A Rent Dispute Turns Violent in the Alley

During an argument over a debt, Ah Chung attempted to stab Quong Chung, a Main Street merchant, last evening about 9 o'clock in the alley that runs from Main Street to Yesler Avenue between South Fifth and South Sixth streets. Quong Chung runs a lodging house in connection with his store and claims that Ah Chung owes him $24 in rent. According to the stipulated terms, Ah Chung was to pay $2 a month for his room, but according to Quong Chung, he had paid only 25 cents during the last twelve months. Quong Chung met his tenant in the alley last evening and asked him for the money. Ah Chung said he had none and could not pay. The discussion became heated and, if Quong Chung's version is correct, Ah Chung drew a knife and slashed him. The knife failed to inflict a serious wound, but cut through a heavy coat and three shirts, scratching the skin of his left arm. As soon as Ah Chung saw what he had done, he went to his room, while Quong Chung went to the police station. Capt. Lingle and Quong Chung searched the Chinese district on Main Street, but could not find Ah Chung, who had locked his room and hidden.