THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHINA.
[To THE EDITOR OF TIIE "SPECTATOR"] SIR,--By your courtesy I desire to draw attention in the columns of the Spectator to a new and encouraging effort put forth in China to further ideas of progress, enlighten- ment, and reform among the ruling classes in that Empire. The effort takes shape in the proposed International Insti- tute to be established in the capital of China. The work to be done is a familiar object in the cities of the West, but a decided innovation in China. There will be a public library and reading room, a commercial museum or exposi- tion building, class-rooms, reception-rooms, and a public lyceum. No such work is carried on in Pekin, or among the literary classes anywhere in China. Thus they would be a model to the Chinese for carrying out in other cities of the Empire. It is the object, however, that appears important and attractive. This is none other than stimulating the governing classes to new methods of advancement, to a new system of education, to a larger toleration for missionary enterprise, to greater facility in commercial matters in the hands of foreigners, to a moral sentiment in producing a thorough reform of the present poli- tical system, and to peaceful relations with foreign countries and foreign people.
All this may appear desirable, bnt what proof is there of Success P The main proof is a readiness to co-operate on the part of the Chinese. For the first time in the history of China a formal sanction of such ideas has been given by the Chinese Government ; over three hundred Mandarins have shown personal favour and appreciation, though most of them had formerly no dealings with foreigners ; £2,000 now subscribed by individual Chinese, though the control thus far is entirely Chinese ; the native priest in China has commended the undertaking, and high Chinese dignitaries have promised further recognition and co-operation. I am confident that many changes would be gladly made if the Chinese had no fear of foreign complications or foreign encroachments. Let them see that they have friends ready to help, and no longer will " the wheel of progress" delay in rolling in conservative old China. Are there friends to China in Europe and America ? One thousand pounds were con- tributed by foreign residents in China of all nationalities, and £6,000 have been subscribed in the United States. This is only part of the cordiality expressed. The plan offers an " open door ; " may the door be entered not by foes, but by friends. Information can be given, if I am communicated with, in care of the bankers of the Institute, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, 31 Lombard Street, E.C.
Previous page
