Evening journal., 1901-12-09

uany remote and widely separated
parts OF the Empire, | am compelled
to say that they seem to be remark
ably strong, robust and healthy, and tOI
be specially free from consumption and
all other forms OF constitutional! dis
ease. 1t is true THAT diseases of the
skin and scalp prevail, but they seem
to be altogether due to an insufficient
use OF soap and water, if not positive
aversion to those hygienic necessities.
1T has been suggested by more than
one thoughtful student of CHINESE
civilization that it presents a case of
decay from extreme old age; but. while
1t is indubitably old, though perhaps
not so old as it is commonly regarded
l cannot perceive that it presents any
of the indications of senility. The Chi
nese race is certainly strong and Wig
orous and shows no sign whatever Of
decay. 1t is prolific, frugal and indus
trious, but these are the physical vir-
tues which betoken youth, rather than
declining manhood.
Il do not think that the average
Chinaman is adapted to become an
American citizen, because his civiliza-
ton is entirely different from our civil
ization. The peculiar civilization OF
the Chinese people is merely an acci-
dent. due to isolation and other causes,
and may be confidently expected to
give place to another and better civil
lization whenever the latter can secure
opportunity to demonstrate it's superior
ity. The Chinamans natural intelli-
gence, although dwarfed and misdi-
rected by a peculiar il not pernicious,
form of social and civil government,
seems to be quite as great as that of
other races.
Il do not know of any ordinary
Chinaman who wants to become an
American citizen. They all want to go
back home and end their days among
their native people. If a man goes back
with $1,000 or $4,000. he may become a
capitalist. The rate of interest is very
high, and with ordinary good manage
ment, he can get 25 per cent, or $3.50
for each, $4,000 HE has to lend out. This
is large sum in a country where an
ordinary day laborer receives only
about ten cents a day, on which he
must support his family and himself. II
he has only $1,000 he is very much
better off than the ordinary laborer
He can live cheaply, and, best of all
be among his friends. Cinnamon have
the same affections and necessities as
others of THE human race"
OF the late Ii Hung Chang. China's
Grand Old Man, General Wilson said:
Iii Hung Chang died at a fortunate
time. He was full of years and full ot
hOnOrs. He had settled the treaty with
the allied Powers. The imperial family
about to return to Pel1in, every
thing it objected to would have beer
laid at his door. After he had brought
about the treaty of peace with Japan
nis hOnOrs and powers were takeI
away from him. From being a provin
cial king, as it were, with most absO
lutte authority, he became merely on
of numerous board, in which he wal
outranked and oveTshadowed by al
the princes and several of the members
He was daily subjected to espionage
and, as a mattersUf fact, was regarded
as an object of imperial disfavor witt
anyone with whom anyone might safel.
differ in opinion. His yellow jacket AM
/ peacock feather We're taken from hin
and me was banished from Pekin, an
would have been executed if they ha
Il dared.
Had he lived to see the court rein
?, stated, lhe would have doubtless had Z
go Through a similar period OF humilia
tiOn. His work was finished. and, t
use a phrase which Cinnamon frequent
ly use, There remains but to wrap hir
in an ass skin and lay him by tn
\ lroadside'
ut is a curious and pathetic fac
that his American secretary, Willial
} n. Pethick, who had been his Stat
counsellor and guide for thirty year
htutor of his sons. and the most learne
3 man of his time in Chinese lore and III
!, erature. is about to die of an aneurisl
3 of the heart He was man widel
r known for his learning and soun
Judgment. and for his devotion to q
e cause of progress and advancement
D China"