2
1st. (四) Thursday. A pretty day on the whole.
3
After the school, went to 寶善街 or Canton Rd. and called on a few Coreans in a Chinese inn (長春棧) . I didn't ask their names. Nor did I tell them mine. I was informed that there are at present no fewer than 60 Koreans in the settlement; that most of them are from Peng An To; and that the reason why there are so many of them in Shanghai is that they are not allowed to go to the interior.
4
1. As a nation, the Coreans have no future. They have not a single element in their make up that is worth saving. Have they the perseverance of the Chinese? No! Are they animated by the spirit of chivalry and the sense of national honor as the Japanese? No! Are they industrious, if dirty, like the Chinese? No! Are they brave, if lazy, like the American Indian? No! Are they shrewd and business-like, if cunning? No! Are they frank and open, if simple? No! In short they are savages without even the better qualities of a savage―such as fearlessness, and war-like spirit. Confucianism and despotism are the upper and nether stones between which every quality that lifts a man above the brute has been ground to powder.
5
2. Japan has so far tried to let the Coreans reform themselves. But seeing that they are both unwilling for and incapable of regeneration, she seems to be determind to take the reins into her own hand. If I were a Japanese I could do nothing else. Care or kill!
7
3rd. (六) Saturday. A pretty day.
8
On the 1st. inst. the Czar of Russia died.
9
In the afternoon, Prof. Bonnell read me a letter he was intending to send to Bishop Galloway. It answered a number of charges that had been brought against him in secret; showed the difficulties that would attend his withdrawal from the field in temporal matters; and promised a more satisfactory service in the future should the Board let him continue in the work he has chosen. The letter had nothing untrue or bitter or pusillanimous. The charges he answered were his identification with the politics of the community, with the S.V.C. and with the Y.M.C.A.
10
Went to Sister's home. She did not return from the school until 4:30. Though the presence of Mr. Zung, her stepfather prevented me from conversing much with her, I was happy to sit by her until 8 in the night.
12
4th. (七) Sunday. A chilly day.
13
Dr. Allen preached a stirring sermon. The boys liked it very much. The Doctor's hits on the crying evils of China―lack of honesty among the officers, the pride of the scholars―seemed to interest the boys very much.
14
At 12 went to Sister's house to take tiffin with Mr. Zung. Most unexpectedly Sister was at home. In her company I forgot time. When I had to leave her at 6, I felt wretched. Met a Portuguese friend of Mr. Zung.
16
6th. (九) Tuesday. A bright but cool day.
17
At 7 went to the C.I.M. to attend the Nov. Missionary Conference. The topic of the night was the "Ta Hio" and its place in the day and boarding schools under the missionary control. Mr. Harris the reader of the paper urged that the book should be left out in the day schools where the children do not know what they read in the book mean. Dr. Edkins insisted on keeping it in all Chinese schools of all grades. But most of others present took the middle ground that the book itself should be kept in the schools, but that a Christian commentary should be prepared for the teachers.
19
7th. (十) Wednesday. A bright day.
20
Had a holiday on account of the 60th birthday of the Empress Dowager of China.
21
Called on Miss Helen Richardson at 9 a.m. Had a long chat with her. At 11 attended the religious exercise held in the Methodist church, like in all other native churches, in honor of the day. The best thing in the service, so far as I was concerned, was the presence of my Sister.
22
The principal streets presented a gay sight with flags, lanterns etc.-It was a thing noticeable that the shops most decorated were those which dealt in foreign goods or with foreigners. Thus it was easily seen that the show of joy at such an occasion by putting out flags or hanging up lanterns is of foreign origin.
23
At 5 p.m. there was a union meeting in the Methodist Church to celebrate the day with prayers and thanksgiving. The house was packed to the last corner. The singing was good. I did not take much interest in the affair. Celebration, indeed! When the enemy is threatening the very existence of the dynasty. I am sure that the natives-all who could think-sneered at the outward show of joy in their hearts.
24
At night the main streets were gay with red lanterns, noisy with gongs and songs(?) black with spectators
25
Wandering thoughts etc. etc.
26
1. What history repeats itself? The Chinese history.
27
2. What are the beggarly elements of the world? The Chinese musicians and their instruments.
28
3. In granting an audience to General Von Hennekin the Chinese emperor is said to have declared that since foreigners do not lie, he would hear from the German about the truths of the war which his officials have so assiduously concealed from him.
29
4. The panegerics the native lying papers have heaped on the Empress Dowager are so fulsome that they are absolutely unbearable. The nasty sheets containing the dirty eulogies are dyed red.
30
5. Over every one of the teeming millions of China, Japan, Europe and America flies the flag of independent sovereignty. To me has been denied so common a blessing. The very thought suffocates me with shame.
31
Longed for my Darling most intensely.
33
8th. (十一) Thursday. A beautiful day.
34
This morning's "News" reported that the Japanese have completely invested Port Arthur by land and by sea.
35
At 5:30 p.m. in the desperation of loneliness, I went to Sister's house, with, however, no expectation whatever of seeing her at home. But, wonder of wonders!, she was there to my perfect rapture. Such surprises are glimpses of heaven to me. Three hours by her side are but three minutes.
36
Sister's patriotism has the usual defect of narrow nationalism which shuns even just and friendly criticisms on the crying evils of China. "It makes me cry" said the pretty and bright girl, "whenever I hear Miss Reynold talk about the weak points of China."
38
9th. (十二) Friday. A bright and cold day.
39
This month moves as slowly as if it had twelve millstones around its neck.
40
At 5 p.m. went to Sister's house. Her mother told me that she had returned to School. As flashes of lightening only intensify the darkness of a stormy night, so the fleeting moments of happiness, in the society of Sister, only render my loneliness more painful. Then any suspicion, either imaginary or real, of my being unwelcome to her house makes me wretched. Let it be resolved, therefore, that from this night I shall not go to Sister's house unless invited. Exceptions to the resolution;
41
(1) In case I have to leave Shanghai for any length of time;
42
(2) Or when I have any present to any member of the house;
43
(3) Or when some urgent business calls me there. F.R.
45
10th. (十三) Saturday. A beautiful day and lovely night.
46
In the afternoon, went to 長春棧 to call on the Coreans. But mistaking me for a Japanese, the inn-keeper would not let me stay. The Coreans themselves shunned me as if I were a wild beast. I accosted them in Corean, but they would none of me. Had to leave under the hot fire of the repeating gun of the land lady's tongue.
47
Then I went to McTyeire Home. Miss Richardson being engaged in a prayer meeting with the Bible women, I had the chance of walking under the window of Sister's room. She happened to see me and dropped me a note from my Darling. O, the joy I felt at seeing her! When I returned to my room my feet were too sore for me to go to the prayer meeting.
49
11th. (十四) Sunday. A beautiful day.
50
Took tiffin at Mr. Loehr's. Mrs. Allen again at the head of the table looked quite natural.
51
In an after tiffin talk, Mrs. Allen remarked that the ladies of the Homes lead rather an unnatural life; that so used to seclution, that while Miss Reynold was in Chefoo during the Summer she would not go to the hotel parlor lest the people might despise her for being a missionary; and that many a missionary seems to deem it his or her spiritual duty to keep aloof from the society of non-Christian or non-missionary Americans or Europeans out here.
52
In this connection. Dr. Allen said; "Some people think that it is all of Christianity to pray and sing psalms and to talk about getting saved. But religion is far more than that. It is living and working in accordance to the principles of religion. Busy people have no time to pray and sing all the time.
53
"I know a wonderfully successful minister at home. The secret of his success is the law of equivalence and plenty of fodder. That is he works hard and presents solid food under the flavor of humor. We can't expect doing anything worth doing without laboring for it."
54
Attended and enjoyed the class meeting at the Trinity Church, in the p.m. Supped at Prof. Bonnell's. Miss Lilian was unusually good to me.
55
Have begun smoking to break the force of loneliness in some measure.
57
14th. (十七) Wednesday. A lovely day.
58
This day last year I got to Shanghai. It makes me feel dizzy to think of what have transpired in my personal and national affairs during the one year. Well may I say:
59
"The mistakes of my life have been many,
60
But the sins of my heart have been more."
61
About two weeks preceding the last Chinese examination the Old Teacher is accused of have given his favorite boys the subject of the essay to be written on the day of examination. Such a mean practice is extremely discreditable to an old man of eighty six winters. I could hardly believe it but for my knowledge of his disingenuousness. When I was a student here years ago, it was well known among the boys that the old man always discouraged his favorites from accepting Christ.
62
In the prayer meeting, Mr. L. preached an exceedingly orthodoxical sermon on death and hell. For the third time I heard him most emphatically tell the boys that the Lord is using Japan to punish China for not accepting Christianity. This sort of argument is a sublime non-sense. Why, Japan is as idolatrous as China. Where the causes of one's calamity are well known, it is folly to attribute it to God's direct intervention. If a man blows out his brains with a pistol, shall we say that God has killed him? If China's pride, corruption and stupidity are at the bottom of her troubles we know the causes of the present war without referring them to God.
63
That God, in His providence, is using Japan to punish the confounded pride, sickening rottenness and willful ignorance of China is plain enough. But that He is punishing her for not accepting Christianity, I can not believe.
65
18th. (二十一) Sunday. A chilly and gloomy day.
66
Took tiffin at Dr. Allen's. The orderly behavior in which Mr. L. brings up his children is admirable. George, now about 2 years old, is a beautiful fellow. It amuses me very much to see the child bow his head while the grace being said. He does not shut his eyes, but keeps perfectly quiet.
67
Am told that Bell has already been, or is to be, engaged to a Georgia girl. Hurrah for him! I would have married an American wife if I could. Certainly he has cheek enough for the venture. His previous engagement to a heathen girl here may stand in his way. But he may buy that off if he has not done so already.
68
Attended the Sunday afternoon prayer meeting in the Trinity. After which, called on Miss Hughes. Met Miss Atkinson whom I had not seen for at least seven years. Took a light supper with the ladies.
69
From 7:30 p.m. spent the evening at Mr. and Mrs. Richard's. They are among the best specimens of the hearty Christians of British Isles. Mrs. Richard expects to leave Shanghai next Saturday for home. Mr. Richard is one of those who does not confine the mission of the Gospel to saving men from purgatory.
70
This afternoon received letters from my father and mother. Was really happy to hear from her. Nagami's letter informed me that on the 31st ult., Mr. 金學羽 was murdered at his (金's) house in Seoul. That's too bad.
72
19th. (二十二) Monday. Rained all the a.m. Cloudy and cheerless p.m.
73
At 8:30 p.m. went to the Y.M.C.A. and gave a talk on the Family Life and Superstitions of the Corean. Was agreeably surprized at the large and very sppreciative audience.
74
John D., Sister's Eurasian cousin was out to the lecture. On our way home, Johnie told me Sister spent last Saturday at his house, and Sunday at her's. Would that he had said nothing about it! If she cared a fig for me, she would have informed me of her return home. She needs not show me the door; for I shall not see her gate―unless invited. Peace be with her!
76
22nd. (二十五) Thursday. A miserable day―rainy, chilly, gloomy.
77
Am I wretchedly lonesome? Bear it! If you can't bear it sweetly, bear it bravely. If you can't bear it like an angle, bear it like a man!
78
At 7 p.m. received my precious Darling's letter. Also one from darling Sister(愛芳) . Two beams of sunshine just when I needed them most. God be thanked for them! Sister says she dares not manifest her sisterly love to me on account of busy tongues.
80
24th. (二十七) Saturday. A cold but pretty day.
81
News, rumors etc. etc.
82
1. For the first time in the history of the present dynasty, the Chinese emperor, on the 12th inst.(甲午十月十五) granted an audience to the representatives of Russia, France, England etc. etc. in his own palace. The war has brought down the pig-tail pride that much.
83
2. Port Arthur is reported to have been taken by the Japanese on the 23rd(十月二十六日) after a severe fighting of 30 or more hours. This is the 8th time the fall of Port Arthur has been reported. Wait for confirmation.
84
3. Dr. Allen amazed me beyond expression, yesterday p.m. by criticizing Mr. Takahashi's translation of Dr. Lee's book. The absurdity that a foreigner who doesn't know a word of Japanese, who knows very little of the Chinese characters, less of them as they are used in Japan, and least of the newly coined Chinese words which would make a Japanese scholar of the Ante-Mechi type stare and gasp―the idea that an absolute stranger to the Japanese language and literature of any kind should criticize the work of Takahashi Goro, who has been conceded by friends and foes to be one of the most brilliant scholars of the ambitious new Japan!
85
4. Dr. Allen's Chinese scribe―a good writer―gives him a lot of trouble by distorting the Doctor's sentiment to suit his own prejudice and pride. In the editorial of the last number of Wan Kuh Kong Pau, the Chinese scholar actually made the Doctor say “俄法日三無道之國.” Dr. Allen gave him a blow-up the other day. O, the pride of a Confucian literatus and his cheek! May someone make China lick the dust to bring the literate to their senses―if they have any!!! They are the bane of this empire.
86
5. It is said that Li Hong Chang sometime ago offered a foreigner, the harbor master of Port Arthur,200,000 if he should undertake the defence of the fortress against the Japanese. On the foreigner's declining the bargain, the Viceroy asked "Are you afraid of the Japanese?" "No!" promptly answered the harbor master, "I am afraid of your own people." The blindness and cruelty of the Chinese mandarins (man-devils?) and their braves(brutes) are such, that the foreigners who fight for China run the greatest danger of being torn to pieces by the Chinese.
88
27th. (十一月初一) Tuesday. A warm day but cold night.
89
It has been thoroughly confirmed that Port Arthur was taken on the 23rd inst. So far gone are the Chinese officers and papers in falsehood and rottenness that they have to this day denied the fall of Port Arthur. Seems to me that China has suffered more disgrace and shame before the world from her mendacity than from her defeats.
90
The capture of Port Arthur, the Gibralter of China has given to Japan a naval plant worth 30 million tales. The fall of this magnificently equipped fortress defended by at least 20,000 soldiers in 30 or more hours seems to tax the credulity of everyone. So much so as to make some (Prof. Bonnell being one of them) believe that some Chinese in high places have been betraying this country to the Japanese. But this supposition is unnecessary, for what else but defeat can you expect from the soldiers and officers of a government which stinks in the hands of eunuchs and bribery. No reform would be possible in China or Corea until the palace be throughly scoured with hot water and soap.
91
Dr. Allen told me this evening that he had never seen a Chinaman with thorough and experimental conviction in Christianity. The Doctor seems to think a thoroughly converted man ought to always be able to write a autobiography telling the world how he was converted etc. etc. But I am sure many of the humble Chinese Christians who can hardly read anything but their colloquial Bibles have as much genuine religion as those who can write autobiographies, evidences of Christianity, theologies and even able religious essays.
92
Dr. Allen asks me to write an advertisement of the A.C.C. in Corean to be inserted in the coming number of the Corean Repository. He being the president of the A.C.C. I have no right to gain say him in the matter. But I am opposed to a Corean youth coming to Shanghai or any part of China for study. A,B,C,D are not all that a Corean needs. He wants or rather needs strong influences, that may stir up his energies and urge him to patriotic actions. Such influences a Corean may and does find in Japan, but never in Shanghai or any part of China. Next to Christianization, Japanization would be the greatest blessing to Corea.
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