Education in China

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Sep 15, 1904

Education in China

Although there are private schools, and literature in circulation, they have very little influence on the Chinese, yet at one time in China's history the works of Confucius were read and studied to such an extent that it is claimed a lost parcel was always returned to its rightful owner. As one looks over this land, only the decay of a once prosperous nation is to be seen.

While there is only one written language in China, the spoken language varies in every province, and the dialect is different even in adjoining cities.

The illiterates constitute a great army among the men. Out of a company of one hundred, only three or four will be able to read the Gospel of John, and among the women only one out of six thousand is able to read, and a large number that are able to read do not understand the meaning of the characters, but simply know their sound.

The imperial government makes no provisions for youth desiring an education. It holds examinations to test the students who have studied in private schools, and makes these examinations a test for office. Those passing these examinations are granted a degree of A. B., which makes them eligible to the office of mandarin, but this position is more often secured through money than merit. It is said there are a thousand eligible persons for every office. These examinations are held once a year in each province. The students are placed in booths just large enough to sit in and write, and are locked in for three days. After a short vacation they return to their booths for another three days, which are followed by a short vacation and another three days in the booth. During this time they must eat and sleep in these small booths, which are only about three feet square.

The examination is in session in this city at present. The students have been locked up for one week in those small booths, the temperature being on