The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-18
THE CHINESE QUESTION.

RECORDED TESTIMONY As TO THE MERITS OF
TIE MoNGOLIANs INTERVIEW WITH THE
MINISTER CHIN Ian PIN INSIGHT INTO
THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA
To. THE EDITOR HERALp:-
The question, Shall America encourage free inter-
course with China? is that is OF present interest
to large portion of citizens. California seems
inclined to restrict almost 10 prohibit immigration.
and certainly her views merit profound considera-
ton. DO we us two nations. understand one an
other, calling each other barbarans for
want OF an intelligent appreciation the OF the
other 1t TO be presumed that the presence Of the
Chinese Embassy in this country viii ultimately give
the people of the Fiowery Empire somewhat
better knowledge of u.s. and meantime it
may hot be amiss to glance ut the sum
OF our knowledge or them. Four hundred years
ago the Caucasian landed American soil and to-day
the native races pleading the last vestige of
the continental domain. The time seems to have
rived for the Monaghan brother and dwell
in his tents. Ought America to prohibit him
enemy or to regulate him friend? Can more be
said for the Chinese than against them :?
CHINESE.
Let us call few instances. Those who know most
OF the history and people of China-4OO o0o-secm
favorable free intercourse and think America has
more to gain by Chinese immigration than she could
i. Mcdhurst, in his History of China" is favor
able to them.
,. Martin. in 1s47. fuller history. in some
respects. and favored perfect freedom Of intercourse
with Europe and America" He English
man.
3. Speer, in his large volume of Chinese history
also regards their future hopeful and favored mmi
grafton.
L. IL Gray takes decided views either way it is not
now remembered.
5. Mr.. Y. J. Allen Of Georgia has resided in Shang-
hal twenty years. He is gentleman of independent
and nff He. krAxv
guage and people from the lowest classes to the high
est He told the writer while visiting Georgia in 1878.
ter and thought that America would do well to en-
courage free intercourse with China.
DR.. Legge, who has translated Chinese Classics
is Il friend to China, and speaks favorably of its
future.
INTERVIEW WITH CHIN Ian Pm
6. The last witness is the Minister from China, the
venerable and learned Chin Ian Pin The writer had
conversation with him few evenings ago, and
among other topics discussed was this of Chinese
immigration
DO the Chinese desire citizenship he was asked.
''They do not said the Minis They simply
wish to make money, to work and trade"
Would they likely interfere with American ideas
of government or religion?"
mo; they have not done in other countries. In
Singapore the Chinese are over one hundred thousand
while the other Inhabitants number only about fva
thousand and the Chinese do not interfere in govern
mental affairs. As to religion, China tolerates all
religions The missionaries permitted to mako
converts to Christianity. The Chinese would not
disturb religion
suppose beth America and China willing.
should become citizens Of American
That is hard question. 1t would depend on the
degree OF intelligence OF the Chinese IMMIGRANT,
The students might qualify themselves for such
privileges much sooner than other classes-the far
mcrs, the artisans and the merchants
The writer said: - have been reading Chinese
classics and was surprised to see Nencius taught
democratic doctrines. the rights Of the people. aud
lie goes tar as to say In II nation the main ele-
mcnt is the people. and if the ruler does
the wishes or the people he should be dethroned.'
Yes" the Minister replied, 1.-The Emperor consults
the wishes of the people. He must give
He must follow the precedents and statutes. Those
books piled yonder all precedents and statutes.
'Mcncius also says the administration OF govern
ment consists i'll putting proper men in Office see
that selection OF officers by competitive examination
Is thing i'll China, aud that your civil service
has been long REFORMED
The Minister replied, Yes, China has selected Off.
GERS in such way for 1000 years"
'Have you had experience with paper money ia.
sued by the government
Ives, China has tried paper money She received
her own paper from the people for all taxes and dues
to the government In the twelfth century she had
such money. In times of prosperity and when the
reserves were ample the paper money was good. In
times Of rebellion and when the reserves in
sufficient the paper money was deprecated.
"What your remedy?"
Nothing but to wait till prosperity returned"
Perhaps China could aid America to solve some
problems of the future. What legislation is PRUDENT
The constitution. the Burlingame treaty, the law of
nations natural and revealed law should counsel and
direct. In 1876 America threw open the doors the
world. Shall she now shut the door in the face OF
China because the problem is hard to solve and there
are many unknown quantities Change places Q
moment How would you like for China to charge
say $500 on each American landing in Shanghai
IL Christian America cannot act towards heather
China according to the words of Jesus, '.Do unto
others, &c, perhaps she can refrain from doing
der the negative vein presented by Confucius:-
what do not wish men to do to me / also wish not
to do to men, w. o. TUGGLE.
GEORGIA. Jan. 16. 1872