THE REAL CHINESE QUESTION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10390, 13 July 1901, Page 2

THE REAL CHINESE QUESTION.

Suck is the heading of an article contributed to an American paper by a Mr Holcombc, a citizen of tho United States, who, from" long rcsidenco in China, claims to speak with knowledge and authority. He was for many years interpreter at the United States Legation in Pekin; later, was promoted to be Secretary there, and, for a time, wnn Acting-Minister. Ho says: — '"There is much forco (in) and a wide range of applicability to that French Baying, Lcs absens out toujours tort — the absent are always in the wrong. . . This rule of common practice is also not less applicable to nations and races than to individual members of the human family. -Tho Chineso . . have suffered enormously from it. They havo been 'the absent' in. the past. . , Any statement, any tale, however incoherent, absurd, grotesque, or self-con-tradictory, is accepted if applied to the Chinese. 'The Travels of Gulliver, 1 fairytales, and the .'Wonderful Adventures of Mother Hubbard's Bog,' all sink into tho most insipid and exciting matter-of-fact prose when brought into contrast with current stories about tho Chinese." Another phase- of Mr Holcombe's point of view is seen in tho following: — "Too much has been written about China from a purely foreign standpoint. The shelves are full of books — notably English — telling with great detail and much ingenuity what China wants, what China desires, and what is best for China, with tho sole object of promoting tho interests of British commerce, and thwarting 'the possible designs of Russia and every other Power. •But regarding what China needs, for China's sake, the world of literature is markedly silent." Tho real Chinese question, says Mr Holcombe, is the question of tha continued existence of the Chinese' nation, which "hangs quivering in tho balance." Ho states that, the Chinese are abundantly able to govern themselves, and to work out their own future, and ho asks: Why not allow them to do it? "No possible good or really desirable end can bo gained by tho dismemberment of China. Upon tho contrary, a gross wrong against humanity would be perpetrated in the act; and not only China, but the whole civilised world would suffer in consequence of so foul a deed. More, is at stake than the Celestial and his Empire. Tho peace of Europe depends on tho integrity of China, and a now map ofl tho lattor will inevitably" result in a new -map of tho former, Tho question of partition is tho result of the strife and quarrel over commercial and political r*premacy in the East, and is not at all tho outcome i of troubles caused by China. Tho only role played by her in the tragedy is that of victim." Mr Holcombc thinks that if Great Britain, Russia, Franco, and Germany come into "closo contact" in remote Asia, the peace of Europfi could ondure for a week. And he goes on. to sny that this statement cannot seem exaggerated to any person who is even moderately familiar, with tho European, aud especially tho British press.

On our first page will be found Parliament, etc.

The, latest addition to the TelephoneExchange is Mr R. Duprat Tosswill, sharebroker, Avenue — No. 226. Recently Henry Bridgelands, a commercial traveller, W3S found guilty at Melbourne of "corruptly receiving- a reward for a watsh stolen from another.'

If present suggestions are acted upon, the lioyal visitoro to Perth will have uti opportunity of seeing .a mass of gold weighing between three and four torn.. At the unanimous request of the Publications Committee, tho Rev. Jas. Chisholm has consented to' act as editoi of the Outlook for a time. A great deal of the editorial work of the last issue was dono by that gentleman.

The funeral of Mrs Francis S. McGregor, who died at the early age of 21 years, was largely attended yesterday, the Rev. R. MT Ryburn conducting the burial service. Mr Ronald McGregor and the two little motherless children will have tho sincere sympathy of many friends in their sad bereavement. An enjoyable social in connection with tho local division of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance Society waiheld last evening in the lodge-room, Campbell place. Songs, rccHations, and readings were rendered and refreshments provided, and during the evening six "candidates were initiated intc the order.

Tho long immunity from, crime experienced in Marlborough, which led. tho Chief Justice to congratulate the district on its moral tone lastweek, hat- 1 bone rudely broken by a native named Bunny Wilson, aged 18, breaking into a dwelling at Mahakipaira and stealing £4, 10s in money. The accused, who admitted the offence, was committed foi trial at Blenheim.

Tho many friends in Wanganui of Mrs Dan O'Hara will regret to hear ol her serious illness at Newcastle, a cablegram having been received lnst evening to the effect that no hopes were entertained of her recovery. Mrs O'Hara loft for Australia a few months back on a holiday trip to visit relatives, and ir the last letter received from her no, mention was made of her being unwell A cable was received a week ago, stating that she was ill, and last mght'f message confirms tho melancholy news.

The Omaru Mail understands that Mr E. Atkinson, Crown Lands ranger of Polmerston, has seized, on behalf o' tho Otago Land Board, about lOOf broodleaf posts and about 300 ruils." which it is alleged have been illegally cut upon Crown lands situated at the Horse Range (Trotter's" Creek) _ in the Mocraki Survey district. Notice har been served upon the parties concerned that they must establish their claim to tho posts %rithin il days, otherwise the Lnna Board will dispose of them ac they deem fit.

Tho management committee of the Wanganui Rugby Union met this morning to consider the apology from the Pirate Football Club with regard to the action of their team in leaving the field of play in last Saturday's senior cup match. The following is the "apolpgy" : — "To the Wanganui Rugby Union, — Enclosed p'.easo find the signatures _of those apologising in accordance with resolution passed at the Wanganni Rngbv Union Management Committee or. Wednesday evening, July 10th, 1901." (Here fol(low the names of twelve of tho players signing the document). Wo understand there was a bare quonirn present at the meeting this morning when the letter was considered, and it was decided by a majority to accept tho "apology."

At the Court this morning, before Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., a chargo was. heard ajjainsf Thomas Quinlivan that he used obscene language in Bell Street, within the hearing of passers-by, on 29th June last. Mr Barnicont appeared for defondant and pleaded guilty to the language (the three first words) used to Sergeant Dwyer. The language wah used by defendant whilst he was under the influence of liquor, and defendant desired, through counsel, to apologise to the police officer for his conduct. Mr Kettle commented on tho fact that the languago used within the hearing of pasaers-by in the streets was most disgusting, this nuisance not only being caused by men, but young boys, 1 and occasion was also taken to refer to the disgusting language used by some spectators at football matches. With regard to the charge before the Court, Sergeant Dwyer, at tho request of the Court, detailed the circumstances leading to the use of tho language, and at the request of counsel the charge was altered by the polico to come under the Polite Offences Act. Mr Kettle remarked that had this not been done he would have had to imprison the • defendant, at least for_ some hours, but' as it was he would "be fined JES and costs, the latter amounting to £1 12s, or ,£6 12s in all, three weeks' time being given to pay the sum. On Wednesday, July 3rd, an elderly, man named W. Bryant was admitted to the Melbourne Hospital in a somi-. conscious state, having been sent there by the manager of tho Adolaido Coalyard, in charge of Constable Hickey. Examination revealed that the patient had been subjected to violent usage, and ho gradually sank and died at 7 a.m. next day. Inquiries made by Detectives Burvett and Mercer disclosed that the man was a wharf labourer, and that ho had been violently assaulted by another man, whose name was not ascertained. A number of men were assembled at the Adelaide Coalyard, South Wharf; seeking employ-^, most. Bryant, who had been working during the day on a vossol called tho Barrier, was amongst them. The fact that ho had been working was apparently known, and his presenco amongst those seeking' work again at night was resented. .One of the" men, whose name was not revealed to the detectives — ho was said to have been a stranger, and not known to the other lumpers — told Bryant that he had no right there, and that he should be quite satisfied with having obtained a day's work, without wanting to do someone else out of a job at night. Bryant replied that it was his own business, and that if he cared to work day and "night ho would do so. . A heated argument, which was taken up by several, ensued, and the dispute culminated in Bryant receiving from tho strangor a heavy blow in the face, which felled him. The man who struck the blow left the 'scene on seeing that Bryant was seriously injured. Sevoral interesting personal reminiscences of tho Rev. J. Chalmers' apptorod in tho London newspapers after the news camo of his murder in New Guinea. A friend of his relates that he once asked him if he was not afraid of being eaten by tho natives. "Not a bit of it," ho answered laughingly. "I once went so far as to ask the cannibals of Bald Head Point, in the presence of the sago-producing country — most ngreeablo fellows — if they had any such intentions regarding me. The chief, with a smile (not a hungry one), said that they did not care for white man. They had tried him, but he was not good. Of course, they might prefer whito man to no man at all, but, as v matter of fact, 'long-pig' orgies are not common. They aro like plum pudding at Christmas— very good once a- year." The layman would have expected diatribes against cannibals, but Mr Chalmers stuck up for them manfully. "They aro really a fine sot of men," he said, and ho praised their skill in building houses and temples. But ho had no illusions as to their religious susceptibilities. "I am not," ho said, "one of those who believe that 'savages yearn for tho Gospel. Tho Gospel of tho New Guinea man or woman is red beads, tomahawks, and hoop iron." A letter which tho Rev. Stanley Rogers, of Liverpool, received from Mr Chalmers (probably one of tho last written by him) contains tho following paragraph : — '"Time shortens, and I havo much to do. How grand it would be to sit down in tho midst of work and just hear the Master say, Tour part is finished;

A iirominont Chicago woman speaks. — Prof. Rosa Tyler, of Chicago, VicePresident Illinois Woman's Alliance, in speaking of Chamberlain's Cough Rel medy, says: "I suffarod with a severe cold this winter .which threatened to rnn into pneumonia.' I tried different remedies but I seemed to. grow worse and the medicine upset my stomach. A friend advised mo to try Chamberlain's Cough Remedy and I found it was r-loa<,nut to take and it relieved me at once. I am now entirely recovered, saved a doctor's bill, and I will never be without this splendid medicine again." For sale by tho United Farmer's Co-op. Association.

No notice, was taken in Wanganui yesterday' of Arbor Day._

MacLaren has engaged Tyldesley, Pry, and R. E. Foster m'the English cricket team for Australia.

Captain Edwin wired this afternoon : Strong south-east to east, and northeast winds ; glass rise ; tides increase.

On and after Monday next all correspondence for residents in those localities, unless specially requested otherwise, will be sent to St. John's.

A movement is on foot in Christchurch to form a Bohemian Club, on lines similar to those of the Australian organisations. A . largp n.umber of promises of membership have been made.

The Postal Department notify for general information that for the benefit of residents at Mosstown, St. John's Hill, and Springvalc, a Post and Telegraph- OjKce has been opened at Richardson's store, and called "St. John's.".

The many friends of Mr Tom Barnett, of Wanganui, will be pleased to hear of his safe return. Mr Barnett was a member of the Fifth Contingent, and is among the troopers on the transport Tagus. A Greymouth correspondent telegraphs to the Preßs:— At the inquest on the body found on the beach, it same out ' in the evidence that the ■icceaaed, along with some friends, had Home liquor supplied to him at a certain hotel on Sunday. A prosecution for Sunday trading will follow. This ia the third case of the kind ia a week.

Dr. Wilkins, who is now on trial for murder in Auckland, was, remarks the "New' Zealand Herald," formerly in practice in Victoria, and some years ago came to Dunedin, and thence to Christchurch, where he practised his profession. Many years ago he left Christchurch, - aud - removed to Auckland. There seems to be some misapprehension among membors of School Committees as to how they may vote in connection with the election of Education , Board members. Formerly the Committee voted as a body; but now each individual member of a Committee can vote as he likes. For instance, a Committee of seven memberswill have seven i votes, each Committeeman voting for the three candidates he prefers. /

Professor Bickerton 'was fined at Christchurch the other day by two Justices for riding a bicycle, on the footpath in the Mile Road. His defence was that when he was discovered riding on the footpath, the road was absolutely impassable for a bicycle, and 1 ho asked what was he to do? The Bench replied that he might have wheeled his< machine on the path, upon which ho askod whether that, too, was not an offence in the eyes of the law? To this.- the Bench made no reply, and since then. Professor Bickerton. has repeated it in the columns of the Press again without result.

A disappointed swain is at present in the police cells (says tho Christchurch Press) the victim of a woman's unfaithfulness. The two were ostensibly .engaged, and scores of loving letters passed between them. The course of their true love ran smoothly enough for several years, and then the mnn wolce up one day to find that another'gentleman had entered upon the scene. ¥ So enraged did the first gentleman become that he sent a letter to the lady, teeming with reproaches, and concluding with a threat that' he would sooner; kill her rather than that she should become another's. There is a section 6f the Criminal Code Act that deals with such an.' offence as this, and under this section the young man has been arrested.