One wonders, sometimes in_ looking about at the swarming Chinese population of Shanghai in the throes of its struggle for existence what, of real value, can be done for the ricsha coolie, or indeed for any coolie. Yet wonder. ceases when one sees what is being done daily at the Shanghai Ricsha Mission, and observes the results.
Last Friday night a representative of the ' Novth-China Daily News" took an hour off to make the long journey to Dixwell Road, to crowd through the mob—a very orderly mob, indeed—to the Mission House where og many coolies as could hang on within the door stood inside and many more looked in at the windows or waited as near the door as possible. There were some 800, in varying conditions of need and -possessing all degrees of gratitude.
A fine looking Chinese who was one of the Mission staff addressed them. He talked about the kindness of the foreigners of Shanghai in assisting them and_ exhorted them to be grateful. He urged them to bring their friends who were needy or ill to the Mission. He welcomed their children for the free school which is conducted in connexion with the Mission. The faces of the attentive coolies were surprisingly intelligent. especially, it was thought, when they rose in a body and applauded the North-China Daily News" for the aid rendered.
Honesty aNp GRaTitcpe.
Many of the coolies who had left their symbol of trade and sertitude outside, carried in their arms the cushions from the seats and the lanterns, and other loose access sories which might be stolen. Yet, they must in the main part, be a highly honourable group of men, as Witness the fact that, as Mr. George Matheson, founder and director, said, there was not a blanket stolen from the mission during all last year when 12,000 coolies had slept there.
A weather-beaten, worn man with a face full of gratitude came forward to express his gratefulness on behalf every labouring Chinese in Shanghai for the help that had been extended to them by the foreigners. It was touching to see how much small aid could mean, and it was humbling, too. The 800 had been standing in approximately the same positions from 6.30 until 9 o'clock to receive their gift—packages of food, straw sandals and stockings, the trousers and shirts, which are handed out three times daily during these Christmas holidays. They waited patiently, too, and when the packages were
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.