On Saturday afternoon the eighth and last lecture on " Harmony" at the Inuternational Institute was given by Dr. Gilbert Rei The special subject was Harmony between Chinese and Foreign Merchants." A number of business men were present, representing not only China, but England, the United States, France, Germany, and Japan, of the firms of Bisset & Ca. Brunner, Mond & Ca, Carlowitz & Ca, Dodwell & Ca. the "cho de Chine," Gibb, Livingston Ca., Mackenzie & Ca,, Meyerink & Ca. the Mitsui Bussan Ki a, and Wisner Ca. Mr, William D." Little, as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, had been invited to preside, but, being' absent from Shanghai on the day of the meeting, Mr. Alexander McLeod, a member also of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as of the Executive Committee of the Institute, consented to take the chair.
Mr. McLeod, in his most appropriate remarks, cited that, from his experience of forty-one years in China in dealings with Chinese merchants, whether in the silk,|tea, iron, or piece goods trade, he had never found one in whom confidence was misplaced. It was not even necessary to have a signature; promise by word of mouth was sufficient. He believed that this was the experience not only of himself, but of other foreign merchants in Shanghai, He had, moreover, found them reasonable class of men to deal with, and hoped that nothing would e to mar the friendly relations which, as merchants, they had enjoyed for half century and more. He was glad Dr. Reid had been giving these lectures tending to advance friendliness rather than stir up st Be trusted - the Chinese would appreciate these efforts of the Institute.
Mr. McLeod then read the remarks of*
Mr. William D. Little, addressed to Dr. Reid, as follows: "I am much impressed with the good work that your Institution is endeavouring to promote. I have been in Shanghai for twenty-five years: as a trader; I have always had the greatest respect for Chinese merchants, more especially in regard to the high standard of integrity they aim at in all transactions, deeming their word equal to their bond. The experience: of all foreign merchants of repute, in dealing with Chinese of equal standard, has, I think, always shown that. the Chinese merchant has at very high standard of commercial rectitude; the utmost confidence is placed by both parties in the good faith of one to the other. Foreign trade is of immense importance to China, and harmony. in working is eminently to be desired for the mutual interest of all. I would venture to refer to the recent inaugura~ tion of Chambers of Commerce in China I would submit that much has yot to be done before these most useful and necessary institutions can - assist in promoting the commercial interests of Chinese traders. A harmonious working between the Chinese and foreign Chambers is such to be desired. The work of both should be to promote trade and solve trade question only, political matters being quite outside the spheres of influence of Chambers of Commerce im It is much to be regretted. that social intercourse between business. mon of foreign and of Chinese nationality is practically nil, owing doubtless to the difficulties of language and the wide divergence of manner and customs, I hope you will publish a translation of your lecture, which I am sure will be of deep interest and tend to promote good relationships and a continuance of friendly fooling between the merch: f the East Dr. Reid, in "beginning his lecture in Chinese, said he desired to quote from two letters which he had just received from persons unable to be present.. One: was from Mr, Thomas Kingsmill, who wrote as follows: "There is no disposition on the part of any respectable section of foreigners, especially English and Americans, to: bear any ill-grudge against the Chinese as a people for anything that. has passed. We are qui interests are perfectly id what is good for China is good and on the other side we recognise that what is good for us is also good for China. At the same time we recognise the fact. that in all nations fit to be regarded as of importance iv the affairs of the world there must be differences of opinion, but: in nations winch have perfected their system of government these. differences of opinion do not cause ill-feeling.or violence; they are decided in council, and the minority, feeling that the good of society is involved. in the nation being able to present.a comely face to the rest of the world, willingly yield their private views and make common cause with their neighbours. This is called-good government, Now a er-tain.small party in China are not hus prepared to live in peace with cit neighbours, but when one of their pr vote opinionsfis rejected by their fellow-coun—trymen as wrong or even inadvisable, at once begin'to stir up strife, and-engage-those whose life is spent in disorder, tocome and by. forcible means -killing burning down houses, plundering, ote. thereby put things proper. Now if anyone
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.