OFFICERS AFTER A BAD GANG

Japanese Attempt to Bring Girls Here for Immoral Purposes.

By the arrest of S. Takai and Tetsu Takai, father and daughter, on a charge of being unlawfully in the United States, local United States immigration officers believe they are on the track of a gang of Japanese who are making an effort to procure young girls from the Orient for immoral purposes.

Takai and his daughter were arrested last Monday by Inspector Ferrandini, of Whatcom, upon telegraphic information from the Seattle office. From the story they tell they were smuggled into Fairhaven about a week ago on a fishing haven about a week ago on a fishing sloop from Steveston, B.C. The two Japanese were landed on the beach between Whatcom and Fairhaven and the next day took a train for this place.

Officers Are Warned.

While in Seattle the immigration officers were warned that several procurers were after Takai's daughter. The father in the meantime heard that his presence in the city was known and decided to return to Bellingham. When it was found that Takai had left the city Inspector Ferrandini was instructed to arrest the two Japanese.

The inspector arrived in Seattle Monday afternoon with Takai and his daughter and they were examined by inspector-in-charge Estell, of the local office. A special board of inquiry was held and it was decided to debar the Orientals. A report of the case was sent to Washington and it is likely they will be reported.

Taken to Port Townsend.

Yesterday Inspector Geffeney took Takai and his daughter to Port Townsend where they will be held in the detention station for safe keeping until action in the case is taken by the officers at Washington. As yet the inspectors have not located any one of the procurers, but it is not unlikely they will be landed in the toils.

The inspectors say that the girl's father has a contagious ailment and that fact alone will probably result in his deportation. The girl will accompany him if he is sent back to Japan.