Chinese Merchant Complains of Racist Abuse, 1860

Overview

• During the California Gold Rush (1849), there was a significant influx of Asian immigrants, especially Chinese.
• Chinese laborers were integral in building western railroads.
• Despite their contributions, Chinese immigrants faced significant discrimination and challenges.
• The Chinese merchant Pun Chi drafted a petition to the US Congress in 1860 advocating for the rights and protection of Chinese immigrants.

Key Points from Pun Chi's Petition

Welcome to California

• Chinese were initially welcomed to California to search for gold and engage in trade.
• Promises of equality, law, and cordiality were made by American ship-masters.

Experience of Discrimination

• Chinese immigrants viewed as "thieves and enemies."
• Chinese testimony was not accepted in legal matters.
• Faced unjust license collections and violence.
• Discrimination extended to ridicule and physical abuse by Americans.

Economic Struggles

• High costs and exploitation upon arrival in California.
• Experiences of extortion by boatmen, conveyances, and rude treatment.
• Gold mining was not profitable for many Chinese due to robberies and high fees.

Social Challenges

• Racial contempt experienced by Chinese was instigated by Americans and adopted by others.
• Many Chinese faced challenges in returning home due to financial constraints.

Plea for Justice

• Pun Chi urged the US government to:
  • Investigate and address the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants.
  • Ensure just practices by authorities and restore peace.
  • Decide if Chinese immigrants should be allowed to stay or leave.

Proposed Solutions

• If Chinese should not mine gold, allow a time frame for them to return to China.
• Stop increasing license fees to ease financial burden.

Sources

• This document is found in William Speer's "The Oldest and the Newest Empire: China and the United States."

Conclusion

• The petition reflects the hardships and racial injustices faced by Chinese immigrants during the 1860s in California.
• Advocated for legislative intervention to protect rights and ensure fair treatment of Chinese immigrants.