Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-04-13
DAILY COMMERCIAL.
FifE CHINESE IN SAN FRANCrsCo.
riSi' TO the Pagan Temple.

| HpmDkp.
0or oil the Rochester Union and Advertissr
| San FRANCISCO, Feb. 17.-WedneSJar io..
besides beng Ash Wednesday md $3.50, 80
Gay, was the first Of the new WOW az
| OLhnese OF this city. | believe 7 boyaa Ia
you that there are from 5000 10 IN 600 &c ~
moon-eyed Celestials in this city 49, INC
them are some very wealthy and resnectabiee
merchants, and the ''doings'' of tbe NouJ
ear holidays -four days. have been anita
interesting. fireworks and crackers have
been rafting in all parts of the city. but rnoro
especially in that part of the town known nov more n
CHINA town, where most of the sJohns',
reside. Many of these merchants kept omen
house, and received their white friends with
as much dignity and ceremony as ''any other
man" Champagne and other wines were
expended with liberality
The temple was opened to all Mclean visitors
who would honor them with their presence,
and |, among others, ''honored" them with
call. The building is situated in a miserably
dirty alley, and is a small building, three
stories IN height. The first story seems to be
occupied as sleeping and smoking depart
i!leHt' 1here were number of the "Johns'i
lingering IN bisstul repose upon the floor,
"hile others were enjoying the luxury of a
smoke The strong fumes of onium which
they smoke not having salutary effect upon
my oItactory organs, | was Obliged to beat n
hasty retreat, and forthwith mounted To tbn
second story. All about this room were
characters in the Chinese language. brilliant
lights were suspended from the ceiling. and
incense burned upon the several affairs where
We're reared the gods whom they worship. On
one side were arranged standards or poles
upon which were banners. These standards
were surrounded with figures, carved from
brass, IN the shape of dragons and monstrosities
o.
altar or pedestal where an ugly looking animal
OF the dragon species received the homage of
the Johns Around the 'Eanimile'' were
some beautiful specimens of Chinese handiwork,
consisting Of carved wood, embroidered work,
and artificial flowers, the whole being under n
canopy of carved wood work, handsomely
gllded with gold, silver, and carmine.
Before this nondescmpt idol were placed
plates containing oranges, candies, and cups
OF tea, given as an offering; but the gentle
pussy with the immense mouth and omen
jaws touched them not.
In another portion of the room are placed q
large number, one hundred or more, small
figures, carved from brass, representing Chi
nese III various attitudes and pastures. | in.
terred that this was some historical representa-
ton. There were several spreads of most
exquisite embroidery work, the figures being
OF the dragon and mermaid order, handsomely
wrought Ill gOlu and silver, upon heavy scarlet
silk. These were offered for sale at $40 each.
The third story is the most important one,
for here in all his majesty and glory sits the
Josh Of Joshes, Tong Gee He is Jolly,
fat and seemingly very good natured old
fellow; his mouth is rather larger than is
necessary for a mortal to possess, and he grins
constantly. He is a wooden man, but q great
man among the Chinese. His complexion is
rather darker'th that of his devotees, being
Of a dark brown. He sports moustache Of
huge size, He, also, had several plates of
oranges, candies, and pot of tea before him.
Whether it happened to be his lunch hour or
not, | did not ascertain. He was seated under
a canopy of richly embroidered silks, carved
wood work, and artificial Chinese flowers all
arranged with that taste and skill which the
Chinese alone possess. There was also a
piece Of embroidery work here which is the
most beautiful thing | have ever seen. 1t
represents the High Mandarin of China and
his two children. 1t was made in China, and
exported to this country expressly for the
temple. As far as my observations extended,
judge that the Chinese may have no service.
There was large number present, but they
seemed to be as uneoncerned as their visitors.