AS OTHERS SEE US

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 126, 25 February 1928, Page 24

AS OTHERS SEE US

HWUY-UNG’S VIEW

To see ourselves through the eyes of another may often prove corrective of conceit. But when the eyes are those of a Chinese we may expect a reflection not altogether flattering. Such a mirror is held up by Hwuy-Ung, Mandarin of the Fourth Button, of the class of the literati, a scholar and social reformer.

Hwuy-Ung desired to study European manners and customs at first hand. Australia being the nearest available country for his purpose, he travelled thither. His impressions were set down in a series of letters written to his elder brother, Tseng Ching, also a scholar, who assisted Mr. J. A. Makepeace, a broad-minded missionary, in translating them into English. They are published under the title of “A Chinaman’s Opinion of Us and of His Own Country.” The result is a most entertaining book, the quaintness of which is enhanced by tile very literal translation of Tseng Ching, whose English is all his own and characteristically Chinese, says J. E. Ellam in the “Manchester Guardian.” Those who know the Chinese can imagine Hwuy-Ung, quiet, polite, considerate, kindly, observant, typical of his class. He was not favourably impressed at first by the people of Australia, for on his way to his cousin’s house, where he stayed for a time, he was the object of very disagreeable attention on the part of boys and street pirates, who followed. . . pushing against us and soiling the silk of my official robes with dirty missiles. Is it surprising that 'the Chinese regard us as barbarians, and question the efficacy of our much-vaunted popular education ?

In his explanation of the derivation of the name Australia Hwuy-Ung’s cousin appears to be “putting one over” the unsuspecting scholar. Or it is possible that he himself is passing the joke on to his unsophisticated brother:

Chek he tell me origin of name of this great country O-sei-lia is from two words “horse” and “trail.” In no other land is horse so famous. . . “Trail” is in word-collection book “track” or "path,” shown by smell or passage of small animal being followed. Nine parts of the people at here on “trail” of the horse; this top-side consideration. From "horsetrail” expression become “ ’orsetrail”; “h” banned by the illiterate. So is now “Australia,” same sound; end of word ornamental.

The streets filled him with amazement. They were an endless subject of admiration and astonishment. The centre is intended for wheeled traffic, and is often crowded with vehicles drawn by horses or machines like the steam-horse,

but using oil instead of steam. .. . All vehicles moved by oil-machines are supplied with noisy trumpets to warn people to keep out of the way. . . . Some sounds are like those from a horn; some make harmony so pleasing that a man may stand entranced in the roadway and be crushed . . others have piercing whistles which transfix the hearer, or produce sounds like a huge hog, or a belch, or ten balm crickets. Anyone curious enough to stop and look in four places for the animal that caused the noise and the fear may next moment be a guest on high. . . The hurry of city people is what for? To meet the spirits of their ancestors ?

Nevertheless he appreciates the value of our mechanical and other inventions. He describes some of them, but asks:

Do all these wonders make people happier? It is difficult to answer such a question; many ask it. All are in a mist of doubt. ... It is certain the human race advances in knowledge. Those who not keep with the foremost nations fall behind, and are the victims of those nations, as we have been. This is what happiness? Not happiness to be subjected. to the will of foreigners and despoiled of territory. Not so! To be happy we must be strong, to be strong we must have riches. With riches we can be armed for defence and be respected. Therefore we must employ these Western requirements, machinery, and the aid of science that create wealth and power. He does not, however, approve of tlie manner in which some of our devices are employed. For example, the kinetua:— Great is the power of these pictures. Thcv can teach many good and noble deeds and renovate virtue. They can

give examples of filial piety and love of parents for children. Of charity, of pity, of help to the poor. ... It is vertex means for education, for knowing about countries ami foreigners, ind thus not despise them. Great power for instructing children be honest, truthful, and kind-hearted. But this top good instruction I not timetime see at here; character of people not improved by pictures in Mei-li-pang. . . . One time I go away having shame. . . . Yet there are at here many small boys and mosquito girls with foolish parents who not think of harm to children. Ai-ya! Stupidity is twin brother to crime. You will see at these pictures thieves at half-night opening iron cash-boxes, bullies using violence, murder done, seduction of friend’s wife, drunken orgies, brigands stealing horses The ten vices of humanity are displayed, and criminals are heroes simple boys imitate. Our music is less reprehensible:— In dance halls there is different kinds of music called Jazz. It resembles our music tone with metal horns that split the ear or moan dismally ; twanging lutes, gongs, drums, bells, and pieces of wood they beat fiercely, making sound like skeleton bones rattling together in the high wind. The sound loud enough to wake up dead man. The players throw body about like apes in a forest fire. In truth, ths is top good music to rouse men to heroic deeds. To my recording faculty came the words of the Sage: “It is from music that the finish is received.” Hearing this jazz I think a think: “Truly is this the finish!” and I beat hand together, thus my satisfaction.

The accounts of a cricket and of a

football match, together with their “symbolism,” are exceedingly funny, as are many of the descriptions of our institutions. But what struck Hwuy-Ung most forcibly was our greed for money—the ravening, untiring hunt for it,— which, he thinks, is the cause of nine parts of our wrongdoing. In commentmg upon this it is not surprising that, scholar as lie is, first in the high moral philosophies of Confucius, the Buddha, and Lao-tsz, he should be cri-

tical of our religion. He questions whether it is Christianity at all. Are the commands of Jesus seriously believed and acted upon? He is convinced that they are not, and that our conventional religion is merely a verbal hyprocrisy. Mammon is our real god, money-greed our chief incentive, -money-gain our main preoccupation. Mammouism, he thinks, is the cause of most of our economic and social troubles, as well as cur aggressions in China and elsewhere.

Nevertheless, Hwuy-Ung realises that China must follow the lead of the Western nations as regards machinery and scientific invention if she is to maintain her independence. Although he denounces the savagery of war, China must prepare, even in this respect, if she is to hold her own in a world where might alone is esteemed worthy of respect. He outlines a programme of progress and reform which he believes, will avoid the major evils of Western civilisation, yet will establish China as a powerful nation. For China is not a nation of decay. Her mentality is not that of senility, but rather of undeveloped youth.

Soon other nations must alter opinion of us; change behaviour. No more treat us as bad children, but as grown men. For, Tseng Ching, we destined be top powerful nation on earth 1 I have hope we allow slip out memory go-days treatment we receive from Western nations. That time amends made, we wipe records out. First nation willing to yield up land stolen from us will have good place in recording faculty. It is certain, thing taken by force some day be taken back by force. Nations not strong time-time. But force last step in work of justice. In view of the awakening of China, and the events now taking place there, this book of authentic correspondence is of importance That it is highly diverting adds to its value. Hwuy-Ung has much to say on sport, capital and labour, strikes, dancing, birth control, drink, newspapers, snobs, wives, divorce, women, juries, and many other matters, expressed in a vein that ranks him as a humorist of the highest order, yet with it all are the sage reflections ol a very wise man The book gives a real insight into the Chinese mind and character. It will enable English readers to form a more accurate estimate of what is developing, or is likely to develop, in that immense country which might overwhelm Europe to-day if numbers alone counted.