Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-03
CHINESE NEWSPAPERS.
Their Increasing Circulation and APP
peal to Patriotism.
From the Century Magazine.

From the century Magazlne.
Five years ago a man seen reading
newspaper, of which very few were then
published in the whole empire, was ridi-
cuied as a follower OF the foreign devils
Almost the only paper published in the cap
ital was the Pekin Gazette, containing the
DEGREES and doings of the court.
Now there are ten daily papers published
in Pekin, among them one of the few wo-
mems dailes in the world. This paper is In
teresting as being largeiy-edited by women,
and dealing just now with such topics as
popular astronomy, geography, physical
geography. the care of infants and the
training of children The general newspa-
pers ore read by all classes. and are con-
stantly increasing their circulation. They
contain Reuters kilograms. news OF the
country and city, and articles of considera-
BILE length and acumen on live topics. Some
are pledged to the correction OF old estab-
lished customs. and the contents are ex-
tremely interesting, worthy Of separate
article.
BY way of advertisement, or more likely
because OF the zeal of reformers who are re-
sponsible for the newspapers. copies are
posted on blank walls and on boards set up
for the purpose. so that their contents may
be perused by those who would not buy In
addition a remarkable plan to secure the
attention OF the masses has been followed.
In different places in city and suburbs have
been fitted up reading halls, with benches
and tables, where tea is served free. and In
the evenings capable men are engaged to
read and explain the papers. These men
are said to be volunteers, and the halls.
over twenty in number, are fitted up and
supported by voluntary contributions.
|. There seems to be entire freedom of the
press no censorship being exercised. The
papers are decent sheets, with numerous
advertisements, but yet poorly printed,
for the most part with movable lead types,
which rapidly deteriorate, making reading
by a foreigner very difficult. even of those
sheets which are published In current Man.
churia the language of the masses.
These newspapers keep before cur atten-
ton one of the most remarkable movements
the world has ever seen. Each day is pub
Hshcd a long list of names of persons, in
GLIDING women, who are subscribing to
fund for wiping out the indemnity which
the empire Is paying for the Boxer hpris-
Ing. All classes are giving literally, in pro-
portion To their means. All kinds of socie-
ties Christian churches, and even primary
schools, have been offering the contribu-
lions OF their members. Recently was pub
Hshed a list of blind story tellers, whose
living Is earned by going from house to
house with banjo, singing and telling ro-
patriotism has swept over the country.
Everywhere the same feeling Is shown
There is no doubt that these gifts evidence
possibilities in the Chinese nature Of which
the world has never dreamed. With our
knowledge OF the systematic economy OF
the Chinese masses the selfishnesa. the sor-
did parsimony OF individuals: with our ideas
OF their lack Of public spirit. such phenom-
ena cannot be reconciled.