The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-03-15
BOYS AND GIRLS IN CHINA.

There are very many excellent rea-
sons why the Chinese parent regards his
son with greater affection than he be-
slows upon his daughter, some of which
Twill here state.
In the first place the sons invariably
inherit the surname of the father, per-
petuating the existence of his family,
for one generation ut least.
Secondly, they assume the response
bilities of the father, including his debts
and State crimes; and
Thirdly, whatever honors the son
may achieve by reason of his acquire
ments, or otherwise, are accredited to
mis- sire.
For instance, if a son obtains promo
ton to State honors. n suitable honor or
State title is accordingly conferred by
the Emperor upon the father, as re-
ward for his labor in bringing his son
to the attainment of such a station of
honor and usefulness.
Finally, under no consideration are
sons permitted to seek their own pleas
ure without first making glad the hearts
of their parents, with tender solicitude
no less marked than was that of their
parents toward them, while yet they
were young and helpless.
These are the cardinal principles rel
alive to filial duty embodied in the text
books of all Chinese schools from those
of the primary grade to those from
which the advanced scholar graduates,
and is promoted to such position as
his attachments in Confucian doctrines
entitle him. This position is decided
UPON in the Halls of Competitive Ex-
animation" held every three years in
each county. and every ten years III the
capitol, where the highest honors are
conferred upon him who can most fully
expound the doctrines of that great
teacher. Therefore. when son
is born the Chinese parents make
great demonstrations of joy; wheth-
er it be the seventh or the
SEVENTEEN son it matters not, for on the
principle that one can not possibly have
too much of good thing, there can
never be too many sons in a Chinaman' s
family.
" 1t is, however, possible to have too
many daughters; why such state of
things exists | will endeavor to explain.
First, then, at proper age girls in
variably change their names and be-
come members of strange family,
owning no allegiance to those who
reared them, hor are they obliged or
required to requite their parents in any
manner whatever for the care and ex-
pense incident to their support from in
fancy to maturity. Consequently all
this cost and trouble, and it is no incon-
siderable item, is a dead loss to theii
parents. Therefore to have large
family of girls is to be doomed to life
of labor from which not even the least
return may reasonably be expected. II
is frequently the case that parents ut
terly lose sight and knowledge of the
whereabouts of their daughters, -anC
likewise daughters of their parents; fol-
by the common laws of China the daugh
ter is obliged to serve and render obedi
ence to the parents of her husband solely
'She must not have her affections divid
ed" After she is married all response
bility relative to her own father anC
mother forever ceases. Several instances
have come under my personal observa
ton where daughters who were living il
atfluence with their husbands hay,
allowed. their aged parents t.
beg and finally to perish for wan
of proper food. They did no
biOuoic lilCiloClNCS W lCHuCl ouCi 40
sistance as would have prolonged tn
lives of their parents, although to hav
done so would have made them non
the poorer Should son allow such
thing to occur, the public as well as tn
authorities would take cognizance O
the matter at once, and there would b
visited upon such an ungrateful son
punishment second only in severity t
that of decapitation, as his just due TO
such gross ingratitude. The daughter
are exempt from such punishment b
, reason of their being legally a memhe
of an entirely different family, both
| name and marriage.
These are some of the reasons VIII
daughters are not so much thought {
as sons; and why is it possible to hav
too many of the one and not possible {
, have too many of the other.
! Upon the birth of daughter nam
/ is Immediately conferred upon her wit
: but little, if any. feasting or other joyfl
| demonstrations over the event. Quit
Q differently is the birth of son received
) In the latter instance the happ
parents wait whole month before b.
a slowing name upon their new come
during which time great preparation
are made in anticipation of the joyfl
occasion. If, after the expiration I
thirty days, the treasure" (son) live
: having safely passed through all the Ii
: tie ailments incident TO babyhood, IL
parents and their friends prepare