The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1876-02-17
The Chinese New Year in San Fran
cisco.

In the Chinese quarter yesterday Jan.
25,) work was laid aside, enjoyment
reigned, and high and low, rich and poor,
altered the dull routine of their daily
lives, and on the first day of the new year
regaled themselves with holiday. The
cobbler's seat on the corner was vacant;
the half-worn shoes and patchcd-up boots
were laid aside, and the cObbler himself
was arrayed in his best bib and tucker"
looking remarkably different in his
dandified dress from the STOPPING, busy
figure in faded and patched clothing that
draws waxen threads through cloth shoes
on the usual working days. The forms
that usually bent beneath the weight of
two heavy baskets hung on pole gave
up for the day the sale Of vegetables, fruit
and fish, with patriotic disregard of coin
truly wonderful No single back door in
the city was yesterday tapped by Celes-
tial visitor with the inquiry: &c You likee
fishee?" for work on the festive occasion
was sacrilege and enjoyment duty. With
them, as with the Americans, the practice
of making calls prevails, and all through
the day the houses were filled by acquaint-
ances, going and coming, remaining
few moments to pass the compliments OF
the day, drinking glass of wine, and
then making way for the next caller.
Noticeable in the hands of all were little
slips OF red paper marked with Chinese
characters, those being the visiting cards.
The Weather portion were arrayed in
rich vestments, full dress being the rule.
When an acquaintance was met graceful
bow took place on either side, a polite
word or two was spoken, surprising him
who had imbibed the popular low idea OF
Cinnamon in general by the courtliness
and general air of good breeding which the
salutation exhibited. But the visiting was
not confined to the Chinese alone. The
tame of the day attracted many ladies and
gentlemen, who could be seen in all parts
of the Chinese quarters, accompanied by
their China boys, the latter highly enjoy
ing their office as cicerone and guide, and
exhibiting a national pride in explaining
the myriad points of interest incompre-
hensible to the American eye. As soor as
darkness spread over the city the calling
ceased. and most of the residents settled
down to a quiet evening at home. One by
one the candles in the large lanterns that
adorned each doorway were lighted, and
the parti-colored rays colored Enthusiastically
the faces and dresses of those who
thronged on the sidewalks below. Most
brilliant shone the restaurants in their red,
green, blue and yellow paint, brilliantly
lighted by numberless lanterns. The
streets in front were filled with persons
anxious for admittance. But many
were called, though few were chosen, y
the proprietors being very particular as to
who came in. The magic word "Chron'
icle" proved a sufficient passport, how
ever, and a reporter followed two ladies
and fat gentleman up the stairway to
the eating rooms above. On the way up
primitive-looking kitchen was seen,
with an array of brass kettles and Other
utensils used in preparing the ambrosia
feasts that regale the Chinese palate. A
the first landing the fat gentleman stoppet
to blow, and the ladies admired som'
scraggy looking specimens OF Chimes
art upon the walls. In the upper storI
sat two quiet-looking, well dressed China
men, who gravely saluted the visitors a.
they came in, and conducted them 10
small table whereon were placed trays o
sweetmeats, tea, liquors. etc, The visitor