CHINESE SECRET^ SOCIETIES. 11 



three years ago ; but at that time I fondly hoped that the 

 Government would see its way to exceptional and more 

 stringent legislation, for an exceptional population. As my 

 hopes have proved fallacious, I have been obliged to change 

 my opinions. 



Returning to the subject of this paper ; — I have been in- 

 formed by many old office-bearers of Societies, that 40 years 

 ago, the punishments of the League were carried out in their 

 integrity, and that on one occasion, some strangers (in the 

 slang of the Society " draughts of wind") (93) were actually 

 beheaded for intruding on a meeting held in the jungle. 

 As to the power of Secret Societies in those days, I have 

 been told by a man who professes to have been in Singapore 

 at the time, that a single member of the "Kwan-te Society," 

 (94) released 75 of his brethren who had been confined in 

 Jail for some outrage. 



At the present time, I am sure the Headmen dare not 

 even use the " Red Baton" seriously, and no Society would 

 dare to think of making a combined effort against the Gov- 

 ernment. 



After the address to the new members, the Sien Seng ex- 

 plains to them the various secret signs and pass-words of 

 the Society, which are of great use to the Chinese who travel 

 in the Native States, and through the Archipelago. At a 

 meeting of initiation, these secrets are however only revealed 

 in a very elementary manner; a familiar knowledge of them 

 can only be obtained by attending Lodges of Instruction, 

 which are frequently held, and which as in the case of all 

 meetings, are duly notified to the Government. 



Having delivered his address, and finished his instructions, 

 the Master unbraids his queue, and puts on a suit of clothes, 

 and a turban of pure white ; the " Chhan-oes acting as 

 Generals are also arrayed in white costume, but have red tur- 

 bans, and straw shoes laced over white stockings, something 

 in the style of the pictures of Italian bandits." 



The Master, (Tan Kin-Ian) with right shoulder bare, 

 enters the " Ang Gate," and passes through the " Hall of 

 Sincerity and Justice," and the East Gate of the 6i City of 

 Willows," ( at each stage repeating an appropriate verse) 

 until he arrives in front of the altar above the " Red-flowery 

 Pavilion ;" here, he lights the " Jewelled Emperor Lamps," 

 uses the two pieces of touchwood as candles, lights the 7- 

 star lamps, and burns a charm to drive all evil spirits from 

 the Lodge. He then with a sprig of pomegranate and a cup 



