Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait341879roya).pdf/29

 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 informed 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 Bâton" seriously, and no Society would dare to think of making a combined effort against the Government.

After the address to the new members, the Sien Seng explains to them the various secret signs and pass-words of the Society, which are of great use to the Chinese who travel in the Natire 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-oés acting as Generals are also arrayed in white costume, but have red turbans, and straw shoes laced over white stockings, something in the style of the pictures of Italian bandits."

The Master, (Tan Kin-lan) with right shoulder bare, enters the "Ang Gate," and passes through the "Hall of Sincerity and Justice," and the East Gate of the "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