To the Editor of the Norte-Cutxa Datty News, Sir—We have been hoping that someone would take up the matter of the recent action against the Reforme 'AS no one seems to regard the matter as being as serious as it really is, we write to the News in the sure hope that our appeal will be published, and that some effort will he made to save the lives of the three hundred young men who once constituted the Patriotic Club That the Dowager is bent on compassing their death seems certain, It is equally certain that there are many Chinese are to carry out her plans to extirpate the whole band of noble fellows who are dissed as MEGTRR. In hee fury she has even ordered the dismantling destruction of the ancestral graves of one noted Reformer, and if these indignities are offered 10 the dea will not be done to the living? F one knows with what superstitious reference the Chinese regard the dead.
Te is not our intention to define the motives which prompted the issue of the recent decryes. The Dowayer is ignorant of that which constitutes the safety and welfare of her own country, and is plunying China in ruin, There is a grim humour the fact that she is spending thousands of taels in preparing her own grave We ought not to stand idly by and behold the execution of our innocent friends without making some appeal to the warm-hearted, generous sympathy of Europeans. Some of the young men who have fallen under the ban of the Dowager's wrath we have received into our homes have taught them and encouraged them in their search after truth, and we can testify that they have always been loyal to their country. To missionaries are due in large measure the reforms in education that have been so heartily recommended by such high officials as the Viceroy Chang Chih-tung. From the nature of the case the Blessed Gospel, which brings salvation tothe soul, brings' also other' concomitant blessings, such as the healing of the body and the enlightening of the mind. Missionaries have mealed and preached. They hare also taught, not anarchy and rebellion, but prinelyles of truth that will lift up and ennoble. Their work has been exezedingly difficult but they lave partially succeeded.
another attendant benefit of Christianity the spark of patriotism, which the noxious lams of China have almost smothered, has been kindled into a little dame, and the missionaries by thole words and publica tions have lead many to become true-hentted subjects of China. Among these are some of the most intelligent young men in the Empire, who are now to be murdered before the eyes of their teachers for crime whatever. Cannot foreigners exert some influence to deter the Empress Dowager from her ruinous purpose The influence of missionaries hax opened many cities in this Empire 10 commerce a8 well'as to the preaching of the Gospel. If their pupils are killed as the result of their following them, the Chinese will hereafter avoid foreigners as they would some dread contagion. The good influence that has been exerted for so many years will not only be lost but will be converted into an unspeakable power for evil against foreigners.
Tu the minds of the Chiness, religion and education are inseparably carested and the blow against: Western education is a back-handed stroke against Christianity, At this stage of China's history it is difficult for the business man or the Consul Jy disunsociated in the minds of All are foreigners alike. The murder of the Reformers would create renewed suspicion, dread, dislike. and isolation towards us all. Business, Education, and Preaching would receive 'a check and dire effects would be sure to follow, Thanking you, Mr, Editor, for the space you have given my letter, Tam, ete., Pars Fur. 8th March,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.