They adhere to all the vices and uncivilized habits of their forefathers, and very frequently add to them equally objectionable vices of so-called civilization.  At one time all the streets in Chinatown were little more than elongated ash pits and garbage receptacles.  The public outcry at length became so vigorous that the strong hand of the law was brought to bear, and now the principal through streets are kept fairly clean.  The side streets and alleys are, however, still in a deplorable condition, and no American or European could possibly live many days in such filth without being stricken with a terrible disease.  The Mongolians, however, seem to thrive under conditions which are fatal to civilized humanity.  They live to quite the average age, and the children seem to be very healthy, if not conspicuously happy.

Chinatown covers an area of about eight large squares, in the very heart of San Francisco.  Again and again attempts have been made to get rid of the drawback and nuisance.  But the “Melica Man” has allowed himself to be outwitted by the “Heathen Chinee,” who has secured property rights which cannot be overcome without a measure of confiscation, which would appear to be scarcely constitutional.  The area is probably one of the most densely populated in the world.  The Chinese seem to sleep everywhere and anywhere, and the houses are overcrowded to an extent which passes all belief.  It is known as an actual fact, that in rooms twelve feet square as many as twelve human beings sleep and eat, and even cook what passes with them for food.  The houses themselves are so horrible in their condition, and have been so remodeled from time to time, to meet Celestial ideas and fall in with notions which are but a relic of barbarism, that not even a colored man of the most degraded type can be persuaded to live permanently in a house which has ever been occupied by an unregenerated denizen of Chinatown.

At the entrance to this peculiar, and, indeed, disreputable quarter, there is a house with a peculiar history.  It was built more than a quarter of a century ago, by a wealthy banker, who selected the site because of the admirable view that could be obtained from it of the leading features of the city.  He spared no expense in its erection, and when it was completed he was able to gaze from the upper windows upon some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  For a while the banker lived in the most magnificent style, and earned for himself a reputation as a prince of entertainers.  He spent thousands of dollars on entertainments, and appeared to have everything that a human being could desire.  His end was a tragic one, and it has never been ascertained for certain whether he died by his own hand, or by the hand of one of his alleged friends or avowed foes.  The house which was once his great pride is now occupied by the Chinese Consul.