The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-09-27

foreign Governments at their back, arc as
sailing all which they hold ns the most
eacred and highest belonging to them as q
raco and nation. their light, their culture.
and their literary refinement" and have
nothing to substitute for what they destroy
except "a palpable imposturo or . delu-
sion." With tho spirit Of Christianity no has
no quarrel, for 1t can do no harm, but he de-
tests the form under which 1t Is propagated.
" their pretence to proach science with anti
scientific jugglery."
As to tho missionary charity he is no moro
respectful. "Thc interest on tho money
paid by tho people through the Govern
ment for tho special protection and indem-
nitication OF missionaries" ho estimates.
would support an infinitely larger and
moro efficient staff OF secular doctors nurses,
and tho like, to do the work now DONE"
Missionary enterprise" he proceeds, "is
known TO every disintcrcstod foreigner In
China to be but hugo scheme OF charity
for tho benefit OF unemployed professional
persons from Europe and America" How
much Of the money subscribed in Europe
and America for Missions" he asks. goes
actually to tho alienation OF Chinese suffer-
aug, -uN uOW IuuCii WIG VI
sionnries and their wives, TO the building
Of their fine houses and sanatoriums" In
return for the hospitality Of the Chinese. he
declares. and though paid to bring peace and
good will. thoy "henp insults and cry vcn-
geance upon tho Government, which, with
all It's difficulties. Is still honestly trying to
protect them. and threaten tho Chinese poo.
pie with shell and grape. for what, even In
these late riots, the most hardened legal
prosecutor in court OF justice could provo
to be nothing worse than excusable igno-
rance"
The only remedy for these evils, and the
only way OF avoiding bitter trouble in tho
future. In the opinion OF this learned China
man, long In the diplomatic service Of his
country. is for foreign Governments, in
tho interest OF both Chinese and foreign
residents. to undertake. II not the entire with
drawal. at least some modification and con-
troll Of the whole scheme OF foreign missions
as now carried on in China" The presence Of
tho missionaries he describes as a danger
and an injury. not only to China, but to for
eien interests also. They injure foreigners
by kindllng Chinese hatred OF all foreigners.
They are arouslng spirit OF retaliation to
their pettyinsults and injuries" which Will
fame out flercely under further provocation.
Tho first shot fired from a foreign Runboat
in n missionary cause" he gives warning,
"wlll be the signal OF war. not against the
Government, as our foreign wars have been
hitherto, but o war against the Chinese
people,"
This Is O very remarkable statement Of the
Chinese side OF the case, and in fairness we
should listen to it. The foreign public have
heard the missionary accounts OF the riots,
says this Chinaman; now In justice they
should give some heed to tho story of the
Chinese people, 1t is reasonable demand,
and 1t is always the part of wisdom to look
on both sides OF question. It
is manifest that the Chinese are
unable to comprehend the motives of the
Christian propaganda. They do not know
that 1t proceeds or has proceeded from a
sincere belief that it is necessary to save
the souls Of the Cinnamon from the fires of
hell. and that it has no hidden or disguised
purpose Of disturbing their social or politi-
cal system. The contempt with which this
writer looks upon the missionaries Is en-
couraged undoubtedly by many foreigners
In China. educated men, who. as he says, do
not pretend to believe what the missionaries
say. "COnsuls are seen ordering gunboats
about to protect missionaries. while the very
coolies In the consulates know that the lat
ter are not respected by the better class Of
foreigners, or regarded as moral teachers"
That Is telling shot.