The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-12-21
MUST HAVE ANrI-cH1NEsE LAW
s F. Bulletin.

5. F. Bulletin.
II it be true. as stated by a Washing
ton correspondent, that Congressman
Kahn has decided not to introduce at
this session OF congress a bill for the
re-enaetment OF the anH-Chinese immi-
grafton law. Mr. Kahn viii be likely 10
change his mind again when he hears
from his constituents 1t is scarcely to
be believed that the representative from
the Fourth district has permitted the
effect Of Minister wu's views upon this
subject upon the minds Of the public
men al Washington to deter him from
introducing she proposed anti Chinese
immigration bill. Yet it has been as
serted in so many words that he has
come 10 the conclusion that the bill can
not Be passed at this session. and that
for that reason he does not desire to
make the attempt
Minister WI. the dispatches say has
caused a considerable impression in
Washington by his statement that II
this country wants 10 trade with China
its government must cease TO discrim-
mate against the Chinese. This was
certainly Minister wu's opportunity 10
make a point against anti Chinese leg
islation. and he has evidently improved
it. He has actually succeeded in win
ming over to his side OF the argument
some employers Of labor who have here.
tofOre been opposed to the importation
OF coolies. and apparently he has de-
tered one Congressman from attempt
ing TO re-enact the old law this winter
But the willy diplomat will find that
while the East may have been blinded
by his sOphistries and made to believe
that a vast trade with China would
benefit the Pacific coast workingman
more than the free importation Of cool
les would injure him. the people on the
coast are not so easily mlsled. Their
vital interests are too closely concerned
for that. and they will make themselves
heard in the halls Of congress before the
present law is allowed to lapse.
The fact that there is likely to be op-
position to the 7, enactment Of the law
should spur the California delegation
on to greater effort in advocacy Of its
passage. Mr.. Kahn has gone back to
Washington after the recess with the
assurance Of the complete confidence
Of his constituency. He has been ex-
tremely active during his one term in
the interests Of the people who sen:
him to congress in the first place. and
they nave sent him back with an in
creased majority. The first severe call
upon his energies is about 10 be made,
and it will be necessary for him 70 make
the effort Of his life if he would justify
the good opinion that has been formed
Of him. To let the Chinese exclusion
act lapse would no doubt give some
transportation companies a good deal Of
business in the way Of importing cheap
labor into this market, and that is.why
Minister WI has found ready ears to
listen to his words, but it would bring
over to this side Of the ocean a horde
Of Chinese that would quickly destroy
the present scale Of wages for working
men and women. and would hasten a
calamity that has been held in dread
by the people Of the Pacific states ever
since they have had any practical ex-
perience Of the habits Of the Chinese
and their capacity for subsisting on lit
tie food. An act that will keep the