190
to him.
CARL SMITH
Another account of the court proceedings stated that one of the complainants "spoke English, and with a singular purity of accent and grammatical accuracy. His countenance was intelligent, and his dress and manners most decidedly genteel," a contrast to the vast majority of Chinese in California whose dress and action reflected their peasant origin.
Tong A-chick, of course, was from a similar background, but his years of training under foreign teachers and his experience in the British Consulate in Shanghai had given him another air. The news article said: "The individual under notice exhibited indisputable proofs of education and good breeding. His English, which he spoke with almost elegance, had, as it fell from his lips, a softness and sweetness rarely heard even among ourselves, and excited the admiration of all present."
From all the evidence, both from the press and from churchmen, we may conclude that A-chick had been well trained in English, had a bearing which set him apart from the ordinary person, and had qualities of leadership. These qualities were to be of service to him when he became spokesman for the Chinese community in combating the first attempts at anti-Chinese legislation in California.
HOW A-CHICK FOUGHT FOR CHINESE IN CALIFORNIA
Soon after Tong A-chick arrived in California in the spring of 1852, he became the spokesman for the Chinese community. Just at this time, illness forced the recognised leader of the community to curtail his activities. A-chick was obviously qualified to fill the vacant position.
The former leader, Norman A-sing, was a colourful figure. Most contemporary accounts do not portray him in a favourable light. His chief qualification was a rudimentary command of English and some knowledge of American ways. These he had acquired while he was purser of a boat which ran between different ports on the Atlantic coast. He claimed to be a naturalised citizen
190
to him.
CARL SMITH
Another account of the court proceedings stated that one of the complainants "spoke English, and with a singular purity of accent and grammatical accuracy. His countenance was intelligent, and his dress and manners most decidedly genteel," a contrast to the vast majority of Chinese in California whose dress and action reflected their peasant origin.
Tong A-chick, of course, was from similar background, but his years of training under foreign teachers and his experience in the British Consulate in Shanghai, had given him another air. The news article said: "The individual under notice exhibited indis- putable proofs of education and good breeding. His English, which he spoke with almost elegance, had, as it fell from his lips, a soft- ness and sweetness rarely heard even among ourselves, and excit- ed the admiration of all present."
From all the evidence, both from the press and from church- men, we may conclude that A-chick had been well trained in En- glish, had a bearing which set him apart from the ordinary person and had qualities of leadership. These qualities were to be of ser- vice to him when he became spokesman for the Chinese commu- nity in combating the first attempts at anti-Chinese legislation in California.
HOW A-CHICK FOUGHT FOR CHINESE IN CALIFORNIA
Soon after Tong A-chick arrived in California in the spring of 1852, he became the spokesman for the Chinese community. Just at this time illness forced the recognised leader of the community to curtail his activities. A-chick was obviously qualified to fill the vacant position.
The former leader, Norman A-sing, was a colourful figure. Most contemporary accounts do not portray him in a favourable light. His chief qualification was a rudimentary command of English and some knowledge of American ways. These he had acquired while he was purser of a boat which ran between different ports on the Atlantic coast. He claimed to be a naturalised citizen
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.