In March, 1879, the California Constitution was amended and ratified. Among the new provisions in the Constitution was article XIX, concerning Chinese people in the state. All four sections of article XIX sought to deter the presence of Chinese people in California, but section 2 of article XIX contained an unprecedented restriction on employment based on race:

"No corporation now existing or hereafter formed under the laws of this State, shall, after the adoption of this Constitution, employ directly or indirectly, in any capacity, any Chinese or Mongolian. The Legislature shall pass such laws as may be necessary to enforce this provision."

Anti-Chinese racism has been around a while. One of the other sections barred the State of California from hiring any Chinese or Mongolian. The Supreme Court of the United States objected to the section quoted above but let stand the ban on the state hiring Chinese or Mongolians.

I happen to have a copy of the constitution published by the Secretary of State of California in an edition of 5,000. Quite an interesting read.