The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-10-29
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.


This book is translated from the Chi
nese and its author is Prince Chang Chin
Tung. one Of the most powerful and pro-
gressive of the Chinese viceroys, one of
the most learned and eminent men In
China, and one of the recently appointed
commissioners on the part OF China TO
negotiate with the western powers. The
book differs from most Chinese literature
in that instead of dealing with dead past
or with dying PHILOSOPHERS and religions
it deals with live questions and interests
Its author has been characterized as pro-
foreign, but that is hardly correct AS an
eminent Chinese statesman believing IN
China for the Chinese he favors the intro
duction and adoption of some western
ideas, methods and plans of progress but
he would have it done by Chinese and not
by foreigners. He believes that "Chinas
Only Hope lies in her entering on
march of progress OF her own and carving
out future for herself instead of having
1t thrust upon her. In other words, while
the author believes in many foreign ideas
he does not believe in foreigners, at least
for China. Nevertheless, he has been one
of the foremost advocates of progress. and
there is little doubt that this book had
much to do in bringing about the anti-for-
eign protest which furnished pretext for
the coup d'etat by which the Empress
dowager resumed power and which later
gave rise to the Boxer movement. The
book was Endorsed by the Emperor Kwang
Su with his imperial rescript and is said
to have had very wide circulation among
the reading class in China That Its au-
thor is Chinese to the backbone may be
frnp he massage.
anime" he says, 1.-The history of China for
1000 years back and then compare 1T with
the western history of fifty years Does
the government of theSt foreign countries
present such record of generosity, henev-
olence, loyalty and honesty as ours? Al
though China is not SO wealthy and power
full the West her people, or Whatever
condition, rich or poor. high or low, all en-
joy a perfect freedom and a happy life.
Not so with all the inhabitants of western
lands. Their governments may be strong,
miserable. unhappy. and maliciously
wronged. These governments certainly
cannot be compared with our China. 1t
is well, sometimes, to see ourselves as
| others see us In the MAN. however, it is
evident the author tries to be fair to the
outside countries and peoples. and the book
is strong appeal TO his government and
people TO adopt the progressive features OF
western civilization and methods. His
treatment of religious federation is admir-
| able, and might almost be published as a
rellglOuS tract. lie deprecateS all religious
prosecutions wrong and impolitic. The
| way to advance ConfHcianism, in his opin-
] ion, is TO reform the government and not
/ everlastingly combat other religions. As
| sample of his vigorous style, take the fol-
| lowing: 1.-The anti-reformers may be rough
| ly divided into three classes: First, the
| conservatives, who are stuck In the mud
| of antiquity. The mischief wrought by
| these obstructionists may be readily per-
/ ceived. Second, the slow-bellies of Chinese
officialdom, who in case of reform would
be compelled to bestir themselves, and who
| would be held responsible for the outlay of
| money and men necessary for changes. The
secret Vaccinations of these befuddled,
| indolent, slippery nepotists thwart all
| schemes of reform. They give out that it
| is not convenient and in order to cloak
| their evil deeds rehearse the old story, the
usual evasive drivel about old custom.
! And If We attempt to discover what this
| precious old custom in the matter of edu-
| cation and government is, there will be
| remonstrances on all sides. Old custom
| is bugaboo. password to lying and de-
| ceit. Third, the hypocrites" For a Chi
| nese statesman this is plain talk, and 1.-THE
| slow-bellies of Chinese officiadom" is a
| very picturesque expression. The book is
| altogether a remarkable one, and one car
| well understand that il must have caused
| a sensation in China 1t is translated from
| the Chinese by Samuel l. Woodbridge and
| published by the Fleming H. Revel Com
| pany, New York and Chicago.