The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-05-16

The Decision Unexpected In the Chinese
Quarter-No Unusual Excitement Visible.
SAN FRANCISCO. May 15.-When the news
that the United States Supreme Court had
affirmed the constitutionality OF the Chinese
exclusion act reached this city newspaper
extras were quickly on the streets. In
formation was quick In reaching the sec-
tion where thirty thousand Chinese re-
side. representing one-third of the entire
number in the United States. They stood
about In large groups before their own
bulletin boards for some statement from
the Six Companies which had compelled
them to refuse so register. They were not
inclined to accept the report through the
American newspapers. During the first
hour there was no outward excitement
among the Chinese. but it was evident the
news was distasteful and unexpected. as
it had been telegraphed that the decision
would turn the other way.
Chinese Vice Consul Chong Owang was
seen by a reporter. TO whom he said: "You
are the first to bring me this bad news. AL
though the Geary law has been declared
constitutional the government is not pre-
pared to Immediately carry out its pro-
visions. 1t will entail great expense, for
which no appropriation is made. / have
nothing to say In regard to the immediate
effect the final decision of the Supreme Court
will have on the Chinese in America.
1t will be q great blow to business in Chi
natown. As to what the Chinese govern
ment may do in the matter have still less
TO say. The treaty between China and
America has been broken by the govern
ment at Washington. and is no longer q
contract, and will not be regarded by the
Chinese government as q factor governing
any action they may see fit TO take"
Lyman Mowry. attorney for the Chinese
Six Companies. was seen. He says be pre-
dicted that the Geary law would be found
constitutional by the Supreme Court. He
thinks the law unjust and that no immedi-
ate action Will be taken by the govern
ment to deport the Chinese. He declares
that it will cost $40. 000. 600. which has not
been appropriated. he thinks the Presi-
dent will have action in the matter defer
red until Congress ~convenes. aud says there
Is no doubt in his mind but Congress will
repeal the Geary act.
The decision of the Supreme Court was
received throughout the city in q quiet
manner. The afternoon papers made large
sales in announcing 1t. The crowds about
newspaper bulletin boards were neither
large nor demonstratlve, although the feel
ing seemed general that some excitement
would naturally follow the enforce
ment of the law in this city.
numbers of Chinese. and the headquarters
of the powerful societies which have had
such q controlling influence over Chinese
laborers in this country. During the noon
hour crowds were attracted to she vicinity
of the Stock Exchange by the appearance
of DR.. VDonnell and Denis Kearney, local
anti Chinese agitators. who urged their
bearers TO hold mass-meetings approving
the. decision. The crowds listened TO the
speakers but displayed little interest in
what they had to say.
News from the interior points. where the
Chinese colonies exist. as at Sacramento.
Fresno. Los Angeles and q Diego. show
that the Chinese were taking q keen inter-
est IN the next move which might be made.
but that the decision otherwise was quietly
raoaivad