To the Editor of the "Nonr-Cumna Datty Neivs."
Si,—I have noticed in your-cor~ respondence columns, an occasional bhard luck story, that has struck me, very regrettable state of affairs, when we take' into account the Inrge sums of money spent on, the training of and subsequently, the support of the missionaries that ai sent from all countries of the civilized portion of. the.world, to calighten and educate the "heathen"
T have no crow to pluck with' the missionaries, it's their job, and their living, and T have no hesitation in saying, that had T the opportunity, would take on the job myself; also, these people do good, as the following circumstances will testify, The writer is at present depending fon'the generosity of a Chinese for shelter, in a small attic locally, but in_a practically starving condition, Recently, the aforesaid writer answered an advertisement for position in a local firm, mentioning his circumstances, also that he would be willing in consideration thereof, to commence on any salary that would permit of keeping body Jand soul together.
T received an answer from the firm requesting me to call. The firm bears a Scotch name, but do not infer that Iam about to give a new lease of life to the time-honoured joke referring to the tendency to Unrift on the pare of the lads beyond the Tweed; on the contrary, I have found Scotsmen a generous and open-handed crowd in general, either in-or out of the service.
The incident I am about to mention meant no joke at the time, and for that matter, at the present moment of time, as far as I am concerned, However, I promptly called at the office in question, and the usual questions with regard to ability were asked and answered, and in addition to references shown, I gave the name of a well-known local gentleman, Then came the question of salary, see (looking at my written application) that you ore prepared commence on any wage?" asked the presiding deity, "Well, that do you say to five dollars per month?" hope he is not a Scotchman.)
T was informed thut I should hear further in a fow days; I did, but the job had been filled by somebody These are hard timos, especially when the local Chief of Police, and other gentlemen are recommending the employment of Russians at $26 per month, to help to straighten things oura little. I bog to state that a certain gentlemen some 14 days ago, lent me the sum of $10 without which T should have been dead of starvation by this 'A wound I revived in tho'arm and and during the great war, does not permit of my carrying out the task of breaking granite with a sledge hammer in. the local casual ward, T have tried that, yet on the other hand T am capable of carrying out any ordinary work of the average while man, possessing the necessary intelligence (I hope).
Trusting you will kindly find space in your esteemed publication for the above, Tam, ete, None.
Shanghai, Dee. 20, 1924,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.