Ex parte Mouratis

This is a petition for habeas corpus on behalf of Nick Mouratis, a male alien, aged 49, a native and citizen of Greece, who entered the United States at the port of New York in 1903. He was arrested in warrant proceedings by the immigration authorities under section 19 of the Act of February 5, 1917 (8 USCA § 155), and ordered deported upon the ground that he has been found connected with the management of a house of prostitution, and that he has been found assisting a prostitute. The matter comes before me on demurrer to the petition.

The evidence upon which the deportation order was based consists of the reports of immigration inspectors. as to two visits to the premises occupied by petitioner prior to issuance of the warrant, together with statements secured by one inspector on the second visit from the petitioner, from a lodger, and from Jane O’Neil, the alleged prostitute. These statements'were sworn to in the presence of the inspector. In addition there is testimony given. by the inspector at the hearing. Petitioner was given opportunity to prepare for the hearing and to have counsel present. His evidence and that of a lodger, also arrested, against whom the charge has been…