The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1914-08-22
Chinese Mothers Interesting Views Upon the Modernzaon Of China
The Conflict Between the New and
Old Family Ideals Revealed by the
Wife of High Government Official
By the Lady KWei-li
Wife Of Liu. Late Governor of Kiane -su

know thy motherheart win rejoice that our
President shows such confidence in thy son.
and that his many years OF service TO his cOun-
try have been appreciated. Il Is
necessary for him TO live. partly at least. the
life OF a European; but let me assure thee that.
so Tar as am concerned. and so far As can
influence II. our life behind the screens will
always be purely Chinese. and the old ur-
changed customs that love viii rule my house
hold. will surrender no more than Is neces-
sary TO this new tide OF westernism that seems
to be sweeping our China from Its moor
There are no quiet courtyards. no curvIns
roofs, no softly shaded windows OF shell. no
rounded archways; but all Is square and glaring
and Imposing. seeming &c look coldly from Its
staring windows OF glass at the stranger within
its gates II says loudly: Il am rich: II COST
many thousands OF taels TO make my ugli
This house is much more simple than our
homes because OF the many modern instru-
ments that make the work less heavy and allow
Il 10 be done by few instead OF many. as is our
way II Is not necessary TO have a man attend
solely TO the lighting OF the lamps. Upon the
wall is placed a magic button which. touched
even by the hand OF Ignorance. floods the room
with the light OF many suns.
We see more the water-carrier with his
two great wooden buckets swinging from the
bamboo as he comes from river or canal 10 pour
the water into the great hangs standing by the
kitchen door. Nor do we need 10 put the pow
der In Il TO make Il clear and wholesome. That
Is done by men who do not see, and they call
II sanitation" The cook needs only 10 turn a
small brass handle. and the water comes forth
as from distant spring.
Thou hast asked me for the latest style in
dress. II is impossible 10 say what is the
latest style Some women wear jacket far
too short and trousers as tight as any coat
sleeve. The modest ones still cover them with
skirts; but | have seen women walking along
the street who should certainly stay within the
inner courtyard and hide their shame For
those who wear the skirt--the old wide-pIeated
model has gone by-and long black rAirt thar
Is nearly European Is now We n Is not
graceful. but Is far better than the trousers
worn by women who walk along 30 stinly upon
their golden lilies"
These tiny feet 20 me are beautiful when.
covered with gay embroidery they peep from
scarlet skirts: but they. too are passing and
we hear no more the crying OF children IN the
woman OF China Is OF the past along with ths
long hnger-nails OF our gentlemen and scholars:
and an asked Why do not unbind my feet.
! say. Il am TOO old; Aave suffered 81 tho
S.nes-E Shc sgfnev n fss usbrIfs.sT
have conceded 20 the new order BY allowing
unbound feet 10 all my girls, and everywhere
my family Is held up an example OF the new
Chinese. They do not know OF the many bitter
tears I have shed over the thought that my
daughters would look like women OF the serv-
ant class and perhaps not make a good mar
riage: but was forced 70 yield TO their father
whose foreign travel had taught him 10 see
beauty IN ugly. natural feet
Even nov, when I see Wan-i stridng across
the grass. blush for her and wish she could
walk more gracefully. My feet caused me
many moons OF pain. but they are one OF the
great marks OF my ladyhood. and I yet feel as
proud as come into a room with the gentle
swaying motions Of the bamboo IN a breeze
although my daughter, who supports me- takes
one great step to Ave OF mine.
We hope much from America. that country
which has 50 wonderful an influence upon us
which appeals 20 our Imagination because Il a
great and strong and prosperous. The suave
and humorous American. with hts easy WAYS
Is most popular with our people. although he
cannot always be trusted nor Is his word
bond. He IL different from the man Of Eng.
land, who r. not fond OF people not Of his own
color and viii not try to disguise the fact He