demand more, if they advance pretensions inconsistent with the dignity
of China as an independent Power, we are no parties to such acts. Our
influence, so far as it may be legitimately and peacefully exerted, will be
used to prevent such demands or pretensions, should there be serious reason
to apprehend that they will be put forth. We feel that the Government
of the Emperor is actuated by friendly feelings towards the United
States.''


But while the Government of the United States has been
thus considerate and just in its dealings with the Chinese in
China, it has, singularly enough, been most inconsiderate and
unjust in its treatment of Chinese in its own territory, and its
policy in this respect has done not a little to exasperate the
Chinese. The Chinese began to come to America in 1848,
when two men and one woman arrived in San Francisco on
the brig Eagle. The discovery of gold soon brought multitudes,
the year 1852 alone seeing 2,026 arrivals. There are
now about 45,000 Chinese in California and 14,000 in Oregon
and Washington. New York has about 6,300 Chinese, Philadelphia
1,150, Boston 1,250, and many other cities have little
groups, while individual Chinese are scattered all over the
country, though the total for the United States, excluding
Alaska and Hawaii, is only 89,863.

The attitude of the people of the Pacific coast towards the
the Chinese is an interesting study. At first, they welcomed
their Oriental visitors. In January, 1853, the Hon. H. H.
Haight, afterwards Governor of California, offered at a representative
meeting of San Francisco citizens this resolution--