Catalog Archive
Auction 176, Lot 735

"[California Anti-Immigration Controversy] Report of Committee on Mines and Mining Interests",

Subject: Document - Immigration

Period: 1856 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.8 x 8.8 inches
14.7 x 22.4 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This California committee report makes an impassioned, albeit egregiously vitriolic, defense of the 1855 “Act to Discourage the Immigration to the State of Persons who cannot become Citizens [i.e. Chinese].” An example from the introduction follows: “All experience admonishes that there is no one thing in human affairs so hopelessly past redemption as the existence in the domain of the state, of a distinct and inferior race, however unwelcome their presence, or obnoxious their character. And, as a distinct and inferior race, none are found to admit that can ever mingle with our own on terms of social or political equality.” The report further describes Chinese immigrants as "highly detrimental to the welfare, safety and happiness of the state" and recommends measures against them. The Act was declared unconstitutional in 1857. Printed by James Allen. Octavo, disbound, 16 pages.

References:

Condition: A

Disbound with a hint of toning.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $70

Closed on 2/12/2020

Archived