NO PROBLEM in California has caused more agitation and has more closely affected the community at large than that of the inhabitants of the Celestial Kingdom. Of late considerable anti-Chinese agitation has sprung up. A group has been formed that has declared, both by word and deed, a veritable war against this peaceful Mongolian invasion. As seen through the eyes of a European, it is idle to deny that much can be said on both sides of the question. Looking at this purely from the legal standpoint--there is a law permitting them to immigrate, to remain in the country, to work, but not to take out naturalization papers--the Chinese have every right to remain in the country, and to expel them would be a miscarriage of law and justice. In fact, now that they are here, their presence has become essential to most inhabitants of California. Esteemed for their loyalty, they are used in railroad construction, in mining, as gardeners, as farmers, and as workmen in manufacturing enterprises. In these various lines they have been highly successful, and without their help another quarter of a century might have elapsed before the material wealth of California could have attained its present development.
Furthermore, becuase of their suitability and cleanliness many homes use them as cooks and stewards. They also make especially capable laundrymen. Chinamen are hard workers and do not drink excessively. Since their needs are easily satisfied they are contented to work for much lower wages than white workers.
On the other hand, it is held that since these heathen do not observe Sunday, they are a demoralizing influence in a Christian community and that they are peculiarly subject to leprosy and syphilis, and tend to spread this among the white race. However, that they are actually dangerous to the white race seems a grossly exaggerated belief. It is further asserted that they impoverish the country of its wealth by carrying out what money they have made, and that the country, instead of having their earnings put back into circulation, loses them; and that, finally, their lower standards of living are a menace to the white proletariat.
Granted all this were true, it would undoubtedly give grounds for consternation. But while it may not be possible to win over these Chinese to the Christian faith, yet it seems fairly evident that their presence is not jeopardizing Christian society. Their living conditions should be inspected, and, by establishing hospitals for lepers, segregating the tenements, and regulating sanitary conditions in their dwellings, the dangerous contamination of the European population could be largely circumvented. Moreover, as regards their departure from this country, it is not surprising that people who are denied citizenship and equality before the law should return home. And, finally, as to the agitation about the Chinese depriving the white man of work, it might be aptly remarked that the white population has much to learn from the simple standards of the Chinese and that cheap labor is highly advantageous for the welfare and development of the community and a veritable boon to the country at large.
Even now, their numbers are fairly formidable. In 1870, it was estimated that 140,000 Chinese had already come to the Pacific Coast and that of these numbers, 95,000 had remained. More, too, have been entering every day. In the year 1875, 18,000 entered--the largest number, up to that time, that had arrived in a single year. Among the Chinese immigrants entering California many are from the scum of society. Most of them came from Southern China and belong to companies which recruit workers in their home districts. These companies have headquarters in San Francisco and workmen are hired for a period of several years at the low wage of from four to eight dollars a month.
In Los Angeles the Chinese have their own quarters and are greatly in demand as laborers. Some have intermarried with Europeans. These are easily recognized by their appearance. American boys frequently hold up to scorn and ridicule these younger sons of China . At times, even the adults indulge in fist-fights which are brought about, as a general thing, by prolonged mistreatment. (1)
They live plainly and consume quantities of abalones. Ground squirrels and pork are among their favorite foods. All in all, they are not popular and in Los Angeles the anti-Chinese feeling is highly developed.