Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-02-23
THE COMING CONVENTION.

When the Anti-Chinese Convention as
sembles in this city, March 10th, it will
be confronted with problem requiring
the coolest consideration and the wisest
action. From the very nature of the call
and the purposes to be furthered, it
must declare against unrestricted Chinese
Immigration. That done, it will be ex-
pected to fortify the appeals already made
TO Congress. That far all will be plain
sailing. But, as it is to be thoroughly
representative body, it must represent the
temperate and positive thought of the peo-
pie. If it is merely explanatory and
wholly radical, it will fail in its purpose.
Mere vltuperation and denunciation will
have no effect at the East. 1t must adj
dress the reason, not the passions nor the
prejudices of men, for rash aud heated
counsels Bring defeat, and every defeat
weakens the cause. When the conyoca-
ton comes to methods, it cannot do other
wise AID be representative, if it does not
set the seal of It's stern disapproval upon
all forms of violence toward the Chinese
IN this country. 1t must declare the laws
supreme, and their integrity superior to
all other considerations. 1t must rise to
the level of clear conception of the actual
situation. Chinese immigration must be
restricted the curse OF Chinese seryile
labor that degrades and demoralizes the
working classes OF America must be re-
moved, but the Convention should, in its
efforts to these ends fully realize that that
cannot be Endely and instantly 1undone
which this people have been thirty years
doing. As San Francisco journal we'll
puts it:
We want no back steps taken The people Of
California rushed precipitately and unthii, king
INTO the importation OF Chinese labor They
promoted II until their labor system sbiffed
rom white basis. Now it is proposed. with
stanfly shiit back again. Those citizens who
are in the habit of thinking are perfectly aware
tllaa lne process must begin at that point where
Whlte labor Is organized aud can be marched in
from distance This labor brings with II fam,
lies nom which a supply will be recruited to
occupy a gradual vacuum created in the
c'SiiaAus anu vineyards, by and natural
processes the change will be brought, the re-
: fofIn VIII De accomplished without fnifictir,r
loss and bankruptcy on anybody.
This is well and timely said. 1t re-
fleets the expression of the REcoRD-UNIoN
some time ago made. It's position on the
question of Chinese immigration is no un-
certain one; neither shall it be misunder-
stood upon the question of methods to ac-
complish ends. The calm thought and
earnest heart of this people will not ap-
prove any conformation OF, or advice to
violence. The reason and wisdom of the
people will not be turned aside by anv
chimerieal schemes to accomplish the in
slant displacement of the Chinese. That
desired end is to be attained by processes
that VIII not leave wreck and disaster in
their wake. There are industries il would
be the hight of cruelty to deprive of Chi
nese labor until they can be supplied with
other labor equal to their needs. The rea-
sonable demands of these industries must
be heard, temporarily considered, and con-
siderately treated. We want no divided
counsels or activities in this agitation.
Unless the people act as unit the COM
mon purpose cannot be accomplished.
The reform can go on without material
punishment being inflicted upon any, and
II 1t is promoted in that way it will do
more, and do it more speedily, than it is
possible to achieve by radical efforts in the
direction of indiscriminating and hasty
changes. The industrial patient is i'll,
and must be treated with care and brought
to health without the application of rem
edies that even for time will torture his
body into new agonies.