Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-09-17

saying that in the future no men will be
taken into the employment of the Chinese
empire whose wives or daughters have their
feet bound 1t il uncertain when this latest
order will go into effect, and whether It will
be strictly enforced or not. Nevertheless,
the fact that several viceroys are follow
ing in the footsteps of the imperial decree,
and that the authorities at Picking are de-
handing that the others comply with the
imperial mandate, leads TO the impression
that this form of oriental barbarism may
be approaching Its end.
A more striking indication OF the adoption
of not only western civilization, but of
Christianity. is found in the decree just
issued by Chang Chih-Tung ordering the
New Testament to be introduced into all
the schools Of the Hupeh and Human prov
inces over which he rules. The decree
states that the permanence and high quail
ity of Chinese civilization is due to the
fact that the Confucian classics have been
taught in China for over 1900 years. The
viceroy admits. however, that western ma
lions have some power which the Chinese
do not possess He is sure that this is not
due to any superiority OF the westerners
over the Chinese, but to the fact that the
western nations have In their possession
certain teachings which the Chinese have
not yet mastered. He thinks this superb
ority is due to the Bible, and In order to
make the Chinese not only equal, but SUI
perior to their western competitors, he
orders the New Testament taught, along
side the Confucian classics, among the
100000 people over whom he rules.
Esta blishing Christian Sabbath.
, Perhaps the most striking indication of
the Chinese desire for western progress is
found in the recent imperial decree at
tempting to establish the Christian Sab
bath. The decree makes the Sabbath day
legal holiday. 1t is not probable that
the decree will be largely followed through
out China, as indeed, II is not probable
that Chang Chih-Tung's decree in regard
to the New Testament will be largely OBJ
served. These decrees however, show the
aspirations of the Chinese for western
civilization. asa.f a< .s
Some American, and English officials, and,
indeed. some of the missionaries here are
convinced that unless; western influences
are swiftly and strongly reinforced, the
present movement may result In reac-
ton which will indefinitely delay the emer-
gence of the Chinese into modern civiliza-
ton. Indeed, the recent radical decree
putting two native Cinnamon in charge of
the imperial customs is likely to lead to
the retirement of Sir Robert Hart. the
ablest English official in China, and to
the Generalization OF the customs service
Only the hearty and speedy cooperation
OF western nations in the present strCg-
giles of the. Chinese can. prevent similar
radical attempts at reform by the natives
followed by similar reactions. In q word
China is today where Japan was thirty
years ago; and If Americans and foreign
ers respond to one of the greatest oppor.
tunities which ever confronted the west
ern nations and guide this cropping empire
into modern liberty. modern education ana
modern inventions. 4s7,oOooOo human beings
will emerge into western civilization with
! in generation.