matter, and that was in reply to a telegram telling you he was accused of graft, and in which you replied not to tell anything until he could confer with you? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. And you want us to believe that, do you-you want the Government to believe that? Mr. TAYLOR. That is the first and only request I made about the office, and as far as the telegram is concerned, of course I sent it. Chairman WALSH. Have you made a report on the San Francisco office? Mr. TAYLOR. When? Chairman WALSH. When was that report? Mr. BUSIEK, About March 1. Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir; about that date. I would not say just when it was. Chairman WALSH. And in that report you reflected on Edsell-you reported against Edsell's conduct? Mr. TAYLOR. I think so. Chairman WALSH. And Ainsworth? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. And who else-Backus? Mr. TAYLOR. I will state I made a separate report on Ainsworth which resulted in charges being filed. Chairman WALSH. And Edsell and Backus? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. They are the ones in charge at San Francisco? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. You intended to recommend who for it? Mr. TAYLOR. For what? Chairman WALSH. For the place. Did you have some one you intended to recommend for the place? Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir. I can't recommend anyone. Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir. The only thing I recommended was cutting out the red tape and simplifying the work, and I think one statement was that the commissioner ought to run the office instead of the assistant commissioner. Chairman WALSH. And that you thought some man experienced in criminal matters ought to have charge of this whole smuggling proposition? Mr. TAYLOR. Certainly; yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. Now, isn't this a fact, I am going to put to you right straight: That you got into the department-you are a real estate man-you got into the department under President Roosevelt and got very close to President Roosevelt by being his personal attaché; that you came back and you served all during the Roosevelt administration and got into the Secret Service that way, and then served during the Taft administration, and then you had Chief Wilkie assign you so that you could get an early pull with President Wilson; that you got an acquaintance with President Wilson, the new administration; you immediately secured reappointment on the recommendations you had from the department and on the indorsement of the President; that you came out here and you have reported against all the San Francisco officers, and that you intend that they should be removed and that some one person would be placed in charge of all these criminal matters. Wasn't that your conception of the whole thing? • Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir. Chairman WALSH. That might look like how it would work out? Mr. TAYLOR. I don't see why. Chairman WALSH. If Tape was a dishonest man, and if there are such grafters in the department, and if they had a pull with an authority as high as you, that would be an ideal way to work it, wouldn't it? Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir. Chairman WALSH. You protected Tape right up to the last minute, didn't you? Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir. There is no possible chance anyone could profit by any connection I have with the service. Chairman WALSH. Could Tape profit by driving through Chinatown with you in an automobile, with his wife, and the Chinamen knowing that you were in full charge of the Chinese smuggling and of Chinese matters; could he or not? Mr. TAYLOR. Not unless he was crooked. Chairman WALSH. But if he was a crook, that is the ideal way, isn't it? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. To show he was close to the man high in authority? Chairman WALSH. This man was a member of an Asiatic race, and he was living with a woman for two years and you didn't know whether they were ever married or not, of any of your own personal knowledge, did you? Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir; no one else does, as far as I know. Chairman WALSH. And still you kept up friendly relationships in the presence of the Chinese people of Seattle? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. And if he was a crook and grafter, that was the way for him to get the money? Mr. TAYLOR. I don't believe I ever went in Chinatown with Tape but once in my life and that was to get some firecrackers. Chairman WALSH. I am going to ask you just one question now: I will ask you whether or not the following telegram was received by you at Buffalo, N. Y.: SEATTLE, WASH., June 3, 1914. R. H. TAYLOR, Castle Inn, Buffalo, N. Y.: Boss requests written statement my financial standing, monthly income, what house cost, and machine. Wife refused make statement as to income, personal reasons. Charge me with grafting; I have no fear; asked for investigation myself; the questions are personal. Shall I stand pat and not tell? I have interest in canneries with Chinese-shall I disclose it-which brings good income. Will do as you say. Have written full particulars. Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. FRED CHEW. Chairman WALSH. And did you answer that telegram in this way: "FRANK H. TAPE, "1618 Thirty-fourth Street, Seattle, Wash.: Is that where he lived? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. Did you have his address? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. Where did you have it? Mr. TAYLOR. I have been to his house? Chairman WALSH. How is that? Mr. TAYLOR. I have been to his house. Chairman WALSH. Did you remember the number? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. Say, have you a book in which you keep memorandas of your visits to these various places? Mr. TAYLOR. To a house like that? Chairman WALSH. Well, as to the work you do in various places? Mr. TAYLOR. No; I submit a report of anything I do. Chairman WALSH. And have you got any memorandas at all, any memoranda book that you carry covering passing things that you haven't made reports upon yet, suspended matters? Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir. Chairman WALSH. Well, I will ask you, then, if you replied to that telegram in this way: "FRANK H. TAPE, "1618 Thirty-fourth Street, Scattle, Wash.: "Insist on statement in writing, giving reasons for request your financial standing, and defer replying until you hear from me regarding particulars written me. Write me what down-town office is used for. Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. Where were you when you got his telegram? Mr. TAYLOR. In Buffalo. Chairman WALSH. Were you in the hotel? Mr. TAYLOR. I could not say. "TAYLOR." Chairman WALSH. And what time did you send the telegram to him? Mr. TAYLOR. I could not say. Probably night message. Mr. TAYLOR. Night message, I presume. Chairman WALSH. You think it was a night message? Mr. TAYLOR. I don't know. Chairman WALSH. Was his a night message? Mr. TAYLOR. I couldn't say. Commissioner O'CONNELL. Will you ascertain why he knew him as Chew instead of Tape? Chairman WALSH. He says it was an alias that he used. Mr. TAYLOR. That is his Chinese name, I might explain. Mr. TAYLOR. Tape is simply an American name. Commissioner O'CONNELL. Everybody seemed to know him as Frank Tape, and his dealings with everybody were as Frank Tape, but in his telegram there it was Chew. Mr. TAYLOR. He always used the name of Chew, nearly always he used it, I guess every time he has ever been working with me he had been working under the name of Chew. Chairman WALSH. Say, didn't every letter that you ever received from this man on official business, wasn't it signed Frank Tape? Mr. TAYLOR. On official business? Chairman WALSH. Yes. Mr. TAYLOR. I don't know that I ever received any on official business. Chairman WALSH. Did you ever receive a letter from him signed any way except Frank Tape? Mr. TAYLOR. I don't believe I ever received one from him signed Frank Tape. I think it was either Chew or Fred. Chairman WALSH. Now, then Mr. TAYLOR. Now, I would not say. Chairman WALSH. You got a letter from him following that, didn't you? Chairman WALSH. And you answered the letter? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir; if I did. Chairman WALSH. And you didn't keep any copy of your answer? Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir. Chairman WALSH. And you tore up the letter he wrote to you? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. And it was on vital business connected with the Government, the investigation of this man himself? Mr. TAYLOR. No, sir. Chairman WALSH. All right, that is your interpretation. Commissioner O'CONNELL. He is known officially on the Government roll as Frank H. Tape? Mr. TAYLOR. Yes, sir. Commissioner O'CONNELL. Or Frank Tape. Mr. TAYLOR. Frank H. Tape; yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. That is all. You are excused. Mr. TAYLOR. All right. Chairman WALSH (indicating papers). I want to keep these and check them over. We will return them to you before you leave the city. Mr. TAYLOR. I am going-will you send them to me? Chairman WALSH. Yes; if you will give Mr. Busiek your address. Mr. TAYLOR. All right, sir. Here is the remnant of that [indicating], the other deposits, and you have the book there. Chairman WALSH. Give Mr. Busiek the whole business. You say you had more deposits there? Mr. TAYLOR. No; it is in the bank; that is, the balance now. Chairman WALSH. Where do you want these mailed? Mr. TAYLOR. Care Bureau of Immigration. Chairman WALSH. Washington, D. C.? Mr. TAYLOR. Washington, D. C.; yes, sir. Chairman WALSH. Call Mr. Edsell. Chairman WALSH. You will please remain in attendance, Mr. Taylor. You are not excused finally. Just wait; we may recall you. Mr. TAYLOR. Well, I have through transportation to Washington to-morrow? Chairman WALSH. To what? Mr. TAYLOR. To Washington City to-morrow morning. I had transportation and I had to cancel it on account of waiting for this. Chairman WALSH. Well, now, couldn't you wire them and tell them this investigation is going on and we may want you? Commissioner GARRETSON. Better detain him on formal subpoena. Mr. TAYLOR. I am perfectly willing to stay. Chairman WALSH. Well, just stay here, then. Commissioner GARRETSON. Well, that furnishes justification. Chairman WALSH. We expect to be through by to-morrow evening. That is our intention. We may want to call you any time in the meantime. Mr. TAYLOR. Well, I am to remain until I am excused. There is a separate charge for canceling transportation. Chairman WALSH. Is there? I didn't know. Mr. TAYLOR. I got through transportation from Los Angeles and back this way. Chairman WALSH. Well, it will be an excuse that you were kept here in attendance on this hearing. Mr. TAYLOR. Every time you cancel, they charge you. It only comes out of the Government. Chairman WALSH. I am sorry. Commissioner GARRETSON. The Government will have to stand, the money. TESTIMONY OF MR. HARRY EDSELL. Commissioner GARRETSON. Give your name and address. Mr. EDSELL. Harry Edsell. Chairman WALSH. You solemnly swear the testimony you are about to give in the investigation now going on before this commission, being an investigation into the alleged smuggling of Asiatics into the United States, will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Mr. EDSELL. I do. Mr. BUSIEK. Your address. Mr. EDSELL. 974 Asbury Street. Mr. BUSIEK. Mr. Edsell, how long have you been connected with the Governiment service? Mr. EDSELL. About 12 years. Mr. BUSIEK. And prior to that what business were you in? Mr. EDSELL. Newspaper enterprises. Mr. BUSIEK. And where were you engaged in the newspaper business prior to the time you went into the Government service? Mr. EDSELL. At the time I was appointed I was city editor of the Evening Telegram of Portland, Oreg., and publisher of the Pacific Drug Review of the same city. Mr. BUSIEK. And at what posts have you served, Mr. Edseil? Mr. EDSELL. I entered the service as a Chinese inspector at Port Townsend, Wash., in July, 1903. In December, 1904, I was promoted to the position of Chinese inspector in charge at Sumas, Wash. I remained there until June, 1909, when I was made Chinese inspector in charge of the enforcement of the Chinese-exclusion act on the Canadian border, with headquarters at Montreal. I was subsequently transferred to Washington, but before the transfer actually took effect-I mean while being occupied in the field as an investigator of personnel and smuggling rumors--I was transferred to San Francisco for the purpose of investigating the station, and was subsequently left here as assistant commissioner. Mr. BUSIEK. How long have you been assistant commissioner, Mr. Edsell? Mr. BUSIEK. Mr. Edsell, I asked you informally last week to make a compilation of the number of Chinese entering the country for the last number of years. Have you done that? Mr. EDSELL. I have. Mr. BUSIEK. And also the number of applications as merchants, number of applications as students, the number of return applications, the number of ap plications to come in as sons of merchants. You have made compilations of that, have you? Mr. EDSELL. Yes, sir. Mr. BUSIEK. Will you just hand them to the stenographer, so that they may be filed with the commission? [See Edsell exhibit.] Mr. Edsell, to what extent has smuggling of Chinese been carried on in this district? We want your estimate as closely as you can give it, and what is the manner? Commissioner GARRETSON. Better get the confines of that district. Mr. BUSIEK. Just give us the geographical boundaries of this district. Mr. EDSELL. The present geographical boundaries are northern California and the State of Nevada, the line being the same in northern California as that of the judicial district. I don't believe I can tell you the exact outline of it myself now, but it conforms to the line of the judicial district. Commissioner GARRETSON. What is the last port? Mr. EDSELL. Well, it is an irregular line running from a point some distance north of Santa Barbara on the coast in a northeasterly direction until it comes out at one point within about 75 or 80 miles of San Francisco and then strikes almost directly east. Commissioner GARRETSON. Well, the coast line is what I want. Mr. EDSELL. Yes. Mr. BUSIEK. Mr. Edsell, what are the various methods by which Chinese are smuggled in here? Mr. EDSELL. In this district? Mr. BUSIEK. Yes. Mr. EDSELL. There are many of them. One, by means of incoming ships, as stowaways, usually with the connivance of the Chinese crew men on board the ships, and at times with the connivance of others on the ship. Also by means of small boats from Mexico coming up the coast, coming into this bay, coming into Monterey Bay, Half Moon Bay, those places that afford good landing places. Then indirectly into this district by means of the southern border, and freight cars coming northward, the ultimate destination being points within this district, and the unloading taking place within this district. Mr. BUSIEK. What is the extent of smuggling, in your judgment? Mr. EDSELL. Directly into this district I don't think that it runs into any very large number per year, but it is very difficult to estimate. Mr. BUSIEK. What would you say about the southern California district, from your knowledge? Mr. EDSELL, I think large numbers are smuggled from the Mexican border and into southern California by way of the water from Mexico. Mr. BUSIEK. The handling of smuggling cases is now under Inspector Taylor, I believe? Mr. EDSELL. Yes. Mr. BUSIEK. And he has complete charge of that? Mr. EDSELL. Yes. Mr. BUSIEK. How long has that been? Mr. EDSELL. Since-according to my best recollection, by the departmental order issued-since last March. Mr. BUSIEK. How many men has he caught since that time in your district? Mr. EDSELL. Only one that I have knowledge of. Mr. BUSIEK. And how many men have been assigned from this district to him to assist him? Mr. EDSELL. Permanently one, Inspector Chadney, but at times as high as five and six. Mr. BUSIEK. And what has been the occasion for such details of five and six? Mr. EDSELL. When there were rumors of the northcoming of a boat from Mexico, telegraphed us from the southern jurisdiction, or telephoned us by the former inspector at Monterey, who is now under Inspector Taylor. Mr. BUSIEK. And then you would send out men to watch the proposed landing places; is that the idea? Mr. EDSELL. Yes; usually assigning them to temporary service underdirectly under Mr. Taylor. Mr. BUSIEK. Mr. Edsell, without going into the records, but where you have records of these transactions if you will indicate them so that we can later check them up, I want to inquire into the Calipso incident, a boat which I believe has been seized by officers under you. How many Chinese were smuggled in on that boat? |