The Washington herald., 1908-05-02

Minister WI Ting-fang lauded the
American woman. praised her virtues,
and incidentally pointed out her several
'glaring faults last night. when he ad-
dressed the National League Of Women
Workers, in Carroll Hall.
Minister Wu was the third Of three
speakers. Father William T. Russell,
pastor of st. Patrioks Church. paid an
eloquent, scholarly tribute to the true
woman, and Secretary Oscar. S. straus,
of the Department of Commerce and La
bor, talked ably on the government in
Vestigati0n into woman labor and the ef-
forts to better the sex in the workshop.
Eloquent and scholarly as were the ad-
dresses of Father Russell and Secretary
straus. Minister Wa made the hit of the
evening in his talk, in which he admitted
he was a vegetarian. To many in the
audience it seemed remarkable that a
Chinaman, distinguished though he might
be, was able to talk in good English 10
an American audience.
Introduces the Minister.
introduced by Mrs. Henry Onesheimer.
president Of the league Minister WI said.
I feel greatly embarrassed in rising TO
speak 10 you tonight; first, because while
/ have spoken rather often in public gath
erings, / can hardly recolIect a. sins ie
instance where I have made an address
exclusively before an audience of women,
presided over by a lady president
I am getting a little nervous. Ladies
are very critical, 50 I must be careful in
what I say. 1 am following very eloquent
speakers. Secretary Straus was too deem
for me 70 understand. mean what 1 say"
said Minister WI when the laughter sub
sided
The question OF the Chinese view Of
the American woman is delicate one
and I fear I am treading on dangerous
ground. Our view Of your American
women embraces first the consideration
shown them by American men-American
gentlemen. 7 dnd this condition everv-
where I 90. This is the result of your
modern civilization.
In China We show a certain amount of
consideration TO our women but not as
much as you. Therefore, We ought 10
learn from you.
We greatly respect the mother-in-law
in China. Laughter.)
In China, the daughter-in-law shows
great respect to her mother-in-law. When
the son marries, he and his bride live
Win his mother and father. We think it
necessary. We call it flial pietv.
When people have sons who are mar
ried, they are getting we'll along in years.
so they depend on their sons for the
support and attention needed. When par
ents rear a son. he should repay the
kindness shown him by his parents. (Ap-
piause)
Il know this is not so in great ma jor-
ity Of cases in this country. CApplausel
OF course, it Is not always the case in
China. especially if the family Is a num-
erous one.
Would Not Initiate.
In this respect I would retain my own
customs and not initiate you. It NAV
be selfshness on my part, because I have
a son VINO is married Oaughter)
In eulogizing the work of the league
and women's clubs, Minister WI said:
You women are as capable as men.
In some respects you are more capable.
applause.
'I see some Of you are learning dentls-
try. That is a little out Of the way. be-
cause ones teeth will not decay IF one
takes care Of them. Fully 80 per cent
vt the dentists Of the world live in the
United States.
Says He is Vegetarian.
Your teeth decay because you eat toe
much meat and consume too much flesh
food. I speak from my experience of
past years
For the last two years I have been a
vegetarian daughter and applause). Fol
low my example. ladies', and then you
won't be bothered with toothache. and
so you needn't learn dentistry. Gaugh-
teri
There are more girls schools in China
to-day than ever before. Chinese women
are now learning to take a part and a
proper place in their sphere Of life.
And now they are initiating their
Western sisters, not only in the house
hold. but In public affairs, such as the es-
tablishmeut of schools.
some say they are going too far-thev
rule the roost. tLaughter) But it is not
bad for China 10 have women of that
kind, because bOssed husband is gen
orally a good one, and is only ruled after
he has gone too far and taxed his xs,ifeis
patience.
Father Russell urged YOU to Sc trua
ladies' II you are not true ladies' exert
yourselves TO be such / wish NOT only
women, but men would try to be tbeir
true selves. (Applause)
Talks About Charity.
1T has been said that charity bApins
at home I wish YOU would go abroad and
convert our women to be true ladies
There is a little difference in our color
but We really are Of the human race.
In all good work there is no race. dis
tinction. Go. shen, to China and ask the
women there TO establish clubs ike this
one. Then there will be no distinction
There is a slight difference of color. but
please remember that we are all brothers
and sisters" {Applause)
Minister Wu's remarks received the
closest attention,
Father Russells address on the true
lady was an appeal for the woman TO
Saturday snaeiaI-nossa "a n.