The Price of a Smuggled Vice
Two brothers arrested with thirty pounds of opium off the steamer California face the cold reality of a federal court judgment.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Two brothers named James and Thomas McEvoy were arrested yesterday by the custom house officials, charged with the crime of smuggling opium. These men were just leaving the steamer California when they were apprehended by the officers. About 30 pounds of the narcotic drug was found in their possession when arrested. Both men, after being arrested, were turned over to the custody of the U. S. Marshal, and yesterday afternoon had a preliminary examination before U. S. Commissioner Lamson. In answer to the charge, the defendants confessed their guilt. Each was held to await the action of the grand jury in the sum of $500. Failing to furnish the required bonds, they were committed to the county jail. The accused, it seems, had entered into a contract to furnish some Chinese laborers with opium at $12 per pound. They had an opportunity to purchase 30 pounds at $10 per pound at Victoria and brought it over to this place, hoping to thus realize a handsome profit. But before they get free from the clutches of the law, they will assuredly realize to their sorrow that it was a very bad investment.
“But before they get free from the clutches of the law they will assuredly realize to their sorrow that it was a very bad investment.”
This 1878 account of a cross-border smuggling operation highlights Seattle’s long history as a node for illicit trade. While the goods have shifted from opium to other prohibited commodities, the tension between regional economic aspiration and federal legal enforcement remains a constant feature of Pacific Northwest life.
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