Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/38

28 of Oregon's population is centered on the construction of an interoceanic canal to shorten the waterway connection with her markets.

In the social evolution of Oregon it is necessary that many questions should arise that are closely connected with the industrial life. The prosperity of every community is identified with questions of an economic nature. In the first place the welfare of every community depends upon the harmonious relation of capital and labor. In the history of Oregon there has been little to mar the pleasant relation existing between the two. Capital has never been so abundant as to menace the interests of labor nor has labor ever been so abundant as to be independent of capital. Strikes that have occurred have been of small size and not aggravated in character. Both capital and labor have needed the help of the other and have united in the development of the resources of a new country. Oregon is yet so young that the men of wealth have grown to be such from an early start as laborers. Every man feels that his chance is equal to that of every other man more fully in a new community than elsewhere.

The only question which has marred the harmony has been a conflict between the white laborers and the Chinese. Such conflicts have been less frequent and pf milder nature than in the history of both California and Washington. Brought into the state during the time of railroad construction, the Chinese performed a valuable service and undoubtedly assisted in the industrial development in a very important manner. The legislation of the community, however, from an early time shows a discrimination against them and their privileges are limited even in the constitution of the state. Living, as they do, by themselves and preserving their own habits and standards of life, they do not assimilate with the