The morning call., 1894-06-27
CHARGES REVIVED
Interpreter Geffney Is
Again Accused.
ANOTHER WANTS HIS PLACE
BIackmaiIing and Bribetaking
Alleged Against Him.
rnls TIME HE STRIKES BACK.
lie Has Two Japanese Arrested for
Criminal Libel-Their Country
men Take Sides.
ANOTHER WANTS HIS PLACE

War has broken out among the subjects
of the Mikado who dwell in San Francisco,
and while no gore has as yet been shed it
is impossible TO tell what dread conflict
the future hides il its breast. The hostile
camps are known as the Geffney and anti
Geffney, and they owe their existence to
tine effort made about two months ago TO
have A: II. Geffney, Assistant Commits
sioper of immigration and Japanese in
lerpreter, removed. Charges we're made
at that time that the Interpreter collected
blaekmail from every Japanese laborer
who.came to the country.
b. His chief. w. P. Stradley, does not IN
derstand the Japanese tongue. and is there
fore compelled to rely upon Geffn ey's 8 ate
ments touching the right Of the little men
to land. Stradley believes that his assist
ant is not only capable but honest.
Geffney was highly recommended by the
Commissioners PREDECESSOR and If he has
been false to his trust he has concealed his
wrOngdoIng from his superiOT's eyes. So
when several japanese declared that their
countrymen were not allowed TO land until
they had bribed Geffney to say that they
did not come IN violation OF the contract
labor law, Stradley and Geffney asked
Pbenix, the special agent Of the Treasury,
10 investigate the tudI'6I.
PhenfX investigated. but the testimony
of the witnesses was so contradictory that
he was unable to determine which side
was telling the truth and there the matter
rested for time.
About the time the charges were made
against Geffney Stradley received an ap-
plicatiOn for the position held by the ac-
cused from j. Bergan, a clerk employed
by Attorney a. 3. Tfeadwell. This ap-
plication was indoTsed by @. Hashlkawa,
a prosperous Japanese who supplies the
Southern Pacific with labOrers. Hashi-
kawa praised Bsrgan, but as Stradley be-
lieved then, and still believes, that the
charges against Geffney were made by
persons who are interested in landing la
borers and importing women for immoral
purposes he paid no attention to the appli-
cation.
GeGney's enemies having failed TO cause
his removal through the Special Agent of
the Treasury. decided upon another plan.
They knew that Hlmlin, Assistant Secre-
tary Of the Treasury, was coming to this
city, and they MADE preparations to bring
the matter to his attention. BergaD was
their active assistant, and drew up num-
Der of affidavits which were to be sworn
to and presented to the distinguished Wis.
itor, who, it was hoped. upon reading
them would put an end to Geffney's career
without delay.
One of the japanese papers took up the
fghtagainst Geffney and boldly denounced
him as a backmailer. Another journal
styled the Daily San Franciscan, de-
Tended him and denounced his enemies as
importers of contract laboreTs and female
slaves. While the papers and their read
eTs were wTaDgllng over the charges and
counter charges Mr.. BeTgan was grinding
ont his af1idavlts. One of these was signed
by the coed Hashikawa on Saturday even
. ing. who on his oath declared that he
saw Geffney compel a woman TO give
him 500 on condition that be would
not: have her sent back to Japan. This
transaction was alleged to have taken place
one year ago.
Mr.. Hamlin came on Sunday and on the
same day Hashikawa's affidavit appeared
IN morning paper. That journal also
published the affidavit of one Wakimoto.
whose first name, il he has one, is un-
known. Wakimoto is said to be the man.
ager of house of i'll repute in Chinatown.
His virtuouS heart was stirred into
tumult Of Indignation because of Geff-
ney's evil conduct, and he came forth
boldly to den0Unce the malefactor as a
bribe-taker.
Geffuey was astonished when he read
the charges against him. He thought
that the investigation before Phenix had
given his foes quietus, but he was mis-
taken. He had no doubt that the publica-
, tiOn was intended for Hamlin's eye, and
determined to have redress. His first step
was to procure warrants for the arrest of
the two Japanese by whom he says be
was falsely accused. He charged them
with criminal libel, and Hashikawa was
arrested early yesterday morning.
WaklmotO was very much perturbed by
the apprehension of Hashikawa and has
tened TO Bergan for advice. That ndi-
Yidual was somewhat perturbed himself,
but declared that the charges agains st
Geffney would be substantiated. He
counseled the Japanese to procure bonds
and WakimOto took his advice aud went
forth only to fall Into the hands of a
policeman. Another charge of criminal
libel will be made against Hashlkawe this
morning, and it is probable hat the news
paper that published the charges without
hearing both sides will be punished for
its indiscreti0u.
Two of the japanese papers took Geff-
.ney's side yesterday and declared tina,
the charges against him had been made
by a vile crowd. Geffney declared that
he Is the victim OF ccnspiratOrs who have
Joined hands to accomplish his ruin and
secure the appointment Of a man who
WOuld q flFefr