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Show NEWS FROM CHINA Oh, for the creative influence of a genius, that I might put into this letter the things that you would like to know about China. In this part of the Orient we have not yet combined our different thoughts and feelings into a pleasing harmony. That will come later ; in the meantime we live in the shadows of antagonism, controversy, hostility, and possible warfare. ( The enclosed Book Review will give you one man's opinion on the International situation, and " Social Work in the Provinces " will give you a glimpse of some of the things that are being done for farmers. We wish we could do more, and do it faster. Under the direction of the New Life Movement it is proposed that we extend this work for the welfare of farmers into all the provinces. will extend to the country districts. During the summer of 1936 students from many universities will give part of their time to this work. We are just making up a simple list of practical things that the students can help the farmers do this summer. Our experiment at Lichwan is now being asked to extend its findings throughout the entire nation. Our base of operations will continue to be Lichwan and Shaowu, but we may have to give considerable time to this larger development. You will be interested in some of the chapter headings of this STUDENT'S SUMMER MANUAL :- I.-What you can do for the local barber shop. II.-What you can do for the tea houses. III.-Some suggestions for the local inn. IV.-Co-operation in the village community. V.-Organize recreation and sports for young men and women. VI.-Conduct discussion groups in the evening. VII.-What you can teach the farmer about keeping his family healthy. VIII.-About co-operatives. IX.-How to improve the farmer's home. X.-Some things to investigate. XI.-List of subjects for evening talks in tea-houses. XII.-Special supplement for work amongst women and girls. Since this will be very largely volunteer work, the cost will not be great, but we are glad to be able to announce that a Chinese Christian has offered to pay the entire price of printing, organization, travel, and supervision. By special request of the President of the New Life Movement, churches, schools, and all mission institutions, will be invited to take part in this nation wide effort to improve the living conditions of the people. The response to this invitation will depend upon the outlook of church leaders and their ability to adjust their organizations to meet the needs of our day. The New Life Movement is not based upon political expediency, as is sometimes supposed, but holds as its guiding principle, that "Righteousness exalteth a nation," and as a method of attaining this end will employ both government pressure and social education. There will be no attempt to dictate fashions to either men or women. Colour, good taste, graceful manners, and all that goes to enrich life, will be encouraged. Ostentation, lavish expenditure; and all forms of wasteful living, will be frowned upon. Simple joyous living will be the standard of excellence. Injustices, that fall most heavily upon the poor, even though long established in the social order, will come within the scope of this movement. Concubinage, slavery, early marriage, abusive treatment of workers, cruel apprenticeships, extortion, oppression and corruption can all be brought under fire. While I write, an investigation is under way that will eventually lead to better treatment and earnings for ricsha coolies in Nanking. The Salvation Army has offered to erect and supervise hot tea stands for panting ricsha pullers in co-operation with the New Life Movement. There are no social or government evils that may not be tackled, providing that we have the brains, the experience, and the patience to show a more excellent way. Of course you want me to tell you whether or not we are going to war. The Chinese are doing everything in their power to prevent the major disaster that war would bring to their nation at this time. They are not so divided and backward as you might suppose. If pushed to the breaking point, they will fight and suffer to the bitter end, but remember that no nation under heaven can muster so much patience in a crisis, nor display such powers of recovery when the pressure has been removed. Such a nation can afford to bear uncomplainingly unbelievable amounts of pain, evil, and hardship that may fall to its lot. The wonder is that they keep such kindliness of heart under continuous vexatious treatment. There is an increasing number of such men on the other side, too, but they are not yet in power. By and by their wisdom will be heeded. For the moment they are being mutinously destroyed. Through the courtesy of the " Chinese Recorder" we are able to include a reprint of the presentation of a Ford ambulance to Mrs. Shepherd for Health work amongst the villages. It has already covered three thousand miles on its mission of preserving and promoting health, and is leaving behind it, besides a certain amount of smoke and dust, a vigorous and hearty atmosphere of goodwill. You already have enough to read, so this must not ramble on much farther. It was good to meet you all on furlough last year, and it is a pleasure to be able to send you these personal greetings. You can always reach us through The American Board. 14 Beacon Street. Boston, Mass., or by writing direct to the address below. GEORGE W. SHEPHERD, CLARA SARGENT SHEPHERD. NANCHANG, KIANGSI, CHINA, March 20, 1936. |
