remuneration for
the
and secure to themselves
patronage. Enjoyed
honorable.
an
pupil.
they
are
livelihood. If to remove a pupil wholly from his studies, when but half completed, would be incompatible with the character and object of the Society, it would be scarcely less so to withhold him from public service, when required, provided the completion of his Education might at the same time be secured.
It is desirable that you should know something of the qualification of these pupils for the proposed Service. The eldest class in the Society's school have enjoyed three years tuition; and their attainments are not such that we should have thought of offering them for public Service at the present time.
They have, however, it is believed, made as much proficiency in the branches of study to which they have attended, both English and Chinese, as could have been expected. These are, in English: reading, writing, composition, arithmetic, algebra, geography, history, and, in the case of two of them, geometry; in Chinese, they have pursued the usual course adopted in native Schools. What is of still greater importance, we are informed by their instructor that, for more than a year past, their character for truthfulness and honesty has been unexceptionable. In this respect, there can be no doubt they will be found far superior to their countrymen who have not enjoyed the like advantages.
In acceding to your request, we cannot dissemble our fears as to the results