OpenLLM-France/wikimedia huggingface dataset:
# Ports of the world - Canton/A Battle for Life

* A BATTLE FOR LIFE
They come by way of land and they come by way of water. Some hop nimbly from sampan to sampan; others climb the railing officially considered as being an adequate barrier against trespassers. They screech and yell in such a ferocious manner that the more timid among the passengers turn pale and wonder whether they have survived the voyage from Hongkong only to meet a greater danger in Canton.
The crowd of yelling, half-naked Chinese is reinforced by others attracted by the din which silences even the brassy clatter of native musical instruments on the funeral boats drifting along in midstream.
An occidental fist is doubled. It falls upon an oriental chin. And if the air were filled with shouts and yells a moment ago, it is now flooded with the same. The men passengers prepare to light to the last gasp for the women and children—their hearts being filled with the same ardor possessed by the berserkers of old who, it is said, had quite a reputation for bravery in their time.
It is a battle for life, apparently. The travelers appeal to the ship's officers who endeavor to make themselves heard above the uproar. But the exercise of so many vocal organs has temporarily crippled the sense of hearing, and the officers' words go all unheeded by their charges.
Another occidental fist is doubled, and its possessor (a grim, red-faced man resembling a traveling salesman) uses it to such good advantage that another oriental is tumbled over, but is less fortunate than the first, inasmuch as he sails head over heels into the river and is fished out by a screaming fisher woman who volleys curses on the heads of the excitable "foreign devils."
The score is now two to nothing, the occidentals being in the lead, and further casualties are in the offing, when a short breathing spell enables the now hoarse ship's officers to make themselves heard to the passengers. ​"Stop," they shout. "Stop! Don't do that." And they rush to the rescue of a passenger engaged in an international argument with two giant natives. The rescue is effected, and the ship's officers turn to the passengers. "These natives are not cutthroats, nor bandits, nor river pirates," they say, "but just porters and sedan-chair coolies. They're looking for customers, not blood."
The travelers, some angry and some apprehensive before, now cast sheepish grins at one another. The grim, red-faced man (resembling a traveling salesman) gives a dollar to the native whom he had thrown into the river and the first casualty among the natives is given a similar amount. The peace is no longer disturbed.
The renewal of shouts, cries, and yells among the porters and sedan-chair coolies, a crash of cymbals from the funeral boat on the river, and the wail of a fisher woman who has just lost a catch of fish by reason of a broken net, signals the end of the battle for life on the Chukiang River at the port of Canton shortly after break o’ day.
# Ports of the world - Canton/Celestial Temples

* CELESTIAL TEMPLES
There are numbers of idols in the Temple of the Five Hundred Gods, many of them arranged in prim rows along the walls, most of them with hands complacently folded; some with oriental faces, others with countenances which would be countenanced by few nations; some with beards, others with smooth jowls; some grave and dignified, others smiling enigmatically with their stone lips; all clad in flowing robes of stone.
Western point of view. In fact, the Chinese idea of propriety is often the American and European idea of impropriety, and vice versa. Witness the custom of laughing and talking while at worship: the burying of the dead with an accompaniment of wild outbursts of deafening music, and the practice of eating cockroaches in honey and snakes in broth. Canton is indeed a most unbelievable city, where the yawning, sleepy-eyed traveler finds himself yawning and sleepy-eyed no longer, but as wide-eyed as the small boy at a circus.
The Chinese in Canton as a rule seldom take the question of worship in the temples as seriously as they might, and many of the buildings have fallen into disrepair, the courtyards and ponds being filled with rubbish and the interiors of the temples being furnished with shabby, soiled fixtures—all in striking contrast with the dignity and neatness of American churches.
Few natives visit the temples. Most of those who do place food and burn prayer papers and punk on the altars. The prayer paper, it seems, is supposed to take the place of spoken prayers, and the natives have considerable faith in the ​efficacy of this particular device, thereby showing another of the countless differences between the customs of orientals and occidentals. Imagine an American clergyman burning a piece of paper in place of reading his Bible!
One of the most pretentious temples in and near Canton is the Buddhist structure, known as Hoi-tung-tsz, on the island of Honan. The grounds cover an area of five acres, are divided into numerous courts, and peopled by scores of Buddhist priests.
The Temple of the Five Genii, or Ng-sen-kwan, on Great Market Street; the Temple of Longevity, or Chung-shan-tsz, in the western suburbs; and the ancestral temples of the Chen and the Chun-ka-che families, are prominent among the places of worship in Canton. The Chen temple is better kept than most of the temples in Canton, while the Chun-ka-cho temple just outside the city proper, is one of the, most imposing buildings of its kind in all China.
Besides the temples there are numerous pagodas in Canton, including the Five
Storied Pagoda, or Chen-hoi-tan, and the Wa-tap, or octagonal flower pagoda, which stands in one of the most pleasing and restful places, from the occidental viewpoint, in the city.
# Ports of the world - Canton/Memorandum

MEMORANDUM
These blank pages should be used to note items of interest to which you will want to refer
MEMORANDUM
# Ports of the world - Canton/Foreword

In order to furnish valuable information to officers and enlisted men of the Navy who visit these ports, the Bureau of Navigation is preparing individual guidebooks on the principal ports of all quarters of the globe.
Although every effort has been made to include accurate information on the most important subjects connected with this port, it is realized that some important facts may have been omitted and that certain details may be inaccurate. Any information concerning omissions or inaccuracies addressed to Guidebook Editor, Bureau of Navigation, will be appreciated. The information will be incorporated into revised editions.
Acknowledgment is made to the National Geographic Society for its suggestions, both as to editorial policy and the interesting details concerning this port and its environs.
Acknowledgment is also made to Underwood & Underwood and Publishers' Photo Service for the following photographs, which are copyrighted.
# Ports of the world - Canton/Idols and Pottery

* IDOLS AND POTTERY
The output of the Canton trade guilds includes hundreds of articles of merchandise, ranging from idols to pottery, and running the whole gamut of export goods—from hair, silk, embroideries, jade, carved woods, candied ginger, and other Chinese sweetmeats, to fans and lacquer ware.
The district of the blackwood-cutters' guild offers one of the most interesting sights in Canton. Few travelers ever visit the city without directing their ​sedan-chair coolies to carry them along Yuck Tsze and Tai-son-kai Streets, and the Old Factory district where most of the shops in the guild are located.
Solemn Chinamen squat in front of partially completed idols, whose mysterious faces are hardly more strange than the saffron countenances of their makers. The idol carvers, after putting the finishing touches on the images, cover them with gold leaf or gilt, and dispose of them to native purchasers, and sometimes to souvenir-seeking foreigners.
Natives engaged in turning out cabinets, chairs, buffets, tables, and other articles of the sort, will tell the visitor—with flickers of pride in their usually expressionless faces—that their ancestors worked in the same shop, making the same kind of articles, long before the "foreign devils" ever came to China. When the faltering hand of an aged father dropped the carving tools, leaving, say, an idol or a chair half completed, the youthful hand of his son would pick up the carving tools, and the son would carry on the work where his father left off—just as his father carried on the work after his grandfather and his grandfather carried on the work after his great grandfather, and so on down through the centuries. It is a fatalistic, initiative-destroying custom—typical of the strange manners and customs of old China.
Buddhist images and picture frames are sold in Siu-sen-kai; ivory and turquoise goods in Tai-sen-kai, Yuen-sek-hong, and Yuk-tsz-hong; sandalwood products in Hou-pun-kai; feather fans and embroideries in Chong-yuen-fong; sandalwood products and porcelain in Sen-tau-lan; and ivory, lacquer ware, and silver vessels in Sai-hing-kai.
Pottery manufactured in Canton is exported to nearly every country in the world, and doubtless many of the Americans and Europeans visiting the city ate their porridge or bread and milk from dishes made in Canton before they were old enough to know there was such a city.
# Ports of the world - Canton/Clipper-Ship Days

* CLIPPER-SHIP DAYS
American clipper ships sailed from the ports of Boston, Salem, and New York—laden with cotton goods and other American products proceeded through the Straits of Magellan to the Pacific Coast, where they traded their cargoes for furs, and sometimes stopped at Hawaii where they traded their cargoes for sandalwood.
ports, and their cargoes of tea and silk were disposed of, the owners often found they had made a fortune on the single voyage. Prosperity came to American ports as well as to Canton during the days of the fast clipper ships, and Chinese, as well as Americans, mourned when the advent of the steamer spelled the end of the clipper. For many years trade between Canton and American ports continued to decline as a logical result of the decline of the American merchant marine; but now that the flag is again seeking out new trade routes, as in days of old, trade between Canton and other Chinese ports and the United States is beginning to assume something of its former proportions.
# Ports of the world - Canton/On Shameen Island

* ON SHAMEEN ISLAND
The sedan chairs from the hotel are quickly occupied, the porters take up their burdens of luggage, and the travelers are carried along the Bund, across a bridge, and find themselves on the island of Shameen, which serves as a place of residence for a majority of the foreigners living and visiting in Canton.
of the French while the remainder is governed by the British.
Before the French and British engineers began their task of improving the island and making it habitable for foreigners, Shameen was a low sand bank in the river and hardly in the category of places fit for human residence. But the ingenuity of the engineers transformed the island into a healthful, beautiful, residential district, and Shameen is now considered the best section of Canton, although as far as the picturesque is concerned it is surpassed by the native districts of the city.
Shameen is well protected against possible attacks by bandits or river pirates. The bridges leading to the island from the mainland are guarded day and night, while barbed-wire entanglements stand on the shores, evidently for the purpose of discouraging marauders from among the river population.
Natives are forbidden to go on the island unless permission is granted by the British or French, and the few natives who pass back and forth are searched for weapons by the guards at the bridges. Europeans, however, are seldom stopped by the sentries.
Probably the best view of Canton is obtainable from the island of Shameen, and many travelers prefer to see the city from across the river, rather than mingle ​with the natives in the hot, dusty streets or along the narrow passages of water which thread both the residential and business quarters of Canton.
But the stranger who has traveled all the way from the other side of the world to see something of manners and customs in Canton, does not hesitate to leave the hotel in Shameen, recross the river, and ride by sedan chair above the heads of the thrones in the streets; and when his individual tour of inspection is completed he can say with truth that he has had his hand on the heart of Canton and has felt the throb of life along its narrow streets and alleys and waterways. In seeing Canton he will have seen much that is typical of China—for the foreigner has not gained the foothold here that he has in Hongkong, and the Cantonese, for the most part, dress and act and speak as their ancestors did centuries ago. Only most of them have discarded the queue since the establishment of the Republic, and the feet of the women are not bound so generally as in the days of the Empire. But with very few other changes the major part of the population of Canton has
played a conservative part in the game of life, displaying their respect for their forefathers by doing as then-forefathers did. If Americans were to follow the same custom, we would still be wearing powdered wigs, knee breeches, embroidered coats, ​ruffles, buckled shoes, and rapiers; or coonskin caps, leather coats, and leggings with buckskin fringes, moccasins, and carrying powder horns and long squirrel rifles—Daniel Boone style.
# Proclamation 5174

Delivered on 8 April 1984.
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
Mental health counselors use special counseling skills and understanding of human development to help their fellow Americans cope with problems of adjustment, the pain of illness, and the stresses of life. They provide 50 percent of the mental health services delivered in this country, working with the chronically mentally ill, the depressed, the anxious, the abused, and others, who, through no fault of their own, cannot fully meet their daily obligations or experience life's pleasures.
Through a variety of techniques, mental health counselors assist people to attain self-understanding and skills needed to solve problems, make decisions, and successfully deal with others in an increasingly complex world. Mental health counselors work in hospitals, community agencies, clinics, and the private practice sector and with all types of health professionals, applying the expertise gained through their many years of education and training.
In recognition of the important services that these counselors perform for others to save lives and reduce suffering, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 203, has designated the week beginning April 8, 1984, as National Mental Health Counselors Week and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning April 8, 1984, as National Mental Health Counselors Week. I call upon health care professionals, educators, the media, individuals, and public and private organizations concerned with mental health to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.
RONALD REAGAN
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:09 p.m., April 9, 1984]
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105).
Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse
# Proclamation 5170

Delivered on 31 March 1984.
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
One of the most magnificent presents that one human being can bestow upon another is the gift of sight. Human eye tissue which is donated at death may be used in research and cornea transplant operations. Each year, thousands of Americans suffer from impaired vision caused by congenital defects, injuries, and diseases. Cornea transplant surgery can improve or restore the sight of many of these people. Unfortunately, all too many people are unable to retain their sight because there is not enough corneal tissue available.
Through the efforts of 93 eye banks across the Nation, these problems are being alleviated. The eye banks help coordinate the nationwide distribution of donated eye tissue for use in medical education, continuing research efforts, and cornea transplants. Developing from a single institution in 1944, the eye banks have greatly encouraged research into the prevention and treatment of eye disease and helped increase national awareness of the urgent need for more eye donations, so that others may receive the gift of sight.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 225, has designated March 1984 as "National Eye Donor Month" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of that occasion.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of March 1984 as National Eye Donor Month. I urge all citizens, health care professionals, educators, and other public and private organizations concerned with vision and vision research to join with the Nation's eye banks in recognizing this humanitarian cause with appropriate activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.
RONALD REAGAN
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:31 a.m., April 2, 1984]
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105).
Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse
# Proclamation 5173

Delivered on 3 April 1984.
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
By tradition, the second Sunday in May is designated as Mother's Day, a day on which we honor and think about our mothers.
Almost every woman in our Nation looks forward to the rewards and joys of motherhood without overlooking the long-term effort that raising children demands. We are grateful to mothers for their willingness to give of themselves for their children's well-being, for their wholehearted belief in their offspring, for their love, for being wellsprings of hope, and for all the support they lend to us throughout life.
Motherhood is both a great responsibility and one of the most unique, rewarding, and pleasurable experiences life has to offer. Just as the family is the basis of a strong nation, so dedicated mothers are frequently the key to strong families. The quality and scope of their activities, as well as their overriding concern for the well-being of their families and the future of our country, inspire and strengthen us as individuals and as a Nation.
In recognition of the contributions of all mothers to their families and to the Nation, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914 (38 Stat. 770), designated the second Sunday in May each year as Mother's Day and requested the President to call for its appropriate observance.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby request that Sunday, May 13, 1984, be observed as Mother's Day. I direct Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Federal government buildings, and I urge all citizens to display the flag at their homes and other suitable places on that day.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 3rd day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eightyfour, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.
RONALD REAGAN
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:46 p.m., April 3, 1984]
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105).
Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse
# Proclamation 5166

Delivered on 21 March 1984.
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
Before they are eighteen, about half of our Nation's children will have lived part of their lives with a single parent who strives to fill the role of both mother and father.
Many single parents in America are making valiant efforts on behalf of their children under trying circumstances. Whether it is a deserted spouse forced to work and care for children simultaneously, or a spouse who is not receiving child support that has been awarded by a court, or an unwed mother who has bravely foregone the all-too-available option of abortion, or a widow or widower, single parents deserve our recognition and appreciation for their demonstrated dedication to their young.
At the same time, we should also recognize the vital and ongoing role a large percentage of non-custodial parents play in the nurturing process of their offspring. Their sacrifices, devotion, and concern reflect the bonds of caring for those they have brought into this world.
Single parents can and do provide children with the financial, physical, emotional, and social support they need to take their places as productive and mature citizens. With the active interest and support of friends, relatives, and local communities, they can do even more to raise their children in the best possible environment.
The Congress, by H.J. Res. 200, has designated March 21, 1984, as "National Single Parent Day" and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of that day.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 21, 1984, as National Single Parent Day. I call on the people of the United States to recognize the contributions single parents are making, sometimes under great hardships, to the lives of their children, and I ask that they volunteer their help, privately or through community organizations, to single parents who seek it to meet their aspirations for their children.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.
RONALD REAGAN
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:13 a.m., March 22, 1984]
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105).
Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse