MISSIONS by W. E. Howell

Pacific Press Publishing Association

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 13.

MISSIONS

By W. E. Howell

AMONG THE CHINESE IN HAWAII.

A RESIDENCE of two years and a half among the Chinese in Hawaii, living not only among them, but, to some extent, with them, has created in the writer an interest in the "sons of Ham" at least commensurate to the curiosity he had always felt toward them while without opportunity to form their acquaintance. My experience confirms the words of another: "It is remarkable, but interesting, that the longer the foreigner resides in China (or among the Chinese), the better he likes the people. They improve on acquaintance."

The Chinese man is an exceedingly interesting piece of humanity when once you begin to learn him. While to many he is the synonym of all that is queer, ludicrous, and even contemptible and repulsive, yet when you come to know him he is found to possess traits which in both quality and quantity are a rebuke to his pretentious critic. That he is peculiar, none will contradict; but that he has a right to be, no one will deny. That he carries these peculiarities, with but little modification, wherever he goes, is evident to the most careless observer. That the Chinese man of China is Chinese still, in Hawaii, in California, in Australia, in South America, need hardly be said.

But that the immutable Chinese man has become more mutable in Hawaii than in California, or perhaps other countries, is not only apparent, but it is easily accounted for in the fact that in Hawaii, prior to its annexation to the United States, he had been more freely admitted, and even now enjoys greater freedom of intercourse with the white man in industrial, social, and civil lines. The facility with which he acquires the trades of a civilization higher than his own, and the alacrity and success with which he pursues them, can not but command the admiration and respect of those from whom he learns them; and this, together with the readiness and grace with which he adapts himself to the usages of society, so unlike his own, forcibly argues that he is susceptible to the influences of a higher life and is capable of obedience to its principles, if only he is once convinced that it will be for his good to be so. Herein the missionary indulges hope that the power of a godly life, lived in constant association with one that, if not actually seeking for it, is at least sensible to something better and nobler, may conceive in it the germ of a life shaped to holier ends. Not even the Chinese man is wholly depraved, nor lacking in those natural traits which, under the operation of the Holy Spirit, will constitute him a true "son of heaven."

In Hawaii the Chinese man comes in daily contact with the practical life of those whose profession is higher than his own. There a constantly changing population of twenty-one thousand has opportunity to consider, and does consider, what there is in the white man's business or religion that is superior to its own. When a stranger comes among them, he is subjected to the time-consuming, but nevertheless effectual rule of being tacitly observed till he has proved himself true friend or wily foe. Meanwhile he is treated to every courtesy, and given ample opportunity to make manifest his real motive in being among them. Once established in their confidence, your field is open.

W. E. HOWELL.

A Leading Chinese Merchant of Honolulu—Brilliant, Progressive.