The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-05
utterances to the contrary of some of tn
politicians.

utterances to the contrary of some of the
politicians.
AN ENGLISHMAN'S OPINION
For twenty years an Englishman, w. A.
Pickering, was organizer of the Chinese
immigration Department in the Straits
Settlements, and the protector of the Chi
nese in that colony. No alien has a better
knowledge, not only of the value of the
Chinaman, but as to his proper place in
the world in relation to civilized white
men. When asked his opinion as to wheth-
er the Chinese should be admitted to South
Africa Mr.. Pickering said:
1.-THE Chinese immigrant is accused, with
only too good show of probability. Of i'm
porting certain nameless vices into his new
domicie. Thirty years experience of the
Chinaman in his own country. or. as an
immigrant, in Siam, the Straits Settle
ments. Malay states and Dutch posses
sions, obliges me to declare that this accu-
sation is just as we'll founded as is the
statement that the Chinese immigrant uses
chopsticks and wears a queue. AS far as
the law protects him in acquiring wealth,
and from his own unruly countrymen, and
as long as 1t does not interfere too much
with his prejudices and superstitions, the
Chinese immigrant is law-abiding There
can be no doubt that the majority of the
immigrants are sober, frugal and indus
trious, and II only the material prosperity
of tropical country is concerned they are
invaluable
Most of my life has been spent in init
mate acquaintance with these people, and
for many years have labored in fostering
the immigration Of Chinese into the Straits
Settlements, Malay states and the Dutch
possessions in Sumatra, but have always
felt it my duty to protest against their in
PRODUCTION into any country containing a
resident laboring population of European
possible for men of the higher breed to
keep their health and to multiply and rear
their children
II have always sympathized with our
Australian colonists in their desire to resist
the influx of Chinese immigrants and
vhen asked by the late President. General
Grant, my opinion as to the value of Chi
nese as colonists in the United States
could only advise their admission as con-
tract laborers on the transcontinental rail-
ways. to be sent back to their own country
as soon as their work had been performed
We have after unparalleled sacrifices
brought to a successful issue just and un-
avoidable war, during which the nation has
been accused of being actuated mainly by
our lust for the gold reefs of the Transvaal
The loudly professed desire on our part
now is that the whole of the Cape colonies
and states shall settle down and prosper
by the united efforts of an Industrious and
God-fearing population of white men
Dutch, Anglo-Saxon and others-all living
together under one flag. If, however the
desire for superior and more amenable do
mestic servants should force on the gov
eminent the introduction of a moral plague
into South Africa in the shape of Chinese
immigration. then We shall indeed be plac-
ing a formidable weapon in the hands of
the disloyal Afrikander Bond, and shall
deserve the undying hatred of the Beers.
who now appear inclined to bury the past
and settle down to enjoy the advantages
they have a right to expect from incorpora-
ton with our commonwealth"
NATURAL LIMITATIONS.
1t should temper the irritation shown by
Minister WI during the discussion of the
Chinese question in Washington last winter
IL he would look still farther abroad and
recognize that. while his fellow-countrymen
had their sphere of usefulness, there were
limitations arising from national charac-
teristics which barred them from certain
portions of the earths surface. These re-
strictions were devised long before the
United States fell heir to the problem, and
have been imposed through the experiences
and reasoning Of the dominant and most