The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-13
HARSH TREATMENT OF CHINESE
MERCHANTS.

In protesting against the treatment of
Chinese merchants and worlds fair ex-
hibitors at San Francisco the Chinese min
lister at Washington has not only done his
duty, but has rendered a service to this
government by calling attention to prac-
tees which should be corrected at once
The matter was referred to by Mr.. Wong,
recent address in this city. In commenting
on it the Journal said it would probably
become subject of diplomatic correspond
ence between the governments. Now it has.
The Chinese minister has filed a formal
protest against the harsh treatment of two
parties of prominent Cinnamon bound for
the worlds fair, who, though armed with
certificates from their government and
with papers Endorsed by the American
consul general at Shanghai, were detained
at San Francisco. 1t is asserted that they
were subjected to indignities which have
According to the minister, they were
treated as if they were Chinese paupers or
laborers trying to enter the United States
contrary to law. Besides having certifi-
Gates of character from the United States
consul general at Shanghai, which should
have been sufficient passport, they showed
the customs authorities that they were
well supplied with money.
Mr.. Chang You Tong. secretary to the
Chinese worlds fair commission at st.
Louis, confirms the statement of the minis
ter. In an interview in a st. Louis paper
he says:
Our exhibitors have been subjected to
most unjust treatment, and many of them
were SO Disguised with the treatment &C
corded them by the government officials
at San Francisco that they returned home
taking their exhibits with them. The Yung
Fong incident referred TO in the dispatch is
not told well enough. This countryman of
mine was subjected to most humiliating
treatment at San Francisco. He was held
by the custom officials for two days. de-
spite the fact that he had sufficient money
on his person TO justify his statement that
he was reputable citizen of China and
not pauper. but the signed letter from
the American consul at Picking was more
than enough to secure for him the respect
a foreign gentleman is entitled to at
United States port This letter. however
had no effect, for Yung Fons had TO furnish
bond in the sum of $500 gold before the
custom officials would release him.
Yung Fong represented the Tea and Por-
celain Importing Company of China. which
is preparing 10 make large exhibit at ST.
Louis.
The Chinese exclusion law expressly ex-
cepts merchants. students and persons
travelling for pleasure from its provisions
They are permitted to enter the United
States freely. The harsh treatment of these
Chinese merchants would, therefore. have
been unauthorized at any time. but it is
peculiarly regrettable at time when the
United States is trying by diplomacy to
establish permanent friendly relations with
China and secure an "open door, for trade
i'm the East Moreover. the war in the
far East has thrown China into a commo-
tion and these Incidents may contribute to
new outbreak against foreigners. They
may even furnish pretext for China s
joiing japan. thus increasing the yellow