The Washington times., 1915-07-09
Spirit of NationaIism Aroused
BY Aggression Of Japan
Against Nation.
RESENTMENT IS SHOWN
Shanghai Starts Popular Plan
to Raise s50,O00,0O0 For
National Defense.
By OSCAR KING DAVIS.

BY OSCAR KING DAVIS.
PEKING, May 19-The Chinese pa-
tional salvation fund had its impetus
in Japan. its inspiration in China, and
its start in Shanghai. When the Japan
ese submitted their demands to FRESH
dent Yuan on January IS news OF the
aggression was not long in travelling
pretty much all over the country.
The Immediate resentment and oppo-
stion apparent in all parts OF the
nation showed that the spirit OF ma
tionalism--the beginnings OF which
Shens Kung-pao had described to me
fifteen years ago-had made great
strides since that interview.
Boycott Suggested.
But while China was united in oppo-
sition to the Japanese demands. 1t was
also recognized everywhere that she
was not able to meet aggression with
forcible resistance.
Moreover, the government officials,
the very men who were charged with
negotiating with Japan on the de-
mands. were so keenly alive to the in
ability Of their country to meet Japan
in arms that they openly avowad the
unhappy fact, and not only ordered but
besought their people not to do any
thing that would by any stretch of in
depreciation serve as pretext for
Japan to come on under arms to en-
force her demands.
Under such circumstances what were
the Chinese to do? Their Trst and ma
tural recourse was their old weapon,
the one they have used so forcibly and
successfully before, and with which
they are thoroughly famillar-the com.
mercial boycott
But that was openly abandoned-for
reasons ! shall discuss in another let
| ter--and still the opposition of and
hatred for Japan had found no method
of open expression.
Hits Great Idea.
Public meetings were held almost
without number. There were always
half dozen meetings going on in every
large city. Speeches were made end
lessly and all sorts OF public avowals
OF patriotism and loyalty to the nation
| and the government.
Thousands of circulars were distribut'
ed calling on the people to hestir them
selves in behalf OF their menaced coun-
try. But no one suggested any con
crete thing to be done.
At length a young bank clerk ir
Shanghai hit upon the great Idea III
wrote a letter to one Of the local pa
~
a public salvation fund. His letter wa
published first In newspaper printed
in English. Then II appeared In tn
Chinese newspapers. One after anothe
the vernacular apers OF Shanghai pun
lished the suggestion, and in few day
the movement was ,itr wsy.
AS usual in China. where the forma
ton OF a society or league is aoou
the easiest thing done. this movemen
took the course OF forming such an or
ganization.
Would Save China.
The patriotic league was founded 10
the purpose of raising the national sal
walton fund. The promoters OF tn
, league did not know what they intende
to do with the fund. or Just how
was to work out the sadvakon of thei
country. But they wanted to save chm
and they believed that money was on
of the first essentials for that purpose
r So they set themselves at the start
raising money ard left the determin
i ton as to how It vas to be eT "lo>'
a Tor fuuthCr consideration.
: The ancient squeeze Is well e.
Q tablshed and Thoroughly understoo
:. custom in China. But there has bee
= growing up In recent years decioe
s antipathy to 1t, especially among tr
O Young China" party, composed large!
: Of foreign educated men and women.
Z Tho promoters OF the national salVs
+ ton fund did not propose TO have an
Il OF their money get into the hands
e "soueezers." They determined az u
n outset that they would not handle an
n funds themselves. not even TO recel,
l. nt-tbutions. Instead they decided
c intrust all that to government pa.
q So they asked the manager OF u
n Bank OF China in shangnsi M II ne W. W. w,
8 willing. but had to secure the consee.
p OF the head office in Peklng. ana vi,
z mately OF the ministry of finance "hi'
d controls the Bank OF China.
u Reject Suggestion.
n Application for this permission "
made by telegraph. and granted
with the suggestion from the COVER
ment that the name be changed
"natriotic" instead OF salvation
fund. ,,o ~,
, to all who signitied a readiness 10 GO
tribute considered the suggestioh ~
the government and rejected H.
y government did not insist, and the n
tional salvation fund II Is.
The Pank of China agreed 10 pay
per cent on the sMGs'[ipoaonS soS t,ma ss If hoi
them. It was decided that the CO
=, tributions should remain the persoI
property of the contributors untll su
,rHs' time as the league, In public nleeut
- voted what should oe uohe WIN
- fund. -
n In the Bank OF China a room was
10 anart for the use of the league,
s. the receipt of subscriptions Eacn &C
tributor receives a receipt signed
IL the manager of the bank. who mas p'
vo soneI care Of the fund. The act or &C
re trihuting makes any native chinese
member of the league.
m In this special room several meno'
rk of the league had places at one :.
10 | on5 hank clerks occupied the or
~ si6a Contributors as they enter
on Vent to the league side. offered IN
n money, and received the league rece'
Patriotic Response.
Id The money was then passed 10
or bank clerks. with the record giving
name and address Of the contriout
The clerks entered the amount and p
pared a formal receipt for signature