136
Nor is there any question in this case of enabling Europeans to obtain houses at lower rents by excluding Chinese, because the owners of house properties at the Peak are among the principal supporters of the Petition backing for this Legislation. Surely you do not propose to protect them against themselves and against their own will?
Nor is the case one of drastic Legislation. It is one, if one may be allowed the phrase, of Ultimatum Legislation. The fact is that there is not room in the Hill District as defined by the Ordinance, for all - i.e., both Chinese and Europeans. There is not even room enough for all the Europeans. It is the only place where white women and children and the majority of white men can live in health.
The question then is, and a reasonable one, is it a fair thing, and in the interest of the Community as a Whole, to reserve the District for their occupation? The most urgent answer to those questions is the fact that the Chinese Community...