Scott Zagoria

The Chinese Question and the Eureka Solution Scott Zagoria

The City of Eureka had gained undesired notoriety following the massacre of Wiyot women and children on Indian Island in 1860. Twenty years later the city council engineered the expulsion of the Chinese residents who lived adjacent to the city's Old Town district. In this case, their methods were regarded by many western cities as viable and consultants from Eureka were invited to various locations to expound upon the principles of the 'Eureka Method'. The principal 'desirable' features included the avoidance of loss of life; reduction of commercial competition; and the legalized theft of Chinese property without any potential retribution. These events occurred subsequent to the murder of a local politician, David Kendall, who may likely have been the representative of the Chinese community. The circumstances were rather suspicious and Mr. Kendall's wife apparently died of a 'mysterious poisoning' two years after the removal of the Chinese. There were never any suspects in the case and prior to the murder two empty ships had arrived in the harbor. Revenue from smuggling was likely a key source of wealth and Mr. Kendall possibly had been deemed unsympathetic A significant degree of conjecture is admittedly required in the absence of verifiable documentation. This book sheds light upon the Eureka expulsion, as well as the lengthy prelude of organized antipathy orchestrated against the Chinese that preceded their removal. Additionally, numerous articles from the local Humboldt County, California press have been included to assist readers in their appraisal of the conditions and public sentiment. An uncorrected version of this text was previously released under the title 'The Death of James Kendall.' Various revisions have been applied to the current edition.