The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-01

Within the holy precincts Of the Chi
nese Joss House, on Four-and-a Half
Street. made more invfoIata during the
observance of the sacred season Of Per
Nein. or New Year-where but few Of
the barbarian race Of unenIightened for
cign devils have ever DenetTated-a re
porter for The Times gained admittanCe
last night, after four days OF unremitting
effort.
While entrance to the Joss House is
more than difficult a all times. for the
desDised Caucasian. in the course Of tho
New Year celebration the barriers are
made even more impossible. and for
tunate is he who penetTates beyond the
forbidden threshold.
The reporters first attempt was made
on Wednesday evening. New Year Eve.
On this occasion. though the swaying
lanterns of many hues that swing eteT-
nalIy before the altar could be plainly
discerned through the curtained window
from the street. the visitor was soIemnly
assured. with the utmost gravity Of
countenance. that the Joss House was
not there, but was further down on the
other side Of the street.
What NUMBER was asked.
Don remember was the reply.
A Second Attempt Fails.
The next day a detective. a reporter.
an artist and-aIas!-a camera, made
application for admission. The advan-
tage given by the c0mpanionship Of the
IL IL ~
confidence Of this peculiar people, was
more than negatived by the small black
box. The door was unceremoniously
shut on the party.
Thursday night a round of New Year
calls was made on the leading Chinese.
Although the freest welcome was ex-
tended by the hosts and the choicest re
fTeshments were set forth in abundance,
and although each Celestial was ap-
peaIed to to use his influence to secure
admission to the -Four and-a- Half Street
temple, he would invariably refer to
some other member Of the clan, at an
other address. who would be the only
one who could secure the favor
And 50. like a ping-pong ball the re-
porter was banded about, but the Gov
eted admission TO the holy OF holes was
not obtained.
Friday night the carpenter who fitted
up the furnishings Of the home Of the
Jess was found, and il seemed for awhile
as If he really possessed the open Sc
same 10 tho guarded chamber. Through
him admission was obtained to the house
itself.
The temple" IS the upper floor Of a
little house at 104 Four-and-a-HaIf
Street. Over the door. inside, swings
an immense painted lantern. Just in
front are the stairs which lead up to the
quarters Of the Joss. Turning to the
left the party entered a Iow-ceiIInged
room, around whose walls IS a low plat
form. barely wide enough for q man to
extend his full length
On this. lying IN various attitudes
We're perhaps dozen Cinnamon. engaged
in smoking opium. Some were cooking
the pellet in the fame Of a smoking
lamp, some were taking the few puGs
Of black smoke which each pill yields
and others we're lying back. arms shad-
ing eyes. enjoying the fantastic dreams
induced by the seductive drug.
There was one who desisted from his
enjoyment long enough to exchange a few
words with the visitors. He gravely re
iterated the information Of Wednesday
night. that the Joss House was else
where, and no amount Of persuasion suf-
feed TO change him from the stolid
guardian Of q nations religion.
Detectives Services Enlisted.
Last night the reporter told his trou-
bles TO Detective Thomas Hartigan.
While q private on the force Detective