The company also cares for the sick, if they are friendless and without means; and it sends home the bones of those who die here.
[Illustration: CAPE HORN, COLUMBIA RIVER.] Moreover, it settles all disputes between Chinese, levies fines upon offenders; and when a Chinaman wishes to return home, his company examines his accounts, and obliges him to pay his just debts here before leaving.
The means to do all this are obtained by the voluntary contributions of the members, who are all who land at San Francisco from the province which a company represents.
In the Canton company, "Sam Yup," I was told that the members pay seven dollars each, which sum is paid at any time, but always before they go home.
"Suppose a man does not pay ?" I asked a Chinese who speaks English very well.

He replied, "Then the company loses it; but all who can, pay.

Very seldom any one refuses." "Suppose," said I, "a Chinaman refuses to respect the company's decision, in case of a quarrel ?" He replied, "They never refuse.

It is their own company.

They are all members." Naturally there are sometimes losses and a deficit in the treasury.