The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-01

| the numerous representatives OF the orien-
tai Iees) down on ---- street, house next
corner, brick. little door, I" were the ex-
plicit directions Of the celestial on parting,
yearning, no doubt, for the shekels which
might have been spent in his mansion.
The reporter and companion realized
that they had missei the opportunity in
not persuading Wal, Sin to the consenting
point But with hopes of better success ut
Sin Lees they searched out the dingy lit
tie hole that passes muster as a laundry,
but where clothes must necessarily come
out dirtier than they went in.
Sin Lee was seated behind the counter
in company with several Of his Sinful
comanions The stupid appearance OF all
there convinced the investigators that
they were evidently smokers, and that the
''joints" was part Of their business
But they had scarcely stated their wants
before all three OF the shaver heads began
violent, negative shaking; and to have
believed these innocents, one would think
they had never heard OF joint in their
lives, much less smoked one. Then they
began such chattering among themselves
that the visitors were convinced they were
discussing the genuineness Of the demand.
| They carried on such a one sided con-
versation that patience was taxed, and the
visitors again insisted that they were "dy-
| ing for smoke hadn't had one since we
left St. Louis week before" but this sub
teriuge had no effect ON the now thorough
| ly Stubborn men.
They disclaimed any such practice in
| their establishment, and acted rs II they
were the "most innocent men In the pro-
| fession. n.
."Well, can you tell us when we can get
a chance?' was the next demand, and in
stantly they were alert, directing infinitely
| the residence of another member of the
Leo family on - street, and they accom-.
panied us to the door with a glad-to-get.
rid-of-you air.
II was relief to get into the open air
again after being ten minutes in the stufy
little shop.
The home Of Wing Lee, the next stop.
ping place, Is the most wretched place In
town. The reporter passed IL frequently
| in the day, and what windows are no,
stuffed with rags and boarded are covered
with cobwebs and dust so thick thata July
sun could not send ray OF light into the
gloom.
Aud yet this proprietor lives in thil
gloomy and unhealthy spot, with a hall
dozen employees and kinsmen, The place
should be untenanted and thoroughly
cleansed. II was ~ o'clock when the
searchers stopped In front of the forbiddins
place and the excitement OF the venture
| almost lost its fascination.
But they were not permitted to inter
view the suspicious proprietor. He me-
them at the door, and in answer to the de
mand for Smoke" hastily grunted hi'
dissent and began an instant closing OF thu
shop.
lis suspicious were thoroughly aroused
and he was in no mood to give the slight
est vantage to hang a doubt upon. II,
slammed the door In their face with iina
"No, no." and they had the consolation o
seeing him extinguish his light and vanish
This put an end to the tour, and the Skin
mishcn sought repose with the conviction
that ''opium joints" are still maintained
among few mercenary Chinaman, wh'
defy the law, but In a most stealthy way
Only those who are confirmed smoker
and those who have secret signs with Tn,
proprietor can have the privileges OF tn
''joints.' Strangers arc always objects o
suspicion, and 10 them everything Is de
MED and nothing admitted.