2
3rd. (八月初四) Monday. A beautiful day of the autumn.
3
At 12 a.m. escorted my Darling to the boat. Sister(愛芳) went with us. At 1:30 p.m. left the boat. I shall miss my Darling Baby very much especially for the few days to come. May the merciful Father go with her and always keep her under the shadow of His wings! I feel disconsolate.
4
The A.C.C. will begin its fall term next Wednesday. I look forward to it with no degree of pleasure. It means another five months of struggle with boys who, as a class, are irresponsive to any high emotion as love or gratitude, honesty or honor. Nor do I regard it any pleasure to listen to Mr. L.'s Chinese sermons another term. While I know that he is a zealous preacher, that if I were to preach three times a week month out and month in, I would soon dry up; that he is to be fully sympathized with for the discouraging crowd he has to work upon-while I know all this, it sets my teeth on edge as often as I hear him repeat, in his way, "Kaizia, Kaizia, Kaisia" or "Zen Zen" etc. There is nothing offensive in the words, of course, but in his way of pronunciation and unnecessary repetition.
5
Spent the p.m. at Sister's. Missed Darling Baby most intensely.
6
It was only a week after our marriage when Mr. K.'s tragedy ocurred. Ever since not a day has past but that something happens to make me wish I had postponed the wedding until after the return of Miss Haygood.
8
4th. (五) Tuesday. A regular Autumn day―cool and melancholy.
9
At 10 a.m. the school began the Fall Term with about sixty boys. I never entered into any work with greater reluctance―almost positive dislike―than I did this morning. O how I wish I could throw myself into the loving arms of my Darling!
10
This morning's paper announced the fact that the U.S. Consul has given up his protection over the Japanese. They will henceforth be under the jurisdiction of the Chinese authorities. The two Japanese who had sometime ago been caught in a native inn for being spies were delivered to the Tautai by the U.S. Consul. It is feared that they will be tortured and then killed by the Chinese.
11
Prof. Bonnell thinks it risky for me to stay in Shanghai especially after having written anti-Chinese letters to the "News". Dr. Allen once more warned me not to be upset by the nervousness of Prof. Bonnell. I think Prof. Bonnell most heartily for his warm affection for me. But to leave Shanghai now without any positive reasons is unwise to say the least. By the way I am glad I did not keep the Chinese dress on. For it might have subjected me to a deal of trouble, being liable to be mistaken for a Japanese spy.
12
The China Gazett, a new Shanghai paper, has been threatened by the Chinese that they would burn up the establishment, should the editor continue pro-Japanese. The Gazett well says that the N.C. Daily News is the English edition of the Hupau(滬報) . Intelligent Chinese don't believe the native papers―they lie most shamelessly.
13
Felt very bad all the day. Drizzled most of the p.m.
16
A bad spell of diarrhoea stretched me on the bed last Friday afternoon. Could not sleep Thursday night on account of constant motions and griping pain. Friday morning I could hardly stand up. But rather than asking Mr. L. to take my class I taught them as best I could. Medicine and quiet seemed to have good effect.
17
I feel weak this morning, but all right otherwise. During the sickness Dr. Allen and Prof. and Mrs. Bonnell were very good to me. Mr. L. never came to see me. I have never seen him visiting the sick among the boys in the College. He seems to think that a missionary of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has done his whole duty when he has taught that there is no mistake no, not one, in the Bible; that all who do not believe in Christ go to hell; that circus going and smoking are deadly sins. A little show of sympathy with the boys for their trials may go farther than his long sermons in winning the hearers to Christ.
18
Received a letter from my Darling yesterday.
19
The Shanghai Shin Pau(申報) actually got out an extra a day or two ago telling its readers that the Chinese fleet had attacked and captured Yokohama, that China had demanded an indemnity of50,000,000, that Japan had begged to be off at25,000,000 etc.etc. I have no words for my disgust and contempt for this sort of lying.
20
Since the Arsenal Tautai has set a reward on every Japanese head, it is really dangerous for anyone looking like a Japanese to go by where the "braves" are. They have lately fired at some foreigners going up the river in a house boat. The Chinese solders are a terror to everybody whom it is their paid duty to protect.
21
I have an almost uncontrollable longing for a well prepared Corean or Japanese meal. Am tired of the Chinese food.
23
12th. (十三) Wednesday. Beautiful weather of late.
24
The English papers of Shanghai and Japan are burning with indignation at the Revised Treaty recently concluded between England and Japan. The treaty, when it goes into operation five years hence, will put the English subjects in Japan under he jurisdiction. Of course this touches the tender point of the racial pride and prejudice of the Briton. No wonder Lord Kimberley is denounced as a "shadowless non-entity." Hurrah for Japan, anyhow! She is the first non-Christian nation that has thrown away the disgraceful yoke of extra-territoriality
25
No news concerning the war.
26
Nearly all the Japanese in Shanghai have left the settlement.
27
It is reported that Mr. 朴 remains inactive in Corea on account of the jealousy of 魚允中's party. Very likely Factional strifes and private quarrels even in the face of the greatest national dangers have brought Corea to the brink of destruction. After all, the only way to deliver the Corean people from a corrupt and corrupting oligarchy may be the entire abolition of the present government and of the old dynasty. It is no use to try to patch up a thoroughly rotten government.
28
The defensive Treaty of Alliance between Corea and Japan reads: (The China Gazette)
29
Artcle I "The object of the Treaty is to maintain independence of Corea on a ffirm footing; and to promote the interests of Japan and Corea by expelling the Chinese soldiers from Corean territory.
30
Article Ⅱ "Japan will undertake all warlike operations against China both offensive and defensive while Corea will undertake to give every possible facility to Japanese soldiers regarding their movements and supplies of provisions.
31
Article Ⅲ "This Treaty shall cease and determine on the conclusion of Treaty of peace with China."
32
The Treaty was signed at Seoul on the 26th ult. (last month)
33
Beginning from August I have declined the teacher's allowance,5, in my salary. I don't think it is fair to say the least, to learn at the expense of the Mission or College the language which I might not use in its interest should I return to Corea.
35
16th. (十七) Sunday. A cloudy and warm day.
36
Bishop Galloway and Dr. Wadsworth arrived this morning.
37
It seems that Japan has, after all, found China better prepared for the war than the former once thought. The apparent inactivity of the Japanese army and navy has called forth much sneering remarks from pro-Chinese writers in different papers. It is now generally believed that Japan lost a fair chance of beating China by not having taken advantage of the unprepared condition in which China was at the commencement of the hostilities.
39
18th. (十九) Tuesday. Wet ever since last Sunday.
40
Last nights Mercury had a Tokio telegram to the effect that the Japanese forces advancing in three divisions upon Peng Yang, the strong-hold of the Chinese army, had almost annihilated twenty thousand Manchurians in the night of the 15th Sept.(八月 十六日)
41
Mr. 朴泳孝 is reported to have been compelled to leave Corea again soon on account of the opposition of high officials in the government. If true, there is no prospect of my returning to Corea in near future. At least, there would be no use for my going back under the circumstances.
42
Patriotism in its best sense is a quality unknown to the official classes of Corea. Loyalty to the king is the twin virtue to filial piety among the Confucianists. But the highest notion of loyalty most Corean officials have is to hang or drown themselves (often a positive blessing to the nation) when their King happens to be in great danger. The sooner the present dynasty gets out of the way with its ignominious history, disgraceful precedents for infamous intrigues and bloody treacheries the better it will be for the welfare of the nation.
43
One of the attractions of Shanghai is the absence of flies. A little attention to cleanliness may keep the house free from them without difficulty.
45
19th. (廿) Wednesday. Cloudy and unpleasantly warm.
46
It is reported that out of the 20,000 Chinese soldiers 6,600 were killed while the rest surrenderd. Three generals taken prisoners. The China Gazett suggests that the prisoners should be put to making roads in Corea―a job they may better do than fighting.
47
Viceroy Li has been stript of his yellow riding jacket and other badges of honor as a punishment for his mismanagement of the war. He has been stinking in the nostrils of the common people who say that he is a friend of Japan having lent millions of money to that country.
48
Dr. Allen and Mr. L. are excited with joy at the news of the crushing defeat of the Chinese. They believe that the disaster will stir up China to progress. Many other friends of China must feel the same way.
49
Dr. Allen said to me this evening "I have not seen you laugh much since you married."
50
To enable the Coreans to see the utter impotency of China will be one of the blessings of this war.
52
20th. (廿一) Thursday. The first sunny day in this week.
53
A kind letter from Nagami. Among the bits of news he sent were:―
54
1. That on the 26th ult. the King granted an audience to Mr. 朴泳孝 and five other returned refuges.
55
2. That Her Majesty the Queen (who, by the way, has never been deposed) granted an audience Marquis Saionzi, the Japanese envoy sometime ago. If so, the Queen seems to be on the side of progress. O that she would bend her wonderful energies on the good of the nation!
56
3. That Mr. 朴泳孝, being unable to get into the cabinet has been obliged to retire to Chemulpo; that he has been persuaded by his friends not to leave Corea yet.
57
4. That the grand program of Japan is (1) the expulsion of the Chinese army from Corea before the birthday of the Emperor (Nov. 3rd) ; (2) the capture of Pekin; (3) the acquisition of a fat piece of territory in the Eastern coast of China.
58
Wrote to Dr. Candler. Sent one of my Darling's pictures to Mrs. Candler.
59
My life here is oppressively lonesome. It is monotony itself. I have neither means of recreation nor congenial friends to relieve me from the pain of thinking about the hopeless condition of Corea.
61
22nd. (廿三) Saturday. Felt very bad all the day.
62
A naval battle was fought, on the 17th inst. (八月 十八日) at the mouth of the Yalu River, between 11 Japanese and 14 Chinese warships. The action lasted 4 or 5 hours. Five Chinese vessels were sunk and burnt. Three Japanese ships were damaged.
63
In the battle at Peng Yang: On the Japanese side 11 officers and 154 men killed; 30 officers and 521 men wounded. On the Chinese side 2,000 killed; number of the wounded very great.
64
Mrs. Gather led the Saturday night prayer meeting at the McTyeire Home.
66
23rd. (廿四) Sunday. Cloudy most of the day.
67
After the morning services were over I tried to rest some in my room. But the boys made so much noise that I had to give up the attempt. The noisiness of Cantonese boys is an abomination to me. Their dialect is perhaps the ugliest jargon in China. When they talk they do not sit still, but move about all the time.
68
My religion has run down very low. I have no pleasure in the Sunday services of the College. My besetting sin, the love of sensual pleasure, has lately so often and so fiercely assaulted me that there is but a step―a slippery one― between me and fall. Lord Jesus help me!
69
Encouraged by the example set by General Yeh and his "braves" who, in their flight from Asan to Kongchu butchered a French missionary and a Corean covert, the Tong-hak party in Chunlado and Chungchengdo are said to have begun a severe persecution against the native Christians.
71
24th. (三十五) Monday. A warm and cloudy morning with a pale sun.
72
I am sick of teaching in the college.
73
In the recent naval battle the Chinese fleet was under the command of Maj. Von Hennecken helped by eight other foreigners. A confession this is that China dares not meet Japan without being aided by foreigners. Shame!
74
The Chemulpo correspondent of the N.C.D.N. is one of the scurviest liars out. He must be a Chinaman. There is hardly a single statement in his letters that hasn't turned out to be either anti-Japanese mis-representations or pro-Chinese fables. He actually informed the Shanghai public some weeks ago that the French missionary had been tried by the Coreans but executed by the Chinese. Am afraid that the Georgian lady who told me that she had never seen a "lady-Chinaman" may sooner satisfy her curiosity than I shall read a true report from this correspondent.
75
For the first time in many weeks I offered a sincere prayer of repentance and of faith this afternoon. It is a great truth that God loves even sinning children.
77
27th. (廿八) Thursday. Rained most of the day. The autumnal rainy season has begun in earnest. Wet ever since last Tuesday.
78
Wandering thoughts: (Sent to the N.C. Daily News)
79
1. The battles of Marathon and Salaenis preserved the Grecian independence. The Saracenic conquest in Europe received its fatal blow at the hands of Charles Martel. These are regarded as among the momentous events in history; for upon them depended the question whether the Asiatic conservatism or the European progress should rule the world. The present war is more than a conflict between the regenerating civilization of the West and the degrading barbarism of the East. The success of Japan would mean the salvation of Corea and the reformation of China. The reverse would plunge the peninsular Kingdom into the bottomless pit of Chinese corruption while the celestials would be confirmed in their belief that the Empire needs no renovations. For the good of the whole East, may Japan succeed!
80
2. Some seem to think that Japan is what she is by the grace of foreigners. Be it said to the eternal honor of the Occidentals that wherever they go as teachers they discharge their sacred duties with the most conscientious fidelity. But the success of the teacher depends largely on the ability and ambition of the taught. No matter how faithful her instructors might have been Japan could never have accomplished so wonderful a change in less than 30 years but for the intense patriotism, the chivalrous sense of honor, the quick intellectuality, the high aspirations and the reckless courage of her people. These qualities cannot be made to order. They were produced, cherished and matured by long centuries of feudalism.
81
3. That foreign instructors can accomplish next to nothing where the material they work on is poor has been sadly proved by the failure they have met in China and Corea. In these countries the utter lack of patriotism in its proper sense among the rulers and the ruled stands in the way of reformation. Confucianism whose morality has no God and whose political system admits no vox populi is gross enough to make any race conceited, selfish and slavish
82
Spent an hour very pleasantly at the home of Sister(愛芳) . She in now in school, but her mother and sister are very kind to me.
83
Received very good letters from Sister Fannie, Bro. Early and Miss Lottie last Tuesday. Also a letter from Bro. Cunninggim of N.C. These tokens of friendship do me a wonderful amount of good especially in times of depresson.
85
28th. (廿九) Friday. Cloudy and chilly.
86
This morning received letters from Nagami and Bro. Uyeda(上田周太郞) . The latter said: "He (Mr. 大越 late Consul General at this port) is so kind to you as if you would come to Japan he is able to pay all expenses of your passage and to give you30 a month in Japan if you were a teacher in a Christian school here. Mr. Okoshi says that he should be responsible for you with everything in future."
87
It is certainly very kind of Mr. Okoshi to make such a proposition. But to leave Shanghai where I have a useful employment without being assured of a situation is impolitic to say the least. Not that I doubt the sincerity of Mr. Okoshi but I know too well that the supply of teachers of my grade far exceeds the demand in Japan. The air and water of Japan are good, it is true, yet I can not live on them alone. Then I have no "face" to ask Dr. Allen and his colleagues to let me go when the school is fairly under way without any good reasons except a vague apprehension of some possible danger. Nor is it wise for me to leave the settlement where I have friends really interested in me under my present circumstances. Reason and conscience are equally against such a step. My dislike of the drudgery of teaching in the school and my love of change alone tempt me to accept the offer.
88
Prof. Bonnell with his usual solicitude for my safety advises me to take the offer. Dr. Allen, on the other hand, told me this evening to stay in Shanghai for the time being. "Be the result of the war what it may" said he, "Corea can not go back to its former condition. It will sooner or later need men like you. You may then go back as a representative of our church. That will put you in a position to render good service to your nation and to the church. Your plan for a Christian school needs a substantial backing which the church can supply. To go to Japan now would bring your object no nearer to its accomplishment. Providence has a good work for you. Abide the time. Your opportunity may come sooner than we look for. In the meanwhile stay with us and help us as best you can". God help me to be profited by the advice.
89
If I had my way the reformation of Corea should be carried on the following plan:―
90
1. The domestic expenses of the Royal Family should be reduced to the minimum consistently with dignity and comfort. All the eunuchs and palace maids should be dismissed.
91
2. A little army of disciplined soldiers should be organized without delay to give backbone to the new government.
92
3. A newspaper should be started at once.
93
4. The offices in the central government should be reduced to the fewest possible number. Each department should have as few officers as consistent with efficiency in the management of affairs. Nobody should be allowed to have retainers at the public expense.
94
5. Postal system should be at once established.
95
6. The three hundred and sixty "kol"'s should be reduced to about one hundred or less.
96
7. The revenue system should be revised at once.
97
8. In all departments, Japanese experts should be consulted or employed to put things in shape.
98
9. Mining and other industries should be encouraged by abolishing monopolies and other hellish governmental exactions and interference.
99
10. An educational system on the Japanese style should be without delay introduced. Missionaries should be given all facilities and encouragement in their evangelistic and educational works.
100
From what I gather in the Japanese papers it is evident that the reformation in Korea is only on paper. The truth of the business is that the King and the Queen and Taiwonkun and their officers are incapable of and worse still unwilling for the radical renovations that are vitally necessary to the country. Since the Coreans are thus incapable and unwilling to better their condition it may be a mercy to them for Japan or England to take possession of the peninsula altogether. The Chinese literature and Confucianism have ruined the poor Coreans beyond recovery. It may take centuries to restore them to life. Oh for a thorough scouring out of the rotten, Confucianized, good-for-nothing officers from the government!
102
29th. (九月初一) Saturday. Cloudy all day―rained some in the p.m. Muddy streets.
103
This morning Mrs. Bonnell after asking me to dine with her tomorrow urged me to take tiffin at her home two or three times every week. I was at a loss how to answer. Her kindness to me has been steady and timely. I wish I were able to show her, in more than mere words, my appreciation.
104
The McTyeire Home prayer meeting was led by Bishop Galloway. It was a profitable occasion.
105
Everytime, of late, I find myself in the crowd of ladies and me attending the prayer meeting I can not keep back tears. Is it because the consciousness that I am not one of them intensifies my sense of loneliness? Or is it because my spirit which gets frozen up, as it were, by loneliness during the week becomes thawed under the kindly smiles and friendly looks of the ladies? Or because of both?
106
Dr. Allen said during the meeting. "I had been 7 years in China before I met a face which I had seen at home. Yet I didn't feel very lonely. As I grow older, and as old friends leave me one after another I often get lonesome and sad. Such visits as Bishop Galloway and Dr. Wadsworth are now paying us are a source of comfort to all of us." None could more sympathize with the old missionary than I.
107
Mr. L. is freer to me in his talks than any missionary here. He tells me almost everything about his family and persons and things in general without much reserve. Dr. Allen and Prof. Bonnell never do so. Through Mr L. alone do I get any glimpse at all of the inner workings of the mission. I don't think it is a wise policy on the part of Missionaries to keep native workers dark concerning the inner state of things of the Mission. In the affair of Mrs. Duke and R. the Missionaries never said a word to Bro. Yoshioka about it.
109
30th. (二) Sunday. A fair day.
110
Attended the communion service in the Trinity Church. Dr. Wadsworth preached a good sermon through the interpretation of Dr. Reid. I went to the church cold and hard. Remained so until the latter part of the service. Then my heart began to be touched and thanked the Lord for the good resolutions I was led to make at the supper table.
111
God help me to be wholly Christian!
112
Had a nice chat with Miss Richardson after the service. I respect and love her. Saw darling Sister(愛芳) in the church. I was very glad to see her, though I could not talk with her.
113
At 6 p.m. went to the Union Church to hear Bishop Galloway. He preached on the 17th verse 6th chapter of Gal. The character of Paul was brought out in all its elements―majesty, fidelity sweetness, holiness―most eloquently and faithfully. It was a sermon that did credit to the most eloquent Bishop of the Southern Methodism. This has been a happy and profitable day to me.
114
Took supper at Prof. Bonnell's. It was unfortunate that I had to sit by Miss Lilian B. When her mother asked her to hand me the syrup the young lady banged down the pitcher with such violence in front of my plate that the contents came near being spilt. She seemed to have lost all her patience. Of course I am insignificant enough to be treated any way she sees best or worst. She has nothing to hope from my favor and less to fear from my frown. Yet as a lady, educated and refined, she might have more respect for the feelings of her mother who condescended to invite me and more courtesy for the Bishop and Dr. Wadsworth than to show such an ill temper. I have always taken care to be out of her way and sight. While it must be a great trial for her to sit with me at the same table, it is a positive torment to me to be anywhere near her. It surprises me that Mrs. Bonnell should invite me so often to meals knowing, as she must, the aversion of her daughter to me.
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