“Accordingly the Chinaman works for less than the white laborer or the Negro, even. Consequently, the early-day Californians began to worry at the
influx of coolies, fearing they would cheapen living conditions and wages. Their legislators made such a fuss that the government at Washington made a treaty with China barring Chinese coolies from the country.”
“But we have a good many Chinamen here, Father,” big Bob protested.
“Oh, yes,” said his father, “the treaty created exempt classes. That is, Chinamen who are merchants, professional men, students or travelers are admitted.”
“How long ago was that, Uncle George?” asked Frank.
“During President Arthur’s administration,” was the reply. “The treaty was signed at Washington in 1881 and ratified at Pekin a short time later.”
“And have there been no Chinese coolies admitted since then?” asked Jack.
“Not officially,” replied Mr. Temple. “During the World War some labor battalions of Chinese coolies, under contract to do work behind the lines in France, passed through the country, but they were guarded to prevent escape.
“However, as I understand it, there has been a steady traffic along our borders in the smuggling of Chinese coolies into the country. This is especially true along the Pacific Coast, although smuggling
rings have been discovered in operation along the Mexican and Canadian borders in the past, and only a few months ago a cargo of Chinese coolies was smuggled into New York harbor.