Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-11-05
Idolatry in San Francisco.

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Among the singular anomalies the present ag
is called upon to witness is the inauguratlon Q
idol worship on the Pacific shore OF this grea
republic, in the midst Of the Christian commun
Ii ity. The occurrence is fraught with interesting
if not painful reflections. Whether the iloert.
of conscience which is guaranteed to all in th'
constitution ever contemplated such profana
ton, and whether people recognizing the SOW
ereign claims of the one true God upon them in
their relations rs State, evince advancement OF
recession in its toleration are questions which
we leave for the casuists to determine. We have
nothing to do but to consider the fact as it is
promising that there is always enough OF intol-
erance in the human heart to make it over prone
to strike down that of which it constitutes itsell
the Judge, without arrning it with theoretical
arguments for prosecuting that which all agree
in pronouncing wrong That idolatry las been
allowed quietly to rear itself within Christian
city, is, perhaps, subject for political congratu-
lation; how it is calculated to affect that COM
munity morally and spiritually is not for US to
decide. A San Francisco paper thus relates the
story:
The Inauguration of idolatrous services in this
CITY has attracted much notice, and produced no
little sensation. The name of the deity whose
worship has been introduced, is not Josh, as
reported by some of the papers, nor Shangtl,
which is the name denoting Supreme Ruler, "
by which the Missionaries in China rendered the
word of God. We have learned from an educa-
ted Chinaman that the deity whose worship has
been here introduced is Kwangti, the patron
deity of the present dynasty in China, and OF the
Imperialist army. In the Oriental of June 2,
1856 we find full description of this deity
Instead of worshipping the Chinese Jupiter, the
nation has resorted to the protection of another
deity. Kwangti was distinguished warrior OF
the Han dynasty, about the commencement OF
the Christian era. His fidelity and friendship
to the Emperor in whose service he was engaged
were remarkable He perished in captivity at
the age of forty-two After his death he was
deified on account of his wonderful virtues. He
was selected as the patron god of the present
Manchu dynasty and wonderful deiverances
and victories are ascribed to him.
In consideration of these and other miraculous
interferences, during the present war, the Elm
peror has decreed that the god Kwangti shall
receive new honors and new titles. He is hence
forth to be worshpped with the same honors
that are paid to the highest deities. A new or.
der has been established, entitled the "Order of
Performers" to pay the worship to the idol OF
the "Spring and Autumn sacrifices" We learn
from the Rev. Mr.. Shuck, missionary among the
Chinese at Sacramento, that the recent festival
in this city is not one of the established obser-
vances, but an occasional" one, such as is COM
mon in China. From their choice of this god
to worship here it is plain that the Chinese of
the Company introducing this worship sympa.
thize with the Imperialists
It is well known that the Chinese are, in this
State, organized into companies, with their build
ings and agencies. The SEE Yup company en-
brace in the State about ten thousand members
They constructed their buildings on Pine street
in 1854; but they have delayed the present rites
in order to obtain furniture and, we presume,
also permission to worship; for the members OF
the "Order of Performers are required to pay q
sum equivalent to seventy-four dollars to entltle
them to perform the ceremonies.
In entering the building on Pine street, we
found simple front with tablet containing
the name of the company, and the date OF the
erection of the building, which was put up by
voluntary subscriptions. Going on through ir-
regular brick passages to the rear of the build
ing, we found another building fronting the bay,
which is Of beautiful style and dimensions. The
lower room is for reception, containing ranges
of seats, and few tables, the furniture being Of
the richest kind. Above is the temple. In the
back part of room about 90 by 40 feet is an
alcove containing the idol, Chinese figure, ofa
tawny color, with elaborate and glossy beard,
and Of full size The right hand of the idol is
raised, as if for speaking. The body and limbs
are gaudily ornainented with gilt carving, and
mosaic of small mirrors. The alcove and the
altar, or table in front are ornamented with car
wing figures and groups not known in our classics.
On either side of the idol and around the walls,
as well as suspended from the ceiling, are paint
ed boards and silk covered frames, containing
Inscriptions said to be taken from the writings
of Confucius. The worship, which we did not
witness, is said to have consisted of music, the
burning of incense, the spreading out of roasted
pigs, and dishes offruit, and tea upon tables be-
fore the image, and various infections and rites
by the PERFORMERS" who were robed in long
dresses. Dishes of tea yet stand before the idol,
and reeds or sticks of dried wood are kept slow
ly burning IN an urn. Flowers and preserved or
wax fruits yet remain in the room. The dedica-
ton of the house was part of the public cere-
mony.
Thus we have idolatry exercised in our midst.
It should excite only mournful feeling at the de-
gradation of human beings, and the desire and
effort to enlighten them, and turn them to the
knowledge of Him ''who dwellsth not in temples
made with hands, neither is worshipped by
mems hands as though he needed any thing,see-
ing he giveth to all life, breath, and all things"
From the National Intelligsnesr.
The Mechanical Paradox Wheel.
MEssRs EDITORS II have as yet seen in your
journal no notice of this scientific toy, for such
it is in appearance. although deserving of loft
Ter title in principle which, if it does not dis
.urb the theory Of gravitation, as hitherto un-