The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-08-02
Ghings abroad.
Horrible Sights in a Chinese City.


Lying in au open space in street some
what larger than the rest, we saw four
human beings in such pitiful state of
disease it made me shudder; one female
with three males, almost nude, incapable
OF moving, covered with sores, insects and
filth, they were dying slowly, in fact were
placed there 10 die, no one with them TO
say Kind word; even the passers by only
gave them glance and passed on. Ask
ing the guide who these unfortunates
were, and why such inhumanity was al
lowed, he replied that they were afflicted
with,an incurablo disease, aud belonged to
the "Joss, aud it was of no use, nor was
it right TO care for them, as they would
soon die and be buried by the public.
Emaeiated 70 a frightful degree they lay
there all unconscious and Indifferent, their
eyes liked in a vacant stare, the stamp Of
death upon their features; day or less
would end their existence.
We were now about fifteen minutes 10
the place, and my friend said he felt as il
he wanted TO go out, felt much the
same; but, having been informed that to-
day was one Of the few when visit to the
Jail was allowed, / braced up, and con
quering the feeling Of nausea, wunt with
the guide through q number Of these
wretshed streets until arriving at some
what larger structure than those 10 the
immediate vicinity, we entered, gaining
the good will Of an official by the gift of a
franc. Filth and stencil, as everywhere
else, prevailed The sight of a criminal
chained to an upright stanchion that sup
ported the beams overhead at the entrance
to the corridor, along which are several
cells with strong wooden doors and curious
Chinese locks, was pitilul. lie was a re-
captured fugitive; and was to be taken
three times week to this stanchion, the
ground under his feet being strewn with
jagged stones and broken glass bottles,
and on this compelled to walk, probably
with no food save what relatives or friends
brought him. The glass aud bottles,
broken fine, did not cut much, but Ia
Judge from the painful expression on his
squallid features he must have suffered
considerable. In an adjoining cell four
human beings were confined carrying
around their necks boards about two feet
square, which were clasped on them when
first brought up for punishment, and are
not removed until their terms expire
Brass nails were driven through aud pro
truded at least an inch at the bottom
serving to keep the shoulders of the pool
men raw with the pricking caused by the
slightest move. Holding out their thin
trembling hands they beg for food. A fe
male was In the room, sister Of one oi
the criminals, bringing him food and bath
ing his head and shoulders. gave her 0
few silver pieces, and gave her to under
derstand through the guide that it was t,
be used to procnre food for her brother
and companions These FIVE being all tn,
inmates at the time, we started for tn,
purer air outside the walls.
As general thing, long terms of con
tnement are customary in China; grav,
otfenses are punished by decapitation, thief
in many being thus punished, lesser often
ses by punishment like those just witncs
ed and aogging.
On our way out we passed that grou
OF dying Wrelehes In the open square, ani
noticed that one of their number had dis
appeared; he expired few minutes aite
We passed, aud was by this time unde
ground Breathing the pure air again
and away from SO much filth and misery
could not help being struck by the con
trast of the fine buildings, the handsom
equipages of the wealthy, aud the scene
Of human misery and wretchedness jus
witnessed. | found my friend, who hn
chosen to examine the more agreeable GU
riosities, in the restaurant of the hotel d
Colonies, in conversation with its genia
manager, Mr.. Brown, n Baltimorean O
fifteen years ago. 1t is truly said that @
the horrible stenehes the stencil Of a dirt
Chinese city, with its narrow streets, i;
inhabitants, numbering many thousand,
is the most disagreeable.
Readers will please notice that the fe,
facts and incidents given arc from th
dark sides Of Chinese life; they are not a
of this one type and class Although tn
majority Of them may be rightly termed
miserable, superstitious class of people, tn
minority show to decidedly better advan
tage. They comprise merchants, mechan
les, servants, and followers of all yocations
They dress more tastefully. In fact,
Chinaman in good circumstances wear
apparel consisting chiefly Of silken an,
other rare materials, his head aud cue ar
always kept in apple-pie order, aud hi
features are Of more refined and agreea
bic cast. Educated in the differen
branches Of their native language, q grea
number Of them have mastered the Eng
lish, and read and write 10 perfection
They are shrewd in business, and accumu
late With rapidity. 5L5xs agEN