Catoctin clarion., 1917-05-31
WING m edibles. school books. etc.


Are you not the lady who is 80 fond OF
fish? Come to China. The business
streets are lined with tubs OF live fish,
clans, shrimp, and later with crabs. You
U. S. A. folks don't know how to cook
fish. The Chinese cook them in ginger
and oil and they are delicious. And the
way they cook shrimp! My, I'm ashamed
to say how many l can eat. Ancient
eggs tastes lots better than some strictly
fresh ones at home. Chop Suey is can
tonment dish, and not used here.
The weather is beautiful now, the
fruit trees in bloom, and the myriads OF
lovely birds singing so wonderfully you'd
think their little throats would burst.
Last Sunday night the yamen OF the
Governor of Kiangsu, who is also Vice
President of the Republic was burned.
The fire was quite sight to behold and
because of very strong wind, and
hopelessly inadequate fire department,
for while the situation looked very SER
ious. The entire property was lost. in
cluding million dollars worth of birth
day presents received short time ago.
Some birthday that must have been. Two
servants and little niece of the Cover
nor lost their lives. Now how did it
happen? Well; this is how the Chinese
explain it. Aweek ago Feng Kno-Chang
escorted distinguished guest to his car
riape: AS he bowed his final farewell,
the horse gave jerk, struck him on the
head. and knocked him to the ground.
This showed that "bad spirit was
after him, and this caused the fire. Poor
slaves of superstition.
Some time ago you asked me about
foot binding. 1t Is no longer universal.
An edict was issued as you know, forbid
ding it, but some still do it, as the know
ledge OF these things penetrate slowly
through vast China. Just few days
ago read in the China Press, in one
province the Governor had very recently
strictly forbidden it, so evidently it has
been continued there. They double the
toes under, and then bind them with
strong rags as tight as the bones can be
pressed. Sometimes their feet are but
stumps, and their walk Is very painful,
tedious and awkward.
l have told you many times OF the
eagerness of many Chinese to acquire
the Western Language, and of the great
sacrifices parents and children makein Or
der to get the education. am enclosing
letter which will emphasize this much
more than anything l may say. One OF
the College students brilliant young
Hunanese, who for several years has
taken first prize in a nation wide oratori-
cal contest in Shanghai, was advised by
the Dean to give up difficult course in
Philosophy. because of conditions in
certain subjects, due to the fact that ne
is doing 80 much work outside the school.
Here is the letter to the Dean:
Mr..
Dear DEAN
"Beg your pardon to say your note
is an indirect ultimatum from my temp
tation. No, there shall be never flight,
never yield, and never treaty, but to
decide which is stronger, my mind or my
books. Nothing will be harder than my
self control. If the day looks too short
for my study, will do away my games
and meats, if still short, let the bed be
occupied by spiders and hang up their
webs for mosquito nets. Your sugges-
ton as to take the course latter l should
ask your excuses to say, its somewhat
sophistic. never can see any graceful
ness for this school or any other school
to keep gray student. don't know
for how long shall you expect for me to
stay. The above might make you blue,
but have no way to avoid it. 1t may
be easier to put sword on my neck, or
aim a gun at my heart, than to take
away my philosophy, since l proved en-
able. Nevertheless, you may take away
my philosophy class on basis of my con-
dition, but hope you will not. If you
really want me to make good, keep my
goodness and encourage my proceeding,
please. If not, then do me what you
like. There also might be some neces-
sary further concerns about my subjects
during this semester.
Your Student.
Glancing out the window l see my
boys coming for the English class and
realize it is time to bring my letter to
close.
M. P. F.