The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-02-07
MONTGOMERY CHINAMEN
 WILL CELEBRATE SUN-NEN
Oriental New Year Begins With Today and Mon. gOlianS Will Be Merry---LaundrieS
 Will Not Close.

With today begins Sun-Nen, which is the greatest feast day in the Chinese Empire. The information may come as a surprise to the uninformed but free born American citizens will not suspend business or grow excited over the occa- sion. It is one. however. of supreme im- portance to the Chinese citizens of the United States as 1t means the beginning of new year with them.
 Today marks the 18th birthday of kwang Su, Emperor of China, and as the Emperor is an absolute monarch accord- ing to Chinese custom it is the 18th annt- versary of the Empire. In other words the Chinese calendar dates from the birth of the Chinese ruler. Chinese citizens, technically. begin today the 29th year Of their existence without regard to their own age or previous condition and the happy new year will be celebrated by loyal Chinese for a period of ten days.
 There is not a sufficient number of Chi namen in Montgomery for their influence to he felt but in a small way they will celebrate the beginning of the new year. What you know about him Chinaman new year?' questioned Che Hung, of 2l0 Dexter Avenue a broad smile on his lace as he closed his almond-shaped eyes. "Hom clomin' tonight. How you know?' Che Hung was interested when informed that Americans were interested in the oc- casion and that it was to be published in
 Montgomery not much Chinaman labored English. "chinamen, Montgom- cry. he workee hard. slave money. Bim- bsDy hs big 9wn tS Sos Shsr rsS Shna Happy new year. Montgomery"
 Will the Chinese of Montgomery eel ebrate with fireworksT
 No, no. no" cried Che Hung. , with bad. When Melican happy Clistmas clone he let lil boy shoot fiire-clacker." "Will the Chinese laundries in Mont gomery close in honor of the occasion!
 Close? Shut up? Stop work?' asked Che Hung. with some trepidation. Chi naman stop work Sunday; stop work Mel ican Clistmas. Melicnn happy new year. No stop work Chinaman new year. Too busy"
 Half a dozen Chinamen were busily en- gagged in laundering at the place of Char lie Ching Kee, IS North Perry Street Evidently they thought ct the recent wholesale arrest of Chinamen by deputy marshals for when the subject of the Chinese new year was broached 1t had the effect of sealing their lips.
 What you don't know, l know. you know I don't Sabe?" was the astonish- ing abstruse problem submitted by youthful Chinaman at the counter of the laundry which is recognized as the head quarters of Montgomery Chinamen.
 Notwithstanding all sorts of questions were asked concerning the Chinese new year he retained a complaisant stoicisn that would have done credit to a wooden Indian. Information was not to be wrune from him. He had learned that silence is golden.'
 At 10 North Perry Street Lum Joes came smilingly to the counter. He was polite. accommodating ad as garrulous at the press agent of a star actor.
 T tell you about him." said Lum Joes You put him in plaper."
 Then he explained the significance oi the Chinese new year and spelled thu Chinese name for it "SUN-NEN.
 Heap big flown. Chinamen do mucl follishness." declared Lum Joes witl gravity 'In Sian Flancisclo in Atlanta In New York-maybe Chicago-Chinamar worship God, burn fireworks. eat much have glood time. Not do that way Mont gomery. Chinaman here hard working man. Save money. Most all laundrymen New year, him come Fliday. ChinamaT have get clothes ready for Saturday. No much foolishness here.
 Wont there be any celebration ir Montgomery at all?'
 Not much. Jus a lir. We like Air, some clackers, but against law. Clisma.