New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-25
PROGRESS IN CHINA.
THE AIMS OF THE INTERNATIONAL IL

-r,r AIMS OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Through your courtesy desire to present TO
YOUR readers the latest indication OF progress IN
China. For many years China has been reearueu
AZ the most conservative Of all nations. the least
,,c,,rod "a adopt new methods extremely hostile
IN missionary enterprises. and dsinclincd 10 open
No the country TO Western trade and the various
forms OF Western civilization Though this spT"
still prevails change for the better mas aireaoy
come The highest princes and ministers IN the
Chinese Government. both progressive and con-
.ervat,vo both OF the Chinese and the Tartar race
have in a formal and Official way gwen their sane
ton under the seal OF the Imperial Board OF for-
eicn Affairs to q scheme distinctvely aiming 70 eA-
tend enlightenment. promote greater iricndihess'
remove prejudice and suspicion inaugurate meth
ods OF progress and favor the wider ndoption OF
Western education-all under foreign auspices. and
intended be benefit not only to the Chinese,
but TO ali classes OF foreigners residing In That
country. The scheme is that OF the international
Institute OF China
The favor which has been shown TO the aim.
scope and general plan OF this institute has been
beyond that heretofore accorded to any scheme
commercial missionary. proposed by any Tor
egner owing 10 the fact that the institute IL free
from all ecclesiastical control and complications
and In the interests OF the enlightenment ana pros
perity OF China the Chinese authorities nave daren
TO give It n formal sanction. Owing to the fact
It's constituency. in Its management and In the
scope Of lis influence. 1t has received the hearty
support Of the various members OF the diplomatic
body found IN Picking IL Is thus clear that ~
utilizing the dominant forces In the political centre
OF China an influence may extend to all her reo-
pie and by securing the cooperation OF representa-
tive men from the great nations OF Europe ana
America an influence may extend not only through
the ORIENT, but through the OccidenL l., 49,, 49,
The work 10 be done by this institute Is not eA-
actly the same that Of college or university.
for il will seek TO enighten the sIownup literary
classes found In such ely as PeKihs Father IMAM
to give technical training 10 young men VINO as y'
hod no Official PGsTa sm1 "st cn e te vareH.
features which distinct In the great cities OF
our own land. 1t is Planned first OF all, TO have
public library. where Chinese ana foreign books
may be collected: and may say mat such
large scale. 1t Is also planned 10 have museum
or permanent exposition building, Where the IN
signs Of our advanced civliza ion may be shown 10
the Chinese This affords for The first time an
Chinese Just those things which the Chinese may
need and want TO buy. Furthermore. such mu-
SCUM located Peking. will reach the most niiu-
entail men in the whole Empire. without whose
favor scheme Of progress can be carried out II
! IL also planned to put up large building where
there will be offices. reception-rooms for bringing
oseher men Si Ghn o s snc a9e studies
ana a large auditorium To hold at least two thou
tanments may be given. The library building Will
cos! $1,000 the musem the Sc me and ne larger
English architects in Shanghai nave stipulated to
erect these three buildings within the sum or F5.cO)
OF this amount OF money one-ifth has ALREADY
been raised in China. there being over two hun;
bred subsc ribers, OF different nationalites, and
| most OF the money coming from the Chinese.
TO guarantee the proper control OF the funds and
TO inspire confidence, strong advisory council has
| been formed I'm Picking and committee In Shang
| hal representing together England. France, Ger
| many Holland and the United States. The intent
and the plan OF this institute Rave received the
| prevail OF the Chinese nandarins and merchants
| Of the foreign diplomats and merchant Of the
missionaries and Of the native converts. The facts
are ready to hand for any one who desires to In
| vestigate the matter.
Merely to erect library, museum or lecture
hall might not, such. attract the attention or
command the aid of lntes.nt men in this land
through such buildings and the work there done TO
| open the eyes. enlarge the views. enghten the
classes OF China. and to cause them TO initiate
measures which will open up the whole country 10
| civilization commerce and missions. and TO use
their wealth, their authority and their political
| power for the good of the needy and poverty
| stricken people OF China. then there Is strong
| claim on the generous-mnded men and women OF
| America and Europe TO give the impetus which
may bring about in that large country OF China ell