New-York tribune., 1900-07-15
DR.. CLARK IN CHINA.
WAY TO THE CHRISTIAN ENDEAvOR
MEETING IN LONDON

AshtabuIa Ohio. July "A (speciaD.-The Rev. Dr.
Francis F. Clark. the founder of the worlds Chris
tian Endeavor movement. has narrowly escaped
the Boxer troubles in China. He is now known 10
he safely out of the Celestial Empire and his
way &c the international Christian Endeavor Con-
vention. to he held in Alexandra Palace, London.
Many letters have doubt been coming into DR.,
Clarks headquarters Boston within the last few
weeks from anxious Endeavorers throughout the
United States. who have feared for his safety.
One of these letters. sent from here. said that he
at Irkoutsk. Siberia when last heard from.
DIR. and Mrs Clark and Master Harold Clark will
he the central figures the Christian Endeavor
Convention. DR.. Clark will he conspicuous not
alone because he is the founder of so great an
organization, but also because he comes direct
from of the mission fields which
being laid waste by the Boxers
DR.. Clark within the last few weeks has attended
a Chinese Christian Endeavor convention COM
prising delegates from many Of the provinces of
Southern China. From there he went TO the pres
ent seat of war and tragedy. While at Foo-Chow
he stayed for a few days with DR.. Kinnear the
Ohio missionary. The accompanying photograph
Of DR.. Clark taken by Dr. Kinnear
Four years after the Christian Endeavor move
ment had been started by DR.. Clark at Portland,
Me. the first society was organized in China. This
was started Foo-Chow. the southern part of the
Chinese Empire being the first open up to the
Christian religion From here it spread rapidly
throughout that section of China until now the
converts numbered by thousands This could
PeknE.
DR.. Knnear in writing home Of the convention
held at Foo-Chow, describes it most enthusias-
tic in spite Of the fact that of the delegates
came from provinces where the Foo-Chow language
was scarcely understood by the natives. The meet
ings held in a big tent, which was filled with
comfortable seats. much resembling in form those
Sl some American churches.
Or. Clark addressed the great audience of Chi
nese. Young and old through an Interpreter He
a < nile sod wit he WOr
being accomplished there.
In China, in this country. the Endeavor work
IS divided. there being junior and intermediate
The societies of many denominations. The
organized Epworth Leagues. which are similar. and
which unite common effort for the upbuild-
ing Of those about them. Chinese Christian En-
deavoreT is all earnestneSs There is hypocrisy
in China means great sacrifice and less
persecution depending the part of the country
in which the convert resides.
This year, than before in the history
Of China, the progress of the Christian Endeavor
movement has been noticeable. Scores of
Cieties were springing up in Southern China and
a number of new ones n the northern part. Plans
were foot TO enlarge the work. especially in
Northern China, by the aid of Christian Chinese.
The progress which Christianity making Of
late, especially in Northern China undoubtedly had
something to do with the troubles, the
Boxers fearing the power Of the religion.
The Christian Endeavorers of China. like those
in the United States stand for reforms. They bit
terly oppose the opium habit and il Is said of late
years that they have come out openly against
binding women's feet. Those who not Chris
tians do not take kindly efforts in this line
Since the Boxer trouble broke out not only for
eigners have been the victims Of the Boxers but
also many of the Chinese who adherents TO