The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1905-07-07
FAIR TREATMENT
FOR TIE CHINESE
Honolulu, July I, 1905.

| Editor Advertiser: In their rela-
the Chinese ask, is for fair treatment,
And it is to the highest and best in
terests of the United States that the
| Chinese should be so treated. For many
years China has looked upon America
as true friend to her country. Will
the coming treaty be so framed as to
prove that she is indeed a real friend?
If SO, America may reap advantages in
the Pacific trade, and the development
of China great wealth, that will sur
pass those of any other nation. Are
we to lose all this oy continuing laws
that are unamerican, unnecessary and
improbable
The feeling of the Chinese, not only
at the coast ports, but far in the in
terror Of China is becoming bitter to-
ward America. And the exclusion laws
will more and more create only feel
ing of antagonism for everything
American, if, as in the past, the laws
are made and carried out, without re-
gard to humanity and justice. When
by the laws of a so-called Christian ma
ton, wife may not join her husband,
| or a husband come to his family, it
must make the thoughtful Chinese feel
| that he had better consider well, all
his relations to such country. In
case where Chinaman was prohibit
ed from returning to his wife and child
and business in the United States, At
torney- Knox, in his opinion
furnished, Feb. IL, 1902, said: "I
must find that under the peculiar ma
ture and language of these laws, it is
not possible to recognize the appeal to
considerations of elementary justice
and humanity (even if well founded),
or to bring the case within the scope
of an act of executive clemency. The
Chinese exclusion laws are necessarily
vigorous, and of the highest degree of
technicality, and do not permit the i'm
position of maxims of equity Is this
| fair treatment to the Chinese? Should
not an American law, in which 1t Is
'not possible to recognize considera-
tions of elementary justice and human
ity" be changeda
On the steamer on which I sailed to
China, few months ago, was China
| man, who jumped overheard and end
! ed his life in the deep Pacific Ocean.
Why was it, This Chinese had Ilved
and worked in America. He returned
on a visit to China. He wished to 60
back again to his work in the United
States. With what money he had left
he bought his ticket He had his
papers. After some delays in Hong
kong, medical examinations, and other
unpleasant things, like being fumigated
with sulphur, (passlng through he'll the
Chinese sometimes call it), he was pass
ed, and started on his long voyage over
the, Pacific, with hopes of life, liberty
and work in America. At San Fran |
cisco, he was detained. some little point !
IN his papers not being just right, per-
haps the delays in Hongkong had made
1t few days over the time limit And !
because the exclusion laws are "vigor-
US and of the highest degree of tech
nicaEty,' he could not enter. was
ordered to be sent back. Without
money, not allowed to see his old
friends, not permitted to go and take
up his old work, he was discouraged
and so ended his life in the deep
ocean.
This is but one case, of hardships
suffering, and injustice, among many
others. Are we treating the Chinese
fa1rs Can good Americans stand for
such law? Because of a chiefly for
elgn laborer vote in California, shall,
America loose the friendship of China.
and millions of dollars in Oriental
trades The Chinese are the best la
borers, they have been the great fac.
tors in the development of Hawaii. and
OF the West. They have opened our
mines and built our railroads. They
are still needed in large numbers both
here and in the West, on plantation.
IN the rice fields, and the fruit or
chards. They bring more wealth than
they take away. They are entitled to
the treatment accorded to the most fav-
ored nation. If the friendship of the
Chinese is lost now it may be hard to
regain it. During recent travels
through Southern China, the crv on
every side was: "Whv do YOU treat
us so?'' "'You Americans come TO
China and gain wealth. why are we
not permitted to come to American
They have a right to be treated like
other nations. Exclusion laws should
apply the same to all nations, and
should be made just and reasonable.
May the present laws be soon modi.
he'd so as to promote friendship, COM
merce and mutual benefit, between
China and America. Give the Chinese
fair play!
E, w THWING