DEMOCRATIC CHINA

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 74, 28 March 1930, Page 19

DEMOCRATIC CHINA

MANY SOCIAL CHANGES

SGEDIERS, ACTORS, WOMEN

3?or ecuturies the Chinese have been among tlio' most" democratic of peoples. Even under absolute monarchies, they developed tlic system of competitive examinations for public office by which a sod of the most humblo. family in the luud might rise to the position of right-hand man to the Emperor by his own merits. But at one time or another in Chinese history, says the "Christian Science Monitor" in an editorial, there have been three divisions of society which have been virtually on a lower level than the rapt, namely, soldiers, actors, and women. For' eign ' emperors—Mongols and Manchus— introduced a respect, for the fighting class, which the military domination since the foundation of the Chinese .Republic has hot lessened. The actors have only recently been accepted whole-heartedly in Chinese society. One great actor, Mci Lan-fang, is more responsible than any other for this change. Mr. Mci is regarded in China not only as the greatest living Chinese actor, but as a great gentleman. After the capital was removed to Nanking, Mr. Mci remained in Peiping, and has acted as. a "semiofficial host" for Chinese and foreigu dignitaries who have visited the former capital.

EMANCIPATION OF WOMEN. Ancl now the new Nationalist Government is acting to remove restrictions upon the last o£ the socially unaccepted classes -—the women. The Government at Nanking has announced that hereafter women candidates will be eligible for examinations for all offices—from the highest to the lowest. A few women have already qualified as magistrates, aud au increasing" number are taking examiuations each mouth. Chinese women are asking and receiving a large pln.ee in public and social 'affairs. Women arc now being invited to public functions, formerly attended only by, .men. It is a curious fact that men seem to be more enthusiastic in according new privileges to their wives and daughters than aro women in.'demanding them. Social changes are being made in China to-day more rapidly than ever be> fore, and it may not be long before Chinese women will play something like an equal p^'-l in the affairs of their coiintry.