the issue.
The fact was recognized by all the speak
ers that the Chinese were here under SOL
emn treaty rights, that they were entitled to
protection in life and property. At the same
time they are not q desirable people In any
respect, and their service should not be |
engaged TO the exclusion Of better people or |
In driving them to want or shame. In this we |
most heartily concur. The presence Of such |
Chinese as come TO this country with their |
vicious habits, customs and
is an evil. They have occupied
mental positions and to some extent have
been . necessary evil over this Western
coast, where other service could not well be
obtained. But as their service can be dis
pensed with, 1t should be. We have read
With much interest the methods proposed to
meet the evil. One speaker believed our
American people should do most of their
'wn work, and not rely 80 much on domes-
les; but this, although . wise suggestion,
would not meet the issue that the Chinese
ire depriving worthier people Of the means
Il earning livelihood. Another suggested
hat the treaty prohibiting the importation
4 Chinese lsborers was being evaded and
hould be enforced, which Is correct. An
ther urged the incubation of public SEN
iment giving preference to other laborers
nd domestics. This, with the coming into
bis Northwestern country Of q sufficient
lumber Of better people TO do the domestic,
aundry and restaurant service now engaged
D by the Chinese, Is the true solution of the
uestion. No one takes Cinnamon by pref.
renee; but many have to employ them.
When work Is TO be done, 1t must be done
y somebody. 1t Is sometimes impossible I
} obtain other service, and until other and
qualify good service offers for employment, {
here Is no good reason why "the Chinese I
'ust CO." The Butte meeting appears 10 (
ave taken sensible view Of these matters, Z
nd the best public sentiment will sustain I
very effort In Montana to give employment, J
the best wages, to the best people who r
Ter to do the work. 1t is not necessary,
either Is IL wise or right, to "boycott." "
ublic sentiment In Montana IL Intelligent .
I'D independent, and believes In fair play
i around. It IL . sentiment that should
lntinua- 4