PAM, 
 N. AMEit. 
 
 The Chinese in America 
 
 MRS. J. E. PIATT 
 
 rthe early years of our Chinese immigra- 
 tion, California was not only the port of 
 entry, but the point of destination. 
 Here they came, and here they remained, 
 crowding together, hving much the same life 
 they had Hved in China, eating the same kind 
 of food, and wearing the same kind of clothing. 
 
 Walking the streets of Chinatown, one saw 
 as truly an Oriental city as if he were walking 
 the streets of Canton, China. There were the 
 stately priests with gorgeous flowing robes, the 
 rotund smihng merchants with garments perhaps 
 a Uttle more modest in color, but with plaited 
 queues, eager to show the beautifully embroid- 
 ered garments, the exquisite carvings in ivory, 
 the hideous yet wonderfully carved idols and 
 dragons, and the many other strange things 
 displayed in those fascinating shop windows. 
 
 There were Httle women with bound feet, 
 gorgeously arrayed, with painted hps and hair 
 richly decorated, hobbling along attended by 
 women slaves. There were dainty Httle maidens 
 in the gayest of colors, flitting along beside the 
 more somber trousers and tunics of the mothers. 
 
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There were the street peddlers with their loads 
 of fruit and vegetables and fish carried in large 
 baskets swung from a bamboo pole and bal- 
 anced on the shoulder. There were then, and 
 there are now, temples and joss houses where 
 monstrous idols are enthroned, where incense 
 never ceases to burn, and solemn rites are 
 performed. 
 
 In the homes are set up many idols and 
 ancestral tablets and pictures, before which in- 
 cense continually burns. Some of these gods 
 are very practical. The "kitchen god," for 
 instance, watches over the family life and 
 proves to be a means of restraint to the chil- 
 dren at least, for only obedience and good 
 behavior is rewarded by promises of plenteous 
 food from the "kitchen god." 
 
 The "earth god" is placed at the entrance 
 door to keep away sickness and harm. These 
 and many other kindred superstitions proclaim 
 San Francisco to be the citadel of heathendom 
 in Christian America. 
 
 Many changes have come to Chinatown in 
 recent years. The most noticeable perhaps are 
 in the street scenes. One no longer sees the 
 swinging queue and the flowing robes. Chinese 
 men wear the latest cut in American clothes, 
 with h-air trimmed to the proper lines, topped 
 with the prevailing fashion in hats. 
 
 The strong sentiment in regard to the change 
 in wearing apparel brought about an amusing 
 incident recently. Commissioner Hwang came 
 from China with thirty-two artisans to construct 
 the Chinese Palace on the exposition grounds. 
 
 Soon after the work was begun he was waited 
 upon by "Young China," who said, "Make 
 
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your workmen take off those absurd purple 
 and pink pantaloons and blouses and sandals. 
 Be more progressive. You are in America now. 
 We of the more advanced China do not like 
 those costumes. American clothes for us and 
 American clothes for your workmen. We sug- 
 gest that you buy them overalls." Commis- 
 sioner Hwang said later, "The matter is settled; 
 my men have overalls." 
 
 This is but one of many changes that indicate 
 new ways, new thoughts, and new purposes 
 brought about by contact with Western life 
 and education. The Chinese have become mi- 
 gratory. There is scarcely a city in the United 
 States of any considerable size that has not 
 some Chinese shops and a greater number of 
 Chinese laundries. 
 
 Chinese students are enrolled in almost all 
 the colleges, including West Point and Annapohs. 
 
 All are set toward the serious purpose of 
 getting the best America can give in education 
 and training for use in the new Republic. 
 
 San Francisco is the center of Chinese social, 
 commercial, and political life. A number of 
 secret societies and organizations, notably the 
 "Six Companies," dominate its entire life. The 
 political situation is rather acute. Officially 
 they are supposed to be loyal to the present 
 regime in China under Yuan Shi Kai. Really 
 they feel it to be no better than the monarchy 
 under the Manchus and are still hoping for a 
 real republican form of government. 
 
 They are therefore ardent revolutionists, giv- 
 ing their sympathy and money to the move- 
 ment on foot under Dr. Sun Yat Sen. 
 
 With all these changes and the spirit of 
 
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unrest, San Francisco still remains the great 
 center of Chinese family Mfe and influence. 
 This makes it the strategic point for organized 
 Christian effort among them. It is of inter- 
 national importance and will have a decided 
 influence on the evangelization of the Orient. 
 
 WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY 
 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
 
 150 Fifth Ave., New York City 
 50 or less, 6c.; 50 to 100, 10c. 
 
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