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This document reproduces in its entirety a book published by The Women's American Baptist Home Missionary Society, Chicago, in 1917. It describes the processing of Asian immigrants through Angel Island in San Francisco Bay - the "Ellis Island" of the west. It also describes the various segments of San Francisco's Asian community, as perceived by a woman missionary.
The opinions and language used are indicative of the attitudes and prejudices of the time, and would not be considered "politically correct" today. I am placing it on the Internet as a contemporary account of Asian immigration in the early 1900s.
- Lou Alfano
We are all familiar with Ellis Island on the Atlantic coast, but many do not know of the existence of Angel Island on the Pacific coast where the incoming orientals are received.
It was a note of the early Christian that he was "given to hospitality." The spirit of the Master teaches us to share with others. Why should not this attitude characterize our national relations with the incomers who cross the seas to sojourn in our land?
Unrestricted and unregulated immigration would not be wise either on our eastern or western coasts. We need the most careful consideration of the character of our future citizenship. But when we have decided who may be admitted to our land, let us receive all who come with a true Christian courtesy. It is not wholly a matter of legislation and officialism. The observant writer of this little story indicates clearly the significance of what should be done to give our new guests a kindly welcome. The Golden Gate and Angel Island should be worthy of their beautiful names. Here is an important task for the Christian women of our Home Mission Societies.
We can always be sure that every bad influence will meet the stranger. All the tribe that seeks to exploit the new-arrival confused in his unfamiliar surroundings, will be alert, and in spite of all the care which the government can exercise, the immigrant will not seldom be cheated and mislead. Strangely enough the Christian forces may give no heed to him. Too busy about our own affairs we may not realize that these are folk coming from old Asia, whence our Savior came, who are getting their first impression of a Christian land. They are sure to see our evil side, we must not fail to let them see our purity, faith, patriotism and Christian love.
Foreign missions come over to us at Angel Island. Those folk from the east will learn our tongue. They will also share our faith if we give them a chance. How touching to read the story of their gratitude for a copy of the gospel! What a rebuke to us is the tale of unneighborliness! How our hearts thrill when we read of the Chinese Boys' Band and the stirring notes of "America" which they played so well.
"Sweet land of liberty." America has ever been a Promised Land. There ought not to be one soul in all our broad country who does not show the loyalty that makes a nation strong. Patriotism is only at its best when it is Christian.
It is our Home Missionary task to help the strangers within our gates to become Christian patriots.
- Lillian M. Soares
May, 1917.
Chapter I. - ANGEL ISLAND
Chapter II. - JAPANESE "PICTURE BRIDES"
Chapter III. - A CHINESE NEW YEAR'S DAY IN AMERICA
Chapter IV. - CHINESE CEMETERIES IN SAN FRANCISCO
Chapter V. - IMMIGRANTS FROM INDIA
Chapter VI. - THE KOREANS