In another column will be found an appeal by the North China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society for funds to enable it to discharge the load of debt which has accumulated in connection with the Society's new building through no fault of its own. When it was decided to erect the new building in place of the old ramshackle erection, which, however, had done good service, and was long past its prime, no one in Shanghai foresaw the difficult times through which it had to pass. An unexpected increase in the cost of the new building, while it was being put up, owing to a severe decline in Chinese currency, was the first blow which the Society had to suffer. A sum rather in excess of that required in the original estimate for the new building had at that time been raised, and, as further subscriptions were coming in satisfactorily, it was felt that there would be no imprudence in negotiating a loan to cover the increased cost, since it was thought that this could adequately be served by the incoming funds. But those responsible had reckoned, first, without the world depression of the late twenties, which reached Shanghai in the early thirties, and, second, without the adverse conditions which prevailed after, 1932, and from which recovery had not been completed until just before the outbreak of the hostilities of 1937. The overdraft has consequently not been wiped out as it was confidently expected it would be, and, in addition to the ordinary running expenses necessary for the maintenance of the building as a going concern, the interest on a somewhat heavy overdraft had to be met. With a total membership of 730, of whom only 350 are actually in Shanghai the task of carrying on has been manfully faced, but it is obvious that with such a small number of members the possibility of being able to wipe out the overdraft without outside: assistance is remote in the extreme, and it is because of that that this present appeal is being made.
There cannot be the: slightest criticism of the Society for its decision to raise the overdraft, It was necessary to complete the building despite circumstances over which it had no control, and the decision to do so was reached at a time when no one could possibly foresee the tribulations which were to befall this city. Further in justification of the Society's decision it may be pointed out that at about the same time the trustees of the Lyceum Theatre, in rebuilding in the French Concession, took similar action, though it is gratifying to learn that by reason of the excellent work of the Trustees and the Amateur Dramatic Club of Shanghai the overdraft raised in that connection is being satisfactorily reduced. The Royal Asiatic Society is not quite in the same position as the A.D.C., has not quite the same appeal to the general public, and most certainly has not the same facility for coaxing the odd dollar out of Shanghai's pockets. The Society's building including the museum is situated in what has now become a back water removed from the ordinary flow of Shanghai's life. Nevertheless, it is true that it is playing an important part in the cultural side of Shanghai's existence, as shown by the fact that during April nearly 6,000 people visited the museum, while the library was also excellently supported. It is probable that if the society's building were in a spot more easily accessible from the residential areas it might even be rendering a greater service to the community than it is doing now, but again, that state of affairs was not to be anticipated when it was decided to rebuild on the old site. Whether it will ever be possible to rebuild the Society's headquarters in some more suitable site is a question which only the future can decide, and for the moment the real need seems to be to make sure that the edifice shall remain in existence until the time comes for such a decision to be made. Hence the present appeal for assistance. It is unthinkable that for the lack of a sum of money not exceeding £2,500 an institution which has served the community for eighty years, and has made valuable contributions to the knowledge of China and the Far East, should be rendered homeless. And yet that is the danger which confronts it.
It is one of.the graver sins of omission on the part of Shanghai that it had not in the past provided itself with a cultural centre to be expected of a city of this size. To place the blame where it belongs is a matter of some difficulty, especially when it is remembered that Shanghai, very much like Topsy, "jest growed." If the Royal Asiatic Society were forced to close its library and museum through lack of funds, it would be just as regrettable a fault as the original lack of foresight, and it is not to be believed that the issue which is now being raised will be allowed to go by default. There will undoubtedly be those who, in answer to the contention that it is due to posterity that such an amenity shall be preserved, will cynically enquire what posterity has done for this generation that justifies present sacrifices. To that may be replied that, nevertheless, this generation owes a debt to its predecessors to see-that the fine work they initiated shall be carried on and handed down to those who are to come after. The dissipation of all that has been brought together in the R.A.S. building after all these years would be a tragic end to the loyal, and faithful work which generations of enthusiasts have done for this city's cultural welfare. It is a tragedy which should never be permitted to occur. Thus, despite the knowledge of the handsome manner in which Shanghai has responded during the past twenty-one. months to more poignant appeals, the "North-China Daily News" ventures to commend to its readers the case of the Royal Asiatic Society. It should be a matter of communal pride to make sure that all the trouble through which this city has been passing during these last nine years should not be allowed to leave any permanent mark upon the history of its cultural undertakings. Rather should every effort be made to ensure that when better times come again it will be possible to carry on with a minimum diminution of facilities, in this connection it'may be as well to remember that it may not be easy to build vp again anything which is lost now.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.