THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1900.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11794, 25 July 1900, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1900.

Western nations scarcely comprehend what the intellectual awakening of China means. The motto of Napoleon the Great concerning that conservative nation used to be, "Let that sleeping monster lie," and so long as the monster remained in a somnolent condition it did not menace'the peace of the world. But recent years have seen the dawn of Western light in the East, and the marvellous regeneration of Japan gives some indication of what the awakening of China would result in. But yesterday steeped in heathen darkness, and a terra incognita to European nations, Japan to-day, takes her place amongst the Powers, cooperating with them on terms of equality, endowed with all the; gifts of advanced civilisation. The- influence of Japan is already felt as a disturbing element in the balance of power, but no one could forecast what an influence on the future destiny of the world the awakening of China to the full measure of her : power would have. We learn in history that the greatest nation of antiquity went down before the overwhelming tide of barbarian hordes, which swept the most perfect military system of the ancient world out of existence by sheer force of numbers. As fast as oiie wave of the overwhelming tide was rolled back another took its place, until the brave defenders of a world-wide empire made their last stand, and gave up the sceptre for ever. While massed hordes of barbarians would sacrifice their lives in vain against-the opposing bulwark of magazine rifles, machine guns, and farreaching artillery, firing shells filled with high explosives, in the hands of trained soldiers, the spectacle of China with its teeming millions converted into a military Power like Japan would change the whole relative position of affairs. Ever since the easy victory of Japan a large section of the Chinese people have been roused to" action, • and have determined to save their country from partition and - foreign occupation by emulating Japan. These reformers recognise that the blind obstinacy of the Manchu rulers of China is opposed to all the best interests of the masses, and have in consequence welcomed the agencies which brought the promise of light and leading to the benighted people. The most potent agency in that direction, according to Professor Kobert K. Douglas, who discusses the matter iv the June number of the "Nineteenth Century," is the "Society for the Diffusion of Christian and General Knowledge Among the Chinese." He shows how the rulers have stifled the natural aspirations of the people, and whose only reply to reformers has been " the aW-worlcl formula

of the executioner's .sword." Professor Douglas continues: '; Hut this weapon, though formidable enough when wielded with the wide sweep common in Eastern countries, can, after all, only terrorise a comparative few. The leaders are sent to the execution ground, as was

lately the case with the six reformers at Pekin, or are compelled to fly the country, like Kang Yu Wei and Sun Yatsen; but the seed sown remains in. the laud, and, having fallen on a congenial soil, is probably destined to bring forth fruit at no very distant date. The rulers and the ruled are thus pulling in two opposite directions." Tims we find the rulers at Pekin supremely ignorant, of everything beyond their immediate ken, and, uninfluenced by the opinion of the outside world, pursuing their traditional course and endeavouring

to stifle national aspiration by brute force. Vain hope! As well might a child, playing by the sea shore, attempt to stay the advancing tide by a wave of its tiny hand as a despotic Government try to crush beneath its iron heel the aspirations of a vast nation yearning with a burning desire for the benign light of civilisation. As regards the

I society above referred to, its primary , object was to gain by some means or other the ear of the intellectual classes. "The .founders felt-that in a country < such as China the motive power for the effectual working of a change should come from above and not from below, and that so long as the mandarins and literati were banded together in a league of ignorance, reforms would be impossible, except by the drastic method of revolution." The first efforts of the society were, therefore, directed to supplying the educated classes with a literature calculated to enlighten their darkness, as their native literature never could do. The stray beams of Western light that have from time to time fallen athwart Chinese Cimmerian darkness have originated in a similar way. The Jesuit missionaries of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries first established ; themselves in the good graces of the ] learned classes, and gained a wide in-

\ fluencc at Pekin " by publishing transI lations of religious and scientific works 1 in the pure literary style which Chinese I scholars affect, and ■which is the only guise under which they are willing to acquaint themselves with new facts." Following this example, the society set to work, and has since its inauguration issued more than 120 works on religious, scientific, and historical subjects. " The result has been a triumphant success. The books have circulated far and wide through the provinces, and have met with a ready sale." Professor Douglas thinks that in any case the books would have passed into wide circulation, as the war with Japan produced a deep and widespread impression. The extent of the impetus for Western knowledge given by the success of Japan over China in the war may best be gauged by the comparative sales, of the society's books in the two years immediately preceding and the two years succeeding the war. During the former period only some 817 dollars' worth of books were sold, while the sales in the latter period amounted to no less than 18,457 dollars' worth. As a example of the kind of literature sought after Professor Douglas mentions that a popular edition of Mackenzie's "Nineteenth Century" was published, and out of an edition of 5000 copies 4000 were sold within a fortnight. But the society does not limit its operations to publishing Chinese translations of popular and standard works; it carries its influence farther afield by circulating books and . pamphlets among the students at each of the 200 centres of examination. That.these students have their minds fully awake for the reception of Western ideas is borne out by the fact that they often carry back to their native villages the "current literature of the restaurants and singing rooms." Not only has a desire for Western literature sprung np among the Chinese, but the. society has succeeded in establishing a number of native newspapers to further educate the people in the same direction. In 1895 there were only 19 native newspapers published in China; that-number-was quadrupled in 1898, and since then the stream has been pouring out with iilcreased volume, until it received a check by a stronglyworded., edict of the Dowager-Empress. Professor Douglas says : "The greed with which Western literature is being devoured is all the. more remarkable since only 10 per cent, of the entire population aro able to read." It is tins flowr ing tide of. Western enlightenment that the Dowager-Empress had set her face against before the reins of government were seized by the adventurer, Prince Tuan. Before the clearer light of Western civilisation the Manchu dynasty, with its barbarous practices, tempered by bribery and corrupt-ion, must go down. Recognising that fact the Manchu rulers have with blindfold contumacy essayed the task of either killing or expelling, all foreigners from China. The spectacle of a single nation inviting the hostility by its own overt acts of all the leading nations in the world is surely such an event as has never before been recorded in history; yet- it admirably discloses the profundity of Chinese ignorance of the world generally. Throughout China there is a " seething mass of intellectual discontent," and it is as futile to attempt to crush such a movement, says Professor Douglas, "as it would be to try to check' the course of the Yellow llivei by a barrier of bulrushes." How accurately Professor Douglas gauged the situation when he wrote the article referred to is evidenced by the following pregnant sentence: — '.' Like all large bodies, the Chinese people are slow in moving, but the time will inevitably come when there will be an impetus from within which will compel them to push forward, and when that psychological moment arrives the Dowa-ger-Empress's Government will have either to bend or break before the national will, unless, indeed, it- shall have been already dismissed by the revolutionary forces which are always in being within the Chinese borders "

It is not strange that strong opposition should be manifested towards the proposal to introduce the licensing system into the King Country. One of the arguments by which Mr Seddon supports his expressed determination to place the King Country upon the same footing as the rest of the colony with regard to

the drink traffic is that the Natives are as capable us the Europeans are of judging whether it will be to their aclvan-

tage that hotels should be established in their midst. . But this is surely not

the case. The Natives may, if they arc afforded the opportunity, vote for the introduction of licenses into the Eohe P*)tnej and vow nraha-'?!v ti»iv u-;i] j?,,+

thii is a matter in which, if if is at all possible, they should be saved from chem-

Ivcs. Bishop Wallis placed the objection to the Government proposal in a nutshell when, at a meeting on Monday night at "Wellington, he said that history had prored that aboriginals were not to be trusted with liquor. The effect of drink upon them has been, and is, most demoralising, and it will onlj hasten the extermination of the' noble race of Natives of this colony if the traffic in alcoholic liquors is brought inte their, country. Mr Seddon says, however—and this is another ground upon which he justifies his contemplated legislation—that the liquor traffic is already in the King Country. Drink is sold there surreptitiously. There is, Mr Seddon rivers, grog in every village. And this he regards as a strong argument in favour of the establishment of hotels. He seriously informed a deputation which recently addressed him on this subject that "the contention that the establishment of hotels put down sly grog-selling was an absolute fact,, demonstrable wherever sly grog-selling had occurred." if this were the absolute fact which Mr Seddon asserts it is, we should expect that wherever ' the licensing system prevails there should be an entire absence of illicit selling. We know that that fortunate state of things does not prevail. "While, however, we may differ from Mr Seddon upon the demonstrability of the destructiveness of licensed traffic to sly grog-selling, it must be recognised that if liquor is being sold to the Natives in spite of the prohibition of the traffic in the King Country it weakens the cause of those who would strenuously oppose the removal of the embargo. Mr Seddon says in effect that the police are unable to cope with the sly grog-selling in the King Country. The Commissioner of Police says practically the same thing about the illicit traffic in the Clutha district, where a large section 'of the population resents the closing of the hotels as an arbitrary interference with the,liberty of the subject. In the King Country, however, the circumstances are different from those in the Clutha. There .-has; never been a licensed traffic in the King Country, and it was indeed a- condition of the European settlement of the country that there should be a prohibition of the liquor traffic in it. If this condition should now be broken by the Parliament of this colony it will be a melancholy thing. It will be doubly melancholy if the breach should be caused by the inability of the police to enforce compliance with the law.

The accounts of the Public Trust Office, which were lately presented to Parliament, show that the work of the department is growing rapidly. This is especially the case in regard to the administration of wills and trusts. The security and fidelity of the administration of the Public Trustee are evidently being increasingly recognised throughout the community. Unfortunately the record of the business of the office laid before Parliament- does not disclose the number of the estates of which" the administration is annually placed in the hands of the Public Trustee, although there can be no reason why these particulars should not be given in the Blue Book just as they are given in the Year Book. What is presented .to Parliament is simply the accounts setting out the balances to the credit of the various descriptions of trusts, estates, aiid funds with which the office deals. These are sufficient, however, to demonstrate the extent to which the business of the office is expanding. If we take the item alone of " Wills and trust properties ■placed in the office," we find that in 1897' the balance standing to its credit was1 £547,878. In the next year this was increased "to -£580,685; in 1899 it was. £640,124; and on the 31st March last it was £695,609. These figures indicate a steady growth of business, and that again indicates the confidence of the public in the department. It is one of the aims of the Public Trust Office to afford a cheap as well as a- convenient" recourse to a person who desires to form a trust or appoint an agent, attorney, or executor, and it seems to be a proof of the achievement of this aim that notwithstanding the heavy volume of business transacted by the office its' income from commission and charges on properties placed in its care last year did not amount to more than £10,415. Nearly as much was received from interest, being surplus from investments, and the expenses of management are ker>fc within such reasonable limits that a profit on the year's working was realised of nearly £5000.

The Telegraph department informs us that the Cape. Colony Administration advises that telegraphic communication via Delagoa Bay with those parts of the Transvaal occupied by the British troops is interrupted. Private telegrams may, however," be addressed Pretoria, Johannesburg, Germiston, Vereeniging, and Heidelberg, via Capo Colony, if they are written in plain English.

in the Legislative Council yesterday the Civil Service Examination Bill -was passed in a few minutes, and the 'Council adjourned.

In the House of Representatives yesterday a motion was earned setting up a joint committee on defence. Questions and a debate arising out of the replies, received took up the remainder of the afternoon sit-

ting. In the evening ,tho Ministers' Sala- N ries and Allowances Bill having been withdrawn, a debate followed on the Governor's Salary and Allowances Bill. Mr James Al-

leu's amendment to postpone the discussion until the financial position of the colony was disclosed was lost by 48 to 12, and the second reading carried by 43 to 15.

A fire broke out yesterday afternoon in a five-roomed wooden house in the upper

part of Clarke street, owned by. tho Hon. Hugh Gourloy, and occupied by Mr George Whitta-keiv an engine-driver employed at

lie Phoenix Factory. There was no one in

the house at the time, and, although the fire appears to have originated in tho kitchen, its cause is unknown. The brigade

irned out, but before they could.extinguish

the flames the house was pretty well gutted. Mr Whitlaker's furniture was insured in the South British office for £60. the. building being- covered by an insurance in the. Alliance office for £150.

The nomination of a burgess to fill an extraordinary vacancy as onn of the councillors for High Ward, Port Chalmers, caused by the death of the late Mr AY. Fedlovr, took place in the Foresters' Hall at noon yesterday, when John M'Pherson was proposed by Andrew Burns Imric and Thomas James Harrison. There being no other nomination, he was declared duly elected.

Miss Munro, oldest daughter of the Into Mr (1. Munro, diod very suddenly at her residence at St. Chiir yesterday. She had been sitting on the verandah reading,., apparontly in her usual health, when sj'-e rose, ami complained of not fooling well. Medical aid was summoned, but the young lady died shortly after the seizure. The causo of death is believed to have been a c;*v o£ blootl in f'.io brain. Th» ii-K'xpot'.ed dcit'h frtu^d cuJ'c a shoe.- «fc S^. -:Ui:v n-!>o-o i.'""

young lady was well known, and a socia. function which was to have been held al the scUonlhousc this evening has been postponed in consequence thereof.

A lad 16 years of age named Horatio Spinks while out rabbit-shooting at Catlins River a day or two ago received a c'.iurge of shot in the thigh, a little above the knoe. He was with another lad, whose gun wont off accidentally, the charge tearing Spinks's thigh rather badly. The sufferer was brought to town last evening, and taken to tho: hospital.

The treasure: (Mr T. C. Cannon) of the Sergeant Goui-ley memorial window fund reports that the public are taking the matter up so well that there is every prospect of the amount being soon raised. Such encouraging messages with subscriptions have been received as Messrs A. and T. Burt's, who, unsolicited, sent a cheque of £2 2s to the vicar of St. Matthew's, saying: —

" Herewith v/o have pleasure in handing you cheque of £2 2s, being our subscription towards the late. Sergeant Gourley's memorial in St. Matthew's Church. We will ask you kindly to accept same from us, and we are pleased to have been afforded an opportunity of expressing our commendation of this object." Some other firms have also donated £2 2s each, to the same fund. We learn that the orders for memorial windows for churches, in England owing to the war are'quite unprecedented in the history of the trade.

The Milburn Lime and Cement Company have received a. cable message from their manager, Mr Oakden, who is now in New York, stating that he has concluded a contract on behalf of the company for the supply of a rotary kiln, which is the latest and most economical cement-making plant known. These kilns are now being installed in' all the American cement works, also in Great Britain and on the Continent, altogether superseding . the old-fashioned methods. The demand for the company's cement has taxed the Works to the utmost capacity, running day and night. The new plant will .be installed within a few months, and will enable the company to more than double its output.

A lecture on "Fleas" was given at All Saints' Schoolroom Inst night by Dr Benham in the presence of a fair audience, Dean Fitchett presiding. The lecture, which was illustrated with magic lantern views, proved both interesting and amusing, and aDpeared to afford those present a great deal of pleasure. Dr Beiiham described the various kinds of fleas that molest human beings and animals, and in 'the course of his remarks referred to the flea usually to be found upon ratsi This insect, he explained, was a verydifferent kind of flea to that found on human beings, and was unable to penetrate the skin of a man. He was, therefore, somewhat puzzled to know how it was that the plague infection could be carried by fleas from rats to human being,?. On examining some dead rats which had recently been found under a store in Duiledin he, however, discovered that there were " human" fleas xipon their bodies. What was before a mystery then, became obvious. Human fleas sometimes left their natural, habitat, and after sojourning for a' time with rats again sought the hospitality of human beings, carrying with them the plague-infect-ing poison, with which they inoculated those who afforded "them food and shelter. This conduct, which might be excusable on the part of the " rat" flea, the lecturer regarded as base ingratitude on the part of the "human" flea. At the conclusion Of the lecture, Dr Benham was accorded a hearty vote of thanks- by acclamation, a similar compliment being raid to Mr Hints!, who lent and manipulated the magic lantern.

We understand there is a danger- of Dunedin losing the Carisbrook ground for athletic purposes unless money is raised to enable it to be thoroughly drained and repaired. The loss would he a serious matter for the rising generation, as there are too few good grounds available at the present time. The Pirates Football, Carisbrook Cricket, and Dunedin Amateur Athletic Clubs are organising an entertainment to raise the required funds, and .should be largely supported. Many of the items on the programme will be quite new to Dunedin audiences, and this, with the good object, should ensure a full house on the occasion.

A special meeting of the Kensington School Committee was held last evening, ivhen it was decided to recommend the Education Board J:o appoint Mr James Methj ren, of Maungatua, as first assistant in the school, in place of Mr Walter Eudey, who has been appointed relieving teacher.

Mr David M'Cubbin Findlay, solicitor, was yesterday admitted by Mr Justice Williams as a barrister of the ("Supreme Court.

We have to acknowledge receipt of 5s from E. M. for the Allan Fraser fund.

The performance of "La MaßCotte." at the Princess Theatre last evening found much favour with the large audience present. In several instances the singers were prevailed upon to repeat some of the more taking portions of the opera over' again, and the drolleries, particularly by Messrs Stephens and Quealy, caused much amusement. Miss May Beatty was entirely successful in her impersonation of Bcttina, Mr Carter made a capital Prince Frittelini, and the remainder' of the characters were, mc-e or less, capably filled. This evening the musical comedy " lir Town," v.'ith which most, playgoers here are familiar, will be produced, with Mr Percy in (he role of Captain Coddington.

Theve was a chowded house at the Alhambra Theatre last night to greet the new performers— the. Mahers (Alice and Mike), who by their capital dancing and singing met wth a cordial reception in each of their turns. Miss. Maher sang "He's going there every night," and obtained a double encore. Mr Mike Maher gave a clever waltz-time clog dance, and took part with Miss Maher

in "Fat Dan and Thin Nan." Mr Maher was evidently suffering from the effects of a severe cold, and will no doubt be heard to better advantage. Professor Norris, the champion skater, gave another of his successful exhibitions; while Mr Failing (who sings one song that is likely -to become very popular) and the other members of the Bijou Company each found great favour with the audience. The same programme will ba repeated to-night.

Mr Walter Bentley and the Aneelon Dramatic Company open in the Princess Theatre next Monday evening for a short farewell season. It is in tended to produce a dramatisation, by Mr W. H. Maddox of Hall Maine's famous novel " The Christian." This version has been favourably received in the north.

Applications are invited for the position of director of a school of mines at Charters Towers, Queensland. Tenders are invited for the supply and delivery of timber and joinery for nurses' home at the beaclift Lunatic Asylum. The sale of furniture, etc., advertised by Mr IJ. id. Speckling for to-day has been postponed till to-morrow afternoon. Messrs Dalgety and Co. will hold a sale of property at Balcluthu. on Friday n»xt Messrs Wilson. Macka-y, ami Co." will sell at Balclutha- on Friday, August 21, a farm in the Kaihiltu district. ■ A^ extraordinary meeting of shareholders in the Post Office Creek (Waipori) Gold Mining Company will be held on Thursday, August 16, to consider an application for un" extension or their lease. Mr Duncan .Wright, of the City Mission will be very pleased to receive for distribution parcels of clothing, and also gifts of pure literature, Scripture cards, books, Bibles, in addition to those already given, and special prizes for Bible class already promised. Many deserving persons and families have been assisted lately. The place to purchase presents is undoubtedly G-. and T. Youno's, watch and jewellery establishment, 88 Princes street. You" can always rely upon getting value for your money there! See advt. first page. John Hisloi-. " oiaest established Watchmaker and Jeweller. 74 Princes street. 0oo<! assortment Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles suit all sights.-—Advt. The most Reliable Cough Cure is Baxter's 'Aing Preserver; it is a really excellent preparation ; it will cirjre coughs, colds, sorp "throats, ;V«3 terrible hacking cough of consumption, and all affections of the throat and lungs. It is also uncrualled in cutting short the paroxysm in Asthnin. Baxter's Lung Preserver is the cough cive of the century; it can be »iven to young an '.' old with perfect safety. Sold by all chemists in bottles—ls 6d and 2s 6d.—Advt

Who is Peter .Dick?— The most reliable Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee Palace, Morny place, Duncdin. Charges strictly ruodprate.—Advt.

To-day.—Carter's Great Sale. Tremendous bargains in all departments. Come parly and see lor yourselves. Carter's Great Sale.—Advt.