sorts, to be bought with money, and some for a very small amount.
In this the lowest of terrestrials made their abode, adding their full quota to the general fund of filth and demoralization. One of their institutions alone, the brothel system, occupied about two-thirds of a block. As elsewhere amontr the Chinese in California there were two rival companies whose antagonisms otteii broke out in battles of greater or less degree, from fisticuff to firearms. A case arose concerning a woman which excited unusual animosity between them. As a rule the Chinese were able to manage their own trials and punishments, and administer justice among themselves after their own fashion, even to the execution of offenders capitally, and to keep their proceedings covered from the eyes of the law. But their women, almost all of whom were held as chattels and for vile purposes, were sometimes too much for them. By throwing off the yoke for the purpose of marrying or other object, and appealing to the law they were of course protected from their owners, though their lives were endangered thereby.
On Monday the 23rd of October, 1871, the prologue of the present tragedy was recited. The Ah Choy company accused the Yo Hing company of abducting one of their women, and marrying her Melican fashion to one of their own men, in order to deprive the Ah Choy company of their claim to her. Women were worth then about $400 each, and the outrage was not to be submitted to. Loud caterwauling ensued; then knives were drawn and pistols fired. No damage was done before the contending parties were arrested though a Yo Hing jacket was pierced by two bullets. Next day a preliminary examination was had before a justice of the peace, and bail fixed for appearance in court the following day, in one case $500, and in another case $1,000. The manager of the Ah Choy came forward and proffered security, when, the question arising as to his ability to pay, an officer was sent to
