they cannot stand up against the effects of the poisonous liquors sold
here. If the landlord is not able to induce the new-comer to drink, the
"Jackal," or the porter, is called in. Jack never suspects the porter of
any design upon him, but believes that the landlord is his only enemy,
and the "Jackal" is usually successful. If it is found necessary to make
quick work of the case, the liquor is drugged; but, as a general rule, it
is poisonous enough to stupefy even a strong man in a very short while.
When the victim is fairly helpless, he is conducted to his room. There
may be other "boarders" in this apartment, but they are generally too
drunk to notice what is going on. The doors are utterly without
fastenings, and are oiled to prevent them from creaking. When all is
quiet, and the victim is plunged in a heavy slumber, the "Jackal" creeps
up the stairs, enters the room, and robs the poor fellow of whatever
money or valuables he may have on his person. In the morning, when the
sailor awakens, sick and disheartened, he discovers his loss. The
landlord is full of sympathy for him, and is indignant that such an
outrage should have been perpetrated beneath his roof. He has the house
searched, and, if the sailor cannot be made drunk again, goes through the
farce of causing the arrest of a "stool-pigeon," who is of course
discharged for lack of evidence against him. Usually, however, the
sailor is made drunk, and is gotten to sea again on a long voyage as soon
as possible.

The various methods of forcing a sailor to sea are called "Shanghaiing."
The practice is resorted to by landlords, to enable them to complete the
crews which they have contracted to furnish to vessels. The owners and
masters of these vessels are fully aware of the infamous manner in which
men are procured for them, but say they must either connive at it, or let
their vessels go to sea shorthanded. In "Shanghaiing" a sober man,
resort is had to false promises. He is induced to go on board of a
vessel, "to see how he likes her." He is then detained by force until
the ship has left port. His true name is not entered on the list
presented at the Custom House on the day before sailing, but he is passed
under a fictitious name. When the wretches who carry on this business
are very much pressed for men, they do not hesitate to waylay sailors,
knock them senseless, and convey them on board vessels in this condition.
They are not particular as to th