Japanese Immigration to British Columbia and the Vancouver Riot of 1907

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Japanese Immigration to British Columbia and the Vancouver Riot of 1907 Japanese Immigration to British Columbia and the Vancouver Riot of 1907 ––––––– A Sourcebook Selected, transcribed and annotated By Chris Willmore Cover: Anonymous. (c. 1912). Japanese Women, Vancouver [Photograph]. Collection of C. Willmore Victoria, B.C. November 2020 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 2 Table of Contents Antecedents ..................................................................................................................................5 “A great kindness toward Japan” (October 5, 1893) ............................................................................................ 5 “Regularly as clock work” (March 13, 1895) ........................................................................................................ 5 “Scarce this year” (August 12, 1895) .................................................................................................................... 6 “It was not Japan’s desire” (January 25, 1896) .................................................................................................... 6 “Perfect and efficient laws” (July 6, 1896) ........................................................................................................... 7 “Not conducive to the general good” (March 7, 1901) ...................................................................................... 10 “The Japanese question” (August 7, 1907) ........................................................................................................ 11 The Natal Acts.............................................................................................................................. 14 “There still remains an effectual way” (June 4, 1900) ....................................................................................... 14 “British Columbia had grievances” (June 14, 1900) ........................................................................................... 15 “Natal Act in Force” (January 2, 1901) ............................................................................................................... 16 The act is disallowed (August 4, 1902) ............................................................................................................... 16 “British Columbia was sacrificed” (December 15, 1902) ................................................................................... 18 The Natal Act is re-enacted (April 9, 1903) ........................................................................................................ 18 “The Natal Act is working overtime” (November 18, 1903) .............................................................................. 19 “A notable fact” (November 18, 1903)............................................................................................................... 20 “Seriously called in question” (December 12, 1903).......................................................................................... 20 The New Immigration Act (May 26, 1904) ......................................................................................................... 22 “The Immigration Act will not be tested” (July 7, 1904) .................................................................................... 23 “Again Disallowed” (January 23, 1905) .............................................................................................................. 23 Mr. Bowser enters the ring (January 30, 1907) .................................................................................................. 24 Mr. Bowser’s Natal Act (March 25, 1907) .......................................................................................................... 25 “Of more than ordinary importance” (April 3, 1907) ......................................................................................... 25 “Desirable exclusion” (April 19, 1907)................................................................................................................ 26 “Dunsmuir withheld his signature” (May 17, 1907) ........................................................................................... 29 Attorney-General Bowser (July 25, 1907) .......................................................................................................... 29 “It is now up to Sir Wilfrid Laurier” (July 25, 1907) ............................................................................................ 30 Bowser defies Dunsmuir (July 26, 1907) ............................................................................................................ 31 Martin vs Bowser (August 2, 1907) .................................................................................................................... 31 A significant typo (August 6, 1907)..................................................................................................................... 34 “The fate of the Bowser Bill” (September 7, 1907) ............................................................................................ 35 “Partly correct and partly incorrect” (September 9, 1907) ................................................................................ 37 Vancouver’s Asiatic Exclusion League ........................................................................................... 39 “Excitement in Vancouver” (July 26, 1907) ........................................................................................................ 39 “A white man’s country” (August 5, 1907) ......................................................................................................... 39 “Canadians for Canada” (August 13, 1907) ........................................................................................................ 39 “Undesirables” (August 13, 1907) ...................................................................................................................... 42 The Vancouver Riot ...................................................................................................................... 46 “Let us go down with guns” (August 24, 1907) .................................................................................................. 46 “The big parade” (September 6, 1907) .............................................................................................................. 46 “Vancouver hoodlums disgrace their city” (September 8, 1907) ...................................................................... 47 “The dimensions of an international question” (September 9, 1907) ............................................................... 48 “Bathed in riot” (September 9, 1907) ................................................................................................................ 49 “Law and order were lost” (September 9, 1907) ............................................................................................... 51 “Two nights of rioting and destruction” (September 9, 1907) .......................................................................... 56 “Hundreds of Chinese strike” (September 9, 1907) ........................................................................................... 58 Opinions in Ottawa (September 9, 1907) ........................................................................................................... 60 “A strong undercurrent of unrest” (September 10, 1907) ................................................................................. 61 3 “Chinese return to work to-morrow” (September 10, 1907) ............................................................................ 66 “Hailed with delight” (September 11, 1907) ...................................................................................................... 66 “The last embers of the riot” (September 11, 1907) ......................................................................................... 67 “There is no rioting or drunkenness” (September 11, 1907) ............................................................................. 69 “Chinese ask that protection be given” (September 11, 1907) ......................................................................... 69 “Conditions are now quite normal” (September 12, 1907) ............................................................................... 70 From Hawaii’s Japanese press (September 13, 1907) ........................................................................................ 71 Hawaii and the Gotoh-Bowser Affair ............................................................................................ 73 “Canada’s Treaty with Japan” (January 29, 1907) .............................................................................................. 73 “Fifty thousand Japanese” (February 1, 1907) ................................................................................................... 74 “Provincial rights invaded” (February 2, 1907) .................................................................................................. 76 “Infinite trouble had arisen” (February 2, 1907) ................................................................................................ 78 The Natal test as a barrier to immigration (March 25, 1907) ............................................................................ 78 “A habit in British Columbia” (April 10, 1907) .................................................................................................... 79 The Kumeric
Recommended publications
  • Craigdarroch Military Hospital: a Canadian War Story
    Craigdarroch Military Hospital: A Canadian War Story Bruce Davies Curator © Craigdarroch Castle 2016 2 Abstract As one of many military hospitals operated by the federal government during and after The Great War of 1914-1918, the Dunsmuir house “Craigdarroch” is today a lens through which museum staff and visitors can learn how Canada cared for its injured and disabled veterans. Broad examination of military and civilian medical services overseas, across Canada, and in particular, at Craigdarroch, shows that the Castle and the Dunsmuir family played a significant role in a crucial period of Canada’s history. This paper describes the medical care that wounded and sick Canadian soldiers encountered in France, Belgium, Britain, and Canada. It explains some of the measures taken to help permanently disabled veterans successfully return to civilian life. Also covered are the comprehensive building renovations made to Craigdarroch, the hospital's official opening by HRH The Prince of Wales, and the question of why the hospital operated so briefly. By highlighting the wartime experiences of one Craigdarroch nurse and one Craigdarroch patient, it is seen that opportunities abound for rich story- telling in a new gallery now being planned for the museum. The paper includes an appendix offering a synopsis of the Dunsmuir family’s contributions to the War. 3 Table of Contents Introduction................................................................................................................................. 04 I. Canadian Medical Services
    [Show full text]
  • Address: 1120 Faithful Street
    Address: 1120 Faithful Street Description of historic place: 1120 Faithful Street is a wood frame two-storey "severely" symmetrical Georgian Revival residence located in the southwestern quadrant of Victoria's Fairfield neighbourhood. The interior is also designated. Heritage value: The historic place, built in 1912, is valued for its architecture, its architect, its original owner, and what is says about housing for the growing merchant class during the building boom in pre-World War I Victoria. 1120 Faithful Street is valued as probably the best example of the Edwardian Classical Revival style in Victoria. The style, characterized by the revival of classical details such as applied columns, prominent cornices and entablatures, was monumental and imposing and so was popular with institutions such as banks and courthouses. Its setting in mature landscaped grounds adds to the monumentality of the structure. The separate garage was constructed at the same time as the house and is also a valued asset. A scroll wire fence with matching gate reinforces the architecture of the dwelling. There is heritage value in the architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury. Rattenbury was born in 1867 in Leeds, England, he arrived in Vancouver in 1891. He secured the commission for Legislative Buildings in Victoria soon after his arrival and also worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway as their Western Division Architect. His most well-known work for the CPR was the Empress, a Chateau-style hotel built in 1904-1908 in Victoria, with two wings added in 1909-1914. The architect, however, fell out with the CPR and went to work for their competition, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad.
    [Show full text]
  • The Influence of Political Leaders on the Provincial Performance of the Liberal Party in British Columbia
    Wilfrid Laurier University Scholars Commons @ Laurier Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive) 1977 The Influence of oliticalP Leaders on the Provincial Performance of the Liberal Party in British Columbia Henrik J. von Winthus Wilfrid Laurier University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd Part of the Political Science Commons Recommended Citation von Winthus, Henrik J., "The Influence of oliticalP Leaders on the Provincial Performance of the Liberal Party in British Columbia" (1977). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 1432. https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/1432 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Commons @ Laurier. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive) by an authorized administrator of Scholars Commons @ Laurier. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICAL LEADERS ON THE PROVINCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE LIBERAL PARTY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA By Henrik J. von Winthus ABSTRACT This thesis examines the development of Liberalism In British Columbia from the aspect of leader influence. It intends to verify the hypothesis that in the formative period of provincial politics in British Columbia (1871-1941) the average voter was more leader- oriented than party-oriented. The method of inquiry is predominantly historical. In chronological sequence the body of the thesis describes British Columbia's political history from 1871, when the province entered Canadian confederation, to the resignation of premier Thomas Dufferin Pattullo, in 1941. The incision was made at this point, because the following eleven year coalition period would not yield data relevant to the hypothesis. Implicitly, the performance of political leaders has also been evaluated in the light of Aristotelian expectations of the 'zoon politikon'.
    [Show full text]
  • The Semaphore
    The Semaphore Newsletter of the Rochester NY Chapter, NRHS May 2006 P.O. Box 23326, Rochester, NY 14692-3326; Published Monthly Volume 48, No. 9 Program for May 18: Some Tourist Railroads I Have Visited by Irene Szabo Irene will show slides and discuss some of the tourist railroads that she has visited. The results of this program may prompt several of us to visit these railroads. ***** Meeting: 7:00 PM Program: 8:00 PM Store open before and at intermission of Future Programs (Subject to change!) June 11: Annual Banquet, Newport House June 15, July 20 and August 17: All meetings and activities are at the P&W Car 168 waits to enter the NYMT car barn after a training run. [Gale Smith photo] Industry location. Sept. 21: Nickel Plate Diesels, by Bill 2006 Special Events Ticket Sellers/Gift Shop help Quick May 21 (Sun.): Joint Operation wanted Oct. 16: Photos of the LV and EL, by Opening Weekend Jim Dierks of NYMT is looking for Ken Kramer June 18 (Sun.): "Caboose Day" volunteers to staff the ticket desk and/or gift shop counter during the times that the Nov. 16: American Orient Express Ltd, July 15 - Aug 20 Saturday hours; combined museums are open. The hours are byk Bob Achilles The museums are open both Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. This is a good Dec. 21: Depots in New York State, by and Sunday from 11 AM - 5 PM. opportunity for a spouse to get involved John Stewart and Charles Woolever July 15-16 (Sat & Sun): Trolley while you are operating a track car or acting 2007 Rides begin; "Rochester Subway Anni- as a depot guide.
    [Show full text]
  • WALKING THROUGH TIME TOUR MONDAY to FRIDAY 10:30Am And
    HIDDEN GARDEN WHERE’S THE BEEF? WALKING Sunken Gardens – A small two level Cow Bay – In 1908 THROUGH park has a short pebbled walkway farmers began FREE leading through a tunnel into an open unloading cows in TIME area surrounded by brick walls fronting the bay and it was floral gardens. It was the original site renamed Cow Bay. TOUR for the court house and the wall is the Today, there are old foundation. The tunnels leading to restaurants, coffee the gardens were used for ammunition shops and shopping, storage during World War ll. Today it an area filled with is maintained by the Garden Club. restored heritage MONDAY to FRIDAY buildings and lots of character. 10:30am and 1:30pm STORIES CARVED IN CEDAR LIFE ON THE SEA The First Nations of the Pacific North Coast are consid- ered to have some of the most sophis- ticated arts and material culture. Pacific Mariners Memorial Park is dedicated to those who lost their lives at sea. The park includes a memorial wall, a statue of a mariner at the helm of a vessel and a Shinto shrine. It was built for the Kazu Maru a Japanese ONE HOUR TOUR STARTS AT fishing boat Mariners Park Entrance found on our BESIDE THE MUSEUM coast. TSIMSHIAN TERRITORY OPENING UP THE NORTH NORTH COAST ART DECO The Museum of Northern BC was City Hall – The first stone was laid for founded in 1924 with 40 artifacts, mostly the present City Hall on April 20, 1938 from the First Nation culture. The and it was opened in June 1939.
    [Show full text]
  • A City Goes to War: Victoria in the Great War 1914-1918
    A City Goes to War: Victoria in the Great War 1914-1918 by James S. Kempling B.A., Royal Military College 1965 M.P.A., University of Victoria 1978 M.A., University of Victoria 2011 A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the Department of History © James S. Kempling, 2019 University of Victoria All rights reserved. This dissertation may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without the permission of the author. ii A City Goes to War: Victoria in the Great War 1914-1918 by James S. Kempling B.A., Royal Military College 1965 M.P.A., University of Victoria 1978 M.A. (History), University of Victoria 2011 Supervisory Committee Dr. David Zimmerman, Supervisor Department of History Dr. John Lutz, Departmental Member Department of History Dr. Jentery Sayers, Outside Member Department of English iii Abstract This dissertation is a combined digital history-narrative history project. It takes advantage of newly digitized historical newspapers and soldier files to explore how the people of Victoria B.C. Canada, over 8000 kilometers from the front, experienced the Great War 1914-1918. Although that experience was similar to other Canadian cities in many ways, in other respects it was quite different. Victoria’s geographical location on the very fringe of the Empire sets it apart. Demographic and ethnic differences from the rest of Canada and a very different history of indigenous-settler relations had a dramatic effect on who went to war, who resisted and how war was commemorated in Victoria.
    [Show full text]
  • Formation of Royal Colwood Golf Club
    Formation of Royal Colwood Golf Club The land on which the golf course stands was originally Esquimalt Farm, one of four established between 1850 and 1853 by the Hudson’s Bay Company for the population of Victoria. In 1851 Captain Edward E. Langford became the first manager and named his property, on what is now Goldstream Road, “Colwood” after his family estate in Sussex, England. Subsequently the original farm was divided into smaller parcels. One of these surrounded Langford’s old home and became known as Colwood Farm. Early settlers on the farm included Arthur Henry Peatt and William Wale, who leased the Colwood farm in 1892 for $400 per year. Roads in the area now carry their names. In the last few years of the 19th century the Hunt Club was formed and a racecourse was built where the 5th and 6th fairways are now located. Steeplechase events were held on the property. The first steps towards the creation of the golf course occurred in 1912. Joseph Sayward. James Dunsmuir, Senator Frank Barnard and A. C. Flumerfelt, all members of the Victoria Golf Club which they feared might not survive the burden of the growing population and increasing property taxes in Victoria, began preparations for another golf course. The following year A.V. Macan, along with his colleague Captain W. Chambers, a Scot, was engaged by Mr. Sayward to design the Colwood golf course. Mr. Macan, who had emigrated from Ireland and established himself as a lawyer in Victoria, won the British Columbia Amateur championship and the Victoria Club championship in 1912 and 1913 and the Pacific Northwest Amateur championship in 1913.
    [Show full text]
  • Fighting for Dignity: the Ginger Goodwin Story/ Roger Stonebanks
    FIGHTING FOR DIGNITY The Ginger Goodwin Story Roger Stonebanks FIGHTING FOR DIGNITY: THE GINGER GOODWIN STORY FIGHTING FOR DIGNITY: THE GINGER GOODWIN STORY Roger Stonebanks St. John's: Canadian Committee on Labour History Copyright © 2004 Canadian Committee on Labour History All rights reserved Canadian Committee on Labour History Faculty of Arts Publications, FM2005 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John's ISBN 1-894000-06-4 Manuscript was prepared for the printer by the staff of the Canadian Committee on Labour History Printed and bound in Canada Cover design by Helen Houston Mural by Frank Lewis National Library of Canada Cataloguing in Publication Stonebanks, Roger Fighting For Dignity: the Ginger Goodwin Story/ Roger Stonebanks. Includes index. ISBN 1-894000-06-4 1. Goodwin, Ginger. 2. Trade-unions-Coal miners-British Columbia-Officials and employees-Biography. 3. Labor leaders- British Columbia-Biography. I. Canadian Committee on Labour History. II. Title. HD6525.G66S74 2004 331.88'122334'092 C2003-906481-6 "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." Frederick O. Douglass (1817-1895) (U.S. social reformer who championed emancipation for blacks and rights for women) For Helen, for her love and support, and for having the idea to write about Goodwin's life as well as his death. CONTENTS Introduction 1 Chapter 1 - The Boy from Bole Hill 5 Chapter 2 - The New World 21 Chapter 3 - The Big Strike, 1912-14 36 Chapter 4 - The War Begins 55 Chapter 5 - Goodwin in Action 64 Chapter 6 - The Killing 90 Chapter 7 - From General Strike to Courtroom 108 Chapter 8 - Murder, Conspiracy, Manslaughter, Self-defence, Or, Panic-Reaction? 126 Chapter 9 - "Gentlemen of the Jury: What is Your Verdict?" 136 Epilogue 164 Acknowledgements 184 Bibliography 187 Index 199 Ginger Goodwin, 1887-1918.
    [Show full text]
  • April 2012.Pdf
    The Waldo Phoenix LLL FREE - TAKE ONE! Published by Waldo Historical Society, Inc. Volume Three - Issue Two, April, 2012 www.WaldoHistoricalSociety.YolaSite.com WHS News to spend our hard-earned money Penny Dodd in Waldo whenever we can. We our Waldo should make it a priority to tell Phoenix them “Thank You” for making this Yhas just paper possible. completed its Not to be forgotten are our second year of publication. It’s dedicated writers - those who are time for us to thank all of the just as busy as we are, who wonderful people who make this somehow find the time each paper possible. month to contribute what they First and most important, know about what’s going on in we need to say “thank you” to our Waldo to keep the rest of us Annual Easter Egg Hunt very generous advertisers. If you informed. How else would we don’t look at their advertisements know what’s going on at the What: Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the back of each issue, you school? At the Community Center? Ages 0-12 Volunteers 13 need to do that now. Those At the Library? And who’s doing and up welcome advertisers are the reason we can what in Waldo sports? Not to Where: The Waldo Community publish this paper every month. mention Dear Gabby, who hasn’t Center We need to support them as they had any problems to help solve for 13550 NE 148th Ave. do us. a few months. That must be a sign WHO: Waldo Concerned They care about Waldo, and that the people of Waldo are doing Citizens for the want you to know what’s going on all right.
    [Show full text]
  • Grand Trunk Railway
    History of the Grand Trunk Railway Local History at the St. Thomas Public Library 10 November 1852: The Grand Trunk Railway (GTR) is formally incorporated to construct a main railway line serving Ontario and Quebec, connecting Chicago with Portland, Maine. It is financed by a group of private British investors and fronted by Sir Francis Hincks, who is determined to build a main trunk line for eastern Canada. 1853: The Grand Trunk purchases five small railroad companies: the St. Lawrence & Atlantic (which reaches from Longueil, Quebec to Portland, Maine), Quebec & Richmond, Toronto & Guelph, Grand Junction, and Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada East. October 1856: The main line between Montreal and Toronto is opened. It is built with the Canadian Standard Gauge, 5’6”. December 1859: The Victoria Bridge is opened to traffic. It is a tubular bridge built originally for rail traffic, although lanes for automobiles will be added in 1927. It is the first bridge to span the St. Lawrence River, and is built especially for withstanding the ice and winter conditions of the river. The Victoria Bridge, Montreal, Quebec. 1859: An extension of the main line to Sarnia via Guelph, Stratford, and London is opened. The Grand Trunk Railway now provides through transportation from Sarnia to the Atlantic coast, a distance of 800 miles. 1860: The Grand Trunk acquires an extension from Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup. 1861: The GTR has accumulated a debt of several hundred thousand pounds sterling as the result of expansion and overestimating the demand for rail service. Sir Edward William Watkin, railway chairman and politician, is sent from London to sort out the company’s financial situation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and B R I T I S H Columbia by Joseph
    4" 7 The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and British Columbia by Joseph Arthur Lower A thesis submitted in partiaLafulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of History. The University of British Columbia April 1939. The Grand Trunk pacific Railway by Joseph Arthur Lower A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of history. The University of British Columbia April 1939 CONTENTS Page Preface 1 Chapter I. The Decade before the Grand Trunk Pacific 1 Era of prosperity beginning 1896 - failure of Conservatives - advance under Liberals - opening of the northwest - plans for transcontinentals. Chapter II. Negotiations leading to Construction of the Railway II Problems of the Grand Trunk - early plans for a transcontinental - re• signation of Blair - the railway agreement - opposition to the railway - reasons for building. Chapter III.The Building of the Railway 55 Officials - the prairie section - the mountain section - opening of service. Chapter IV. The Grand Trunk Pacific Subsidiaries 78 Branch Lines - Terminal Elevator Com• pany - Grand Trunk Pacific Elevator Company - Terminal Warehouse Company - B. G. Coast Steamships - G. T. P. Dock Company - G. T. P. B. C. Coal Company - - Telegraph Company. Chapter V. The Power of the Grand Trunk Pacific 91 Evil results of railroads - influence of politics - unscrupulous tactics of the railway - land speculation. Chapter VI. The Romance and Struggle of. Railway Building An immense undertaking - influence on the country - problems of construction - the builders. 126 Page Chapter VII. Prinoe Rupert 135 Choosing the terminus - Kaien Island dispute - Indian reserve agreement - sale of lots - later relations between city and railway.
    [Show full text]
  • “Irrational Exuberance:” the Creation of the CNR, 1917 – 1919
    CIMFP Exhibit P-01792 Page 1 CASE STUDY “Irrational Exuberance:” The Creation of the CNR, 1917 – 1919 MGT 2917 Canadian Business History Professor Joe Martin This case was prepared by Professor Joe Martin as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a managerial situation. Copyright © 2006 by the Governing Council of the University of Toronto.To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials write to the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, Business Information Centre,Toronto, M5S 3E6, or go to www.rotman.utoronto.ca/bic. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether by photocopying, recording or by electronic or mechanical means, or otherwise, without the written permission of the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. CIMFP Exhibit P-01792 Page 2 “Irrational Exuberance:” The Creation of the CNR, 1917 – 1919 his is a story of ‘irrational exuberance’, a phrase made famous by the former Chairman of the American TFederal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan. This case illustrates how ‘irrational exuberance’1 affected individuals in both the public and private sector, particularly Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier and corporate giant Sir William Mackenzie. Our story begins in July 1917, when the consequences of irrational exuberance were being felt, by some for the first time. The world was at war and Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden had returned to Canada from meetings of the Imperial War Cabinet in London, where the news was not good.
    [Show full text]