The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-04-30

Rev. W. 3. Harrison, missionary at
Chunji Korea yesterday morning
and evening addressed the congrega-
ton of the First Presbyterian church,
on mission work in Korea. Rev. Har-
rison is one of the delegates to the
Ecumenical council in New York city,
and together with his wife, for several
years has done mission work in Korea.
Yesterday morning he spoke on the
Spiritual Condition and Progress of
the Missions in Korea" In the even
ing he spoke on the general state of
affairs in Korea.
Last nights services were opened
with prayer by Rev. DR.. Mcleod, and
several selections by a quartette led
by Professor John T. watkins.
Gounod's "Sanctus" was especially
we'll rendered. David Stevens sang
the solo part in magnificent voice.
Rev. Harrison was then introduced
to the congregation by the pastor. He
began his talk by telling of the castes
existing in Korea. "The whole system
of home and social life of the Koreans
is based" said he, "on the writings
of Confucius, just as our life is based
on the Decalogue. 1t may be said that
as long as their purposes are right all
Is well. But no. A mans purpose
can not be right whose belief is wrong
While their idea of caste is not car
ried out as far as that of the Hindoos,
still ii is far-reaching in its effects.
The man who by birth is of the higher
caste is considered above doing any
work. Though his family starve, he
must not work, and in case he does
so, he Immediately drops to lower
caste, and loses his standing.
THINK LABOR DEGRADING.
Different styles Of address are used
to salute high caste man, in the same
manner as one of a lower caste is
equivalent to blow or mortal insult
in this country. All labor is looked
upon as degrading and all that the
men OF high caste do is to smoke, play
checkers, wisely argue and quote the
precepts OF Confucius.
There are no institutions for or
phans, insane people or any afflicted
either physically or mentally. The
blind alone are protected. When one
loses his sight he is supposed to ac-
quire an insight into the future and
so become a prophet, soothsayer or
fortune teller.
"One horrible part of their life is
the regarding of a man guilty until he
is proved innocent. And. in accordance
with that, any men arrested for any
alleged crime are treated with the ut
most barbarity. / have in mind the
case of three men arrested for re-
ceiving stolen goods. Before their
trial they were daily stripped, tied
face downward on board and then
cruelty beaten. At the trial, after
three weeks Imprisonment they were
found innocent and discharged. Dur
ing their Imprisonment they had been
daily beaten and ill-treated, and all
the food they had received had been
supplied by friends. The court officials
are corrupt and look on their position
as only an opportunity to fill their
own pockets.
THE people have had their spirits
crushed by centuries Of misrule or they
would long ago have risen against the
tyranny of those in power.
WOMEN DEGRADED.
Women are considered of very lit
tie consequence and are looked upon
as mere chattels. They lead a very
secluded life from childhood, and are
married at an early age, the parents
choosing the husband, love never
being considered. The young wife is
the slave of the household and Is ruled
over by the, Korean mother-in-law,
who is much worse than the prover-
bial mother-in-law of civilization. Ev-
every Korean desires to have family of
boys and the lot of a girl baby is not
happy one. The highest compliment
which cannot be paid in Korea is to
ask a man How many sons have
you?'"
Rev. Mr.. Harrison then told of mis-
sion doings in Korea, telling of the
work done by the missionaries. "A
Koreans motive" said he, "in coming
to the missionary is at first always a
selfish one. He either wants the pro-
lection of the government or employ
ment of some sort. They seem, in fact.
to the regard the church as a mutual
benefit association, and if refused any
favors they Immediately become very
indignant. However, they are soon
won over and become most dilgent
converts"
Rev. Harrison concluded his talS by
declaring his hope that all would unite
in furthering this glorious work to
which God has called u.s." A collec-
tion was taken for the benefit of the
Korean missions, and Rev. DR.. Nc
Leod made a few remarks at the con-
| clusion of Dr. Harrison's. He spoke OF
the Korean missions and said that
greater results have come from them
than from those in any other land.