THE SALE OF JAPANESE WOMEN IN SAN FRANCISCO.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 4 February 1899, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE SALE OF JAPANESE WOMEN IN SAN FRANCISCO.

A REVOLTING TRAFFIC.

The Japanese slave traders of this city (says a San Francisco despatch of Utith December) are in a ferment of excitement. Last Wednesday afternoon one of the unfortunate women who had been lured to a life of degradation managed to escape from the den wherein she was confined. Thus far no trace of her has been found, notwithstanding the greatest efforts on the part of the slave bosses.

As the girl was one of the handsomest in Chinatown, and correspondingly valuable, her escape has created consternation among- the traffickers of women. The matter has called attention to the importation of Japanese girls, an industry that apparently is flourishing in this city. For many years it has been known that the dealing in Chinese women was carried on extensively, but now the better element among tiie Japanese residents here are

becoming alarmed at the extent to which Japanese girls are being brought to this city. An effort is being math- In suppress the evil, and the leaders in the Japanese colony are bending every energy in this

direction

There are about nine slave traders in Chinatown. These traders visit Japan with plenty of money and persuade the girls who are of age to leave their homes, under the pretext of sending them to school and educating them and enabling them to make an independent living. Thus believing they are induced to take the trip across the Pacific. Little do they know how soon they are to bo deceived and what snares lie before them in America.

Practically kidnapped from their parents and friends, the helpless victims are held in bondage in this country. All communications with their friends in this country or in Japan are strictly prohibited.

Some time ago the Japanese 'Herald' and the 'New World." two Japanese newspapers in this city, both spoke against the evil existence of this cruelty and de-

teption

•We are friends of "Sei-Gi" (justice and faith), which is said to be the standard of morality of the Japanese people,' declared these papers, 'but if the San Francisco Great Japanese Society, or so-called

"Provincial Association," in tins city pays no attention whatever to this outrage, and remains totally unconcerned over the brutal affairs now prevailing in Chinatown, some action must be taken by the people.

Americans must, for the Sei-Gi, or humanity's sake, arrest the entry of these fiends and impostors to this Golden Gate of Freedom.