The Dayton forum. [volume] (Dayton, Ohio) 1913-1949, 1937-07-16
BY C. S. Van Dresser

HAWAIIAN lSlaIietS NLBie more tfiaH q
year ago, the fearless men Of the United
States Customs Service conceived and
carried TO q successful conclusion the
most audacious and hazardous scheme
ever recorded in the annals of the Federal
Government
For some years prior TO the smashing
of the ring it was well known that Ger
tain Joseph Kubey directed the manifold
operations OF the snugglers Of Honolulu
Nothing had been proved on the dope
boss In spite OF the efforts OF Federal
men. and the stream OF deadly narcotics
continued 70 pour In from the Orient.
Although several large dope smuggling
rings had been wiped out IN Los Angeles
and San Francisco the supply Of opium
coming into the United States As re-
suit Of Joseph Kubey's activities was
scarcely checked, Accordingly. In early
1895. a special customs force consisting
Of j. r. sheehan and D S. Conner. vet
eran Federal agents. experienced in run
ming down opium trafnekers was dis
patched from Washington
The crux of the whole daring scheme
lay IN the part played BY Agent William
Holt. who since 1888 had been customs
inspector at Honolulu It was arranged
that he was to get discharged from the
service and let it be known that he was
indignant over the treatment ana
wished TO retaliate against the Govern
ment. By SO doing it was hoped that
Holt would get fnto the confidence of the
dope boss Of Honolulu ard thereby obtain
the evidence to convict the well-or-
ganizea gang
II VAS dangerous plan. for it was well
known that Kubey would rot hesitate TO
use gun How dangerous a game was
proved when Holt nearly lost his lie
in getting his man.
And SO it was that as he sat IN the
stIn-drenched patio OF his modest
Hawaiian bungalow on a certain Decenl-
Der afternoon in 1885. Holt hoped above
all things that the news OF his recent
release from the Honolulu detail OF the
United States Customs Service would
reach Joseph Kuhey drug king Of Ha-
vail The former Federal agent had let
It be known publicly that he was plenty
sore about being let out and was through
with the service for good
heavy step disturbed HoIt's musings
as large, solidly built man walked
toward him one day. It was Kubey.
Hello Holt; or should say Inspector
Holt2" graphically greeted the drug baron.
Well, we'll II it isn't little Joey Knoey
III person. What brings you here2 Gong
TO hold d post-mortefa and gioat over
the victim
Taking ii rather hard. aren't yoa?"
said the opium boss. as he seated himself
without invitation
Hell, yes. wouldn't you? rye served
that lousy customs outfit for years. and
now they give me the gate. Unit for
duty. they said Nutsl"
Did il eyer occur to you. Holt, that
there might be real jon for you right
here in Honolulu
Nov What2s challenged Holt. FIRST
you tel me sou got me fired and then
yau say you can get me another job
This must be my day for surprises
Listen . minute. Holt, said the dope
sFRuggler suayely. / admit didn't have
anything to do with your discharge.
But / also admit It is a break for me and.
II you've got any sense. it viii be a break
for you. too
All right: I'm in the mood for fairy
tales Go ahead"
It's Ike this. continued Kubey Con
ddentially speaking. I got connections IN
Hongkong. Shanghai and Macao. won't
say exactly what those connections are.
for what you don't know you can't De
hung for. But friends OF mine, especially
women friends, often take trips from
f-.taar,a u Hnnnl1altt Irtnar Eiln HaH.asa