Reford on the Riots

A SERIOUS SERMON AT THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY GATHERING

The Presence of Chinese - Serious evils, and Redeeming Elements - Some Points for Reflection and Reformation.

Pacific Hall was well filled last evening with a fashionable congregation, when a special "anniversary" meeting of the mission located there was convened. The exercises were under the auspices of the "Pacific Sabbath and Union" - better known as the Railroad mission - and were led by Rev. L. Hamilton, Pastor of the First Baptist Church. Rev. Hamilton discoursed on the subject of the riots which startled the community and threatened to destroy peace and order, as he termed it. He commenced his remarks after the singing of the doxology and a text selected from the nineteenth chapter of Proverbs.

After having offered up an earnest prayer that discordant elements might remain subdued, and forever peace and order in this community should reign, he said in substance:

It is a year ago since the spirit of riot took possession of the people and the peace of the city was disturbed. The cause which produced this result is not local. It is not confined to this place or this city, but is general. There is a tendency among the laboring class, not of foreign birth alone, but of native origin, to regard foreign laborers as interlopers and obstacles in the way of their own employment and prosperity. There is an antagonism which has its root in human nature and which must be corrected by higher principles of humanity and justice.

A TERRIBLY FRUITFUL VENGEANCE

In summary it came to pass, 1. A winter unprecedented in severity followed the riot, causing great suffering to the laboring class. 2. This was succeeded by the most disastrous flood ever known in the State, which swept away thousands of homes and destroyed the means of subsistence of thousands of the most helpless and dependent class. 3. The city was then visited with an epidemic of small-pox, the most fatal in its results ever known in our midst. The same class suffered most. 4. A general financial depression followed, affecting trade and diminishing the wages of labor, and increasing the number of unemployed. 5. The spirit of violence, the outgrowth of the riot, reappeared in the assassination of a man who had been identified with one of the most influential corporations. 6. The United States government suspended work on the fortifications of the harbor. 7. The destruction of property by fire has been beyond precedent. 8. Destructive storms, culminating in an earthquake shock, have added their testimony. These are some of the events which have followed the disturbances. They are warnings and judgments which should be heeded. If we cast out of the

IMPERISHABLE ELEMENTS OF ANARCHY,

by one act, our community will be relieved of a vast amount of misery and future sorrow. We need the development of moral spirit, the pledging and agreement of men against violence, and against all mobs. We need organized opposition to the evil tendencies of the day.

The late disturbances in our city were not approved. The better classes discountenanced them. An authoritative voice was soon heard in the name of the law, and the working men withdrew from the movement. There was a significant reaction. This reaction is the best evidence of hope for the future. We should see to it, however, that among the disturbing causes of last year the subject of Chinese immigration has not been neglected.

In touching the question there was no racial prejudice. No hatred, no bitterness, and no opposition to any one on account of color. It is not the Chinaman as a man that is disliked, but the system of labor he represents. This is the grievance. It is the spirit of caste, the result of monopolized labor and of servile employment of laborers. The system must be removed, not by violence, but by lawful and righteous means. The Chinaman is the subject of pity. Let the real object of attack be the system and not the individual.

DELIVERED BY AUTHORITY

With the rekindled love of peace and justice, we can proceed. Power must no longer be given to mobs. Every right-thinking man, whether laboring or capitalistic, should unite in discountenancing mob law. Let us all protest against the disposition to resort to mob rule. Let our aim be reform in labor, through legislative and moral means. Our city should recover its reputation.

We must be honest. If we are not honest, no cause can prosper. The rights of all men must be protected. The laborer has rights as well as the capitalist. There is room for both. Let us lift our fellow men by giving them fair opportunities. No people, however good, can prosper if they trample on others. The real question is, how shall we make the laboring man contented?

Much more others THE LABORERS

We hear much about labor. We are told that it is honorable. But the kind of labor most in demand is that which is attended with honor. No man can be a good laborer who is a bad citizen. Let us improve the social condition of the laboring class. That is the way to elevate labor.

All our frustration will be in vain, unless the Chinese question is settled. The Government of the United States must act.

In 1876, a memorial, largely signed, was sent to Congress, from California, setting forth the dangers of unrestricted immigration. It had little effect. Legislation has been slow. The demand is now urgent.

It is not a local question. It is national, moral and social. It affects the whole country. We are not opposed to the Chinaman on account of race, but because of the effect of his labor system. Let us have national legislation. Let us remove the evils by peaceful means. Let the people educate themselves. Let labor and capital combine. Let us have justice and charity.

AS BROAD AS PURPOSE.

We should employ honorable men. Every industry requires men of intelligence and probity. No good cause should be stained by association with rowdyism. Let our public meetings be characterized by order and decency. Let the influence of the Sabbath school and the church be made to bear.

There is no room for mobs. No decent man should be identified with them. Let the citizens take a stand. Let us labor for the moral regeneration of society. Let the laborer elevate himself. Let him adopt better ways. Let every good man strive to suppress mob law. Let there be no more riots. Let our laws be enforced. Then we shall have better times.