UNION OF WON'T WORKS

Evening Star, Issue 19664, 17 September 1927, Page 9

UNION OF WON'T WORKS

BEGGING AS A GLGSE PROFESSION “NO AMATEURS.” The strangest trade union in tho world has just been formed in China. From time immemorial the loathsome, leprous beggars, who pursue the unwary white man in the native quarters, have been credited with belonging to guilds. When the numerous beggars of Shanghai lately Judd a conlereuco they decided upon forming_ a trade union on approved Western lines. The Chinese beggar is an even more degraded outcast tban_ the Indian fakir, who, besides asking for alms, makes some pretension to a kind ol religious mysticism, and practises ascotism. His Chinese brother professional, on the other hand, was the original of the I.WAV., or “ I won’t work.” Ho is without any devotion to religion and is unwillingly supported by tho mass of the people. CASH OH- —■ As much a part of the social system as the unemployed in the West, he ai»l hi s’ kind levy blae.kinail upon whole towns and villages. If a shopkeeper would he free of a beggar cowering at bis _ doorstep he must daily throw him a little cask before ho will proceed to the next victim. N Woo to (hose who refuse to give them money, for a touch by tho hand of a beggar may mean leprosy for the passerby. Those who become beggars in Cl: in a must have some bodily infirmity, real or pretended. MUST BE CRIPPLED. They undergo an infinite number of physical penances to attract attention and sympathy. Sonic bend a knee and may keep it in that position for a lifetime, allowing tho muscles to become fixed and withered, so that finally the leg cannot bo straightened. Others will extend an arm in the air, and are said to bo able at will to stop the circulation of tho blood. Because business is not as good as it was formerly, Chinese clerks of St. Nicholas have formed the union to keep out “amateurs” and those guilty of “unprofessional” Conduct, such as periodically consenting to bo rescued by some missionary refusing to pay “squeeze” to tho Beggar King.