Page 366
the local Government prohibits such Emigration and that the Contracts which were offered would be invalid under the laws of the United States as laid down in the Acts of Congress.
The next phase in the history of Emigration was the passing of Ordinance N. 1 of 1870. By this enactment a system of licenses was established, and power was given to the Governor to control matters relating to the conveyance of Chinese Emigrants, whether free or under Contract for Service, to places where there was reasonable doubt as to their treatment on arrival at their destination, but by the 8th Section of that Ordinance authority to exempt Mail Steamers and Vessels carrying free Emigrants from the operation of the Ordinance is expressly given.
In transmitting the Draft of this Ordinance for Lord Granville's consideration Your Lordship will find that Sir Richard MacDonnell drew attention to "the great number of Chinese Emigrants averaging nearly 1900 per month" proceeding to the Pacific, to San Francisco, by Mail Steamers and Sailing vessels, which conform to the requirements of the Chinese Passenger Act, although...