ONE day, passing through the streets of our city, we saw a large crowd gathered in front of the Yamen gates, to gaze at a man who was sentenced to death for murder and robbery. He was confined in a wooden cage, having a hole for his head, fitting tightly, so he could not move. One leg and one arm were tied to the side of the cage, while under the other leg was placed a bench, which he could scarcely touch with his toes. In this way he sustained the weight of his body on his toes. Should he not be able to do this, he would, of course, be suspended by his neck and choke. He was kept in this position one day from early morning until late at night. It was a very hot day in July, and the man was given neither food nor drink. He wore no clothing except a pair of short trousers. The sun poured down upon him its fiercest rays, and large numbers of flies, attracted by the fruit skins thrown down by the crowd, tormented the wretched man past all endurance.
FEAST FOR DEPARTED SPIRITS
We were informed that after dark the bench would be taken out, and he would choke to death. The Chinese seemed to feel no pity for him, and when we suggested that surely being put to death was punishment enough, without the torture, they replied that a Chinaman does not fear death, if it is quick, but that he dreads torture and the slow death.
Many modes of torture are resorted to, such as destroying the ear-drums and eyesight, crushing the ankles, and compressing the fingers. Compelling people to kneel on chairs and other articles, and beating them with bamboo, are very frequent punishments, and it is very common to hear of people taken to the Yamen for slight offenses, being confined by heavy wooden shackles on wrists and ankles. It is said that one man begged the officials to change his wooden shackles for iron ones, because the wooden ones were infested by vermin, which cause the unfortunate prisoners intense suffering. Not having the free use of their hands, they can not remove the vermin, and they chafe the skin in their efforts to free themselves from their tormentors, which gradually develops deep sores.
In former years they used to punish murderers and robbers by nailing them to the city wall, and leaving them to die. This practise was discontinued only about twenty-six years ago, while in this city people were buried alive eight years ago.
The Yamen are dreaded by all the Chinese. And well they may fear them, for many innocent people have suffered, and still suffer, almost unheard-of torture at the hands of mandarins and officials, who as a class are unprincipled and corrupt.
As we see darkness and suffering on every side, and remember the many thousands of Chinese who have not yet heard the gospel, our hearts and courage would grow faint within us did we not remember that God has said he will gather a people from every nation and kindred and tongue.
Brethren and sisters in the home land, we need your prayers and help. The fields are ready for harvest, but where are the laborers to gather the precious sheaves into the garner of God? Now is the time for earnest work.
