THE ELOQUENT CHINEE

Evening Star, Issue 18332, 20 July 1923, Page 5

THE ELOQUENT CHINEE

WHY HE WANTED JOB. HOW HE ASKED FOR IT. Tang Mas Tsai, who applied for the job of clerk in the business of an Australian in China, did not get. the job (says the Sydney ‘Sun’). His application, copies of which have reached Commonwealth departments, is a, sample of tho letter-writing powers of tho Chinese. It is as follows: —“Most Honored Sir,— Understanding that there are several hands wanted in your honor’s department, I beg to offer you my band. As to my adjustments, I appeared for tbe matric. examination at Octy, but failed, the reason for which 1 shall describe. “To begin wi(h, my writing was ineligible ; this was duo to the climate, the reason for; 1 having come from a. warm into a cold climate, found my fingers stiff and very disobedient to my wishes. Further, I have received a very great shock to my menial system, in the shape of the death of rny only fond brother. “ Besides, most renowned sir, I beg to state that I am in very uncomfortable circumstances, being tbo sole, means of support of my fond brother's seven issues, consisting of three adults and four adnltrosscs, tho latter bring the banc of my existence, owing to my having to support two of my wives as well as their issues, of which, by God’s misfortune, tho feminine gender predominate. If by wonderful good foriune. this few lines meet with your benign kindness, I, tho poor mental, shall ever pray for the. long life and prosperity, as well as your honor’s posthumous olivo branches.--Your faithful servant, “Tang Mas Tsai.”