Hunan, China by R. F. Cottrell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 15, 1912

Hunan, China

By R. F. Cottrell

R. F. COTTRELL

RECENTLY orders came from both the English and American consuls to the effect that all women and children of their respective countries should at once plan to leave this province. As it seemed best that we should follow this order, and as it was considered very unwise to send our wives down the river alone, Brethren O. J. Gibson and S. C. Harris accompanied them to Shanghai.

When Brother Gibson left here, it was his intention to return as soon as possible, bringing up a quantity of money for our use, also a supply of literature. Thus far during the revolution, practically all the banks in this vicinity have suspended business, so it has been very difficult for any one to obtain money. However, conditions in this respect are a trifle better than they have been.

In the meantime, conditions in the country seem to be going from bad to worse, and at present it looks as if the war might be a very formidable affair. So Brother Gibson will not return at present. I understand that all our people in inland China, except Brother Allum and me, have left their stations and gone to Shanghai; and now word has come that the brethren in Shanghai consider it unsafe for Brother Allum to remain in Hunan longer. They have therefore wired him to go to Shanghai. It is reported that to the north of Chowkiakow a few hundred miles several foreigners have been murdered.

When Chang-sha turned over to the revolutionary party, about a month ago, three officials were killed. A week later, the two leading generals in the army here were shot, it is said, by order of the provincial assembly. Their motives were thought to be untrue. On both of these occasions there was quite a little skirmish, and from fifty to one hundred shots were exchanged each time. Twice since, there have been executions by the military government, the last one being but four days ago. On this occasion three Chinese who were spreading anti-foreign literature were beheaded. They were thought to be hired emissaries of the Manchu party, who would be glad to strike a blow at the foreigners, and thus bring the revolutionists into trouble with the outside world. The Manchus seem to think that if they can in some way bring about foreign intervention, it will mean the prolonging of their power.

The danger to foreigners does not come from either party directly, but from soldiers who at times get “out of hand,” or from bands of plunderers, who take advantage of the unsettled state of the country. To illustrate: the government has been having hard work to control its soldiers here; on one occasion a Japanese steamship was fired upon, several shots taking effect, just because there was a soldier aboard whom some one was anxious to have brought to shore.

At the present time Chang-sha presents the appearance of a great armed camp. Tens of thousands are volunteering for military service, and drilling from morning till night is the order of the day. Practically every store, shop, and residence in the city has hoisted the white flag of submission to the new government. Thousands of Chinese, fearing trouble, have left the city, and thus many houses are vacant. The Chinese here have assumed an air of independence; thousands of their queues are coming off; and foreign caps, shoes, and clothing are in great demand. So far as I have observed, the average Hunanese is quite as friendly to the foreigner now as he was previous to the revolution.

The river here is falling quite rapidly, and this will mean that all the regular steamers will stop running until the rise of the water next spring.

Following the general meeting in Hunan, which was held during the last week of October, we have been conducting a Bible school, with twenty-five in attendance. A more earnest, promising class I have not seen in China. The session is from nine o’clock until twelve in the morning. In the afternoon the most of the young men go out with our literature. Considering the unsettled state of the country, it is really surprising to see the number of papers and tracts they sell. In the evening they study from seven o’clock till half past nine. Aside from drill work, our regular classes are three in number: first, study of the book of Daniel; second, study in Bible doctrine; and third, work in Romanizing the Chinese language.

One baptismal service was held at the close of our general meeting, and another doubtless will be held near the close of our Bible school, which we trust may be continued to the end of December. Five or six of the young men now in attendance will enter the canvassing work beginning with the new year.

At the close of our general meeting most of our native workers went to their respective substations, or took a fresh supply of literature to dispose of as they travel from town to town. Already most cheering reports have begun to come in concerning the success the Lord has given them, and the interests that are being awakened.

We have, therefore, every reason to praise the Lord for his prospering hand in this ever-triumphant message. And the revolution that is for the present hindering our work and scattering our forces, can be in the end but one of the “all things” that work together for good; for, when the clouds from the battle-fields begin to clear away, it will certainly be seen that the ancient land of Sinim has by this internal struggle for civil liberty been opened as never before to hear and receive the final warning from heaven. I believe as a people we should get ready for the greatest opportunity for missionary endeavor in China that has yet appeared.