Los Angeles herald., 1890-08-17
PLAYING THE FLUTE.
Abandoned Creatures Who Practice an
AsiatiC Vice.

1t is not generally known that some of
the vilest dens in Chinatown are main
tanned not only for the accommodation
of the Mongolians themselves, but also
for their American brethren. This fact
is more especially noticeable in the
opium-joints than in any other of the
dens of infamy with which the Chinese
quarter of the city is infested. These
places are patronized literally by the
demi-mondaine element, to whom,
doubtless, the practice of playing the
flute" as they term it, affords an oppor-
tunity of deadening their senses to their
state of existence. The parasites, known
as macqueraux, naturally follow in the
wake of these abandoned creatures, but
in addition to the class above mentioned
there are many others who have fallen
victims to the soul-absorbing vice OF
opium smoking.
For some time past the detective force
of the police department has been
shadowing some of these places for the
purpose of collecting evidence, with the
view of closing them up and yesterday
afternoon officers Auble, Bowler, Collins
and Wallen made successful raid upon
den on Marchessault alley, kept by
Wong Moy. On effecting an entrance
into the place, which owing to the ex-
traordinary precautions taken by the
Chinese proprietor, was a work OF some
little difficulty, the detectives came upon
room fitted up with ten cots, all OF
which were occupied. The fumes of the
drug was so dense in this place, which
was as hot as an oven, as to almost over
power the officers; but the excitement
which ensued upon their sudden and I'M
expected appearance, overcame the
feeling of sutfocation. Stretched upon
cots in various attitudes were ten human
beings revealing in the reeking atmos-
where, created from the pipes which all
were smoking. Five OF these were Mon
golians, the others being whites
Knowing the futility of attempting tocon-
Wet the Cinnamon, the officers arres ted
the white men upon the charge OF smok-
ing opium, and Wong Moy for more
serious charge OF maintaining an opium
Joint. One of the smokers managed to
effect his escape, much to the chagrin
of the officers, during the excitement +;
but the others were taken to the police
station, where they gave their names
as D. Mcmahon, Walter Mcmahon.
Juan Vejar and TYP. Bastell. They were
subsequently taken before Justice Aus
! tin for arrangement, when Nejar and
Basteil, entered their plead of not
guilty, and were ordered to appear for
trial at O'Clock on Monday afternoon,
both being released meanwhile under
bonds in the sum of 800 each. The
20 years of age, both plead guilty,
wheleupon the Court heard the testi-
mony OF Officer Wallin. and after fin
ing Walter the sum of So, ordered the
other to appear for sentence on Mon
day afternoon, bail being required in the
sum of $25, meanwhile.
Being unable to pay his fine Walter
Mcmahon, respectfully dressed boy
obout IS years of age, was committed to
Jail, but just before Justice Austin adj
journed court for the day. an elderly
lady appeared before him and introduced
| herself as Walters mother. She had
! just heard OF her boys arrest and at once
| fastened to learn whether or not the
awful news was true. On learning that
her boy was, by his own admission
guilty OF visiting an opium joint, the
poor mother was almost heartbroken,
and she plead her sons cause as only a
mother could, with the result that the
boy was summoned before the court and
released npon promising to pay his fine
before the end of the current month";
The boy had been employed as collector
for the City Cab and Carriage company,
but was discharged as soon as his en-
ployers heard OF his arrest. This was
another severe blow to the poor mother,
but after expressing her gratitude to the
court for it's kindness, she left the court
room with her son, who was in no wise
abashed by his parents grief.