The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-17
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.


This is one of the most interesting and
instructive books on China and the Chinese
ever written. It's author, Mr.. Rounsevelle
Wildman has been consul general of the
United States at HongKong for many years
and has improved his excellent opportuni-
ties for studying the Chinese character
and the life of the people. knowledge of
which is necessary to understand their
history. The author is thorough master
of the subject and impresses the reader
with conviction that he knows what
he Is talking about. The plan of the book
includes an analysis of the Chinese char
acter as well as history of the various
dynasties from the earliest times. That
this is done in comparatively brief space
the work consisting of one volume of three
hundred pages, does not detract from its
comprehensiveness or accuracy. The first
two chapters are devoted to analyzing the
Chinese character and the causes and in
fiuences which have made them what they
are. Probably this phase OF the subject
has never been well handled before.
Ancestral worship. the fundamental prin-
ciple of Chinese policy and the cornerstone
Of their religious system, is clearly
planned. Chinese conservatism, which has
held China fixed as the northern star while
the nations around her have tottered and
fallen. is thoroughly calculated. The I'M
changeableness of the Chinese, which
makes itnext TO impossibleto civilize them,
is depicted in very effective way. An in
teresting account is given of a Chinese
trait or custom called race" which, as
far known, has not been treated by any
previous writer on China. Face" seems
TO mean maintaining ones reputation or
credit. To lose face is to lose caste. THE
saving of face" says the author, starts
at the Pink Palace at Picking, and goes all
through Chinese life. 1t has changed his
tory, wrecked dynasties, remade religions,
and caused multitude of lawsuits. Its
NIL ran milf ra ho1y Or1d
the comprehension of the Westerner. An
Occidental synonym might be prestige I'm
it's commonest definition Chinaman
who loses his face loses his credit, his
standing. his prestige among his fellows,
and becomes the laughing stock of the
meanest coolie." The author treats of the
Chinese lack of patriotism, their lack of
nerves as well of nerve, their practice
of economy as a science, their neglect of
sanitary laws, their fiial piety and many
other characteristics which go to make
the natural character. The chapters relat-
ing TO the history of the country and peo-
pie are admirably condensed and written
i'm style that makes dry subject really
interesting. Coming down to recent times
the events from 1898 to 1900, including the
coup d'etat by which the old Empress
dowager deposed Emperor Kwang Su be-
cause he was too progressive and herself
took the reins of power, are related in
way that throws a food of light on the
present situation. The author regards the
Empress dowager as a bad woman and old
Ii Hung Chang as a very tricky man. In
teresting sketches of both are given, with
keen analyses of their characters. or Ii
Hung Chang the author says: Lis name
as a statesman was made by General
Grant, who stated that LII and Bismarck
were the two greatest minds that he had
met during his trip round the world. Ii,
however, has never shown any great abil-
ity save as a trimmer To-day vice
roy of Canton he is not able to suppress
the petty piracy on the West river, but
looks to England for police protection for
his inland trade. and plays fast and loose
with promises of protection to imprisoned
ministers and beleaguered foreigners"
This and other passages relating TO Ii
Hung Chang rather indicate that the au-
thor regards him as a great Chinaman
among Europeans, great European
among Cinnamon, and an overrated man
generally The book carries an interesting
introduction by Hon. Charles DENLY, for
many years United States minister to
China who characterizes the work as "a
splendid production and one that does
honor TO the learning. the faculty of COM
position and the indefatigable industry of
the author" Boston: Lothrop Publishing
Company.