The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-09-14

| less telegraphy, methods Of locomotion
| by electricity, heating and lighting, We
/ have been standing still.
our people have been fixed in their re-
| ligious tenets a thousand thousand gener-
atoms and flial piety is one Of the car
/ dinal principles taught by our form Of
! ual. So you see how you have out
| stripped US in everything for improve
ment.
But no matter how difficult the task
prejudice must give give way to progress.
! II is necessary to root out inherited
ideas that keep US back. The mothers
Of our race ought TO be physically and
mentally the companions of Our men;
then we can hope for the highest and
best in civilization
DO you not fear that education will
rob your women OF femininity?" I asked
No; on the contrary, ] have found the
most feminine women right here, where
the greatest license for educationa free
dom exists. Simplicity and genianty are
the most striking characteristics Of the
American woman and where will you
find greater latitude for freedom than
in the United States.
Her second and most manifest charac-
teristic is the charm of amiabnity The
American woman at once puts you at
your ease. She is intuitive, and is able
10 think the boldest thoughts, but she
says them in a feminine way, and that
is why she is so companionable. In China
the only missionaries who are loved bS
our people are the lady doctors and
nurses and they are doing a wonderful
amount Of good among our superstitious
women, who. in conformity with old Gus
toms. refuse the services OF male physi-
clans.
Women certainly have a decided fit
ness for those professions and there are
countless other vocations which would
give them happiness and independence.
Such a movement for our women would
tend 10 purify the home. There would
be fewer marriages. and when they did
occur there would be a greater chance Of
happiness.
Such a state Of affairs would surely
work revolution among the match
makers OF China, who are responsible
for so many unhappy unions With this
education our women would learn TO read
edge Of the world means. after all but
low acquaintance with the mean things
Of life any condition in this century
is more pardonable than ignorance. To
be able TO detect evil would mean ability
to defend
When the matchmaker suggests mar
rage our women obey; they have no
other aim in life. In my country there
is but little or no sentiment TO be found
in marriage In France there is too
much sentiment, but it does not always
stand for marriage Chinese women who
now marry for homes with the highest
knowledge and ability to live independ-
ently) would not be in such haste 70 wed,
and with new reading of human ma
ture. would make better choices OF fewer
mistakes
But you women Of America combine
sentiment with reason.
4 was much impressed with the cere-
monies Of the European courts; but while
# was imposing there was such a feeling
o. GOODNESS there. There was no warmth
OF democracy to draw you out OF your
own personality-you felt restricted by
conventionaHty
4 could but contrast it with my visit
to Oyster Bay, where 1 met your Presi-
dent and the nrst lady of the land.
Il was at once put at my ease. The
frankness OF Mr.. Roosevelt's greeting
vas charming and ] was not made TO
feel as n stranger at the gate but was
welcomed as a member Of the family.
L was more like the reunion OF friends.
II am unhappy that l must leave your
country so soon. and yet l am anxious
TO be gone. because my purpose is to
found schools throughout the empire as
soon as it can be accomplished. I shall
90 as a missionary Of the Royal House
but as 4 missionary Of education I shall
urge that other scions of His Majesty
be sent forth into the world. that they
may feet what I know, that Chinas place
in civilization can only be realized
through the higher development Of her
women. our wheels Of commerce have
gone down with a bang. I am amazed at
what 7 have seen. But wait: You will
hear from us in this century"
But why does the American system Of
education appeal to you more than the
European?' l asked.
Because" replied the Prince. the
American children have the advantage
OF companionship with their parents. They
hear discussions at the table on political
and economic and social subjects, and
where viii you find an intelligent Ameri-
can girl who cant talk politics art. re-
ligion? II she does not air her views
she has them. and that possession marks
something in her favor
And then she comprehends and all are
grateful 10 her comprehension.
When I return 70 China I shall urge
other representatives Of our house 10
visit all the countries and their opinions
viii help me convince our government OF
China's necessity. / am very anxious in
this. for have been very much ashamed
of our being behind in the race Of pro-
gress. and I shall use every effort TO
start schools at once.
of course. We shall need foreign
teachers. We shall introduce the study Of
English. and as quickly as possible these
establishments viii be founded. We need
no costly houses or public buildings What
we want IS imperative-and that is knowl-
edge
i know IL is a herculean task, greater T
than an American can imagine. because
You know nothing Of our superstitions- .
We would not tolerate a religious infu-
ence nor allow Interference. What We
want is the freedom from bias. such as
you enjoy right here in the public schools +
I shan Try 10 return TO America bent
on this mission. but shall come incog- 4
nito and make study of your inst.tn-