The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-13
Tho Latest Problem In the Transyaal

After prolonged and vigorous con-
test in which England became only less
actively concerned then her colony, it
was decided to admit Chinese labor into
the Transvaal for employment in the
+, gold mines of that country. About 1000
Chinese have already arrived, and sailing
! lists indicate that by Nov. the number
will have increased to 10000 or more.
/ A new question has now arisen. A
| very strong fight was necessary before
the Chinese, political as we'll as racial
| aliens, were allowed to enter. The new
issue involves the exclusion Of East In
dian natives who, although racially
alien, are politically British subjects.
Having opened the door to alien China
men who will 60 to the Transvaal to work,
England is now confronted with the
problem Of finding the best means of
closing the door in the face of some of
her own subjects who desire to 60 there
to trade. Discussing the matter in Par
Lament on July 81 Mr.. JOSEPH CHAM
BERLAIN presented the case in this.
fashion:
Nothing would be easier. nothing would be less
surprising, II there was absolutely open intercourse
between India and South Africa. than that South
Africa should be overwhelmed by tho Introduction
Of Indian immigrants. against whom say nothing
in themselves, but who would simply sweep out OF
political existencc the whole Of the white nhabi-
tsnta few years might very well see such an i'm
migration Of the underfed. overnumerous popuia-
ton Of India would altogether alter the character
Of South Afrca, and once and for ever would pro-
clude any idea Of Its being white mans country
In its issue Of Aug. 20 South Africa
presents the ground of apprehension
as follows:
although theoretically. British subject should
be allowed TO trade where and how he pleases. so
long a. he complies with tho siot letter Of tho law
In His Majesty's dominions. In practice this would
mean tho ruin Of thousands of the most deserving
Of tho white population Of the Transvaa who have
acted q pioneers Of commerce In the Colony only
to md themselves In as much danger of being
ousted from the fruits Of their labor as the unortu
nate sparrow whose comfortable nest attracts the
attention OF the piratical cuckoo"
The point involves not only the large
number who would go If they could; it
concerns very considerable number
who are already there and who have been
there, In many cases, for several years.
These are generally regarded as detri-
mental to local trade interests, but the
Home Government is opposed to their
expulsion, and has even expressed dis
approval Of too stringent regulation Of
their commercial privileges.
Unless some restraint is imposed there
is every probability Of large influx Of
East Indian traders, with whose methods
the white merchant is unable to compete
successfully. They are hawkers, ped
lers, and small shopkeepers until, by
the exercise of a parsimonious frugality
quite impossible to the Occidental, they
become proprietors Of often quite ex-
tensive bazaars. A land overrun with
pedlers and small storekeepers OF that
kind offers little opportunity for the
white merchant.
With reference to Chinese labor, MIR.
laid down the general
that the Transvaal should be
as a self-governing colony.
The probability is that the present ques-
ton will be placed on q similar basis,
although local action will be-, as in the
other case, subject to the approval of
the Home Government. As the Indian
Government is not likely to accept with
out protest either an exclusion act or q
stringent regulation act, the matter
promises to become important In English :
and South African affairs.