The morning call., 1890-05-02
Inspector Schel's report is as follows: !:

Str-Snce my assignment TO duty in your dis
.Iict . as chinese Inspector IN February OF this
year, have, under your direction and advice,
made such inquiry into the matter OF Chinese I'M
migration on thfs border as circumstances seem d
10 require.
Tie popular impression exists that the Chinese,
In some considerable numbers, have and are now
entering The United States through our southern
Dofoer am satisfied that there is very little, II
any, direct immigration from China through
Mexico, Tor The reason that there are no regularly
established lines OF communication between
China aud the Mexican Republic, and those en-
terihg Mexico on the coast find the distance
from The seaport TO The border SO far and the
cost co oi TRANSFORMATION SO great that me route
cannot be other than unpopular especially so
WIN the chance OF being turned back al the
border.
Ii is believed that large numbcr of the Chi
nese now iu Mexico have entered that republic
from the United States, and that many of them
nave become dissatisfied with their present con-
ultlOn ana prospects on account OF the low price
OF Labor and lack OF communication with estaD-
lished Chinese centers at San Francisco and
other points, and the prospect OF adverse eslsla-
lion mas caused them 10 seek reentry. por-
tion OF them come direct by rail 10 Ell Paso, Tex,
and Nogales, AriZ., and attempt Tie entry with
little effort at disguise or coucealment These
ale always turned back by the customs officers.
1hey return smllingly, and doubtless seek IN
lrahce at some point on the line where no Off
GERS are stationed, and al time less favorable
to detection. large majority OF those seeking
entry leave the railroad al points twenty 10
iorty miles distant from The border, hire guides
and cOnyeyauceS, and seek points most favor
able aud al time when the officers are not on
duty III the nrighb0rhood.
The number of Chinese in Mexico at this
time Is, 10 large extent, matter OF spec
ulalion, though am informed that tile State De-
pattment, through its representatives, has made
some inquiry on this point, but with what result
l know not. Personal inquiry In the State OF
Sonora, III Mexico, as TO the number OF Chinese
now there, has led TO the conclusion Ihat there
are now Ia that State about 200 Chlnameu OF
these about 100 are at Guaymas engaged In the
manufacture oi coarse boots aud shoes aud cot
ton clothing The balance are IN mining camps
aud aI railway stations along the line up 10 and
al the northern border.
The steamer from San Francisco makes
monthly trips TO the western Coast, landing at
Guaymas from i've 10 ten Chinese eacn month.
Nearly all these come from Mazallan and other
points on the Mexican coast
Tie frequent movement OF small parties OF
Chinese in Sonora toward the border, both by
rail- aud overland, aud their non-appearance al
Nogales or vicinity, leads TO the conclusion that
entry Is being made at points east aud west OF
that town. For a long distance east of Yuma,
AIiZ., The country Is an uninbabited desert. Tie
absence OF water, obscure trails aud the great
distance 10 be Travelled overland, precludes any
extensive entry In that neighbOrhood From
PresldiO, Tex, 10 Yuma, the eastern aud west
ern limit OF this district, is 960 miles. With a
force of eight mounted Customs Inspectors aud
one mounted Chinese Inspector, any practical
enforcement OF the Exclusion Act seems I'M
probable, especially SO when no penalty is at
tached on the violation OF The law. A personal
conversation with Eugllsh-speaking Chinese in
Sonora brought out the fact that the persoGs
talked with intended TO return 10 san francisco
at an early day, but any Information as to The
route to be used was closely concealed. None,
however. seemed 10 entertain doubts OF Ihelr
ability to make the trip success.
1t Is my opinion that mounted Chinese Inspect.
oTs should be assigned TO duty at Nogales and
that the necessity OF such assignment seems
urgent.
The mounted inspectors are vigllant, active and
practical men, but their duties as customs Off.
GERS occupy all their time, and the enforcement
OF the Exclusion Act Is naturally looked upon
as a side issue, hence the necessity OF the pres.
enee OF an Inspector whose special duty lies In
this direction.