The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-04
OFFICE OF RECORDING SECRETARY,
ORDER OF KNIGHTS OF LABOR, l.. A. 1862
BROOKLYN. n. Y. Aug. %. 1895.

BROOKLYN, n. Y, Aug. %, 1895. }
Mr. Fitzgerald Labor Commissioner San Fran
cisco, Cdt.-DEAR SIR: This l.. A. is deeply in
terested in the question OF immigration and
has agitated it more than any labor body this
side of the Pacific Coast; and having learned
from the knights of Labor Journal and various
California papers that you are also interested
in the question we want to see if we cannot CO.
operate with you in movement to remedy the
evil.
1t seems to me that it is possible for us to
unite in some plan of action that will protect
your people from the evils of Asiatic immigra-
tion--Japanese as well as Chinese-and our
people from the evils of Europeon and Asiatic
immigration. 1t will be easier to force this
coming Congress to pass the desired laws, be-
cause it is just before a Presidential election.
In regard to European immigration think g.
$50 head tax would be right, but in regard to
Asiatc immigration think the only remedy
is to expel those that are here now. The plan
advocated in our local assembly three years
ago was to impose poll tax OF ST the first year
and So the second year and So the third year,
and so on. This may seem drastic remedy
and unpopular, but not any more so than the
first restriction act was in 1882.
Now, if you think we could unite on any
plan successfully, please write and give me your
views. But If you have not the time to give to
the matter will you please recommend me to
some of your people who are interested in the
question and who would be likely to cooperate
with us. The best plan, it seems to me, would
be to get the various labor bodies to take it up
and hold meetings to agitate the question. 1t
might also be well to form open organizations
to be composed of all classes of citizens, who
would cooperate with the labor bodies. Hop
ing to hear from you soon, remain, respect
fully yours, w. H. ALLEN,
Chairman committee on restriction of immi-
grafton, Advanced Labor Club, l.. A. 1862,
K of L.
John D. Hamburg, formerly of San
Diego. but who is now a manufacturing
promoter in Japan, had very instructive
conversation with Mr.. Fitzgerald during
oft m n ri LOG
w. Kohlsaat, a New York investment
agent, who, like Mr.. Hanbury, finds Japan
a profitable field
Mr. Hamburg started big watch-mak-
ing establishment in Osaka the "Birming-
ham" of Japan, but having finished with
that he is now contemplating the trans
planting of several other big American en-
terprises to that country. He said in the
course of his observations:
when Japan China and India will do the man.
ufacturing of the world. Why? Because of
the cheapness of labor
A high average of wages paid in Japan per
laborer is from 10 to 1917 cents per day, includ-
ing the high-priced mechanical experts who
must be employed while manufacturing is in
its infancy there. Upon this amount the Japa-
nese laborer will live comfortably in his way,
and he works cheerfully from daylight until
dark
All one has to consider in manufacturing is
easy as putting two and two together and MAX
ing four to figure out the effect upon the man
ufacturing interests of the Occident which the
cheap and unlimited labor supply. OF the Orient
viii have in time.
Count Enimoto, the head OF the manufacture
ing and agricultural interests of Japan. in the
Government, is very energetic and is putting
forth vigorous efforts to make his country a
manufacturing phenomenon among the ma
lions of the earth. The japanese will build
their own ships, too. The Government intends
to appropriate 200, 100000 yen at the next
parliamentary session tor naval expenditures.
The Chinese indemnity will add its weight to
the general impetus.
was once free-trader, but 1 think high
tariff absolutely necessary for this country to
protect it from the demoralizing effects of
Oriental labor. With the present American
tariff they can come in and sell their products
at half the prices asked for home products
here and then make 100 per cent profit.
Your bureau is doing good work in its inves-
tigation of japanese Immigration and should
be encouraged by everybody
The Japanese have no sense OF honor what
ever, and never feel under any obligation to
keep contract of any kind.
Hop-pickers are in great demand at the
State Employment Bureau.