The age-herald., 1901-01-28
Explains His Lecture on Teach- ings of Confucius
MINISTERS ARE INCONSISTENT
He Says They Condemn Him for Max ing Comparisons With Christian ity While They Themselves Do
 That Which is Objectionable

Philadelphia, Pa, January 2.-Wu Ting Fang, China S sinister plenipotentiary to the United States, replied to his critics today fin the course of lecture on "Confucius and Mencusa," delivered before the Society of Ethical Culture at Horticultural Hall. His statements were extremely conservative. In part, he said:
 'Twenty-four centuries have rolled by since Confucius walked this earth His in fuence is as great today among his coun- trymen as 1t ever was before. Never was his name held in greater veneration than it is now. Throughout the length and breadth of the Chinese Empire everywhere are temples erected in his memory. Every school boy acknowledges him the su- preme teacher of the Chinese race. His spirit pervades a nation of four hundred millions, and his word is recognized as law to the most august Emperor on the throne, as we'll as to the meanest peasant at the blow. Thus is Confucius enthroned in the hearts of his countrymen."
 The Criticism Discussed
 At the close of his address the speaker said:
 "I find that the address on Confucianism l delivered last month in New York has attracted a great deal of attention. It Is source of qualification to me that my re- marks on that occasion have eicited con- ment from the American press, which are generally favorable, and expressions of ap- proval from persons in different parts of the country. But, on the other hand, have seen in the newspapers some adverse criticisms of my remarks from some clergy men. But lest false impression may have gone forth In regard to this address, l take this opportunity to say few words about it in the way of explanation"
 Minister Wu then quoted an extract from the sermon of the Rev. Dr. Waylana Hoyt of this city Sunday, December 16, in which the latter spoke of u Hung Chang's high tribute to the woA of the Christian missionaries in China, and asked what re- ply the Chinese minister could make.
 "Dr Hoyt has done me, though doubt less unwittingly, great injustice" con- tinued MT. Wu. "Since he wants reply, l have hesitation in giving one. I in- dorse every word that Earl Ii has said on the subject of foreign missionaries cited by the doctor To prove that I am sincere in what I say, beg to refer the doctor to the address I delivered In December last before the American Academy of Political and Social Science in Philadelphia on the Causes of the unpopularity of foreigners in China I suppose the doctor had not read that address, or if he had read it he has forgotten it. In any case I would not believe that an eminent divine could be ca- pablo of purposely misrepresenting us.
 An Explanation.
 'Again, Dr. Hoyt and some other clergy men, from their addresses, seemed to think that charged all missionaries with crying out for vengeance. Let me read the exact words used. Love your enemy is Christs command, but at this moment some Christ ian missionaries crying out for ven- geance and bloodshed Note that I used the word some
 'T am inclined to think that the reason why some clergymen-- I am glad to say that there are not many-took offense at what said in my address on Confusian ism, is that took the liberty of instituting a comparison between Confuscianism and Christianity which supposed was done to the disparagement of the latter There was certainly no intention on my part to make an attack upon Christianity Surely it is no dscredt to say that Christianity is too high and elevated for frail humanity and that all Christians not acting up to it's tenets, just it is disgrace to &C., knowledge that the Confucianists in China do not live up to the teachings of Con- fusius.
 ''It seems strange that some clergymen should resent any attempt to compare Christianity with any other systems of be- lief while they themselves do not scruple to attack other religions In other words they do just what they do not want others to do Since my address on Confusius was delivered, I have seen Confusianism con- demned right and left. It has been called a failure. It has been dubbed 'effete', vague unworthy of attention, rotten to the core and the like. do not, however, quar- rel with those who apply such epithets to our creed The noble and sublime teachings of Christianity need not fear criticism much less friendly comparison. I believe that all religions teach men to be good If every man would really try to act up to the doctrines enjoined by his religion, the world would be far better.
 'It would be well if priests and clergy men of every creed and faith would do their best to promote this desirable end. Thus these words of Confucus will be ful- flled--'let us all live in peace as brothers" Y"
 Frame Renresented