THE hard times and consequent stress upon the laboring classes in want of employment has been seized upon in some parts of this State as an occasion for unwarranted persecution of the Chinese population. In Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties benevolent efforts were made to secure at least temporary employment sufficient to buy bread for all who would work. But certain agitators and marauders took advantage of the situation to arouse the sentiment (always near the surface of the masses) that the “Chinese must go.” This was in some instances carried to such an extent that companies of Chinese workmen were not only driven from their camps on ranches, but were severely beaten and robbed of their money, watches, and other valuable effects. The sheriff took a heroic stand against all unlawful measures, and by his prompt action put a check upon the wholesale depredations which were evidently contemplated throughout the country by leading marauders, some of whom are ex-convicts. In Tulare City one night all the Chinese population were roused and compelled to pack up their baggage and leave. Only a few remain, and they are real estate owners. In the orchards and vineyards Chinese laborers are giving way to white men. In Selma the proceedings were more deliberate, and five days' notice was given. Fruit-packing companies complied with the demands to discharge their Chinamen and employ white men. As some of the restaurant keepers and laundrymen paid no attention to the notice, they were again visited and compelled to leave. In some instances Chinamen employed in the country gave up their places through fear of being mobbed. In Bakersfield, it became known that a plot was laid to attack the Chinese quarter at night, and the better class of citizens inaugurated a counter move. They urged the enforcement of the Geary Law, but were determined that illegal measures should be prevented, and armed guards were set to preserve order. In Calistoga, Napa County, a White Labor Union has been organized, and an effort made to supplant the Chinese and Japanese prune pickers by white labor. The hop growers of Sonoma County have agreed to employ only white pickers if enough can be secured in season. Some of the “sand lot” agitators in San Francisco have hinted at displacing the Chinese employed in canneries and factories, but the employment of large numbers of workmen on the Midwinter Fair grounds will in a measure relieve the situation, and the authorities will no doubt be able to quell all riotous tendencies. A temporary free restaurant is being constructed on the new post-office site. The citizens of Vacaville are also moving in the matter of having employers discharge their Chinese help and employ white men; but in doing so they discountenance anything savoring of mob law. In Stockton an attempt to raise an anti-Chinese furor failed after the first street meeting. In Merced a demonstration was prevented by the sheriff. The sensation is on, and other places will no doubt be heard from. The adjutant general of the State troops is preparing for any possible emergency.