The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-12-05
TO STOP Foor BINDING IN CHINA.
A Strong Movement to Abolish tho Prac-
tIce Started by n Literary Graduate.


SHANGHAI, Oct. 3o.-A remarkable move
ment in China, which promises to have wide
spread results. is the a%nti-foot binding agita-
ton, recently started by q prominent member of
tho Chinese literati in Suifu, n great city Of
Szechuan. Tho leader Of this movement is
Chon, n literary graduate and n scholar of
means and influence. His home is a leading
city in the richest province OF China. While
tho district examinations were being held there
recently every one was amazed at the appear
ance of large posters on all the dead walls con-
tanning an appeal to all educated Chinese to
abandon the torture of their young daughters
by foot binding. The proclamation was signed
by Chon and II half dozen other prominent grad
yates and officials.
The proclamation was written in the regula-
tion Chinese manner. 1t contained many quo
tations from Confucius. but its main point was
directed to the edict of Emperor Shun Chih in
1862, pronouncing the binding Of girls feet to
DO illegal. Chon declared that this edict had
been oboyed for q time and then ignored. He
describes the fortunes which young Chinese
girls of the better class are forced to endure and
the misery and tears that are their portion for
months and years. Even the worst convicts. lie
says. are never called upon to endure what
Il foolish custom imposes upon tho tender frame
OF young girls. who are beloved by their faith
ers. He then calls attention to the helplessness
of such crippled women and to their terrible
tate when husbands or fathers are unable to de-
fend or renluve them from peril. He closes by
eXhortln: all educated Chinese 10 use their in
fueace III aboltihing u custom that Is harbarous
and opposed to the welfare OF the nation.
From Il Chinese stand point the proclan. alton
is ably written. though an American or n Euro
pean would object to its commonplace put into
stilted language. ana 10 the self-evidenL propo-
sit!ons which Mr.. Chon argues Ut length. That
it mas made n strong impression is shown by the
discussion of IL in all the large vernacular
papers. Many conservative writers oppose the
mo, cment. but 1t has gained more friends than
enemies. 1t appears that Mr.. Ch0n. the author
OF the proclamation which has been distributed
in the form OF tracts throughout S2echuan and
neiGhborins provinces was an examiner
father forced HIM To return home. There lie
found his favorite daughter, only Z years old,
crying and hobbling about with her bound feet.
needless suffering that he wrote his article, aud
then secured the signatures or n number OF his
influential friends. all scholars who had held
public Office. These men also agreed to abolish
the binding of girls feet IL their own house
holds and among eirdependents.
Good judges Of the Chinese character declare
that this movement bids fair To have greater
results than any reform started in recent years.
because the Chinese hav" IA reverence for schol-
arship. What would excite no omment IL put
out by n foreign or native missionary is regard
cd as of the first Importance when signed by a
literary graduate like Mr.. Chon. What makes
1t moro significant Is that Chon appeals
to all classes. for in the western part
OF Szechuar and in nelghboring prov
inces the binding of the feet OF female
work in the fields have crippled feet and are
forced to follow the harvesters on their hands
and knees. In tact. the average length of the
female foot in all the western part OF this
province is only three inches. yet no woman can
expect to get n husband who does not comply
with the custom and have her feet deforned.
II will be- u striking tribute to the effect of
missionary work in China should this abolition
OF foot binding spread throughout the empire.