San Francisco's "Chinatown."
Chinatown proper is bounded by Pacific Street on the north, Kearny Street on the east, and California and Stockton streets on the south and west respectively. Three of the principal car lines pass through it, so much of Chinatown and its life can be seen even by one coming up from downtown on the cars.
One is much amused by the curious ways and dress of the Chinese children, especially the young ones. Sometimes around Chinese New-Year's there is a great celebration and much firing of fire-crackers. Then the buildings are decorated in the brightest colors, and each Chinaman salutes his friend or neighbor with "Quong he fat choy" (Happy New-Year). Chinamen also make presents to their white friends at this time, sometimes very elaborate ones.
Post Street is the most common street for Chinese funerals, which consist of but one or two carriages, and sometimes only a hearse. From the vehicles are thrown out slips of paper about an inch and a half by five inches, with slits cut in them. There is a common belief that the devil must go through every hole in every piece of paper before he can reach the soul of the dead.
N. Wheaton, K. T. R.
San Francisco.