At first it Is difMeult for the foreigner {0 understand such state of affairs, "and he is apt to unkindly of the efficiency of Chinese business methods, "This may be true, Dut we must not overlook the fack that the Chinese race isa very old tone, and that certain. Weaknesses that fare' now manifesting themselves' Western civilisation. have. already been in existence in China for a great number of years.
"The truth of the matter is that in China there is a"permanent' unemployment. problem, and even at the best of times. there is not. enough Work for_a considerable part of the population. In spite of the fact that the infant mortality is extremely high fand that at times whole districts are Scnuded of inhabitants, owing "to (Continued on page 38)
Precious $. Since you all seem to be determined that I must marry one of those young suitors, may Task you dear father, is every one of them rich and noble wang. Yes, certainly.
Precious S.' (with a sly look).
Are there not one or two among them not £0 rich and noble Wang. (hurriedly). No. None.
They are all equally rich and noble.
Then, dear father.
how can I choose? By choosing one, it will be unfair to all the others. To. be fair, think T must refuse them all.
Wang. Ohi (He puts his hand to his forehead).
Madam. You have outwitted your father. dear child Golden S. Very clever indeed. Silver S._ Very silly.
Wang (impatiently). I won't have this nonsense! Although T can't find out who is the best_man you must find out yourself and Make your decision before your next birthday. We are going to have the wedding then.
Precious S$. (coatingly). Dear father, you are the Prime Minister and therefore the most clever man in the kingdom!
(Wang ts rather flattered and looks pleased.) When the most clever man in the kingdom is at Joes to say who is the most Suitable, then how con T. a stupid young girl without any ex:
erence, make a decision?
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.