A Honeymoon Interrupted: Chinese Cook's Return Could Mean Deportation
Charlie, also known as Vern Kee, returned from China with a new wife and registered under the Chinese restriction act. Now he faces deportation, and a commissioner must decide if his registration protects him.
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.
The case of Charlie, or Vern Kee, a Chinese cook charged with being illegally in the country, is of more than usual interest. He was being tried yesterday by Commissioner Emery, but was given until Friday to get his witnesses and the case continued. From the testimony of two sawmill men who used to employ the Chinaman as a cook, and who were witnesses against him, it appears that he went back to China about six months ago, married a pretty Chinese girl and came to Port Townsend to live. He did not conceal the fact that he had been away, and in fact went around to see all of his old friends and brag of his new wife. Soon after he went to the custom house at Port Townsend and registered under the new Chinese restriction act.
It is this that complicates matters. Had he not reentered he would be a candidate for deportation sure, but the commissioner is not certain now. It is thought, however, that the certificate of registration on its face is evidence of the Chinaman's right to remain, and that he will have to prove the right if assailed.
“Had he not reentered he would be a candidate for deportation sure, but the commissioner is not certain now. It is thought, however, that the certificate of registration on its face is evidence of the Chinaman's right to remain.”
This case illustrates the Kafkaesque traps of the Chinese Exclusion Act, where even legal registration could be challenged. It resonates with today's debates over immigration status and the human cost of restrictive laws.
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