The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-04-23
The Chinese I'm San FIancisco-Visit to the
Pagan TempIe.


Wednesday last, besides being Ash Wednesday
and valentine day, was the first of the new year
among the Chinese OF this city. believe have
told you that there are from 5000 to 10000 OF
the moOn-eyed Celestals in this city, Among
them are some very wealthy and respectable
merchants, and the "doingsN of the New Year
holidays Qour day ys) have been quite interesting.
Fireworks and crackers have been rattling in all
parts of the city, but more especially in that
part of the town known as Chinatown, where
most OF the johns reside Many of these
MERCHANTS kept open house, and received their
white friends with as much dignity and cere-
mony as ANY other man, Champagne and
other wines were expended with llberality.
The temple was opened to all Mclean visitors
who would honor them with their presence, and
|, among others, "honoredn them with call.
The building Is situated in a miserable dirty
alley, and is q small building, three stories in
height. The first story seems to be occupied as
q sleeping and smoking department. There
were number OF the Johns lingering in bliss
full Tepose upon the floor, while others were en-.
loying the luxury of a smoke. The strong fumes
OF opium which they smoke not having a salu-
tary effect upon my olfactory organs, l was
obliged to beat a hasty retreat, and forthwith
mounted to the 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
we're surrounded with figures carved from
brass, in the shape OF dragons and monstrosi-
ties OF various forms. Near this was reared an
altar OF pedestal where an ugly looking animal
oil the dragon species received the homage OF the
"Johns.n Around the ''animalep were some
beautiful specimens of Chinese handiwork, con-
sisting OF carved wood, embroidered work and
artificial flowers, the whole being under canopy
OF carved woodwork. handsomely gilded with
gold, silver, and CGrmine.
Before this nondescript idol were placed
plates containing oranges, candies, and cups OF
tea, gwen as an Offering; but the gentle pussy"
with the immense mouth and open jaws touched
In another portion of the room was placed
large number, one hundred or more, small
figures carved from brass, representing Chinese
in various attitudes and postures. / inferred
that this was some historical representation.
There were several spreads of most exquisite
embroidery work, the figures being OF the
dragon and mermaid order, handsomely wrought
In In gold and silver, upon heavy scarlet silk.
These were offered Tor sale at SO 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 a jolly, fat, and
seemingly very goodnatured old fellow; his
mouth is rather larger than is necessary for a
mortal to possess, and he grins constantly. He
is wooden man, but a great man among the
Chinese. His complexion is rather darker than
that OF his devotees, being of a dark brown. He
sports moustache of huge size. He also had
several plates of oranges, candies, and q pot OF
tea before him. Whether it happened to be his
lunch hour or not, did not ascertain. He was
seated under canopy of richly embroidered
silks, carved woodwork, and artificial Chinese
flowers, all arranged with that taste and skill
which the Chinese alone possess. There was
also piece OF embroidery work here which Is
the most beautiful thing | have ever seen. 1t
was made in China, and exported to this country
expressly Tor the temple. As far as my observa-
tions extended, Judge that the Chinese may
have no service. There was a large number
present, but they seemed to be as uhconcerned
as their visitors. Cor Rochester Union and
Advertiser.