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Show 53 Race Course Rd., Tientsin, c/o United Mission Treasurers August 8, 1931 Dear Friends: The above is a new address. Why it is not Tehchow needs some explanation. A copy of a letter we may enclose will make matters clear. One of the component parts of rapidly changing China is the "Tang Pu", or ultra-Nationalist party, within the one-party government. These "ultras" are especially opposed to extraterritoriality rights, and perforce make use of every opportunity to criticise if exercised by foreigners. In connection with the recent trouble at Tehchow, neither the local community, nor the hospital staff had criticism to offer, feeling that the result as far as I am concerned, was correct, legally, and otherwise. Yet, in view of the extremely erroneous reports broadcasted by the tang pu, and their refusal to correct such, it seemed that unless Dr. Emma and myself withdrew, it would be easy for the church to be criticised by the government, even though the local tang pu is discredited in and about Tehchow. In other words* the foreigner is the victim of the "extrality" status, now prevailing in China. Several years ago, on rejoining the work, it was by the unanimous vote of the Tehchow Congregational Association. These have been years of the most loving and satisfactory fellowship, with such newly located workers as the Wilders, Outerbridges, Mr. Fessler, and older associates as Misses Sawyer, Lyons, Alice and Bertha Reed, and also the hospital secretary, Miss Walther. The main aim of my effort these years has been to aid in the devolution of the work into Chinese hands,-which is the goal of all Christian effort in China. Refusing the superintendency, I have served as Assistant Superintendent, Secretary-Treasurer, and also Staff Consultant, while Dr. Emma had her hands full in the Women's Hospital, and as teacher in the School of Nursing. The material plant has been lately improved,-new electric light plant, sterilizing room and equipment, automobile, X-ray, etc., However, a group of American Board missionaries, at the seashore, following the Tehchow incident, expressed their fear of the reaction upon ultra-progressive and antiforcign Chinese, and so, rather than be a contributory factor to such, we simply resign, and plan to take up medical missionary work elsewhere. Which of several invitations it will be best to accept, we do not yet know. The American Consul and District Attorney state emphatically that there can be no criticism of me from their standpoint. The English press in China, as well as scores of letters from mission and business leaders, including Chinese, attest to the same viewpoint. Nigh twenty-nine years is a long service in and about Tehchow, but there are other needy fields. The touch of the years with all classes in some 25 counties, (perhaps 10 million souls), in medical work, plague, famine, flood and war emergencies, is a God-given asset not lightly to be thrown away. To leave the Tehchow field is a sacrifice that is no sacrifice, for we trust and pray it is best. "Behold, God Himself is with us for our Captain." Tehchow Hospital matters are in the hands of a Board of Directors, and an executive committee. Miss Sawyer, with far too many burdens, continues, and others may be assigned to aid. While the foreigners of the Station are indeed few, the work calls as never before, for prayerful interest aud financial support. Those wishing to aid the Christian medical work in which the Tuckers will be engaged may be assured that it will both gladden and encourage. Doubtless our work will be under another denomination. We find there is no difference between Congregational toothaches or heartaches, and similar ills under another banner. Above all, let us continue to have faith in the changing China that has caught the fever of extreme nationalism, but which still tremendously need and calls for what Christianity has to offer. "The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy heart with hooks of steel." More than ever before, Sincerely yours, Francis F. Tucker M. D. P. S. Our Arthur Smith Tucker (18 years), is now on his way to Oberlin College. William is in a Chicago hospital for an operation on his foot. He and Margaret are in the middle of their medical college work. Frankie is thus the only one of our four in China. Emma Boose Tucker M. D. c/o United Mission Treasurers 53 Race Course Road Tientsin, China. |