1854
injustice
In October 1854, the California Supreme Court ruled in People v. Hall (4 Cal. 399) that Chinese people could not testify against white defendants, extending the existing bar on testimony by 'Black, mulatto, or Indian' witnesses. The ruling freed three white men who had killed a Chinese miner and stood until the 1870s. [DATE CONFLICT: the exact day is disputed - Oct 1 (American Bar Association) vs. Oct 15 (California Supreme Court Historical Society; Justia reporter) vs. Oct 18; anchored on Oct 1 per Ray's call.]
1888
injustice
President Cleveland signed the law barring the reentry of Chinese laborers who had left the US, stranding an estimated 20,000-30,000 people abroad-including many holding valid return certificates.
1994
history
On October 1, 1994, the Compact of Free Association between the United States and Palau took effect, ending the last U.S. trusteeship in the Pacific and recognizing Palau as a sovereign nation whose citizens may live and work in the U.S. without a visa.
2006
achievement
Indra Nooyi became CEO of PepsiCo, among the first women-and the first Indian American-to lead a Fortune 50 company. (Shares Oct 1 with the 1888 Scott Act.)