Street Union Scheme for Moral Improvement Some time ago we published protest uttered by certain among Shanghai Street Union members inst practices in magic and superstition indulged in by the common people, the efficacy of which practices was out of all proportion to the expense involved: in short, the whole procedure being a distressful waste of light-weight copper coin. Now it appears the Reformers have returned to the subject, and on Thursday the "Sinwanpao" printed an appeal addressed to the Commis. sioner of Police on tha subject. translation of the letter reads:—
Openines ror THE Unscruputovs.
"In China, the people believe in a number of evil practices, such as the worship of false gods, the burning of incense in temples, the holding of religious services in the interests of evil spirits and the offering of sacrifices thereto, and the carrying of idols in street processions. These practices are the outcome of a low standard of morality. The persons who take part in them are mostly illiterates, and the money they spend on these occasions is simply wasted. The only effect is to get themselves ridiculed by the foreigner, and truly nothing could be more disastrous! Furthermore, these practices give opportunity to the unscrupulous to collect subscriptions not infrequently devoted to. purposes other than those originally alleged; and besides, these core-monials lead to the gathering of disorderly crowds, wherein may be found a sprinkling of thieves and adulterers, and so it is the moral standard of the people is lowered. Tf no steps are taken to abolish these superstitious practices, how can the morals of the people be improved? Of a truth, these practices are more calamitous than floods, list they continue, the eration of the country goes on Tt pains us to write these gests that some special steps may be taken to prevent the evils complained of, and it is suggested that the Commissioner should begin by "holding a meeting." Where, and with whom is not stated. Possibly the petitioners dream of a happy conclave of Street Unions under the presidency of Mr. MecEuen—which,: in the words of Mr. Salteena. would be "rather a good ideer," especially when the temperature makes people gasp for cold drinks and light comedy.
Mr. Clarence piker, U. 8. Vice-Consul at Peking, left Shanghai by the N.Y.K.S. Kleist Maru early on Wednesday morning for the United States. During his absence on furlough matters pertaining to his duties should be referred to the U. S. Consul-General, Tientsin.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.