Willing, but Facilities Lacking, in Kueichow Qistrict From Our Own Correspondent, Kanchow, Ki., Dee. 1.
Immediately on the—establishment of the Republic, there sprang up in this city a good number of schools for girls of different ages, some for that very much neglected class which is neither of the rich ror the poor and others for all and sundry. These did very good work, some of ihe best families in the city openly identifying themselves with these efforts, and we had very yood hopes that now the womanhood of China were at last to have a chance never offered Before, and, having seen what had been done in those parts where the girls had had such opportunities for some years, we were confident that there would be a very good account given of all these institutions.
The capacity of all these schools taken together was only 400. This, of course, was only a "drop in a bucket," but we thought that they were doing so well, and having such acceptance with the populace, whilst there were those who had the wherewithal to help such efforts, that in a fow years we would seo considerable increase in their number, and also' in their efficiency. Our hopes were in vai as for some reason never—plainly stated, one and another of—these schools dropped off and they were 80 little noticed that it did seem as if the general public were gla that they ceased to function. Nez se much as one protest was made, and not one effort that ever could be recognized, to stay them on their downward course. Se that now, after 10 or more years, find that this city has one girls' school with a capacity of about 180 to 200 pupils, but at present there are not half that number attending. The principal of that school won the just admiration all classes of society. She did real good work, but passed away last spring arid was mourned all. I fear that in a short time the present girls' school will pass into history, and be no more. What asad state of things! We hear of Chinese women wanting the vote, let them have it, and our heart's desire wil Il be that they will use it to ensure that their thousands of i an opportun education, which has done so much for them.
This city must have anywhere around 3,000 or 4,000 girls of schovi ago and only accommodation for 200 girls in the city school. Yet we read that "education in most -of the provinces is going on usual" and again we say it all depends on the meaning of usual'? One very plain proof th: education is now appreciated girls and women in general is ¢i increasing number of those wi have not had such chances who ate willing after. marriage to put down their heir and attend school, taking
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.