On entering the United States from so populous a country, it will become a torrent, and completely alter the condition of the United States, and that the Chinese with their powers of rapid imitation will soon learn the arts of civilization, and will become an influential, if not a dominant race. Others assert that they are infected with the most degrading vices, and that they will demoralize the native population of this country.
To these opponents of their importation, interest will of course add the negroes and the Irish, who are already beginning to be apprehensive of the competition of the Chinese in the labour market, of which they wish to preserve the monopoly. It is considered that the Act of Congress of Feb 27th 1862, which establishes regulations for the Coolie Trade, is both defective and not sufficiently stringent, and it is thought that amendments to it, or an entirely new act, will be proposed during the ensuing session.
Even an amendment is proposed.
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The whole matter of the importation of Coolies will then probably be discussed, and we shall see what is the general feeling of the country, as far as it is represented by Congress, with regard to it.
In the meantime, a Convention was held at Memphis, Tennessee, at which delegates from most of the Southern States attended, and at which the scarcity of labour was discussed. The expediency of its importation from China was strongly urged and generally admitted. At that Convention, Messrs Koopmanschap & Co., Dutch Merchants at San Francisco, offered themselves as agents to supply the wants of planters, and have since named Messrs John Williams & Co. as their correspondents, respectable merchants and planters residing at