The record-union., 1893-03-07
ALL ABOUT A WOMAN.
Chinatown Had Another Narrow ES-
cape From Riot.
This Time 1t Was the Chee Kong Tongs
Against the Fong Oks-Spoiled
by an Arrest.

There came very near being another
bloody riot in Chinatown last night, and
though temporarily nipped in the bud, as
it were, the affair is liable to result in
hostilities at any moment.
The trouble is all about woman, q
very homely specimen at that; but a
Chinawoman is a Chinawoman these
days, and the matter of good looks doesn't
60 for much with the average highbinder
when the question of the possession of a
female chattel is at stake.
1t appears that the woman is the prop
erty of one Ah Jim, leader of the Fong
Ok fraternity, whose headquarters are on
the north side of 1 street, few doors east
of Second. Those who look with envious
eyes across the muddy street on the
fortunate possessor are members of the
Chez Kong Tong outfit.
From all that could be learned, hostili-
ties were expected to commence early
last night, and when RECORD UNION
reporter visited the prospective battle
ground the prospect OF lively bomDard-
ment of the Fong Ok quarters appeared
! to be quite favorable.
! MISUNDERSTANDING groups of high
! binders passed and repassed the inter
section of Second and l streets each war
rior having his gaze fixed on the closed
doors of the FoDg Ok Society, on the
! balcony OF which were gathered about
twenty men who seemed to be keeping a
sharp watch of the groups of Chez Kong
Tong fighters as they glided stealthily
along the opposite side of the street.
Frank q. Swift had been employed by
the Fong Ok leaders to shadow SUSPECT
Gus members of the Chee Fong Tong con-
nd a o,n ha
tered one fellow on the corner of Second
and | streets whose right hand was thrust
suspiciously up the left sleeve of his
| blouse. Swift went up to him and grasped
his arm, and sure enough he found that
the highbinder had a pistol there ready
for action the instant needed. He ar
rested him, and entered charge against
him of carrying a concealed weapon.
The prisoner gave the name of All
Chung, and protested that he was a meek
"Clischun" and an employe i'll a laundry.
He did not, however, attempt to explain
what he was doing with the pistol up his
sleeve.
In company with Swift, the reporter
visited the Fong Ok stronghold. The
doors were closed, although the little
front room was we'll lighted. There was
one man and woman therein, and all
seemed quiet and peaceful until the
Chinaman, who did not recognize either
OF the NlSlIOrS, asked IN lOuU voice:
"Wha' for? What want?"
AS if by magic a dozen doors in the
rear were opened, curtains were thrust
aside and all at once the place seemed to
be alive with Cinnamon, who stuck out
their heads to see what had caused the
alarm. Indeed the place seemed to
swarm with Cinnamon where a moment
before but one or two could be seen.
Evidently the men had collected there
in anticipation of battle, and were lying
low to await possible developments. If a
shot had been fired it is probable that the
Fong Oks would have had half hun
dred warriors on deck in an instant to
meet their foes.
The news of All Chung's arrest had,
however, been noised abroad, and the
highbinders quickly vacated the street,
evidently fearing a descent by the police.
Just about the time the battle was ex-
pected to break out George l.. Littlefield,
book-keeper for Lindley & Co., accom-
panied by Special Officer Fitzgerald
started out to show a party Of New Or
leans visitors through the Chinese quar-
ter. They heard of the impending battle
while up about Fourth street, and re-
turned to Second to take in the fireworks S.
The Crescent City visitors were greatly
disappointed at the postponement of the
show.
After the above was put in type Deputy
Constable Swift arrested another high
binder who had on him pistol of the
usual mammoth dimensions.