Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-03-28
WoMAN'S RIGHTS IN CHINA.
If She Has Any This Authority Has
Failed to Discover Them.

From the Boston Evening Transcript.
III his sixth lecture before the Lowell In
stitute. given last evening, Mr.. Ches-
ter HolcOmbe spoke of the social life in
China. and the unfortunate influence the
literary people work over the affairs of the
nation. The common people believe, he
said. that mule has a soul. but that a
woman has never possessed one. 1t mat
tiers little. and cannot be determined,
whether this theory is the cause or the re-
suit Of their treatment of the female half
Of the race. The Chinese statutes require
that when a contract of marriage is being
arranged the parents shall furnish proof
that their son and daughter are neither
diseased, defOrmed. nor under over age.
And yet, as a result of their discrimination,
they ate compelled to marry their sons to
dull. stupid, uueducated dolts.
If these statements appear extreme to
any. explained the speaker. 1.-The answer
is that those who have lived only in lands
where women have had equal culture, equal
treatment and equal freedom with the men
where they are companions and not serfs
ana where. as result they have proved
their equality In many directions. and their
superiority in many otherS-thoSe who have
lived only in such lands can have no just
idea OF the results of the Chinese system"
The division OF sexes constitutes the most
conspicuous and essential mark of heathen-
ism which is TO be found upon the Chinese
nation. IL forms absolute and unlmit-
classes. and rObs each of those advantages
and help which the other is primarily in
tended 70 supply. 1t deprives the race of
fully oEe-half Of the spirit, incentive and
Stimulus which result in progress and de-
yelppment.
II stunts the men retards their intellec-
tual growth. adds stupidity factor in
their mental organization, and robs them
OF all aptitude or capacity for any other
than merely physical growth. The extent
TO which this rule of division is enforced
"a cir v.Dly- Sfn T,,
better sort the male and female members
are strictly kept apart. The different sexes
must each have different servants. Even
brothers and sisters are not allowed to as
scciate after the boys begin their studies
which is usually at the age of five years.
Mixed social gatherings are not only un-
known. but they are regarded with abhor-
renee. and as proof of barbarism and moral
Gegeneracy In all countries which permit
them. Among the higher classes husbands
never appear with their wives in the street
or in any public place. Those of the work
Ing people seldom do. and upon such rare
occasions the man invariably walks behind
his wife. in order to watch her conduct and
see that she behaves In a proper manner
Men are required by the statutes to mourn
three years for the death Of father and
one hundred days for the loss of a mother
But any husband who should mourn or
exhibit any signs of grief at the death Of
his wife would. In doing so, disgrace him
self in the eyes OF his acquaintance and
would be expelled from decent society. He
would be fortunate IL he did not come un-
der the penalties of that general provision
for onenses mot otherwise provided for"
Undoubtedly many Chinese husbands be-
come devotedly attached to their wives af-
ter marriage-they have no opportunity
before that interesting event-but II is
breach OF propriety and good morals to
manifest any feeling Of that nature under
any circumstances.
!. Is exceedingly indecorous for two init
mate friends, when engaged in CONVERSE
zion, to mention the mere existence of
female relative OF either. Men who have
grown gray together under relations Of
the greatest intimacy Will inquire about
Rnd discuss the qualities OF the male men,