VEGETARIANS OF CHINA; A DANGEROUS SOCIETY.
THE Vegetarians, so called because one of their cardinal points is abstention from all flesh meat, as well as from opium, is one of the numberless secret societies in China leagued against the present dynasty. Until recently this society was without prestige or power. Since the war with Japan, however, it has suddenly leaped to the front. Through the provinces to the north and west of Foochow its rapid rise in numbers and might has been most marked. In a number of instances the members have not hesitated to plunder and kill those who opposed their lawless demands. Vegetarians arrested for heinous offenses have repeatedly been released by their armed forces of fellows. So great have been their triumphs that recruits have crowded to their ranks, until at present they are a menace to the Chinese Government itself. Within the last year 5,000 members have been added to the society, which now numbers about 12,000. The oaths are of the most awful character, and the members are bound to implicit obedience to superior authority within the order. Their one aim is to harass and eventually to destroy the ruling line. To that end all means are employed. Their open declaration announces that they care not into what disaster they may plunge the nation, so long as that disaster involves the ruin of their emperor. For that reason they hailed the war with Japan as an occasion for extraordinary activity, the most fatal results of which appeared in the massacre at Kueheng, but which showed with even more significance politically in the mobs at Yamen and their victories there. The hatred of the masses for their rulers gives to the Vegetarians the cordial sympathy and secret support of the bulk of the natives. Hence the future of the society is fraught with imminent perils for their state, and incidentally for any Christian missionaries who may fall into their clutches.—Information.