The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1903-06-09
BAD DECISION
FOR CHINESE
DEPORTATION CASE RULING
THAT ENDANGERs THE STATUS
OF MOST MERCHANTS.

SAN FRANCISCO, May 24-Unless
the findings of the New York customs
office in the case of Mrs. Loo Lin, the
Chinese woman editor, held a prisoner
in the local detention she'd be reversed
by the Treasury Department the legal
ststus of practically every Chinese
merchant in America will be affected.
Under the ruling even the magnates of
tn Six Companies could be classed as
"laborers."
Mrs. Loo Lin's husband is a mer-
chant in New York and she sought ad-
mission to this country as the wife of
a merchant. Loo Lin is partner in
the firm of G. Tomtoy & Co., at IA Mott
street New York city. The firm deals
in Chinese goods its store occupying
the first floor of the building. On the
second and third floors is a restaurant,
also owned by Loo Lin. In addition
he has an interest in another mer-
camille company.
The New York customs officers, af-
ter an investigation of Loo Lin's stand
i'm connection with his wife's appica-
ton to be admitted to this country.
made an adverse ruling on the ground
that the husband was a "laborer". I'm
der the classification of the exclusion
law restaurant keepers are "laborers."
1t was admitted that the husband was
engaged in mercantile pursuits, that he
had a satisfactory rating in CONNER
cial reports and that the main floor of
the building at IA Mott street was de-
voted to his merchandise business,
while the restaurant occupied a secon-
Diary position on the floors above; but
the New York customs officials held
that because he owned a restaurant he
must be classed as "laborer."
There are few rich Chinese in Amer
lea who are not engaged in business
ventures that would deprive them of
standing under the exclusion act if the
New York decision be sustained. Every
Chinese merchant owning an interest
in other lines of business not included
in the merchant. class classification,
could be regarded as a "laborer". The
issue in the Loo Lin case is whether
merchant can be deprived of his rights
as such because he owns interests in
other direction that bring him into the
technical classification of a "laborer.'
While her case is being fought out in
Washington Mrs. Loo Lin is fast break
ing down under the strain of her en-
forced captivity. Sinse she has been
an inmate of the detention shed the
talented young woman has been con-
Quoting school. having for her pupils
the other Chinese women similarly de-
taind. In her native land she was re-
garded as foremost of her sex intellec-
tually and for years she has devoted
/ her life to educational and Christian
/ teachings. Accustomed % luxury, the
change is fast showing it's effect upon
her health. When Mrs. Loo Lin cross
| ed the Pacific it was as a first-class
cabin passenger "a privilege few Chi
nese women are permitted to enjoy.
1t is believed that her Imprisonment
is nearing an end. Papers in her APP
peal to the Treasury Department from
the decision denying her the right to
land will go forward within a day or
two and efforts Will be made to hasten
final action upon them. Former Dis
trict Attorney William S. Barnes, who
has taken charge of the case, said last
night
The finding of the New York Gus
toms office was far fetched. The Chi
nese exclusion law is intended simply
to prevent the landing of an undesir-
able class of Chinese and it is unusual
for officials to go out of their way in
search for techncalities to prevent the
landing of an undesirable class of Chi
nese and it is unusual for officials to go
out of their way in search for techni
caltes to prevent merchants wife
rejoining her husband in this country.
The fact that a Chinese merchant own
ed a hundred restaurants in addition to
his mercantile business would not af-
feet his standing as a merchant"
UAAn