Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-09-10

tion-was doubtless Of the opinion that
human nature varied but slightly by
reason Of zone, and that it might be
possible for us to profit somewhat by
acquainting ourselves with the customs,
laws and experiences Of older nations.
We have been deeply interested in
reading these reports. Nothing that
our able Consuls have before written, so
far as we know, is more readable. The
subject is fascinating one for lawyers.
politicians, racing men, poker players,
&c.
Now that we have found that it is
quite possible to make some use OF our
Consuls, we should like to see reports
from them as to the counting customs OF
all lands. If Secretary Gresham will
assign this subject to them for discussion
we'll warrant that that number OF the
"Reports from the Consuls ofthe United
States, will have an enormous circula-
ton.
In the matter OF "debts Of honor,
and how to "handle them, it would
seem that we have something to learn
from other people. To show that this
is SO, we shall quote what is said as to
one great country, which most of us
foolishly think we know all about, and,
also what is said as to another country
which we 90 not mind confessing we are
somewhat ignorant of-England and
China.
In England, under 80 and 81 Victoria,
called " the tipping act, no action can
be brought to recover money for ale,por-
ter, beer, cider, or perry, consumed on
the premises. Gambling and betting
debts can not be recovered.
The services of barristers are regarded
as debts of honor, their fees being paid
to them as kind of honorarium, sup
posed to be handed with the brief, but
can not be sued for at law.
1t is supposed that gentlemen fire.
quenting the turf and cricket and foot
ball matches largely meet their betting
obligations. In cases OF insolvency debts
of honor are very seldom paid if the
debtor subsequently, retrieves his posi-
ton.
Honorary debts are not more gener-
ally satisfied in full than legal debts, in
proportion to the amount involved, ="
says Mr.. JOHN JARRETT, Consul at
Birmingham.
Mr.. JOHN FOWLER, Consul at Ningpo.
(Cbina,), makes the astonishing report
that "the Chinese man Of business is as
honorable in mercantile affairs as his
colleagues in Christian lands. The
great merchants are the Eoul OF honor,
and foreigners prefer transacting bust
ness with them. The native sometimes
makes contracts with foreigners which
subsequent events prove will be disas-
trous. yet he fulflls his part.
Fraudulent failures are never known.
The merchant can not make over his
property to his wife, for In the event of
failure his whole family must aid in
settling with the creditors. The son is
responsible for the debts of his father,
and vice versa and where, as is often
the case, the family estates have not
been divided, but are held in common,
the whole family is responsible for the
debts of each OF it's members.
In China debts can hardly be CLASH
fed as debts Of honor and legal debts.
Though all debts may not be legal debts,
they are all, in the eyes of the Chinese,
debts OF honor. For Chinese not to
pay his debts is disgrace felt SO keenly
that he will commit suicide rather than
face the reproaches of his friends. On
the last day of the year the Chinese
have great settling. On that day they
settle with their creditors and begin the
new year with clean books. At this
time suicides are more frequent, the
poor wretches being unable to meet
their obligations. At two other periods
of the year accounts are settled, but not
SO scrupulously,
The rich do not contract debts, unless
they are reasonably sure that they can
pay, for in the event of failure they
would lose respect, and the possibility
OF suicides grave stares them in the
face. The poor do not contract debts,
because credit is not accorded them !;
they must pay cash down.
Debts resulting from gambling, and
those incurred at illegal resorts, such as
certain grades Of hotels, opium Joints,
and others Of similar nature. also volun-
tary subscriptions Of whatever descrip-
ton, are all debts OF honor in China.
Comparatively speaking, drinking and
betting debts are unknown but. should
they occur, they would be classed as
gambling debts and are not collectible
at law.
The Chinese are legally bound to pay
for all professional services. Debts of
honor, being only contracted between
persons Of known credit, are generally
paid in full. All legal debts remain
collectible at law, irrespective OF the
time expired.
All of which we gather from Mr..
FowLER's report.
HoS. A. M. KELLEY, one OF the
Judges Of the international Court at
Cairo, furnished the American Consul
with information with which TO answer
the questions with reference 10 Egypt
In the land Of the pyramids the vari-
ous obligations that have no legal OF