8
they were not from the United States, and it had always been believed in Canada that they bad come direct from China.
In concluding this interview Sir John Jordan mentioned that the matter was one to which the Imperial Government attach a great deal of importance. He had had a personal letter from Sir Edward Grey saying that Sir Edward much hoped an arrange- ment along the lines suggested might be effected. It was seldom that Sir Edward Grey wrote personal letters, so that Mr. Liang would know that the Imperial Government attached much importance to the matter, and would appreciate whatever was done. Mr. Liang said he understood this, but that, of course, the question was a difficult one for the Chinese Government.
It was agree that Mr. Liang would indicate the time of the next interview, which would be after he had had opportunity of getting further information and of conferring with his colleagues, and as soon thereafter as could be conveniently arranged.
Dear Mr. Liang,
Inclosure 3 in No. 1.
Mr. Mackenzie King to Mr. Liang Tun-yen.
Peking, March 11, 1909. I HAVE pleasure in inclosing the report on the settlement of the claims of Chinese residents of the city of Vancouver arising out of losses sustained in the anti- Asiatic riots of 1907, of which I spoke to you yesterday. I have marked in the Report a reference to Mr. Owyang King, of whom we spoke, and also a reference to the opinions of the Chinese Representatives who were present during the adjustment of the claims, as to the manner in which the inquiry was conducted and to the settle- ment itself.
I am also inclosing a copy of my Report as Commissioner appointed to enquire into the methods by which Oriential labourers have been induced to come to Canada, and have taken the liberty of marking the passage which contains a mention of the view I entertain of the character of the Chinese people.
It has occurred to me that you might also be interested in a report dealing with my mission to England in the spring of last year, to confer with the British authorities on the subject of immigration to Canada from the Orient and immigration from India in particular. I do not expect that you will be interested in reading these several blue books, but it has occurred to me that you might like to have them for purposes of reference, and I am anxious that you should have full knowledge of what has already been done by the Canadian Government in dealing with this problem.
I have prepared a brief statement showing the Chinese population in Canada, and more particularly the numbers in the Province of Columbia; also their relation to the total population of the province and to other classes of Orientals. From some of the questions asked by you yesterday, I have thought that this additional information might be of service to you, and I am, therefore, inclosing a copy of the statement.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) W. L. MACKENZIE KING.
Inclosure 4 in No. 1.
Statement showing the Chinese Population in Canada.
TOTAL British Columbia population, 1901, 190,000, *
Estimated male Chinese population in British Columbia, 1908, 36,000 (minimum).†
Estimated male Japanese population in British Columbia, 1908, 10,000 (maximum).†
Estimated male Indian population in British Columbia, 1908, 5,000 (maximum).† These figures are subject to revision, but are, I believe, fairly accurate.
(Signed) W. L. MACKENZIE KING.
* These are the figures of last census. The present male population of the province will not equal this figure at the present time.
†These figures are based on the census figures of 1901 and Government statistical recor·ls from that date to 1908.
9
Inclosure 5 in No. 1.
Memorandum ro Chinese in Canada.
1884. Estimated Chinese population in British Columbia prior to
imposition of any tax
1885.
January 1, tax of 50 dollars-
For the year ending June 30-
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
Total
1901. January 1, tax of 100 dollars—
For year ending June 30--
Numbers Paying Tax.
Exempts.
Total.
9,629
211 124
1
290
782
112
1,069
97
2,114
12
3,276
$
2,244
14
2,087
22
1,440
22
1,762
24
2,447
24
2,175
17
4,885
17
4,281
26
28,637
394
29,031
1901
2,518
26
1902 ..
3,526
62
1903 ..
5.246
84
July 1, 1908, to December 31 (six months).
Total
4,719
128
16,007
800
16,307
1904. January 1, tax of 500 dollars--
Jautary 1, 1904, to June 30, 1904 (six months) July 1, 1904, to June 30, 1905 (twelve months) July 1, 1905, to June 30, 1906 (twelve months) July 1, 1806, to March 31, 1907 (nine months) April 1, 1907, to March 31, 1908 (twelve months) April 1, 1908, to August 31, 1908 (three months)
Total
Grand total
0
271
8
69
22
146
$1
200
1,482
752
1,095
2.698
1,167
3,865
47,342
1,861
58,882
re