The San Francisco call., 1896-07-20
The Killing Was the Outgrowth
of an Old Highbinders'
Feud.
THE VICTIM A CLAM-DEALER.
He Was One of the Sam Yup Family
That Was Under a Boycott by
the See Yups.

Lee Tt, Chinese clam and fish dealer,
was shot to death shortly after midnight
in the hallway at the foot of the stairs
leading to gambling den at 25 Waverly
place. The murderer, who is still un-
known, fired two shots at his victim. The
first bullet struck the wall, but the second
hit the Chinaman in the back of the head.
The assassin fed to Clay street and dis
appeared around the corner, but his victim
was dead almost before he could have gone
two blocks.
III had been in the gambling house and
went out to get bottle of whisky. 1t was
on his return that he met his death.
A Japanese named H. Ito witnessed the
murder, and said that tt was evidently
aware that his enemy was following HIM,
for the Jap noticed that second man was
evidently lying in wait close to the hall
way for the chandeliers return.
Officer J. d. Long was standing on the
corner of Washington street, and although
he went on run to the spot he did not
see the one who did the shooting. because
in the excitement dozen or more Chinese
began to run in all directions.
The officer and Morgue officials are of
the opinion that after the first shot I'll
slipped and fell on his face and that the
murderer placed the weapon against the
back of the PROSTATE mans head and fired
the second shot.
The bullet went through the mans head
and made its exit at his nose and then
went through the floor.
He had wife, with whom he lived at
726 Commercial street.
Last nights murder was the culmina-
ton of a long-standing emnity between
the See Yup and Sam Yup companies.
About year ago the See Yups declared
boycott on the Sam Yup company.
This boycott has been depressing China
towns poor for almost a year, and as its
effect has raised the price of all Chinese
commodities fully 20 per cent it is evident
that the poverty-stricken Celestials have
just cause for complaint.
This fact, however, is not considered as
being worthy of second thought in the
minds of the agitators, and In consequence
Chinatown is bubbling over with excite
ment.
A few weeks ago the strongest Chinese
faction in this City. known as the Wong
family, under the leadership of Chee
Tong, withdrew from the See Yup Com
pany, with the object of breaking the boy
colt on the Sam Yup Company.
Highbinders stalked through the streets
discussing the withdrawal or the Wong
family and trouble was imminent. An
extra force of policemen was detailed to
patrol the streets of the Mongolian quar-
ter. They were instructed that in event
of riot or trouble OF any description they
were to use all the means in their power to
preserve the peace.
Up to few weeks ago Chez Tong was
the secretary of the See Yup Company,
but he was discharged on some pretense
or other, and forthwith laid plans to equal
ize the score.
First he got the Wong family to with
to break up this boycott.
Then he issued circulars stating that any
mem Der might buy wherever and what
ever he pleased and at whatever place he
could get what he wanted the cheapest
He also stated that in case of any trouble
the Wong family would take q hand, and,
if necessary, resort to force of arms.
Upon heari lg this the See Yup Company
Immediately posted circulars all over the
Chinese quarters. Groups were scattered
through the streets, deeply interested in
the lurid-colored posters.
Kong Chow, secretary of the See Yups
and member of the Bo Ong Tong Society,
was the person who issued the circulars,
which are freely translated as follows:
Members of the See Yup Company do not
stir up any trouble. We made contract last
July to boycott the Sam Yup Company, and as
the Wong family has Withdrawn we must see
that they are brought back into the combine
ton. Act like gentlemen ana make no trouble
on the street. Use discretion so as to uphold
the honor of the company, but be firm and
stand by the contract.
The See Yup has twelve societies and
made contract to boycott the Sam Yup
Company over year ago last July. This
has caused many murders and in all
probability will cause many more.