On the authority of Tom Mow, we yesterday informed our readers of the extensive funeral demonstrations, which they might look for this.afternoon. It came. All Chinatown was out to witness the absorbing, event and a pretty full representation of the white population of the city was on hand as well. A tent cover had been pitched in the open court just below the plaza for the better accommodation of the crowd in attendance, and also to protect the extensive paraphernalia employed in the ceremonies. At one extremity of the canopy the coffin the deceased Lee Pai was placed, the head of which was overshadowed by a large banner o( gauzy brown cambric. At the other side of the tent, a capacious table was spread and literally loaded down with edibles; the menu including a pig roasted whole, another pig spitted, but uncooked, and a kid neatly dressed, with head and horns intact, except as to hair, resting on its haunches in a wooden tray. There were Chinese confections of all known kinds, cakes, candies, nuts, some plates of apples, and some dishes which would defy the unsophisticated Caucasian to make out. Tea, served in infinitesimal cups, also figured in the bill of fare. There were tapers on the table burning with a vile fume, and a Josh, securely covered up with red and white paper cambric to shield it from the vulgar gaze. But despite the tempting array of substantials and dainties spread out before the assembled company, nobody ate. A master of ceremonies, or priest, arrayed in a long gown of slate-covered cambric, went through some cabalistic ceremonies, a part of which was the chanting of a tune, which sounded like a camp-meeting hymn run mad. Then the laymen came in by ones and twos. They made obeisance three times, then knelt upon a mat facing the table and performed three distinct salaams, bowing their foreheads nearly to the ground each time. Then the mourners-for such we suppose they were — each took one of the little cups of tea, scattered its contents on the ground, and held the cup up to be refilled by an attendant and again placed upon the table. After this the mourners were given one of the burning tapers which they held between the palms of their two open hands compressed together; then more salaams, and the tapers were passed up to the head of the table by attendants and implanted in a bed of sand, when they gradually smoldered away. With a rising to the feet and the execution of another obeisance or two, this ceremony was completed, and the performers retired to give place to others. After this rite had been going on for some time, the Chinese orchestra near at hand struck up a lively tune (save the mark!), and diverted the general attention for a time to themselves. We will not endeavor to describe the excruciating medley of discords-the clanging of the cymbals, the thundering of the gongs, the falsetto piping of the wind instruments, and the clatter of the tom-tom-they are beyond description. But presently, this tumult was stilled, and the preliminary ceremonies being over, the line of march was made up. First in order was Dohs’ brass band, heading the procession; next a hearse drawn by four hourses, and escorted by six pall-bearers arrayed in long white robes; then a company of ten or twelve women, some of whom (the mourners probably) were also dressed in white. Following these marched a long line of Mongols wearing aprons of white cambric, tied with strips of red, each man bearing a banner of glazed stuff. Every variety of color as well as every outlandish shape conceivable for each purpose was represented in the banners. After these came more Chinamen wearing aprons, and the detachment brought up in the rear with the master of ceremonies, bearing the veiled Josh. This column, no doubt, comprised the Chinese Order of Free Masons. The attempt at aprons would at least suggest such an idea. The succeeding marchers wore knots of red and white cloth pinned to their sacks, and no other decoration. They in turn were followed by a carriage bearing the Chinese orchestra in full blast, another carriage filled with women, another with men, and finally, a “boss” Celestial with his wife and friend in his own hired livery rig.
The procession moved around the plaza; down Main to Arcadia; Arcadia to Los Angeles; Los Angeles to Requena; to Main, to Temple, and thence to the cemetery. At the cemetery some more heathenish ceremonies were performed, which we have not time and space to recount today.