Charley Tung, reputedly the world' wealthiest Chinese laundryman, pro. mises to have an even more stupendous, a more glamorous and a more dazzling birthday celebration for his second son than he had for his árst-born, which astounded Orleanians, states United Press.
The city of processions and pomp is anticipating the event set for July 25. Two years ago Charley failed to present his rst manchud before the gods of Heavens and in lieu of this celebrated with a fireworks parade and a party on the roof of the Roosevelt Hotel.
Residents of New Orleans were surprised when more than 500 Chinese left Chinatown, across Rampart Street, outside of what was once the west side of the old city walls, and paraded into Canal Street. Before the doors of the town's most sedate hotel they dispersed evil spirits with a bedlam of fireworks rivaling a Fourth of July celebration. On the roof more spirits were chased—in the form of potent rice wine. There were plenty of greasy vests on foreign dignitaries at the conclusion of the Chinese banquet. With the Oriental foods only chopsticks were given to guests.
"Edison" and "Ford"
Charley plans to do it all over again. Amid this Eastern splendour he will present his son Edson who he says he named for Thomas A. Edison anc Henry Ford's son Edsel, thus "Ed- on." His elder son was named Henry.
Twenty-six years ago the rotund laundryman went to New Orleans with enough money to buy a washtub. Little more than a decade ago he surprised large laundry interests by opening an enormous laundry with branches all over the city.
Rivals smashed machinery, annoyed his help and finally put a financial squeeze on'Charley. He was pressed to the wall, but one night he took a plane for somewhere—and when he came back he had ample financial backing. Since then he has hated the "trusts," and refuses to advertise unless his copy reads "Not in the trust."
That night flight, ten years ago made Charley Tung air-minded.
Charley lives above his main laundry plant in a penthouse with his tall, Americanized wife, Leshee, whom he wed several years ago after a whirlwind courtship which started in a railroad station.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.