Tne Ontent 1 Fouxo—by Thos. J.
McMahon, Duckworth & Ca. London, "A Gowe 10 Luxowma Tewrte."=By_ D.C. Barn (kelly & Walsh, La)
The writer of this book seeks to tress what he calls "an Australian viewpoint of Oriental conditions." In a sojourn of some months he gained much information of various Kinds, and now adds one more to the long list of interesting, if some-superficial, books written by unt visitors to the Far East.
In his Foreword the author states that this is "simply a book of impressions, with the definite purpose of arousing readers to the realization of what a progressive world is the Orient, and how the Oriental people, as I think, are bound to become a power in the world's affairs."
The descriptions of the places and people visited, in the Pacific islands and Japan and China, ave very informing and interesting, and the numerous illustrations combine to make an attractive and very readabl2} Ibook of its kind. There are a few inaccuracies, which may be excusable ina book of hastily-gathered information and hurriedly-formed imsessions. We cordially commend the book to those who may never be able to have a first-hand knowledge of these countries and peoples.
We wish the author had left out good doab of his Foreword, which tends to undo the good work done by the book itself in the way of promoting clearer understanding and better relationships. One becomes weary of reading, vague charges of "white dominance," and wonders just what the writer has in. ming when tke speaks of "the reluctance of the Japanese and Chinese in particular to submit much longer to white domination." We venture to say that. he could give very few instances of say British or American "domination" in China during the 15 years of the Republic; on the other hand he could given far more instances of Chinese ill-treatment of fore xs, We regard as highly mischievous the statement "should war ultimately come about between the: Oriental and Western nations, the onus of the blame will, in' my: opinion, fall upon the latter, in neglecting all possible means of equitable and conciliatory terms of racial equality." Tt is not a true statement of the case; and our author is playing into the hands of the forces of disorder when he! speaks of "Oriental forbearance being taxed overmuch." and "all blame ying with the Western world for wars that may come about." Th "equality" problem is not simply of race or colour; men of goodwin of whatever race of colour, can nize equality; and in these days great and sincere effor: s are being made to attain this desirable end.
Mr. MeMahon is on much safer round when, in the body of his} cleeky he user stich words as the following, selected almost random:—
"Undoubtedly foreign influences will play a conspicuous part raving China, and in its rehabilitainal affluence. No i better, greater, or more popular with the Chinese, than that of the British."
"Chinese workers realize they are infinitely better off through Western enterprize than they were, or ever could be, with' the meagre' and uncertain efforts of Chinese enterprise, ewed from whatever aspect, foreign influence, especially British, has been for the good of the Chinese and is promoting their awakening to more active and prosperous days; with foreign influences" operating wisely, justly ang discreetly, thera 4p every possible chance that she become a sane and progressive. nation'
"The presence of foreigners in China keeps the country from drift-! ing into a complete state of chaos, with 400 millions of people in a con-\ stant state of civil war. That. certainly would be the fate of China! if left alone, and it would create. a serious menace to the peace of the whole world."
D.C, Burn's "Guide to Lunghwa Temple" is a useful little volume which should be of as much interest to the local resident as to the visitor or tourist. Most people know that there is Lunghua temple and a Lunghua Pagoda, but that is about as far as their knowledge extends. A tour of the temple and pagoda armed with Mr. Burns' little work increases the interest of an ordinarily uninformed visit a hundred fold, "Each image and each piece of carving is explained for us with all its significance and its history. The elementary treatise on Bud-Jchism contained in the book-reveals the meaning of much that we sce in this type of temple and induces certain sympathy and understanding for images and figures which we might otherwise hastily and very erroneously put down as simple "heat hen idols." Mr. Burns' guide saves us from this error and from many others.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.