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CHIKESE EELIGTONS AND INSTITUTIONS. 159
borgian theory of correspondences takes
a wide range wrth
Chinese scholars. They insist that the earth in organization
bears a striking resemblance to man ; having veins, arteries,
magnetic currents, and a principle of life infilling the whole,
which principle is denominated /ww^-sAwwy.
CHINA-WOMEN AND SERVITUDE.
"Women, though occupying a better position than in Mohammedan
lands, are held in a sort of semi-subjection.
Their often-expressed desire to be born men in the next
state of existence, reveals their real condition. They paint
excessively, are exceedingly polite, and desire to become the
mothers of male children. In some localities women are
virtually sold. And yet Chinese slavery is much less irksome
than was African slavery in our country, inasmuch
as it is not hereditary. When a coolie sells a daughter, he
is supposed to convey no right to the services of unborn
grandchildren.
Nearly all Europeans and Americans doing business in the
cities and treaty-ports buy each a China girl as a " mistress,"
for from three to five hundred dollars, keeping the same till
returning to their native country. This, though considered
no disgrace by Europeans residing in China, gives the Chinese
a bad opinion of " Christian " morals in the West.
Leaving for their homes, some of these men make provision
for their "kept women" and their children; others sell
them ; and others still turn them off upon the world's cold
charities.
Matches being made by the
parents, the luxury of courting
or love-making is not among the fine arts of the Flowery
Land. Betrothals take place at a very early age, and
frequently the parties do not see each other till the day of
marriage. Living together, they generally learn to love as
husband and wife.
Though polygamy is permitted, the rule is one wife.
Taking other wives, though not highly reputable, is excused