Ethnic Groups

:''Chinese immigrants came over in large numbers to work on the railroads, and when that work dried up, they spread around the northwest and in the larger cities, including New York City. They found that they could compete successfully in domestic services, women being traditionally paid less than men, and Chinese laundries popped up everywhere. Some began working for mines, others harvested crops. Because they would work so much cheaper, the fledgling Labor movement reacted violently. The threat of taking jobs, of driving down wages, the natural tendency to look down on people whose culture was different and the associated proliferation of opium dens, and the surge in crime caused whenever a group is downtrodden and forced to survive on next to nothing, combined to create a hostile attitude and movement wherever Chinese settled. Newspapers of the period are filled with articles that exposed Americans to the Chinese culture (in simplistic and often wrong terms), as WASPs cast their attention to their new neighbors. Many missionary programs were active in China, as well, and some of them suffered similar conditions in China as did the Chinese in America. The Chinese emperor was somewhat sympathetic and readily decapitated the guilty parties and reimbursed the Americans, but he expected the US to reciprocate. While our justice systems worked differently, the US government did make restitution payments in some cases.''

:''Chinese immigrants came over in large numbers to work on the railroads, and when that work dried up, they spread around the northwest and in the larger cities, including New York City. They found that they could compete successfully in domestic services, women being traditionally paid less than men, and Chinese laundries popped up everywhere. Some began working for mines, others harvested crops. Because they would work so much cheaper, the fledgling Labor movement reacted violently. The threat of taking jobs, of driving down wages, the natural tendency to look down on people whose culture was different and the associated proliferation of opium dens, and the surge in crime caused whenever a group is downtrodden and forced to survive on next to nothing, combined to create a hostile attitude and movement wherever Chinese settled. Newspapers of the period are filled with articles that exposed Americans to the Chinese culture (in simplistic and often wrong terms), as WASPs cast their attention to their new neighbors. Many missionary programs were active in China, as well, and some of them suffered similar conditions in China as did the Chinese in America. The Chinese emperor was somewhat sympathetic and readily decapitated the guilty parties and reimbursed the Americans, but he expected the US to reciprocate. While our justice systems worked differently, the US government did make restitution payments in some cases.''

26 Oct 1882 At Miles City Chinaman has become thoroughly Americanized. He can be seen any evening, in his laundry, playing on a piano.

26 Oct 1882 At Miles City Chinaman has become thoroughly Americanized. He can be seen any evening, in his laundry, playing on a piano.

[[7 Feb 1883]] Chinese New Years, typically celebrated with townsfolk visiting certain Chinese households and being treated to whiskey, cigars, opium, tobacoo, cigarettes, confectionery and straight dinners. Households included those of [[Gee Lee]], [[Sam Lee]], [[Sa Wo]], [[Sam Can]] and [[Chong Wo]]. At Sa Wo's house, imported sea weed, birds nest pudding, rice and imported Chinese tea was set out. In several houses, an aromatic herb was burning to keep away bad spirits, devils, disease, etc. The going rate for a washed shirt was "two bits".

[[7 Feb 1883]] Chinese New Years, typically celebrated with townsfolk visiting certain Chinese households and being treated to whiskey, cigars, opium, tobacoo, cigarettes, confectionery and straight dinners. Households included those of [[Gee Lee]], [[Sam Lee]], [[Sa Wo]], [[Sam Can]] and [[Chong Wo]]. At Sa Wo's house, imported sea weed, birds nest pudding, rice and imported Chinese tea was set out. In several houses, an aromatic herb was burning to keep away bad spirits, devils, disease, etc. The going rate for a washed shirt was "two bits".

[[4 Nov 1883]] "Mrs. M. McCarthy has opened a laundry at Mrs. McCanna's house and proposes to compete with John Chinaman in both price and excellence of work. Give her a call."

[[4 Nov 1883]] "Mrs. M. McCarthy has opened a laundry at Mrs. McCanna's house and proposes to compete with John Chinaman in both price and excellence of work. Give her a call."

27 May 1884 Sam Can had his 29.5 inch queue cut off and he kept it in case he returns to China, for only convicts have short hair. He is not the only Chinese in Miles City to do this.

27 May 1884 Sam Can had his 29.5 inch queue cut off and he kept it in case he returns to China, for only convicts have short hair. He is not the only Chinese in Miles City to do this.

23 Nov 1884 A rice-eating match is to take place on Thanksgiving day between two Chinamen at a laundry on Main stree. Pekin chop-sticks and Canton rice are to prevail. $25 a side are staked. "Melican" (American) man hopes best Chinaman win.

23 Nov 1884 A rice-eating match is to take place on Thanksgiving day between two Chinamen at a laundry on Main stree. Pekin chop-sticks and Canton rice are to prevail. $25 a side are staked. "Melican" (American) man hopes best Chinaman win.

2 Jan 1885

2 Jan 1885

[[Judge Brown]] in district court. 4 pm trial begins. [[Sam Lee]] is defendant. Dr. [[W. A. Burleigh]] represents the defense. Prosecuting Attorney is [[William H. Ross]]. County [[physician]] Dr [[J. J. Wood]] testifies that he can't tell whether residue is opium or not. Several Chinese testify that the most of the pipes taken as evidence are not suitable for smoking opium. Burleigh argues that even if they were, presence does not necessarily mean usage. Both attorneys fought vigorously for their cases. The judge postponed action until the next grand jury, where he hoped that the true nature of the compounds could be determined, bond set at $300. The other four will be tried the next day.

[[Judge Brown]] in district court. 4 pm trial begins. [[Sam Lee]] is defendant. Dr. [[W. A. Burleigh]] represents the defense. Prosecuting Attorney is [[William H. Ross]]. County [[physician]] Dr [[J. J. Wood]] testifies that he can't tell whether residue is opium or not. Several Chinese testify that the most of the pipes taken as evidence are not suitable for smoking opium. Burleigh argues that even if they were, presence does not necessarily mean usage. Both attorneys fought vigorously for their cases. The judge postponed action until the next grand jury, where he hoped that the true nature of the compounds could be determined, bond set at $300. The other four will be tried the next day.

2 Sep 1885 White miners in Rock Creek, WY massacre over 50 (28 actually) Chinese miners. In Seattle, WA local Indians, who lost jobs picking hops to Chinese workers, attack them, killing two and wounding four. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Springs_massacre]

2 Sep 1885 White miners in Rock Creek, WY massacre over 50 (28 actually) Chinese miners. In Seattle, WA local Indians, who lost jobs picking hops to Chinese workers, attack them, killing two and wounding four. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Springs_massacre]

24 Feb 1886 District court, spring term, 5th day: Judge [[Charles R. Pollard]].

24 Feb 1886 District court, spring term, 5th day: Judge [[Charles R. Pollard]].

US vs. Ah Ki, grand larceny, accused of robbing another Chinese person at knife point at [[Fort Keogh]] of a few dollars. Jury heard the case and were discharged for the day.

US vs. Ah Ki, grand larceny, accused of robbing another Chinese person at knife point at [[Fort Keogh]] of a few dollars. Jury heard the case and were discharged for the day.

[[9 Dec 1886]] "Judge Strevell on behalf of the Chinese [[opium den]] offenders, has notified the court of an appeal to the District Court and the bonds for the release of Ah Song, Ah Yoht and Ah Tuong (Ah Guong?) have been given and the Chinamen are at large.

[[9 Dec 1886]] "Judge Strevell on behalf of the Chinese [[opium den]] offenders, has notified the court of an appeal to the District Court and the bonds for the release of Ah Song, Ah Yoht and Ah Tuong (Ah Guong?) have been given and the Chinamen are at large.

Jan 1887 Livingston vigilantes are ordering their Chinese to leave because of the opium dens.  

Jan 1887 Livingston vigilantes are ordering their Chinese to leave because of the opium dens.  

In the same issue, three staff of the YJ and [[Johnny Carter]] of Leighton & Jordan's, on the [[Chinese New Year]], are treated to eating, drinking and making merry at the "washee man west of Leighton's store". They enjoyed imported candies, nuts, chewing gum, rice liquor and a "string of unnamable viands and luxuries". The Chinese took pride in explaining what each awful decoction and mixture was and enjoyed the impression made upon us by the taste of their" chewing gum, the taste remaining long after the names were forgotten.

In the same issue, three staff of the YJ and [[Johnny Carter]] of Leighton & Jordan's, on the [[Chinese New Year]], are treated to eating, drinking and making merry at the "washee man west of Leighton's store". They enjoyed imported candies, nuts, chewing gum, rice liquor and a "string of unnamable viands and luxuries". The Chinese took pride in explaining what each awful decoction and mixture was and enjoyed the impression made upon us by the taste of their" chewing gum, the taste remaining long after the names were forgotten.

28 Jul 1887 While attempting to ford Tongue river yesterday at the government crossing, a 2 horse livery rig, in which were two Chanamen, was washed downstream by the current...They jumped out of the carriage when it neared the shore on the town side and standing in water up to their necks held the horses' heads above the water until help arrived. The tugs (part that attaches to the wagon) were unfastened and the horses towed along the cut bank until a lowering in the bank allowed of their climbing up out of the water. A dozen willing hands snaked the carriage out of the rushing current and the Chinamen took care of themselves. One of the "celestials", a Bozeman merchant (possibly Hop Gee?) claims to have lost his pocketbook containing over $200 in the struggle. They would have made the ford if they had aimed right, diagonally upstream, but they allowed the horses to drift down and into deeper water on the east side against the cut bank.

28 Jul 1887 While attempting to ford Tongue river yesterday at the government crossing, a 2 horse livery rig, in which were two Chanamen, was washed downstream by the current...They jumped out of the carriage when it neared the shore on the town side and standing in water up to their necks held the horses' heads above the water until help arrived. The tugs (part that attaches to the wagon) were unfastened and the horses towed along the cut bank until a lowering in the bank allowed of their climbing up out of the water. A dozen willing hands snaked the carriage out of the rushing current and the Chinamen took care of themselves. One of the "celestials", a Bozeman merchant (possibly Hop Gee?) claims to have lost his pocketbook containing over $200 in the struggle. They would have made the ford if they had aimed right, diagonally upstream, but they allowed the horses to drift down and into deeper water on the east side against the cut bank.

[[14 Dec 1887]] [[Fires|Fire]] breaks out at 6 am in [[Charlie Can]]'s wash house opposite the office of the [[Yellowstone Journal]] on Main street. The Chinese residents were all asleep and the source was thought to be from a stove in the annex. The laundry was a complete loss, but its value was small, being quite old. Owned by [[Major Logan]], erected in 1879, it was the public [[school]] in 1882 and has been rented to variety of businesses. The workers saved as much laundry as they could.

[[14 Dec 1887]] [[Fires|Fire]] breaks out at 6 am in [[Charlie Can]]'s wash house opposite the office of the [[Yellowstone Journal]] on Main street. The Chinese residents were all asleep and the source was thought to be from a stove in the annex. The laundry was a complete loss, but its value was small, being quite old. Owned by [[Major Logan]], erected in 1879, it was the public [[school]] in 1882 and has been rented to variety of businesses. The workers saved as much laundry as they could.

[[11 Feb 1888]] Chinese New Year. During the day the 3 Chinese establishments in town were visited by the townspeople and were treated to delicacies and rice liquor (also American rye). The Chinese took a sleigh ride and set off lots of pure quill Chinese fire crackers. The next day will conclude with roast pork and a general display of fireworks.

[[11 Feb 1888]] Chinese New Year. During the day the 3 Chinese establishments in town were visited by the townspeople and were treated to delicacies and rice liquor (also American rye). The Chinese took a sleigh ride and set off lots of pure quill Chinese fire crackers. The next day will conclude with roast pork and a general display of fireworks.

21 Jan 1890 On Sunday night during [[Chinese New Year]], while the fireworks were exploding, the horse owned by [[W. S. D. Smith]] which was standing by the [[Wing Chung]] laundry, bolted and being blind in the right eye, hit the iron railing over [[James M. Sipes]]' barber shop, which gave way, and horse and vehicle tumbled into the basement. Bystanders pulled the horse out and he was found to be only a bit scratched up.

21 Jan 1890 On Sunday night during [[Chinese New Year]], while the fireworks were exploding, the horse owned by [[W. S. D. Smith]] which was standing by the [[Wing Chung]] laundry, bolted and being blind in the right eye, hit the iron railing over [[James M. Sipes]]' barber shop, which gave way, and horse and vehicle tumbled into the basement. Bystanders pulled the horse out and he was found to be only a bit scratched up.

June 1890 Ad for S. H. Joe who does better and cheaper washing than anybody.

June 1890 Ad for S. H. Joe who does better and cheaper washing than anybody.

22 Mar 1890 A mob threatens the Park Hotel, demanding that the 2 Chinese recently hired be fired. City Council adjourns its session and councilmen deputized, they confront mob and after some time they disperse. No Chinese had been around since one of the was put adrift on the river in a boat 2 yrs ago (5 yrs ago?).

22 Mar 1890 A mob threatens the Park Hotel, demanding that the 2 Chinese recently hired be fired. City Council adjourns its session and councilmen deputized, they confront mob and after some time they disperse. No Chinese had been around since one of the was put adrift on the river in a boat 2 yrs ago (5 yrs ago?).

20 Oct 1891 The Chinaman who conducts the laundry on Bridge street is a nephew of Sam Lee, who was murdered at Fort Custer last week. It appeared that someone killed him with an ax after hours in the front of his shop, burglary the supposed motive. Deputy US Marshall Jones of Miles City is investigating, assisted by Deputy Foster.

20 Oct 1891 The Chinaman who conducts the laundry on Bridge street is a nephew of Sam Lee, who was murdered at Fort Custer last week. It appeared that someone killed him with an ax after hours in the front of his shop, burglary the supposed motive. Deputy US Marshall Jones of Miles City is investigating, assisted by Deputy Foster.

Some batchelors were chewing the fat and the subject of troubles with Chinese laundries came up (again). Adding to the usual incidents of socks with holes, sleeveless shirts and button-holeless collars, "A. B." told of when a long time supplier named "John" lost his large weekly load in a fire, he still came around for his weekly pay of $3.75. He refused, but gave him a  drink for his "immaculate gall".

Some batchelors were chewing the fat and the subject of troubles with Chinese laundries came up (again). Adding to the usual incidents of socks with holes, sleeveless shirts and button-holeless collars, "A. B." told of when a long time supplier named "John" lost his large weekly load in a fire, he still came around for his weekly pay of $3.75. He refused, but gave him a  drink for his "immaculate gall".