It is the undoubted right of the people of every State and Territory to assemble in convention .peaceably to petition the Government for redress of supposed grievances. to formulate their views in resolutions or otherwise. and to endeavor to impress them upon the community by proper means. but whenever individuals or a combination of individuals undertake to set aside the laws it is a grievous offense against good government. and ought to receive speedy and condign punishment. But there are some mitigating circumstances which ought to be stated in connection with this matter in justice to the people of that Territory. As is well known. the people of the Pacific coast are almost unanimous in favor of the exclusion of Chinese from this country. and Congress has so far heeded their demand as to pass an act intended to prohibit the immigration of Chinese laborers into this country for a period of ten years. Washington Territory is so unfortunately situated geographically asto be the theater of frequent violations of that law. For a long distance from the northeast corner of the Territory to where the fortyninth degree of north latitude intersects the main channel between Vancouvers Island and the main land. the division line between British Columbia and Washington Territory is marked by no natural boundary. and for the residue of the boundary down the Canal de Haro and the strait of Juan de Fuca the most insiguificent vessel in the darkness of night in the space of a few hours can cross from the British Columbian side to the American side.
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immigration