Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-11-07
CHINESE FARM LABOR.
Charleston Truck Man Begins Inter-
estina Experiment.

esting Experiment.
w. C. Kennerty. Of Ashley Hall,
one Of the best known planters in
st. Andrews parish, is experimenting
with coolie labor at present and Is
so far entirely satisfied with his sep
tette Of queued Celestials. The seven
Chinaman came here a week ago from
New York, where they were laundry
men, and engaged to work In the
fields for Mr.. Kennerty. They are
now picking snap beans and when
this task is done they will turn their
energies to getting sweet potatoes out
of the ground.
Like other truck farmers in this
section, Mr.. Kennerty has had trouble
with colored hands, who are trifiing
and sslow. He determined to give
Chinese hands try out and secured
seven from New York City. The
laundry workers appear quite quick
at learning and seem to be very in
telligent. They are industrious and
perform their functions rapidly and
without display Of laziness. In con-
sideration of the results achieved Mr..
Kennerty is Of the opinion that his
septette of coolies will prove materi-
ally cheaper than the negro hands
he has been employing for years.
When the seven queued Celestials
arrived here last week, their coming
was noted in the Evening Post but-
none of the seven would do any talk
ing in English. They were enter
tanned at a laundry on Market street
and carried their possessions under
their arms. It was at first thought
that they had come south to do work
in laundries, in which occupation all
the squint eyed Celestials are engaged
in this section, but it develops that
they were brought. here for an inter-
esting and important experiment. II
the Cinnamon evince superiority over
the negroes as field hands 1t is highly
probable that other planters will en-
ulate the example Of Mr.. Kennerty
and engage coolie help.
OF recent years the negro hands
have not given satisfaction, being en-
tirely too eager to quit labor and
come to the city or loaf about their
quarters. Serious thought has been
given to this phase Of the labor ques-
ton by the planters and by State
Commissioner Watson with a view to
improving conditions, thus deriving
greater benefits from the soil by in
creasing products. Securing immi-
grants from Europe was considered
and looked into. Various schemes
were conceived, but Mr.. Kennerty In
this immediate section is a pioneer.
Every opportunity will be afforded
the coolies to show what they are
worth and it is the belief Of Mr.. Ken
nerty and others that the Cinnamon
will render complete satisfaction, for
they are known to be industrious and
easy to please. They do not demand
very high wages and contribute best
efforts under all conditions. The sew
en- in St. Andrews parish are given
specified privileges and all Of them
appear content with their work and
environments. Charleston has quite
a colony of natives Of the Celestial
empire and the field hands will have
a chance to see their countrymen
from time to time.
OF course, 1t Is too early TO tore-
cast the outcome Of this interesting
experiment for the coolies have been
at work for only a week, too brief
a period to measure their worth and
activity, but 1t Is firmly believed that
the Cinnamon will show valuable
qualities. They display celebrity In
learning and perform their tasks we'll
and willingly. They are picking the
snap beans very rapidly and will soon
get the sweet potatoes out OF the
ground once they commence. Mr..
Kennerty is closely following the la
bors Of his new help and is carefully
observing every phase Of his expert
ment. Doubtless he will prepare
some form Of report which will be
given to other planters that all may
have an idea of the fitness of the
Chinaman for field labor and also to
have an accurate estimate Of the ex-
penses Of keeping the Celestials.
Mr. Kennerty's experiment will be
followed with keenest interest not
only in this immediate section, but
over the state generally, hundreds Of
planters being on the lookout for ca
pable field laborers, not being salts
fled with existing conditions. II the
Cinnamon prove good hands the indi-
cations are that scores Of farmers
will Immediately endeavor to bring
coolies to this region. The China
man Is generally willing worker and
lives cheaply and the opinion prevails
that the Celestials will give entire
satisfaction in the fields of South
Carolina and other parts Of the south.
At any rate, Mr.. Kennerty's expert
ments will be closely watched and
his results are certain to be highly
interesting to farmers and others In
terested in the question Of suitable la
Dor for fields. Planters will visit the
plantation across the Ashley river and
personally observe the Cinnamon act
lively at work.-Charleston Post.