Rare Books
A statement for non-exclusion
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Reasons for non-exclusion with comments on the exclusion convention
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1404
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Article on the Chinese in California and the Geary Act
Manuscripts
In this article, Patrick J. Healy writes, "Before we begin to thrust the industrious Chinaman from our midst according to law, permit me a foreigner to say a few words on the subject." He writes that while he is Irish rather than American, he feels qualified to speak on the subject as his people "usually work for low wages live largely upon potatoes and send a large part of their earnings back to Ireland." He warns that "my countryman cannot be ignorant of the existence of a secret Political party who hardly disguise their antagonism to foreigners and to Irishmen in particular", and argues against the belief that the Chinese feel the Irish have led the anti-Chinese movement. Healy believes that California cities could not be in their current civilized states without Chinese labor, and claims that those who oppose the Chinese are actually opposed to all business competition in general. Healy writes, "The most persistent opponents of the Chinese are the politicians" but are using them as a means to further their own aims. He concludes by stating his hope that "the doctrines formulated by Jefferson and affirmed by Lincoln still find a response in the hearts of the American people." With envelope.
mssHM 26406