A CENTURY ago the world was in almost total ignorance concerning China, and had ever been so from the dawn of history. Its government and its civilization, its riches and its poverty, its languages and its religions, were all a sealed book to those most intelligent, while the laity were practically as ignorant of China and its people as tho they had no existence.
To-day how different! Now all is changed. Every day the great dailies bear some message to their readers from this far-away land. Many magazines are publishing write-ups of China, till every one feels he knows much concerning the "Flowery Kingdom," the "Middle State," as the Chinese love to call their country.
In some things China takes first rank among the nations of earth; and it matters not what nations may do to China or men may say concerning the conditions in China, the fact must ever remain that in many things the Chinese Empire, if not the greatest, at least is among the greatest empires that ever had national existence.
Great in Territory
Notwithstanding the great losses of possessions which China has undergone during the last century, possessions which she once governed or which were at least tributary to her, still this country remains among the mightiest kingdoms ever formed by man, taking rank to-day, in territorial possession, as the third kingdom of the world.
A view showing the houses of some of our missionaries set in among the bamboo-trees at Mokanshan. No. 1, Elder Westworth's; No. 2, Dr. Miller's; No. 3, R. F. Cottrell's.
With an area of 4,278,352 square miles, divided into eighteen provinces (constituting China proper) and four dependencies, China, as far as territory is concerned, takes first rank among the nations of all time.
China has a great diversity of climate. Lying as it does in a wide range of latitude in the temperate and torrid zones, from the severe cold in the north, all degrees of temperature can be found till one comes to the south where there is perpetual summer.
Its land is as diversified as its climate. From the barren wastes and arid lands of Mongolia and Turkestan to the rich alluvial plains of Central China, and the hills and fertile valleys of the south, China can boast of land with an enduring fertility which challenges a rival in any country in the world. Some of its plains have been cultivated for thousands of years, the same kind of crop succeeding crop for ages with no apparent depletion of productiveness.
Outside of the Nile Valley, the world offers no parallel to the enduring fertility of the great loess plains of Northern and Central China.
Great in Population
In the number of its population China has no rival in history. Like its great mountain peaks of Tibet, in the number of its people China towers so far above all others, that it stands pre-eminently alone. Approximately China has a population nearing 450,000,000. There is no nation like it in all the world, and never has been. Four hundred and fifty millions of law-abiding, industrious, intelligent people living adjacent one to another, with no other country intervening, governed by the same laws, and paying homage to the same emperor, make China a nation by itself, without comparison.
A view of the Garden Bridge and the new “Astor House” in Shanghai. The view looks across Soochow Creek from the Public Park. This picture shows a little of the progress being made in China.
Every fourth man, woman, and child in all the world is a Chinese, speaks the Chinese language, and if he can read at all reads the Chinese characters. Every fourth person who dies is a Chinese. Three more nations with a population like China's would people the whole world as densely as it is now populated. While the death-rate in China is appalling, still the race is rapidly increasing, and every decade finds a great increase in the number of people.
The Chinese marry young, and the central idea of marriage seems to be the rearing of a family. If the first wife fails to have offspring, the law permits the husband to have a second wife in the hope that children will be born. If human life was as sacredly regarded as in western nations, the Chinese people would soon increase till they themselves could easily fulfil the command given to Adam in the beginning, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
Great in Resources
Not only does China cover a wide range of latitude and longitude, but in natural resources that help to make a great country, China must take first rank among the nations of earth. In fertility of soil, in mineral and natural wealth, few countries can compare with China. Her coal deposits are among the richest and most extensive on earth.
The amount of coal in Yunnan, Kweichau, Kwangsi, seems to reach 30,000,000,000 tons, and it is estimated that the vast coal measures of south Shansi would amply supply the world with coal, at the present rate of consumption, for thousands of years to come. —Richards.
The coal-fields in China have been laid down on a grand scale. To instance only one, that of Shansi, which has a continuous field 13,500 miles in area of anthracite, equal to the best Pennsylvanian, with from fifteen to forty feet seams. There is also a rich bituminous deposit in the same province.
There are most extensive coal-fields in China, for she is credited with possessing the largest coal-mines in the world, covering 200,000 square miles. —Ball.
China has also iron, lead, copper, gold, tin, and sulphur, so that in natural resources China could continue to exist, as it has existed in the past, to the end of all time without intercourse with foreign nations. Are other nations great in mineral wealth? Behold, China is great among the greatest. In coal and iron she stands pre-eminent, while the great mountain ranges of Tibet are still waiting for the tread of the explorer.
Great in Cohesion and in Antiquity
History offers us nothing in comparison to China when we judge her by cohesion and antiquity. Egypt, one of the earliest nations of earth, does not antedate China, if we are to rely on Chinese tradition and history.
The Chinese started in the race of national existence with the oldest of the old Egyptians, long before this huge mound of stones was piled up [the pyramids]. They outlived their ancient contemporaries. They outlived the Persians. They outlived the Greeks. They have outlived the Romans. And they will outlive the Arabs, for they have as much youth and vitality in them as the youngest of young nations. . . . Here are the Chinese, who have prolonged their existence for 4,000 years. . . . The old Chinese fixed their eyes on certain ineradicable principles of man's mind, and, working on these, have founded and built up a monument, the greatest and most gigantic the world has ever seen. —Meadows.
While other nations have crumbled away till no trace of them is found, this people have existed for millenniums, a separate, distinct nation, never once separating or disintegrating for over 4,000 years. They have preserved their language from all foreign contamination, and the scholar of to-day can read the characters used by Confucius and Mencius15five hundred years before Christ. Since the confusion of tongues at the building of the tower of Babel, no language of any race has been spoken by so many people as the Chinese language. Think of 450,000,000 human beings speaking and reading the same language! The languages of ancient Greece and Rome are dead languages. Centuries ago they ceased to be spoken or read save by students who made them a special study. But the Chinese scholar of to-day can read and speak the very language written by the scholars before the Christian era. If cohesion and age make a people or a nation great, here we must give the guerdon to the "Flowery Kingdom."
The signal station of the Siccawei Observatory in Shanghai. These photos are furnished by Brother F. E. Stafford.
The Chains That Bind
By Delwin Rees Buckner
By Delwin Rees Buckner
A moment contemplate the crouching slave,
Who, prostrate, grovels at his master's feet,
And waits the sentence it is his to mete;
The power to bind or free, condemn or save.
A blow — and at the stroke the master gave
The serf leaps upward, while their faces meet.
The air of liberty is O, so sweet
To him who breathes but vapors from the grave.
A noble act it is to break the chains
From off the bony ankles of a thrall,
Who years has fretted, pined away within
His shackles; yet still greater praise one gains
Who, using every effort at his call,
Emancipates a dying soul from sin.
Chinese Famine Fund
By Editor
THERE has been some advance in our Chinese Famine Fund since our last. Some of the letters we have received have been touching. God bless the givers for their sacrifice. Kinship in suffering opens the heart. This money we forward to China direct, that there may be no delay.
Previously reported $542.95
P. Jensen .50
J. Grundset 1.00
Mrs. Fred Brown 2.00
B. E. Wheeler 1.00
Mrs. Sig. Thompson 10.00
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Moore 2.00
Gertrude Wheeler 3.00
Z. S. Hundley 5.00
F. Keppa 1.00
San Francisco Dispensary 1.15
Wenatchee church 13.00
F. P. I. 3.00
Mrs. Chas. Morehead 1.50
N. A. Keiger 1.00
Lydia Larson 1.00
No Name 1.00
F. C. C. .50
Mrs. E. B. Harvey 1.00
D. T. Shireman 1.00
Mrs. J. A. Hardy 2.00
D. G. T. .36
Miss Alice Lashier 7.50
Mrs. J. B. Vandemark 8.00
Lou R. Dearborn 4.00
E. A. G. 1.00
James Schee and wife 25.00
Mrs. Mary Reid 5.00
From a church,
remitted by W. M. McCarthy 3.10
Curtis and Louise Shingler 1.00
H. C. Balsbaugh 2.00
Southern Idaho Conference 10.39
Western Oregon Conference 3.00
Upper Columbia Conference 25.75
Western Washington Conference 3.00
F. Hess 6.60
Walter Harper 7.50
Mrs. J. O. Miller 3.00
Total $710.80
Great in the Ideals of Its People
By I. H. Evans
There is probably no nation that ever existed whose people preserved higher morality than the Chinese. This is not saying there is not crime and sin among them to an alarming extent; but notwithstanding all this, they must take first rank among the peoples of the world. There never existed a more law-abiding, capable, honest class of citizens than that which China has produced. Speaking on this subject, Sir Robert Hart, for nearly fifty years an honored and trusted official of the Chinese government, says:
It must be freely allowed that the Chinese possess quite as large a share of admirable qualities as others, and that these are not merely to be found here and there in isolated cases, but are characteristic of the race as a whole and the civilization it has developed. They are well-behaved, intelligent, economical, and industrious; they can learn anything and do anything; they are punctiliously polite; they worship talent; and they believe in right so firmly that they scorn to think it requires to be supported or enforced by might; they delight in literature, and everywhere they have their literary clubs and coteries for hearing and discussing each other's essays and verses; they possess and practise an admirable system of ethics, and they are generous, charitable, and full of good works; they never forget a favor, and they make rich returns for any kindness; and tho they know money will buy service, a man must be more than wealthy to win public esteem and respect; they are practical, teachable, and wonderfully gifted with common sense; they are excellent artisans, reliable workmen, and of a good faith that every one acknowledges and admires in their commercial dealings. In no country that is or was has the commandment "Honor thy father and thy mother" been so religiously obeyed as it is among the Chinese, or as fully and without exception given effect to; and it is in fact the keynote of their family, social, and national life, and because it is so their days are long in the land God has given them.
A people of whom such commendation can be truly said needs neither panegyric nor apologist. The Chinese race belongs in the front list of those people and nations we call great. The Chinese Empire is great in the extent of territory it controls; great in the millions of people under its government; great in the natural wealth within its possessions; great in having such a multitude of people living together in peace and harmony; great in the civilization which it has given to its people; and greatest of all in the high ideality which it has imparted to its citizens without the aid or influence of the Gospel of Christ.
I. H. EVANS.
Others are—
By Editor
The June number of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES magazine appears with a beautiful and appropriate cover illustrating the prophecy of Daniel 12:4. It contains a number of leading articles which will be of special interest to our readers. One of the special ones is entitled—
"Many Shall Run To and Fro," by the editor, and in it is shown the providence of God in the great inventions of the past one hundred years or more, the extent and results of these to-day, and how all of this was but for a purpose—the giving of the Gospel in this generation. An important article.
Others are—
"Millions for Minutes," by M. C. Wilcox, showing the intensity of the times and conditions in communication and transportation. The new New York Grand Central Terminal is one example. You will enjoy every word.
"Sane and Scientific Eating," by David Paulson, M. D. The human furnace, dietetic clinkers, heat- and energy-producing food, the backbone of a meal, fruits and vegetables the dietetic storehouse for mineral salts, milk and eggs, natural meat substitute, and eating clinkers, are some of the subheadings of this strong article.
"England and the Reformation," by E. E. Andross. The Breaking Day considered in the following steps: Britain's part, the reforming power, two parties developed, the cause of apostasy, and the fruits of apostasy.
"France and the Reformers," by Mrs. E. G. White.
"Aspects of Psychic Healing," by Prof. George W. Rine, is a valuable study of this subject, and shows the deceptive methods in contrast with the work of Christ.
"The Final Conflict," by F. M. Wilcox, showing the intensity that to-day marks the struggle between the forces of good and evil; the fulfilment of important prophecies; the marshaling of the forces; the delusive hope of peace; and the invincible God the tower of strength for the messengers of truth.
"The Promise to the Fathers," by William Covert. An interesting study in Old Testament history.
There are also several pages of stirring current topics. The illustrations are unusually good. In all, it is an excellent number.
If the agent doesn't call on you, send ten cents for a copy to—
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The Standard Oil Decision
By Editor
Some recent work done by the Government in Rochester, New York, has brought new emphasis to the fact that much of the stuff that is sold for whisky in many of the saloons and other places where strong drink is dispensed is made from a concoction of poisons that give stupefying, intoxicating effects similar to whisky, but are much more deadly. The police report cases where "drunks" have been brought in who remained in an unconscious state for hours after drinking this poison that has been sold for whisky. "Bottled in bond" was the pretentious inscription on many of the bottles that were filled with this stuff that is still more poisonous than the whisky itself. The term "bottled in bond" is supposed to give the guarantee of the Government that the article is truly what it is represented to be. But the bottles that contained this Government guarantee were refilled with the privately manufactured "power-house whisky," as the poisonous drug-made stuff was called. The best of whisky is a poison that will limit and finally destroy the usefulness of any one who indulges in it. How much worse then is this other stuff that you are more than likely to get any time you take a drink, for it is so much cheaper and the barroom can make so much more from it. The only safe and sane course is total abstinence, and it is the only truly happy course as well.
The Standard Oil Decision.
The Standard Oil Company has been before the country in the courts for the last four or five years. In fact there has not been much of the time since the company got well under way in its eventful career, that it has not been in the courts in some part of the nation. But it has been on trial for its very existence especially during the last four or five years. Judge Landis imposed a fine on the company of $29,240,000, but his decision was set aside by the Supreme Court. But now the Supreme Court has ordered the company to be dissolved, and gives them six months in which to wind up their work. This means, according to the general opinion at this writing, that the big New Jersey head to the company will be dissolved, but the hundred or more subsidiary companies will go right on doing business just the same as they have been doing. And while there will be a change in the outward appearance of the company, there will in reality be no change at all. And, furthermore, it is generally believed that this decision really destroys the Sherman anti-trust law. But whatever may be the outcome of it, the matter is perfectly apparent that this decision of the Supreme Court is another one of the mighty evidences that show how strongly the big combines of capital have entrenched themselves, and the problem that results from it is one of the greatest difficulties that has confronted this or any other age.
America Abandoning Protestant Principles
How often history repeats itself in principle, in individual as well as national life. Amaziah king of Judah went to war against the Edomites, and gained glorious victories; but he returned from that victory and set up to worship the gods of Edom, which did not elevate and could not save the Edomites. Under the principles of Protestantism — absolute separation of Church and State — the United States has made remarkable progress. At war with a once proud mistress of the seas, Spain was shown to be without strength and easily vanquished — Spain, behind whom is more than four centuries of Roman Catholicism. In the subversion of Protestant principles, manifest especially in Sunday laws, in its manifestation of friendliness to Roman Catholics as such, not as private citizens, but as religionists, members of a religio-political organization, the United States is turning from the principles which made her all she is that is worthy, and is turning to those principles, that religion, which has left Spain what she was at the time of her defeat. And the worst thing is, a great many of professed Protestants do not see it. They are as blind as Amaziah.
The Supreme Court of Heaven
The supreme courts of this world are not infallible; and forever will men be dissatisfied with their decisions, which may or may not affect them at all. But there is one Supreme Court, the decisions of which are vital to all men, that will render decisions which even the criminal and guilty will approve. That Court is sitting. You have a case there. The one Advocate who can help you is Christ Jesus. Have you placed your case in His hands?
A New Movement Against Tobacco
By Editor
A New Movement against Tobacco.—What is called "The Order of the Orange Blossom," has just been started in Whittier. It is composed of young women, we learn from the Pacific Prohibitionist, who take the following pledge:
"I pledge posterity and our Maker to accept as intimate companion no young man who uses tobacco in any form, or alcoholic beverages, or unmanly language. And I pledge my example and influence against such degrading habits—securing signatures to this pledge from young women and young men personally and by mail."
The Whittier W. C. T. U. have endorsed it in the following resolution:
"Resolved, That we, as a W. C. T. U., most cordially endorse the 'Whittier Memorial Pledge,' believing it to be a blow not merely at the foul tobacco habit, but at many evils allied with it. And we urge young women everywhere to sign and circulate this pledge as a means of standing together to demand true nobility and purity, health of body and mind, in the future fathers of our nation."
It is hoped that this will become a national or world movement. Twenty-five of these pledges may be had for ten cents in silver from "The Order of the Orange Blossom," Claremont, California. We hope American girls will push it along. It is too bad that a "mere man" (Prof. G. W. Savory) had to originate it, or is at least the visible object in so doing; but he has done a savory thing for society. At a meeting in Whittier, 1,000 pledges were taken; and we hope the girls will stick to it, and pass it on.
Truce Broken in Mexico
The truce between the insurrectos and the government of Mexico has been broken, and a strong force has invested Juarez, and fierce fighting is in progress. The insurrectos are becoming more aggressive and are strongly threatening to march quickly upon the capital city itself. In the fighting at Juarez a number of United States citizens in El Paso, just across the border, have been killed and wounded, and some difficult diplomatic problems are presented to our Government as a result.
Diaz Government Surrenders in Mexico
Another five days' truce has been signed between the government and the revolutionists in Mexico. As the basis of the truce President Diaz and Vice-President Corral have agreed to resign before June 1, and Minister of Foreign Relations De la Barra will be president during the interim. Francisco I. Madero, the revolutionary leader, will be called to Mexico City to act as De la Barra's chief adviser and as a sure guarantee that the pledges made by the government will be carried out. A new election is to be called within the next six months to settle all the questions at issue. It is considered that this action amounts to a complete surrender of Diaz and his government as a result of the striking victories that have recently been gained by the revolutionists.
Peace Would Degenerate
"Peace Would Degenerate."—Episcopal Bishop Codman, in speaking before the Episcopal Conference at Portland, Maine, on May 17, is reported to have said: "Without war a nation would degenerate, would become effeminate, morally and physically. It is a mistake to aim at sentiment. War has developed noble soldiers, noble statesmen, and noble women." On the same occasion the bishop is also reported to have said that the Episcopal Church is "altogether too respectable and over-refined." The nations of this world gain their prestige and maintain themselves in power by the force of arms. No one will question this. But He who is the Prince of Peace has inspired one of His apostles to write, "Tho we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds)." The Christian has a far different and vastly more important work to do than that of killing men. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Protest Against Utah’s Silver Service
There is a tremendous sentiment throughout the country, especially on the part of women's societies, against the acceptance of the silver service from the State of Utah for the battle-ship Utah. One of the pieces, it is said, contains a picture of Brigham Young and the Mormon temple. Young is called a traitor, an adulterer, and several other pet names. The Secretary of War has no authority to change the matter, and others argue that Brigham Young and the Mormons are a part of the history of Utah. There would be more point to the protest if the battle-ship was an emblem of righteousness, purity, and peace.
Northfield Seminary Summer Conferences
Thirty-two years ago Dwight L. Moody founded the Northfield Seminary. As might be expected from the character of Mr. Moody, the leading theme in the school is the study of the Bible. In connection with this school is held each year a series of conferences, and special lectures on missionary and Bible topics. The circulars sent out this year announcing the summer program present many interesting features, and announce many speakers of note. Those interested may secure full information by addressing A. G. Moody, East Northfield, Massachusetts.
American Birds Facing Extinction
Mr. W. T. Hornaday, director of the New York Zoölogical Park, declares that the following American birds are extinct: great auk, passenger pigeon, Labrador duck, Eskimo curlew, Carolina parrakeet, and flamingo. There are fourteen others on the way to extinction, among which are the trumpeter swan, whooping American and snowy egrets, wood-duck, golden plover, rosette spoonbill, and the red-breasted and bartramian sandpipers. The causes are the hunters of game and the curse of fashions.
Sunday Law Infractions
"The National Prohibitionist" is greatly stirred over infractions of Sunday law; while wickedness abounds every day in the week. Will a drink of whisky do more harm on Sunday than on Wednesday? True prohibition stands for every day in the week.
Dickinson Resigns as Secretary of War
Jacob M. Dickinson has resigned his position in Mr. Taft's Cabinet as secretary of war, and Henry L. Stimson of New York has been appointed to the place. Mr. Dickinson presents as his reason for resigning, urgent personal business matters.
The Conqueror Launched
May 1, the Conqueror, Great Britain's twentieth Dreadnought, was launched on the Clyde. The Conqueror is a duplicate of the Thunderer, which was launched on February 1.
Ohio Legislators Charged With Bribery
Several State senators and assemblymen in Ohio are before the courts for bribery, and there is a large mass of evidence to sustain the charge.
Revision of the Decalogue
By Editor
The proposal to revise and abridge the Decalogue is gaining adherents. We shall have more to say of this hereafter.
