Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-06-19
SHOULD TALK IN CHINESE.
Sat Is the Advice of the Chinese Minister at Washington E. to Americans.

Since my first acquaintance with America and Americans" said Sir Chen Tung Liang Cheng, the Chinese min- ister, who was dined by the American Asiatic association the other night, in conversation with writer of the New York Commercial Advertiser, T have become thoroughly convinced that my countrymen will never suc- ceed among you until they make up their minds to master the English lam guage and participate much more free- ly in the life and habits of your people. The, gross ignorance of knowledge of English among my countrymen who are here to stay is especially to blame for the way they are ddsliked-and, I must confess, too often looked upon with contempt-by the American peo- pie.
 Tt is perfectly obvious of course, that if my countrymen would make it a first and necessary condition to mas ter your language they would soon make their true worth appreciated by Americans, as we'll as eradicate that air of inquisitiveaess with which you regard us.
 Certainly, too, it would in time be of incalculable benefit to my country and people if you were to institute the teaching of the Chinese language in all your public schools and universities. am greatly pleased to note chair of Chinese language has already been en- dowed in your Columbia university. There is, I am afraid, however, little oq e.. next half century-my language being taught generally throughout America. It would take fully that length of time, too, believe, before the un- doubtedly great influence of such knowledge among your people would be felt in many ways for the better ment of China.
 My countrymen, know, have al- ways been a people of much mystery to you, and they must necessarily re- main so in a greater or less degree just so long as you continue to keep your selves ignorant of of our language and we of yours. During all my acquaint ance with America have met only three Americans who could converse with me, even fairly intelligently, in my own tongue. All three had travelled in China. I have since often wondered not a. little, since meeting them. how many more Americans there are who can speak the Chinese language. honestly believe that they could be counted on the fingers of my right hand. How densely ignorant you are, too, of our history, our mode of life, our character, our wealth and poverty and the tremendous future of our coun- try.
 Some time during the present year or next" Sir Chen continued, "I intend taking steps to establish schools for the instruction of the English lam guage in those sections of this coun- try where my countrymen are congre- gated the most. I believe that to be the nearest workable solution for ele- vating the general condition of the ma4 jority of Chinamen here. If can only successfully secure for them such an opportunity to make themselves prof. cient in the English language they would also soon desire-and naturally enough--to assimilate with your peo- pie more freely than it is possible for them to do now, and otherwise also i'm duce them to take an interest in their adopted country. America would cer- tainly not. I feel sure, lose anything by the closer rela tionship."