The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1895-06-20
Chinese Immigration.

The Hawaiian Government had not
hitherto assisted Chinese immigration,
except by paying a bonus on JDOn1en Of
that race brought into the country. In
1866 the Chinese numbered but 1900,
while in 1878 they had increased TO
nearly 5000. During the next few years
there vas a steady influx of Chinese free
immigrants, which finally assumed
alarming proportions. During the last
five months OF 1880, 2239 Chinese immi-
grants arrived, and the next spring five
tramp steamers" came from China in
quick succession, bringing nearly 700
passengers apiece. Every one OF these
steamers was infected with smallpox.
When over 5000 of these people bad been
landed here in three months, the Ha-
waiian Government was obliged TO tele-
graph to bongkong TO stop the invasion.
In April, 1888, it was suddenly re-
sumed, and within twenty days five
steamers arrived from Hongkong, bring
ing 2253 Chinese, followed tho next
month by 100 more, with news that
several thousand more were ready TO
embark. Among these steamers was
the famous Madras, with cases Of small
pox on board.
The Government promptly sent tele-
gram TO the Governor of HongkonR, re-
iusing to receive any further immigTa-
ton Of male Chinese. Regulations were
afterwards published limiting the mum
Der of Chinese permitted TO land from
any one vessel TO twenty-five, and pro
viding for the issue of passports, as at
present. In 1853, in accordance with
instructions received from the British
Secretary of State, the Governor Of Hong
kong refused TO grant permits 10 any
Chinese whatever TO come from that port
1ivarf ln Hnranlrrlr In gT,ifa Of a 20 l,a
influx of Chin ese continued on a large
scale. In 1885 the excess Of Chinese
arrivals over departures was 1883, and
the following ear 1902. At last, Febru-
ary IL, 1886, new regulations were pub
lished forbidding the landing Of any
Chinese passengers whatever without
passport issued TO him or her according
TO law. 1t was high time, for the number
of Chinese in the is. .ands reached u 900
that year, since which time it has dimin-
ished to about IS 600. Every Legislature
since 1886 has passed laws re-enacting or
amending the regulations just mentioned
and providing penalties Tor their viola
ton. In 1892 an Act was passed which
authorized the Minister of Foreign At
fairs to issue conditional permits 20 enter
the Republic for a limited number Of
Chinese laborers under stringent condi-
tions, binding them not to engage in any
other occupation while here, and TO leave
this country as soon as they shall cease
to follow their vocation as agricultural
laborers or domestic servants
Immigrants From Northern Europe.
In the year 1880, the Board of Immi-
grafton agreed 10 assist the mission Of
Captain L'O ange to Norway TO procure
immig ants, by paying half the passage
Of the women and full passage for chi
dren under twelve years Of age Under
this arrangement the ship BETA. from
Drammen, Norway, arrived in Maalaea
Bay, Maui, February Is, 1881. with 327
adults aud 65 children, and on May 4 h,
the Musca reached Honolulu with 223
passengers. They We're Immediately
gwen employment on the plantations,
but very soon tegan TO harass the
Board with compl3ints in regard 10