the Bditor of the "Norta-Carsa Darcy News."
Si,—The admirable translation you latét work is likely to make more foreign-have been publishing of Rang Vu-vei's ers come to the conclusion that the sympathy they have hitherto felt for the reform party has been a reckless waste of sentiment. It is quite proper that a Chinaman should view matters from his national standpoint, and that he should be zealous of any encroachment by foreign nations on the sovereign rights of his own country. But when we consider that Kang Vu-wei owes his life and present security to foreigners, when we remember his appeals to England to assist his Emperor and his expressions of gratitude for the assistance he has himself received, we are justified in a feeling of indignation that he should disseminate amongst his ignorant countrymen such a tissue of downright lies and exaggerations, and endeavour to stir up a feeling of bitter antagonism to foreigners which may lead to serious con-j sequences. The portion you publish this morning deserves serious attention. Hw says that the Chinese have no banks of their own and are dependent upon foreign banks to transmit money from one place to another, and that foreigners are thus able to throttlecommerce. This is not only a palpable falsehood and a gross misrepresentation of the function of banks in trade, but it is a sorry return for what the banks have done for China in floating and managing loans. He says that the Customs are in the hands of the British and that half the collection goes to England, implying that England is forcibly collecting the revenue and robbing poor China. He opposes the development of mines by forei ers on the plea that China will lo-e all her mineral wealt! He declares that all the soldiers in China abe daily drilled by foreigners w' wntrol the armies, and thus have china a: their mercy. He says that high officials are degraded and dismissed at the caprice of foreign nations and that China cannot even appoint her own officers. He warns his countrymen that foreigners are gradually absorbing the whole of China, and that wherever they gain a footing the people are taxed to the verge of starvation and he points to the lamentable condition of the Hindus as proofs of the ruthless manner in which Eurvpeans oppress the unhappy Orien! 1.
There is no disputing the cloverness of this work, assuming that its object is to incite a campaign against foreigners, but as an appeal for reform, such as it professes to be, it is, on the constructive side, pitiable_exhi n of ignorance and fatuity. No stronger evidence could have been produced that it was fortunate for China and foreigners that this rabid and crafty individual was suppressed before he became actively dangerous. The reputation the man has acquired amongst certain section of his countrymen lends importance to this mischievous work in spite of its foolishness, and if some Chinese scholar would pubbs philer, refuting its misstatements and showing how foreiyt sti n the development of the ry and bringing wealth to the people, he would deserve the thanks of his fellow exiles.
Tam, ete., AB 25th April.
To the Editor of the "Norra-Caxa Duty News."
Sin,—The letter of A. B. in your columns this morning, criticising Kang Yuwei, is surely too harsh. It cannot be a matter of surprise that a Chinese reformer should hare a little of the anti-foreign spirit somewhere in his heart, seeing that even the enlightened foreigner cannot free himself of all his race-prejudice without a struggle. Besides, I submit, Sir, that however disinterested foreigners are in pressing their wares and their ideas upon China, we are not all angels, nor have our methods been entirely conciliatory.
Were there, however, no grievances rankling in Chinese breasts, Kang Vu-wei would still be excusable for putting his case as strongly as possible, in writing for his compatriots' His task is herculean, and his time is short. If the crisis is greatly prolonged, no power can keep China from division. If China can awake, awake soon, to her possi and learn seriously and with patriotic intent to conduct banks, and develop mines, to compel reign of justice and sincerity in official circles, and to accommodate herself to the inevitable conditions of a new century. a family of nations—it is yet possible f China to retain her integrity. This i which evidently inspires Kang Vu-wei's pen; not a hot-headed hatred of foreigners such us possesses the anti-reform party, but the desire that his nation may, by rousing from the coma of centuries, take its rightful place in the onward march of civilisation, Tam glad to see in your editorial to-day that you, Sir, are inclitied to the view abore expressed.
While some statements in the translation appear to give ground fr the strong criticism of A.B., yet the words "downright tissue of lies and exaggerations" should not pass without protest. If the author wrote with the sole purpose of waking his own people to an era of enterprise, and not to enrage them against. foreigners,—and thiy is evidently his purpose—we rived not cry before we are hurt. Sifted to the bottom, very little falsehood will be found in the state~ ment referred to; and many Chinese with far wider acquaintance with foreigners love them less than Kang Yn-wei, however blandly they may smile when they meet. Very many things which we foreigners feel' quite justified in ding, look to the man up the tree" (?Kang Vu-wei) very like yreed and unfaith.
Tf we take affront too easily, we who really have the interests of China at heart, we shill lose the opportunity to help them in their hour of need. Let us look for that opportunity.
Tam, ete.
26th April.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.