The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-14
rarely anything can be obtained from them

rarely anything can be obtained from them
beyond ~ am telling the truth"
A number, according to their stories, are
students, and came to San Francisco to
study various sciences and Industries, but
the hardened condition of the immigrants
hands plainly show they have been used
to hard labor. One popularity is very
noticeable. All the Japs have on an aver
age $50, just enough to pass the Immigra-
ton Commissioner, who would not allow
any one to land who might become pub
lie charge. A very few have $40 or $50.
Another feature is that the Japs, with
few exceptions, state that they intend to
remain in this country three years and
for their support while studying will re-
ceive money from their parents in Japan.
This in measure but indirectly confirms
testimony given in Pleasanton to the effect
that certain societies in Japan send immi-
grants to this country for three years. Thus
it is that their passports are made out for
that length of time.
Still another feature that the Commits
sioners have noted is that the poorer Jap
anese state that they started from Manjis
hotel In Yokohama and are going to the
japanese hotel at 270 Brannan street.
1t is from this place that Sato, the Pleas
anton labor contractor, secured the most of
his help for the hopyards and sugar-beet
fields. There is every reason to suppose
that these coolies are sent for through the
Brannan-street house kept by Maryuma
and are brought to this State on a promise
that they will be provided with plenty of
work at good wages.
An important piece of information was
brought out yesterday by Commissioner
Stradley. A Japanese, whose face does
not indicate that he is overburdened with
shrewdness, was suddenly asked what
company sent him to this country. Taken
entirely off his guard, he answered that he
did not remember, but that the company's
circular would show. Recovering his
presence of mind, he made excuses for his
admission that such companies exist by
saying that he did not understand the
question. From another man it was
learned that the ma jority OF the japanese
laborers who come to California prefer to
come by the way of British Columbia, as
the passage across the Pacific is cheaper,
and it is easier to enter by the way of
Victoria than to come to San Francisco di.
rect. All the Japanese women go by the
Victoria route, as they are invariably turned
back when they try to land at this port
The stories told by the Japs who de-
sired to land yesterday caused Mr.. Strad-
ley to believe that not one out of six spoke
the truth. For example:
II. Suzuki came to San Francisco to go to
school. He is L. years of age. He is nephew
of Maryuma, the Brannan-street lodg ing-house
keeper. When he acquires knowledge OF the
English language ne will return to Japan.
n. SdKdRuCn1 came mere 10 go lulO mluluS
scheme of some kind. He studied mining in
Japan, and he wants to complete his education
in this branch in San Francisco.
K. Date, 15 years of age, came here to go to
school. He will be supported by his parents.
Y. Shida came here to study commercial bust
ness. His parents are farming people in
try. The calluses on his hands show plainly
that he is not a clerk, but laDorer. Shida is
going to Maryuma's hotel.
K. Kito, an aged Jap, acknowledged that he
is a farmer. and said he Will to work when
ever the opportunity presents. He wants to
work on a, farm. He, too, is to remain in
Maryuma's hotel and he does not expect to be
idle long. Kito has family in Japan.
<. Kaitani said that he is going to the jap
anese mission at 121 Haight street to study
English. This fellow is without doubt farm
laborer.
Y. Nishada said he is farmer. Does not
know where he will secure work, but will find
out as soon as he can see his friends on shore.
He was consigned to Maryama's hotel.
Y. kimura, farmer, gave the whole plan
away before he realized what ne was saying.
Commissioner Stradley asked: "What immi-
grafton bureau in Japan got your passport for
your"
Kimura answered: .I forget the name of
the company, but l have their circular in my
baggage. Wait, will find it,
The farmer received q warning exclamation
from those who had passed muster. and, after
hunting, or appearing to hunt for the circular,
| he said that he did net have any, and his
memory failed as to matters pertaining to the
immigration companies IN japan.
x: Sato, farmer, came here TO work. He will
so the Japanese mission.
AS Commissioner Stradley was unable to
prove that these fellows are contract labor
ers he decided to allow them to land, but
much against his wishes.
While examining the japanese and in
| speeding their clothing for letters that
| might throw some light upon the subject
a remarkable inconsistency was brought
out. With but few exceptions the immi-
| grants, profess to be good Christians and
| they declare that they are bound for the
| Japanese Christian missions in this City to
learn the English language and learn more
of the ways of Christian people and of
Christianity. Notwithstanding their pro-
LESSONS every Jap has strung around ID, his
| neck kamisama or praying-bag. These
bags contain prayers written on silk or
stout paper and are specially. addressed to
| the possessor's household god.
The Japs pay their Buddhist and Shinto
priests from to cents for these prayers,
which serve the double purpose of being
lucky charms as well as prayers. The